Cat 324: The Violent, Nurturing Younger Brother

Chapter 324: The Violent, Nurturing Younger Brother

It was unclear just how much the new zombie instance overlapped with the original one, but it was obvious that this scenario took place further along the timeline. Several years had passed since the events of the original zombie instance. Zombies remained, yet the map now showed that bases had been established and humanity had found havens to survive.

Although much had changed, the instance still featured the now-renowned Dr. Jiang—a figure who instantly caught Yan Jiyun and Qi Feng’s attention.

The two entered the base smoothly.

The so-called base was, in essence, a cleared-out city district. They’d converted a former elderly community plaza into the main entrance, with patrols stationed all around.

The base guide walking ahead of Yan Jiyun reminded these newcomers of the rules.
“You’re all new arrivals. I’ll first take you for your ability assessment. The base assigns duties based on what you can do; the work is different for those with and without powers.”

Yan Jiyun and Qi Feng exchanged glances. There’d been no such “superpower” mechanic in the original zombie instance—this upgraded version had added the feature.

Yan Jiyun said, “That should be easy enough for us.”

Qi Feng nodded, then asked the guide, “Excuse me, which abilities are needed most here?”

The guide didn’t expect confidence from a newcomer. “We lack healing abilities and lightning abilities most. One saves lives, the other destroys zombies. Both are extremely rare. Offensive powers are more common. If a base has even two healers, that’s above average.”

The guide’s tone was reasonable, but someone who’d been at the base longer muttered, “So what? Like you can just pick up a healer off the street? That’s like winning the lottery, huh. Tch.”

Ignoring the snide tone, Qi Feng continued, “Healers—do they treat wounded ability-users?”

The guide replied, “Yes, only healers can cure wounded powered people. There are so few. Dr. Jiang’s research says a healer can treat only ten wounded per day—if they go beyond that, it doesn’t work.”

Qi Feng said, “That sounds rather weak.”

Someone scoffed, “Listen to this kid act all high and mighty—what, are you saying you’re a healer?”

At this, Yan Jiyun, who had been keeping close to Qi Feng, poked his head out boldly, “My brother is a healer!”

Qi Feng, suddenly defended by his “little brother”: …

In truth, he’d wanted the lightning role, but now Yan Jiyun turned red and declared, “I—I’m a lightning user!”

[Wannabe Human] livestream chat:

“Never thought the kitten had such acting chops!”

“I always knew! Shy little brother clinging to his big bro is so cute I can’t stand it. Can we please have more role play like this?”

“Wait, I peeked at this instance before—cat and master didn’t start at the very beginning? Did they skip the intro?”

“I didn’t notice till you said it, but yeah, the chat’s all about them. Other players also appear at this point, which is why it seemed normal at first.”

“Kitten only just started streaming this one. Did this instance glitch too? Why is the game bugging out so much today?”

“Whoa, look! It’s trending—bugs in the game have blown up!”

“But the official channels haven’t explained, not a single notice. What’s going on?”

While the chat speculated about the bugs, Yan Jiyun and Qi Feng, marked as rare powers, were escorted to the testing center. They didn’t have to produce real powers; with their consciousness, they could manifest anything they wanted.

Qi Feng whispered to Yan Jiyun, “Why say you’re lightning-based?”

Yan Jiyun winked at him. “Kittens should charge forward. Master can guard from behind. Lightning suits me.”

Qi Feng’s Adam’s apple bobbed. “I like that answer.”

Yan Jiyun guessed what was on his mind and asked, “Just what are you thinking?”

Once they activated their powers, the staff’s attitude shifted instantly, going from cautious to reverent.
“Gentlemen, please come with us—I’ll take you to the abilities squad leader.”

They learned from the staff that to facilitate missions, all powered people lived together in one building, with work spaces just next door. The squad leader’s name was Yuan Chuang.

Yuan Chuang sat cross-legged on a battered but real-leather sofa in his sparse-yet-luxurious-for-the-apocalypse office, the sole privilege of a leader.

The staff member said, “Captain Yuan, these two are the newcomers with powers: a healer and a lightning user. This is our squad captain.”

Yuan Chuang uncrossed his legs and looked the pair up and down, noting how unusually clean they were. He asked Qi Feng, “You’re the lightning type, and he’s the healer?”

Still in character, Yan Jiyun shrank behind Qi Feng.

Qi Feng maintained their roles: “My little brother’s shy—he’s the lightning user. I’m the healer.”

Yuan Chuang was surprised—healers were usually young women, not someone like Qi Feng. But he quickly masked his shock; he’d seen plenty in his time.
This “brotherly” duo was certainly something: the timid one was a powerful attacker, while the calm, silent one healed.

He accepted the forms handed over by his subordinate. “How skilled are you?”

Qi Feng replied, “I’m not sure how you measure abilities here.”

Yuan Chuang flipped through the papers. “Not bad. I’m leading a team to clear out zombies in the city’s south. You two are coming along.”

“All right,” Qi Feng said.

Yuan Chuang eyed Yan Jiyun, still cowering behind his “brother,” and voiced his doubt, “Is he really lightning-based?”

