I am the Zombie King of the Apocalyptic World
Chapter 1575 - 1569: Strange Colleagues

Chapter 1575: Chapter 1569: Strange Colleagues

"Over here, over here! Give us a hand!"

A massive military truck cautiously reversed, soldiers clustered at the back. Every soldier had a long blade hung around their chest on a chain. This symbol might seem unfamiliar to outsiders, but for the residents of Dangerous Sanctuary City, it was all too familiar. These soldiers were part of Linhan’s troops, renowned for fending off waves of large zombie hordes with unparalleled battle records.

Among them was Ghost Head. As the soldiers behind the truck yelled instructions, the enormous truck—nearly two or three times the size of pre-Apocalypse cargo trucks—finally halted in position. Even the once-wide streets seemed narrow compared to the truck’s massive bulk, and as it stopped, its rear casually knocked down a wall, but no one paid it any attention.

"Hurry up! Get moving!"

Once the truck braked, a sergeant in a specialized military uniform waved his hand, commanding the soldiers to clamber onto the truck.

Three!

Two!

One!

Push!

Heave-ho! Heave-ho! Heave-ho!

Under the officer’s orders, every soldier exerted every last ounce of strength they had, eventually prying open the truck’s rear panel.

"Move it faster! Get your asses working!"

Inside the truck lay a heap of shining silver steel. Anyone with half a brain could instantly recognize it as H-steel. Judging by the quality and smelting level, it was at least Level 7 grade!

"Come on, stay sharp and move!"

Spurred by the sergeant’s impatient shouts, the soldiers didn’t dare pause for a second. One after another, they charged in.

But the steel was heavy—so heavy that even four or five burly men couldn’t lift a single piece even an inch. Only when ten or more soldiers banded together could they barely drag one beam from the truck.

Ghost Head was among them, straining under the immense weight. Even though he had plenty of comrades alongside him, the crushing force felt singled out, pressing down directly on him. His face flushed red under the effort. Of course, the expressions around him mirrored his own.

"Born yesterday, huh? If that’s all you can give, forget being a man and go slap on makeup to work as b*tches for me!"

Frustrated by the sluggish pace, the sergeant shouted a curse, rubbed his hands, and joined in himself. He forcefully ousted one of the soldiers from their spot and took his place. But the moment he strained, his face changed dramatically!

"F*ck!"

The sound of suppressed laughter filled the air. The soldiers held back their giggles so well they almost injured themselves. But the sergeant’s reaction showcased just how ridiculously heavy the steel was. For someone eligible to rise to the rank of sergeant, the minimum requirement was being a Level 4 New Human. He was among them—a New Human Stronghouse at Level 4—and even he struggled, giving an idea of the steel’s overwhelming weight.

Determined not to give up, the sergeant joined forces with the others, and together they finally managed to move the steel into the intended spot, where engineers stepped in to install and secure it at the street’s entrance.

The moment the steel was set down, the sergeant quickly covered his face and bolted off like he was fleeing, prompting the crowd to erupt into roaring laughter. Ghost Head couldn’t help but crack a smile as well. Yet, that humor was fleeting—his heart soon sank into melancholy. He couldn’t help but wonder whether he’d ever laugh with his comrades like this again. This might be the last time he felt this relaxed.

Ghost Head noticed that he had become more emotional than before. Sentiments he’d never held prior were now plunging him into wistful longing for the past—memories that remained bittersweet, even though he had no significant attachments left.

Soon after, the soldiers divided themselves into three orderly groups and, one by one, carried the heavy steel beams from the truck. It didn’t take long for the truck to be emptied. However, just as the final steel was unloaded, the sergeant, seemingly oblivious to everything that had transpired, stood fiddling with a tablet.

Ghost Head noticed him—and so did the rest of the squad. Someone sprinted over to the sergeant, reported something, and the sergeant nodded. At the same time, the tablet appeared to deliver some kind of news, causing the sergeant’s expression to visibly lighten. Clearly, he had received good news.

"Alright," he finally declared loudly to the soldiers. "Take a break. Let me say it one more time—don’t let your guns out of your sight! Keep your damn hands on those triggers at all times. You hear me?"

"Understood! (Un...der...stood!)"

The soldiers’ collective response echoed sharply, their tone filled with resolve. Ghost Head joined in, but right after he finished shouting, a peculiar sound reached his ears. "Understood" sounded strangely muddled and rigid.

Turning his head, he realized a short-statured soldier was standing beside him. Unlike the others’ natural smiles, this man’s grin appeared forced, almost as if his face was paralyzed.

"Hey, are you okay?" Ghost Head asked.

The man glanced around before settling his gaze on Ghost Head, as if finally realizing he had been addressed.

"I...I was just...worn out earlier. I’m fine...really..."

"Alright, then. If anything’s wrong, go see one of the guys in white. They’re medics. Anyway, you’re new like me, right?"

"Huh? Oh...yeah...yeah, I am."

"You sure you’re good?" Ghost Head probed, noting the man’s stiff movements and odd demeanor.

"I...I’m fine. Thanks."

"Alright then."

Giving the new recruit a once-over, Ghost Head stopped paying attention to him and refocused his gaze on the sergeant, who was speaking once more:

"And remember, stop wandering around like idiots! If you notice anything unusual, report it immediately to me. Especially you newbies—stay sharp. You’ve managed to live this long, so keep it going for a while longer. Don’t go screwing things up."

"Got it!"

Ghost Head and the others shouted their affirmation. Ghost Head sneaked another glance at the soldier beside him, who replied in the same stiff manner.

"Alright, dismissed!"

With those words, the sergeant strode off toward the Temporary Command. The squad dispersed like scattered birds but didn’t stray too far. A few approached Ghost Head and asked, "Ghost Head, how’s it going? You doing alright?"

Ghost Head heard their voices and nodded. Unsurprisingly, he recognized them all.

"Nah, you guys go ahead. I’m processing some things," Ghost Head replied, turning down their offer.

One of them scratched his head at Ghost Head’s reply and asked, "What’s with you lately? Getting all sentimental and stuff."

"Nothing really. Just feeling off."

"Alright, suit yourself. We’re getting started then. This might be the last time. Who knows when the next will come."