Chapter 58: Black Jade City Mutation (IV)

Instinctively, I halted my steps.

“…”

I fell silent, then gave a bitter smile.

“What am I thinking? With my pathetic strength, do I really think I can save anyone?”

Chuckling at my naive idea, I shook my head.

I can barely protect myself—saving others? I’d probably just get myself killed.

Pausing, I thought for a few seconds as screams continued to echo.

Suddenly, a memory surfaced.

In my past life, what did I fight for?

Power? Defending my homeland?

Neither…

It started as forced battles under threats, but over time, I found myself protecting more and more people.

Eventually, I didn’t even know why I kept shielding the civilians behind me.

Maybe it was a little girl’s heartfelt thanks, or seeing too many families torn apart… I can’t recall the reason anymore.

“…Fine, I’ll check it out, see how strong the enemies are. Gathering some intel can’t hurt.”

Gritting my teeth, I figured a quick look wouldn’t take long. I turned and headed toward my old apartment.

After a few dozen steps, I pressed myself against a corner, peeking out carefully.

What I saw was chilling: dozens of blood zombies were savagely attacking a five-man city guard squad. Behind their shaky line, over ten unarmed civilians huddled.

Facing the onslaught, the squad used swords and a massive shield to form a temporary defense, fending off the zombies’ charges—

Thankfully, their heavy armor protected them from bites or being overwhelmed; otherwise, they’d already be zombie chow.

But they wouldn’t last long—there were too many zombies. Nearby, I spotted several city guard corpses on the ground…

Once those armored guards turned into blood zombies, it’d be a bigger mess.

“…Should I waste my precious mental energy here?”

I hesitated, weighing my options—but then, I spotted someone among the civilians.

A woman, clutching a girl tightly, crouched in a corner. Her haggard face… it was the landlord’s wife!

Yes, the one I’d met once!

I didn’t expect to see her here! And the girl she held… probably her and the landlord’s daughter?

“…Damn it, I must owe something from both lives.”

I exhaled, muttering to myself.

Then, I spun around, charging out from the corner.

“Soldiers! Form a shield wall!!!!”

I shouted, and at the same time, a massive fireball flared in my hand!!!

“Enhanced. Great. Fireball!!!”