A deathly silence fell over the scene, everyone listening intently.
"Gradually, the military-government area became a forbidden zone—ordinary people didn't dare set foot there. Commander, asking about the military-government means you want the supplies in the bunker too, right? Unfortunately, that area is now guarded by Jameson's people. They covet what's inside but don't dare move lightly… though it's only a matter of time."
"Jameson?" Hayes repeated, frowning slightly. It was the second time he'd heard the name. "Is this person very powerful?"
The man opened his mouth to reply, but his gaze suddenly shifted behind Hayes.
They turned in unison and saw a group of five or six people passing along the main road.
Cold eyes swept over Hayes and his team one by one, their expressions a mixture of wariness and thinly veiled greed toward the massive beasts beneath them.
The man closed his mouth meaningfully, and once again, the surrounding air fell into an uneasy silence.
Albert noticed the local residents seemed especially wary of this small group—it wasn't until they passed that the tension in the air eased.
"Who were they?" Albert asked, breaking the silence first.
"Jameson's patrol team," the man replied, snapping back to the present. "It's too public here—some matters aren't convenient to discuss. Commander, if you're willing, could we continue this conversation elsewhere?"
Hayes raised an eyebrow, paused briefly, then nodded. "Alright."
He had his adjutant lead the others to find a place in the city to unload their gear and rest temporarily. He only brought Albert—his personal companion—and three subordinates, following the man.
The so-called "elsewhere" was Creek City University, not far away.
The campus appeared to function as a stronghold for this group. People huddled around fires scattered along pathways and basketball courts, the flickering flames casting long shadows.
The man guiding them was a university professor named Miguel.
Miguel appeared to be in his forties, with flecks of gray at his temples, giving him a scholarly, knowledgeable air.
As he walked ahead, he continued briefing Hayes on the situation, speaking quickly but clearly, his gaze occasionally flicking toward Albert.
"In the early days of the Collapse, the military could barely maintain any order. After the bunker incident, they lost over half their personnel and became incapable of controlling the situation. That's when Jameson's influence began to grow."
"That man is ambitious and capable. He shifted into a cougar on the very first day of the apocalypse… Rumor has it he was a businessman before, probably skilled at winning people over. He quickly gathered followers, forming the largest faction in Creek City. Jameson is now arguably the most powerful figure here, with at least thirty to forty variants by his side."
"Thirty to forty?" Even Hayes couldn't hide his surprise. "That's… rare."
Miguel nodded. "Jameson has been coveting the supplies in the military bunker for a long time. His rush to recruit variants is precisely to build enough strength to breach it."
Hayes smirked coldly. "He dares to target military supplies."
Both men understood Jameson's intentions clearly.
Only Albert, coming from another world, was completely in the dark. Though he vaguely guessed something, he still blinked innocently.
"What about the bunker?" he asked, tilting his head toward Hayes. "Is it… important?"
Miguel turned back in surprise to look at Albert.
He had assumed all of Hayes' subordinates were elite military personnel, never expecting an ordinary, clueless person to be among them.
Hayes gave Albert a faint glance, paused for a moment, then patiently explained, "Beneath every city's military garrison, there's a corresponding bunker. These bunkers store massive emergency supplies—food, fresh water, essential consumables, and military-grade resources only the army can access."
"If disaster strikes, the supplies in those bunkers could sustain the entire city for at least the first two weeks—not to mention the stockpiles of ammunition and firearms."
Albert nodded. "I see. After the military vanished, Jameson started eyeing this huge stockpile. Once he gets it, he'll become Creek City's top dog… or maybe 'overlord' fits better."
Miguel nodded. "Perhaps I shouldn't be telling you this, but Commander Hayes… if a righteous and capable person could manage Creek City and protect everyone, I wouldn't oppose them taking the supplies. The problem is the bunker's contents are too important. If Jameson gets them, I can't even imagine what would happen here. So…"
"So you want Commander Hayes to take the lead, confront Jameson, and even venture into a bunker that Creek City's largest faction wouldn't dare enter lightly," Albert interjected casually, a faint trace of mockery flickering in his eyes.
Hayes glanced sideways at him, clearly surprised Albert had spoken up, though he had anticipated much of it himself.
Miguel blinked, then shook his head with a rueful smile. He was older, experienced, and not easily embarrassed by a young man's observations.
"You're not wrong," Miguel admitted. "But for the sake of others in Creek City, this is an appeal I have to make. I'm gambling that Commander Hayes, as a soldier, won't stand idly by. Besides, you want the bunker's supplies too, don't you? As long as Jameson doesn't get them, you can take whatever you want afterward. I won't complain—just leave enough food and water for the rest of us."
Albert smirked, sensing the subtle trap in Miguel's words. "Who do you think you're negotiating with?"
"Miguel, you're asking us for a favor. Skip the empty talk and moral appeals. I want to know—if Commander Hayes hadn't come here, what was your plan?"
"Enough," Hayes finally cut in. His finely sculpted face was unusually pale for some reason.
He extended his right hand behind him, lightly brushing against Albert's left. The slender, soft fingertips were icy-cold, making Albert instinctively pull back and glance at him.
Hayes' tone was stiff. "I need time to think. Miguel, I hope you don't mind if we rest here first."
"Of course," Miguel said generously, gesturing aside. "If you need privacy, any of the classrooms here are empty."
Hayes cast him a glance, then quickly led Albert away.
The subordinates exchanged hesitant looks behind them, pausing briefly.
They picked a faculty office at random. Albert closed the door and turned to study Hayes.
Hayes crossed his arms, looking unusually awkward. "Why did you speak up for me earlier?"
Albert tilted his head. "Huh? What did I say?"
"Don't play dumb," Hayes said, irritation creeping in from his lingering discomfort. "What you said in front of Miguel."
"Oh, right," Albert said, feigning sudden realization, a small, amused smile tugging at his lips.