Xiang Jintian explained patiently, "The X Group's parent company is abroad, so it's normal that you don't know. Their business in Z Country is limited to first-tier cities and hasn't expanded. What's most suspicious is that the X Group's cooperation with us is in human research, so..."
Xu Qian chimed in, "It's highly likely they're behind this."
"Yes, but we don't have concrete proof. Besides, our people went to the X Group headquarters, and most of the people there had already turned into zombies. We couldn't find any actual documentation to prove it."
Xu Qian sighed and comforted him, "We'll find more evidence." She suspected that the system asking her to destroy the base was also hoping she would find more information about the apocalypse and save it.
"We're here."
Xu Qian looked up and saw a vast, black ocean before her. It was divided in half, with a bridge made of cement in the middle, lacking any railings. It could only accommodate about three people abreast. If the tide rose, the bridge would surely be submerged.
Xu Qian squinted. From a distance, it looked like a dark island. "We have to walk across?"
"Yes. The water level rises from time to time, making the stones slippery and unsuitable for vehicles."
This statement dashed Xu Qian's idea of taking her electric scooter, so she had to walk obediently. Xiang Jintian glanced at her, seeing her listless expression; she clearly didn't want to walk. Xu Qian stretched her arms, having not slept all night and having rested for less than an hour in the morning, her body felt soft and weary.
Xiang Jintian stepped ahead of her and crouched down. "Get on, I'll carry you."
Xu Qian was stunned and shook her head. "You're also very tired. I'll walk myself." He had stayed up with her all night, even without closing his eyes, so he must be more tired than she was.
Xiang Jintian's eyes were gentle, but his actions were swift. He moved forward, clasped the girl's bent knees, and forced her onto his back. Xu Qian struggled to get down, but Xiang Jintian gently patted her bottom. "Qianqian, be good, you're tired."
Xu Qian's body stiffened, then she slumped limply onto his broad back. The girl closed her eyes, relying on him completely. Xiang Jintian carried her with ease, his long legs striding forward, covering three steps to her one. From a distance, the soldier carrying a small girl looked as if he were walking on the sea.
"Jintian, aren't you sleepy?"
Xiang Jintian's chin lifted slightly. The soft weight on his back made him feel happy. "I'm used to it, I'm not sleepy." If he could, he would carry her forever. It wasn't tiring at all.
Xu Qian teased, "Such good stamina?"
Xiang Jintian answered truthfully, "Three hundred push-ups and five kilometers with a weighted vest daily are standard."
Xu Qian burst into laughter, realizing he was indirectly boasting about his stamina. "Don't believe me? When we get back to base, we'll train together."
Xu Qian's eyes dimmed, and she smiled, shaking her head. "I don't want to." She considered her own physical fitness to be decent, and running around with zombies every day probably counted as at least two kilometers.
Xiang Jintian didn't force her. Xu Qian had abilities and a spatial dimension, and she was powerful in combat. She indeed didn't need much training. However, her strength was still far behind his.
Xiang Jintian pointed out her weakness: "Your stamina isn't good enough." Xu Qian admitted this. She was adept at quick combat, but the longer it dragged on, the less she could keep up.
Xiang Jintian made a suggestion: "When things calm down, I'll teach you close combat."
Xu Qian's eyes lit up. "Okay." Everything she knew was self-taught, mostly simple killing techniques. They were crude and direct. If she could learn proper skills, that would be ideal.
As they chatted, they crossed the long bridge. Upon reaching the island, numerous old, small triangular banners were planted on both sides, fluttering in the sea breeze. They read:
Xia Qin Island, Welcome.