MTLNOVEL Chapter 96: Splitting Up
"Leave… Shanghai City?" Shu's words stunned everyone present.
Even Kiana, Mei, and Bronya were momentarily bewildered.
"Shu…" Kiana started, her usual impulsive question cut short.
For the first time, Shu interrupted someone.
"Yes. I will lead you all out of Shanghai City, to another city, until we find a place truly safe from this disaster, until we can…"
Until we can be self-sufficient, and live stable lives. That's what Shu had intended to say.
But now, standing at the front, elevated above the crowd, gazing into their expectant, uncertain eyes, a clarity washed over him.
He turned, his gaze sweeping towards the distant horizon where the full moon, encircled by stars, hung in the inky sky.
"Until…" he began, the prepared words transforming on his tongue, "until we rebuild civilization!"
The words, resolute and ringing with conviction, resonated within everyone present, pulling the concept of civilization from the depths of their memories, placing it squarely before them.
"Woah!!" Kiana's eyes sparkled. Staring at Shu's back, she couldn't help but exclaim, "That was such a cool speech!"
"Civilization…" Chen Shicheng murmured, the sheer determination radiating from Shu washing over him. "Can civilization really be rebuilt? Can we… return to that former glory?"
"We definitely can!" Kiana declared, pumping her fist with a sudden, albeit slightly misplaced, burst of enthusiasm. "We will rebuild civilization!"
Silence.
The fiery passion quickly cooled. Shu's expression began to resemble Bronya's usual deadpan stare.
Maybe I got a little carried away…
"Well, let's…" he began.
"I want to go home!" a sudden shout from the crowd interrupted him. Startled, Shu turned to see a woman in office attire.
As all eyes turned to her, the woman shrank back slightly, but then, with a renewed burst of courage, yelled again, "I want to go home!"
Shu stared at her, speechless.
Silence.
Finally, the woman hesitantly looked up at Shu, asking tentatively, "So… can you help me find a home?"
Shu: "?"
"Oooooh!!" The crowd erupted in good-natured laughter and teasing, their eyes darting between Shu and the office worker.
"Hey, are you dumbfounded?" Kiana, a mischievous glint in her eye, nudged Shu with her elbow. "Someone just confessed to you! Aren't you happy?"
Shu rolled his eyes. He really didn't know what to feel.
"She just wants a home. How is that a confession?" he muttered, the corners of his mouth twitching upwards despite his attempts to suppress a smile.
"Hahahaha…" The crowd's laughter intensified. It was hard to imagine that this same group had been fleeing for their lives just moments ago, their safety far from assured.
But the oppressive tension had finally dissipated. Looking at their genuine smiles, Shu's resolve to lead them to safety hardened.
Is this… what it feels like to be a saint? he wondered.
It probably is, but are these people… bad in any way?
Shu smiled, a sense of acceptance washing over him.
"By the way, Chen Shicheng, could I ask you a favor?" Suddenly remembering Otto, still in the city, a shadow crossed Shu's face. He turned to Chen Shicheng.
"Of course. Anything. I'll do my best," Chen Shicheng replied in a grave tone, as if prepared to die for Shu's request.
It's really not that serious… Shu felt a bead of sweat trickle down his temple. He beckoned Mei and Bronya closer.
"Do you know where the Tai Xu Martial Arts School is?" he asked.
"Tai Xu Martial Arts School?" Chen Shicheng paused. "Of course. It's quite famous in Shanghai City."
"Woah! So, Fu Hua is actually from a rich family too?!" Kiana exclaimed, then shot a suspicious look at Bronya.
Mei is the young miss of Nagazora City. Fu Hua is from a martial arts family. Shu is a member of a mysterious organization with hidden powers. Then Bronya… definitely isn't ordinary either!
Bronya shivered, glancing around warily before settling her suspicious gaze on Kiana.
I feel like I'm being targeted…
"Good. It's best if you know where it is," Shu nodded. "Could you and these two go there and find a few people?" He gestured towards Kiana and Mei.
Kiana froze, a realization dawning on her.
"Wait, Shu, what about you?"
"I need to lead these people to the train station," Shu said, looking at the crowd. "Fu Hua and the others are in your hands. If you can't find them, don't linger. Come back immediately. Understand?"
"But…" Kiana glanced at the large group behind them, instinctively about to question Shu's ability to handle them.
But then, she remembered Shu's "hidden mysterious power."
Looks like I won't get to see it in action…
"Fine…" Kiana said, a little disappointed but ultimately reassured. "But when we meet again, you have to give me a private demonstration!"
"Huh?" Shu was completely lost. "What demonstration?"
"Hmph," Kiana pouted, turning her head away. "Stingy. Let's go!"
Shu: …I really have no idea what you're talking about!
"Sigh…" Shu rubbed his forehead, then turned, taking Chen Shicheng's former place at the front, leading the now-chatting group towards the outer districts.
It was late at night. Shu estimated that if nothing unexpected happened, they could reach the train station by dawn.
There were only about a hundred people behind him, not enough to fill the train. However, supplies were a concern. They would likely need to stop at each station along the way to replenish their stores.
More importantly, as long as these people were with him, the power he sensed continued to flow.
Speaking of which, feeling it is one thing, but how does it actually work? Shu wondered, clenching his fist and throwing a punch at the air.
Nothing. It felt completely normal.
Shu's confidence wavered. Could it all have been a delusion? A hallucination brought on by his injury?
Lost in thought, he walked for about half an hour. Suddenly, Bronya stiffened, raising a hand to stop him.
"Careful," she warned softly.
Shu's hand instinctively went to his waist.
Just then, he saw a tall, athletic figure standing in the road ahead. A strong aura of death emanated from them.