The two vehicles, one leading and one following, sped swiftly down the road.

As previously mentioned, a total of 9 survivors participated in this operation. This was the largest deployment since the apocalypse began, and it could be considered an outing of "elites."

First off, the lead vehicle was crewed by Hu Xiaodong, Lin Junfu, Wang Qiang, and Wei Dazhuang. Just by looking at the personnel assigned, it was clear this vehicle was tasked with scouting and handling emergencies.

The rear vehicle was steered by the older Zhao Yunhai, accompanied by Acheng, Wu Chao, Wenquan Xin, and Tang Xiaoquan.

Undoubtedly, Tang Xiaoquan's presence meant this car would serve as the brain center of the entire operation.

Unfortunately, due to the scarcity of walkie-talkies, communication between the two vehicles faced some hindrances.

Thus, drivers Hu Xiaodong and Zhao Yunhai needed to ensure safety while minimizing the distance between the two vehicles for easier communication and coordination in times of crisis.

The task force aimed to reach WH City, 30 kilometers from the factory area. Excluding potential road obstacles, it would take roughly half an hour to drive there.

Overall, the distance wasn't far, but considering unfamiliar terrain and scarce fuel, everyone hoped the operation would succeed in one go.

The car smoothly traversed the country road as Lin Junfu occasionally corrected Hu Xiaodong's directions based on the map.

These routes had been marked by Wang Junfa for the task force. Though not entirely accurate, the overall direction was correct. The team only needed to make minor adjustments based on road signs while driving, ensuring no issues in reaching the target location.

The sun gradually ascended overhead. Today, the weather was especially benevolent. Even though the sunlight remained scorching, its temperature had noticeably decreased compared to the past.

Perhaps autumn was approaching. Tang Xiaoquan leaned back in his seat, gazing out the window, comfortably enjoying the gentle breeze.

Nearly a week of dull factory life had left the survivors full of pent-up energy. Upon leaving the factory, they seemed relaxed, as if on an outing, without the tension and fear of the past.

However, as the drive extended, upon entering the outer city areas, the occupants' hearts began silently shifting. Familiar scenes once again unfolded before their eyes.

Desolate streets, bleak storefronts, scattered remains and bones, and zombies aimlessly wandering the roads.

Everything served as a reminder to the group of uninvited guests that the apocalypse was far from over.

Signaling Zhao with double flashers, Tang Xiaoquan aimed to alert the lead vehicle to remain on high alert.

After all, he had just transitioned from a relaxed factory life, so he was certain the others felt the same.

According to travel estimates, the team would enter the city within half an hour. By then, if members hadn't shaken off their lethargic state and regained vigilance, the mission might encounter unforeseen setbacks.

Hu Xiaodong promptly responded to the rear vehicle, communicating via car lights as usual.

Double flashers signaled attention, two taps on the brake meant acknowledgment, and fault indicator lights implied issues. Survivors had created a chart for such "light language" communication prior to the operation.

The chart encompassed all conversations needed during travel.

In truth, one must admire the survivors' ingenuity. Without these light signals, inter-car communication post-entry would rely on shouting.

Considering the zombie density in urban areas, one could imagine the potential consequences of this method.

The vehicle continued zipping along, passing swiftly by the scenery. As they approached the city, surrounding building heights increased, and abandoned cars on the road grew more numerous.

For safety reasons, Hu Xiaodong appropriately reduced the speed of the Volkswagen Santana. After approximately 20 minutes, a large road sign appeared displaying "WH5KM."

"5KM remaining to reach the city. Everyone, stay alert and vigilant!" Lin Junfu shouted, rousing the drowsy Wang Qiang and Wei Dazhuang from the backseat. He sat upright, grabbing the weapon by the door.

The weapon was a police-grade retractable baton, which Lin Junfu had carried for years, rarely using it except during a sudden factory night incident to kill a zombie.

Now touching the baton again, Lin Junfu couldn't help but feel a deep sense of reflection.

Though he knew they might have to use it today, deep down, Lin Junfu hoped they wouldn't have to.

Once used, it signaled team danger, which in the city meant potential casualties—something Lin Junfu deeply wished to avoid.

Checking the dashboard, the kilometers quietly passed another 3. Lin Junfu urged everyone to close their windows as they neared the city.

Hu Xiaodong once again reduced car speed, utilizing the brake pedal to send a warning to the rear vehicle.

Upon seeing the warning, Zhao Yunhai responded promptly with double flashers indicating understanding.

Soon, both vehicles entered a slow-ride mode, not solely due to poor road conditions, but because the survivors were unfamiliar with the city streets and didn't know where to find a generator.

To find something familiar, they searched slowly for possible signs or locations.

"Everyone, keep an eye out. If you spot radio, police equipment, or hardware stores, give a shout." Upon entering the city, Tang Xiaoquan instructed Wu Chao and the accompanying team, keeping an eagle-eyed watch outside.

Soon, he noticed some things, though they were unrelated to the mission.

With their appearance, Tang Xiaoquan's brows furrowed unconsciously.

"What happened here? What's going on?" Questions buzzed around Tang Xiaoquan's mind.

Amidst his confusion, the slowly cruising Buick GL8 suddenly came to a halt...

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