I STACK ATTRIBUTES IN THE APOCALYPSE -MyOwnEdit-

Nothing eventful occurred during the return flight. Later that night, Lu Ming finally arrived home, and after a quick refresh, he settled into bed, closing his eyes for a peaceful sleep.

As always, his slumber was deep and undisturbed, and he awoke early the next morning, eager to resume his daily routine.

Day 107 of the Apocalypse Calendar, Monday.

Lu Ming's life returned to its familiar rhythm as he dedicated his early hours to attribute farming. The events of the previous night were but a fleeting interlude, barely registering in his mind – similar to the time he had visited the Zhang family's gathering place to collect supplies before their departure.

However, for everyone else, the events of that night had a profound impact, like a stone cast into a still lake, sending ripples throughout their lives.

"Sister Rose! I'm here!"

"Lolita!"

It had only been a day since Duan Mei and Lolita had been separated, yet it felt like an eternity had passed when they reunited.

The woman and the child embraced warmly, celebrating their narrow escape from death the day before.

There was no need to recount Duan Mei's harrowing experience.

On Lolita's side, it had also been a close call. Despite the convoy, firearms, and a well-planned route, their journey had not been without its perils

Though the fleeing group from Dragon Mountain encountered sporadic zombie attacks along the way, they were minor and inconsequential. By that afternoon, they had reached an official safe house, where Gao Junyi decided to rest and await rescue.

Early the next morning, the rescue team led by Bai Tianyu and Duan Mei arrived safely.

"I intend to bring the Dragon Mountain survivors to your shelter," Duan Mei declared to Gao Junyi. "I hope you can accept us."

Gao Junyi beamed at her words. "We're all Chinese," he proclaimed, "so there's no question of acceptance. We were one family before, and we remain one family now."

However, Gao Junyi was puzzled by Duan Mei's sudden change in attitude. But when Bai Tianyu whispered, "Brother Lu has made a move," all doubts vanished.

Absolute power commanded absolute authority.

Lu Ming's strength had paved the way for this diplomatic victory. The officials' might far exceeded that of Dragon Mountain. While they wouldn't openly confront them, Dragon Mountain had to tread carefully.

The group set off for the official shelter.

Throughout the journey, Gao Junyi refrained from discussing any serious matters with Duan Mei, opting instead to engage in casual conversation to foster a closer relationship. After all, the answers to his questions would come in due time. There was no need to rush and risk alienating their new allies.

Day 108 of the Apocalypse Calendar, Tuesday.

Since arriving the day before, Duan Mei had conducted a thorough investigation of the official shelter. While she couldn't claim to know everything, she was satisfied that it was indeed an official establishment, untainted by corruption.

This realization prompted Duan Mei to make a decision.

In Huo Sheng's office, she and Lolita sat somewhat uneasily. Huo Sheng, sensing their nervousness, offered a reassuring smile. "Don't worry," he said, "just treat this as a casual chat."

He handed them each a can of Coke and continued, "I thought you might wait a couple more days before coming to see me."

Duan Mei considered his words for a moment. "We can't afford to wait any longer," she replied, her tone grave.

Huo Sheng's smile faded slightly. "So, we're in serious trouble, and it's imminent, isn't it?"

Lolita, sitting beside Duan Mei, nodded vigorously in confirmation.

Huo Sheng sighed softly. "Then let's talk," he said.

Duan Mei nodded. "Before we delve into all of this, I need to introduce you to Lolita. She's the key to everything."

Lolita, a nine-year-old American girl, was the daughter of the general manager of a prominent international corporation in the Huaxia region. Due to her father's work, she had lived in Nanxiang City for several years.

"Her father passed away the day after the apocalypse," Duan Mei explained, her voice laced with sorrow. "Lolita hid for a few days before I found her."

Both Duan Mei and Lolita sighed, the weight of their shared loss hanging heavy in the air. Huo Sheng listened attentively, recognizing that this background information was necessary to understand the bigger picture.

Duan Mei continued, her tone becoming more focused. "The key isn't Lolita or her father, but Lolita's mother."

Lolita's mother, also an American, was a soldier stationed in a military district in New York City.

Huo Sheng's eyes widened with understanding. "A month before the apocalypse in Nanxiang, over in New York..."

Duan Mei nodded. "That's right. According to Lolita, her mother became an Awakened long before the apocalypse, and she had awakened a unique superpower."

She paused for dramatic effect before revealing, "Her superpower is called Bloodline Sensing."

Bloodline Sensing wasn't a particularly high-level superpower. Its effect was simple: the ability to communicate and even transmit images to those connected by blood.

However, what made this superpower unique was its immense range and its ability to bypass the Black Mist's interference.

"So that's how Lolita knows so much," Huo Sheng deduced. "It's not that she possesses the knowledge herself, but because her mother does."

Huo Sheng's gaze shifted to Lolita, a mix of curiosity and admiration in his eyes.

New York, Nanxiang...

The disaster in New York had struck a month before it reached Nanxiang. It seemed that the events unfolding in both locations were eerily similar.

This meant that everything that had happened in New York was a valuable point of reference for Nanxiang. The information Lolita's mother possessed was undoubtedly of immense importance.

"Thanks to her mother's guidance," Duan Mei explained, "Lolita managed to survive on her own in the apocalypse for nearly a week. It was also because of this information that I was able to become a Level 4 Awakened and deal with Chang Yi."

"And that's how Chang Yi knew so much," she added. "He eavesdropped on Lolita's thoughts."

With this revelation, the puzzle pieces fell into place.

Huo Sheng rested his chin in his hands, his expression turning serious as he looked at Lolita.

"Lolita," he asked gently, "are you willing to share what you and your mother know?"

Lolita nodded without hesitation. "I am."

The apocalypse had erased the boundaries of nations and races, creating a shared catastrophe for all of humanity. Both Lolita and her mother were willing to share their knowledge, hoping to aid in the collective struggle for survival.

"But my mother said she needs your help," Lolita added, her voice soft yet resolute.

Huo Sheng nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. It was clear that New York faced grave challenges, prompting Lolita's mother to send a desperate plea for help to Nanxiang a month after the apocalypse began.

Day 109 of the Apocalypse Calendar, Wednesday.

Lu Ming had just finished his morning exercise and was preparing for a brief lunch break when he spotted Huo Sheng approaching the dining room.

With a nod of acknowledgment, Lu Ming sat down, taking a bite of a succulent bird wing while listening to Huo Sheng speak.

Over time, a certain understanding had developed between them, fueled by Huo Sheng's sharp intellect and their shared experiences. This understanding dictated that Huo Sheng wouldn't visit unless it was a matter of utmost importance, and even then, he would only do so during Lu Ming's meal times.

After all, Lu Ming's time was valuable, and every moment spent honing his skills was crucial.

Despite this, Lu Ming had come to enjoy his interactions with Huo Sheng. The researcher always brought news of significance, offering insights into the changing world and the challenges they faced.

So, Lu Ming listened attentively as Huo Sheng began to speak.