A lightning user could sweep a horde of zombies with a single thunderclap. Such talents were invaluable but rare. Every lightning user Yuan Chuang had ever seen was a burly giant, not a delicate boy like this.

To heighten Yuan Chuang’s doubt, Qi Feng quickly defended, “My brother’s really strong, Captain Yuan.”

That only made Yuan Chuang more suspicious. “Let’s see if he’s the real deal or just talk.”

Yan Jiyun clung to Qi Feng’s sleeve, pouting softly. “Brother, I’m not a horse or a mule—I’m human.”

Qi Feng hurried to comfort him. “He’s just using a saying.”

Yan Jiyun sniffled. “Still too mean.”

His voice was just loud enough for Yuan Chuang to hear. The captain, head aching, apologized, “Just a figure of speech. My bad. Please ignore it.”

Yan Jiyun stayed silent, leaving Qi Feng to explain. “Sorry, my brother’s always been overprotected.”

Yuan Chuang said, “No problem. Go rest for now. Meet downstairs in an hour. I’ve put you in a small squad—someone will confirm the time with you later.”

After leaving Yuan Chuang, Yan Jiyun and Qi Feng explored the base.

There were residential, trading, administrative, and laboratory sections.

As they wandered, they realized the level of reverence people had for Dr. Jiang, especially the powered ones. The scientist’s most frequented spot was the lab, always guarded by several ability-users; ordinary people were driven off if they ventured within fifty meters.

They regrouped at their temporary quarters and swapped notes.

Qi Feng said, “This isn’t an official base—it’s privately run.”

Yan Jiyun agreed. “The ability-users basically worship Dr. Jiang. Whatever he’s done, there’s got to be a secret here.”

Qi Feng added, “This is only one base; there are many across the country. But the only ones still thriving are the state-run bases. Lots of grumbling about those, but everyone here is fiercely loyal to this one.”

Yan Jiyun produced a photo: “Here’s Dr. Jiang—pointy face, monkey cheeks.”

Qi Feng examined the picture; Dr. Jiang was really just a mild-mannered man in a lab coat. Yet what surfaced in his mind was Yan Jiyun from the last zombie instance, also in a lab coat—skinny, a gust of wind away from floating off.

He joked, “Dr. Yan has far more presence.”

Yan Jiyun replied, “You’ve got good taste.”

But for now, these were fragments of the full picture. To end this scenario, they had to find its protagonist.

Qi Feng asked, “So, how do you want to look for him?”

Yan Jiyun answered, “Simple. Join them, let them see what we can do, and they’ll show us exactly what’s hidden here.”

Just then, someone knocked at the door, calling them to assemble.

Healers were too prized to offend—when everyone saw the brothers arrive, their eyes lit up. Like Yuan Chuang at the start, most assumed Yan Jiyun was the healer, Qi Feng the lightning user.

Yuan Chuang didn’t clarify the brothers’ powers—he just bundled them in with the team.

Five per vehicle: Yan Jiyun and Qi Feng sat together in the back. The driver was a water-user; Yuan Chuang took the passenger seat. On the far end sat a stony-faced man, reportedly another healer.

Two healers in one car—this must be Yuan Chuang’s way of letting the veteran break Qi Feng into the role.

“Xiao Ruan, walk Qi Feng through healer procedures; he doesn’t know your methods yet.”

Xiao Ruan was a delicate youth, the kind you might idolize in the entertainment industry.

“I know,” he replied.

After driving for an hour, the convoy left the highway for the suburbs.

They stopped in a parking lot outside a ruined elementary school.

Everyone got out.

Yuan Chuang explained, “There’s a third-tier zombie who has corralled all the regular zombies into the school. Attackers will clear the horde outside, then we find the third-tier one. Qi, stick with your brother—watch and learn how we operate.”

Yan Jiyun’s eyes sparkled at the sight of the horde. “Can I fight too, Captain Yuan? Let me join you!”

Yuan Chuang glanced at Qi Feng. “What do you think?”

Would Qi Feng dare refuse? Of course not. He nodded, “Fine by me.”

With Yuan Chuang leading, the squads pressed forward, swiftly disposing of half the zombies—but Yan Jiyun still hadn’t made a move.

He waited until he spotted a ragged figure lurking on a classroom balcony. At that, he charged forward.

Yuan Chuang, taking a breather, glanced over just in time to see Yan Jiyun bolt into the zombie swarm.

“Hey! Qi—get your brother back here!”

But before their stunned eyes, Yan Jiyun scaled the building from street to fifth floor in seconds, hot on the monster’s trail.

Crackle, crackle—a burst of blue-white sparks. The third-tier zombie’s corpse tumbled from five stories up.

Yan Jiyun leaned out, waving delightedly to Qi Feng, bashful and proud. “Brother, I beat the little zombie!”

Qi Feng, filled with pride, called back, “Good job—come on down!”

And to collective astonishment, Yan Jiyun leapt lightly from the fifth floor, landing unscathed.

All the ability-users: … This sweet little brother—isn’t he supposed to be the healer?