Chapter 29: Do You Want Revenge?

"Xu Qian, my condolences." An Ziheng, though unaware of the events on the third floor, could now guess with almost certainty what had transpired.

He was not adept at comforting others, and could only offer the customary words of condolence. Yet, at this moment, those words felt so hollow and powerless, making even An Ziheng himself feel a deep sense of sorrow.

Beside him, Qin Hao appeared utterly indifferent.

Or perhaps, it was a kind of numbness.

After twenty years of apocalypse, what had Qin Hao not witnessed? Far more tragic, hopeless events—even ones he had experienced firsthand. Xu Qian's misfortune, in his eyes, was hardly worth mentioning.

Perhaps, for a young woman, the death of her infant might even be a blessing. At least she was spared a burden.

But to a mother who had only just entered this doomsday, who had not yet tasted the cold and warmth of humanity, it was undoubtedly a disaster—a blow that robbed her of the will to live.

"Do you want revenge?" Qin Hao suddenly spoke.

The woman lifted her head and looked at him.

Qin Hao glanced at the butcher knife, its blade already chipped and battered, and said calmly, "Do you wish to avenge your child? Give me ten of these, and I will help you."

He produced a Star Energy Crystal.

An Ziheng finally understood, and then took out thirteen Star Energy Crystals.

"Yesterday, you killed thirteen monsters. These creatures are extraterrestrial, adapted to Blue Star's environment only by enveloping themselves in star energy. These crystals are the fruits of your labor yesterday."

Xu Qian seized the crystals as if grasping a lifeline.

"Here!"

Without hesitation, she handed them to Qin Hao.

Qin Hao purchased the Star Energy Body Refinement Technique and activated it for Xu Qian.

In the next moment, a beam of starlight descended from the void, enveloping Xu Qian and strengthening her body.

She felt her exhausted body fill with power. Not only that, her movements grew more agile, and a thread of mental power emerged in her mind. She looked around, marveling at the world that now seemed utterly different.

She raised her butcher knife, and as her mental power touched it, the chipped blade smoothed out, even began to reshape.

Gradually, the knife transformed into a sharp, thirty-centimeter-long dagger.

Xu Qian felt dizzy and could no longer alter its form.

Her mental power was still weak, but this was true human strength—not the overwhelming might of Qin Hao, who had purchased god-level abilities and slaughtered his enemies.

Humans who had not unlocked the first gene lock were still frail, only slightly enhanced, possessing a single unique talent.

Watching her use her mental power, Qin Hao already guessed her innate ability.

Talent: Sharpness.

Such gifted individuals were initially inferior to those with strength or agility talents, but once the third gene lock was unlocked, they became formidable metal elementals.

It was akin to the metallic power Qin Hao now wielded, though abilities varied in strength. With his god-level powers, Qin Hao's were naturally superior.

Xu Qian's talent was rare enough that Qin Hao felt his ten thousand hero points well spent.

"From now on, you can absorb Star Energy Crystals on your own. These monsters did not appear out of nowhere—they were sent by the Alien Invasion Alliance. If you want revenge, kill more monsters. But don't die. If you die, their wish is fulfilled. Only by living can you kill more."

Xu Qian listened to Qin Hao, feeling as though she were being bewitched.

Yes, to avenge her child, she must slay more monsters.

Even if Qin Hao's words were merely meant to comfort her, to dissuade her from seeking death.

So much tragedy had occurred that she would normally not heed any advice, but now she nodded.

"I won't die easily. I will survive. I will make those damned aliens fail. I will kill them all."

Hatred blazed in Xu Qian's eyes, like a raging fire.

Sometimes, hatred is the best motivation.

Qin Hao nodded in satisfaction.

Then he turned to An Ziheng. "I'm leaving. Thank you for yesterday's hospitality."

An Ziheng was taken aback.

"You're leaving?"

He understood Qin Hao's words, but was reluctant to accept them. The world outside was so dangerous; naturally, An Ziheng wished to join forces.

But thinking of Qin Hao's strength, he realized it was only logical—the man was capable of fighting alone.

"I mean, where are you going? Actually, I plan to set out today as well. My parents live in the Eastern District. I'm going to look for them."

Qin Hao raised his brows.

He had assumed An Ziheng would remain in the complex, perhaps become its hero, earning hero points by protecting its residents and guarding this place.

He had not expected An Ziheng to leave.

"Very well," Qin Hao agreed.

"Wait a moment, I'll pack my things."

An Ziheng returned to his apartment, where the room was crowded with anxious, frightened people huddled in corners. Two enormous cats, each nearly 1.3 meters tall, stared at them with predatory eyes.

Seeing An Ziheng return, the people relaxed somewhat, though their tension remained.

"How is it outside? Are there still monsters?"

"When will these monsters disappear?"

"Are the police or military coming?"

They had a thousand questions, but An Ziheng had no answers.

"I don't know either."

Their worry deepened.

An Ziheng looked at these fearful people and found himself unable to urge them to leave.

After all, the world had fallen to alien invasion; money, homes—all had lost their meaning. The landlord was abroad, likely unable to manage the property, uncertain whether he was even alive.

An Ziheng decided to let them stay; the sixth floor would be safer.

He searched for a backpack to carry a few belongings.

In past years, he had traveled with five pets, filling an entire vehicle with all sorts of items. But now, there was no car, not even appliances; he couldn't cook his own food. What use was a cat bed or dog house?

In the end, he took only a toy rabbit—the cherished childhood toy of the smallest of his three large dogs, Sisi.

This world was different now; a keepsake would suffice.

"March, April, let's go!"

He called out.

The others were stunned.

"You're leaving?"

"Brother, where are you going? It's so dangerous out there—you could die."

"Exactly, and what about us if you go?"

They grew anxious.