Volume One, Chapter Five: The Rioting Crowd, Trading Gold for Food

Outside the base.

Wanyue Dong had just deactivated her powers and was about to enter when she heard a commotion at the entrance.

“We took you in, and yet you dare to steal food and attack that mother and son—how can you justify this to us?”

The voice belonged to Hui Shen. Hearing this, Wanyue sensed something was wrong and quickly slipped inside.

“Hmph! You get food every day but never share any with us. Why should we give you anything? You’re from the Supernatural Bureau, sent here to save us. So when you find supplies, you should give them to us first—not keep them all to yourselves!”

The leader was a former business tycoon, once counted among the world’s richest, now fallen into obscurity after the apocalypse.

“Hao Jian, don’t look down on Brother Shen and the others just because of your fancy clothes. If it weren’t for them, you’d have been dead long ago. And now you’re stealing food while Brother Shen isn’t here!”

A sweaty beggar clutched his arm, his face twisted in pain.

“How are you, Wang Ye? Are you alright?”

Hui Shen glanced at his wound with concern.

“Brother Shen, it’s nothing serious—just a small cut from his knife. No big deal.”

The beggar gritted his teeth but didn’t make a sound.

“Hao Jian! You’re a prominent international businessman, yet now you stoop to such shameless acts!” Hui Shen accused angrily.

“Hmph! Shameless? You were the first to show no mercy. I’m just trying to make sure we all survive. You have food and clean water—why won’t you share?”

Hao Jian snapped back at Hui Shen.

“Why should we give you anything? Who do you think you are?”

A voice filled with fury came from the doorway.

Hao Jian immediately stepped back, his morale plummeting.

“Hao Jian, we saved you out of kindness. Who do you think you are?”

“Wanyue Dong, you’re abusing your power! Do you know what will happen if the higher-ups find out how you’re treating me?”

Hao Jian glared resentfully.

“I know. Are you threatening the Supernatural Bureau? Do you think I’m afraid? What can the Bureau really do? You’ve probably heard that they told us to fend for ourselves, and haven’t sent supplies for months. Do you think I fear them?”

Wanyue’s eyes burned with lethal intent. Though she had served the Bureau honorably, she had been abandoned, and her disappointment had turned to contempt.

“You…” Hao Jian faltered.

“Hao Jian, if you want to die, I won’t stop you—I might even help. I’m letting this food theft slide this time, but if it happens again, you know what my reputation is…”

A single look from Wanyue made Hao Jian’s knees weaken.

“Captain, shouldn’t we punish him? Stealing inside the base like this!”

Hui Shen was agitated. No one dared harm his wife and child; he could die or kneel, but never allow harm to his family.

“Enough, Hui Shen. If a killing occurs inside the base, it will cause chaos. If he has any more bad ideas, trust me, I will make him suffer.”

Wanyue patted Hui Shen on the shoulder reassuringly.

“Captain, Wang Ye was injured by Hao Jian, and the base’s airI'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.