Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies

Chapter 511: The Investigation Team’s Decision

Zhang Yi retrieved the footage recorded by the mechanical rat and played it on the big screen for the investigation team.

As they watched, their expressions turned grim.

Although the mechanical rat's perspective couldn’t fully capture the scale of the zombie horde, it had passed through multiple subway tunnels, each one packed with dormant zombies!

A conservative estimate put the number at over ten thousand.

Wu Di, who usually had something sharp to say, was now at a loss for words, his face full of shock.

A chill ran down everyone's spine—not because they feared zombies.

No matter how many there were, they could eventually be exterminated through various means.

But the fact that these zombies were hidden underground meant that someone was orchestrating all of this!

By then, the zombies would have emerged from the subway with a vengeance, crushing the already weakened factions!

If that happened, Tianhai City would be doomed.

Not only would the investigation team bear the blame for mission failure, but their failure to detect the problem in time could allow the zombie outbreak to spread across the entire Jiangnan District!

Zhang Yi watched the silent group, crossed his arms, and spoke slowly:

"The first time I saw them, I was just as shocked."

"Their numbers are overwhelming. Without your help, Tianhai City won’t stand a chance."

"So, I have to shamelessly ask you all to stay and help us one more time!"

His eyes were filled with sincerity as he looked at Bian Junwu and the others.

Beneath his sunglasses, Bian Junwu's brows furrowed deeply.

Faced with such an unexpected situation, even he couldn’t make a quick decision.

He asked, "How many people know about this?"

Zhang Yi replied, "Only me and a strategist from my team. I haven’t told any other factions, and even most of my own people are unaware."

Bian Junwu gave Zhang Yi a long, thoughtful look.

"You suspect that someone is behind all this?"

Zhang Yi smiled and shook his head.

"I can't say for sure, but this matter is too big for me to decide alone. That’s why I need your advice."

He let out a heavy sigh and patted his thigh.

"If even you guys can’t tell me what to do, then I might as well take my people and leave this cursed place."

"By the way, Blizzard City provides food and shelter, right?"

Bian Junwu ignored Zhang Yi’s humor.

"Besides this footage, do you have any other evidence?"

Zhang Yi shook his head.

"No, that’s all I’ve got this time."

"You have to understand, I’m not some professional investigator. Finding this much was already a stroke of luck."

Bian Junwu remained silent for a long moment before nodding.

"I understand. We’ll find a way to handle this."

"But when the time comes, you and your people will have to pitch in as well."

Zhang Yi hesitated.

"Our team is fine, but the other factions have lost over 80% of their combat strength. Can we really handle such a massive horde?"

Bian Junwu replied, "This is your home. Of course, you need to fight for it."

Zhang Yi sighed.

"Alright, I get it."

Bian Junwu stood up. "We’re leaving."

Zhang Yi said, "Won’t you stay for a meal? My place is big enough, and you could rest here for a bit."

But Bian Junwu decisively raised his hand, declining the offer.

"No need. We’re not in the habit of resting in someone else’s home."

The investigation team was extremely cautious and wouldn’t trust anyone easily.

Especially now—Zhang Yi revealing the zombie horde only made Bian Junwu more suspicious.

After all, who could guarantee that Zhang Yi wasn’t the one controlling the zombies?

Since the outbreak, his faction had miraculously suffered no casualties.

Zhang Yi rubbed his nose. "Alright then, if you need my help, just let me know!"

His gaze was earnest.

Bian Junwu merely nodded, then led the others out of Zhang Yi’s shelter.

Zhang Yi walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, watching their vehicle disappear into the distance.

After a long time, he let out a slow breath, his eyes carrying a hint of guilt.

Because he had indeed withheld some information.

The footage he showed Bian Junwu and the others was only a portion of what the mechanical rat had captured.

In reality, the number of zombies in the Aoshan District subway tunnels was far greater.

But Zhang Yi worried that if the investigation team knew the true scale, they would be too afraid and retreat.

And that wouldn’t align with his plan.

"Don’t blame me. I’m just trying to survive."

"In the apocalypse, everyone has to rely on their own skills to make it."

He knew that the investigation team was already too deep to back out now.

Which meant his safety was guaranteed—for now.

Now, all that was left was to see how things unfolded.

If everything followed the script he had envisioned, he would be the biggest winner.

Inside the snow vehicle, the atmosphere among the investigation team was heavy.

They had just barely dealt with the last zombie horde and thought that Tianhai City's crisis was nearly resolved.

Even if some zombies remained, they shouldn’t pose a major threat.

But after seeing that footage, they realized how naive they had been.

It meant they were facing an even greater disaster.

Beneath Bian Junwu’s black sunglasses, his expression remained unreadable.

Everyone knew he was wrestling with a difficult choice.

They had two options.

One, return to Jiangnan District and request reinforcements from headquarters.

Or two, rely on themselves and Tianhai City’s remaining forces to attempt another decapitation strike.

Bian Junwu hesitated between the two plans.

The first option was the safest. But it would also mean admitting their own incompetence.

Their reputation among Jiangnan District’s leadership would take a hit.

And worse, their mission reward points would decrease—points that ensured their and their families' survival in Blizzard City.

But the second option carried significant risk.

The team members waited for Bian Junwu’s command.

After countless battles together, they trusted his judgment completely.

Bian Junwu thought for a long time before finally making his decision.

"The situation is still unclear. We can’t request reinforcements just yet."

"Our priority is to investigate the site first."

"If we can handle it ourselves, we must avoid troubling headquarters."

The team members nodded in agreement.

Even if they were to request help, they first needed a clear picture of Tianhai City's situation.

That way, they could make a reasonable request—ensuring no wasted resources and preventing failure due to insufficient reinforcements.

Bian Junwu had made up his mind.

"We’ll head to the location Zhang Yi mentioned and investigate."

Hearing this, Baili Changqing asked seriously, "Should we have Tianhai City's local factions send people to join us?"

Author's Note