Natural Disasters Strikes: I stockpiled like crazy!-Chapter 280: Alien Beast Tide (4)

"Sister Nan!"

Nanzhi awakened from her daze and quickly said, "Get down and follow us!"

Everyone glanced at the corpse of the high-rank alien beast that had been killed just seconds ago before following Nanzhi’s group without hesitation.

Since the situation was urgent, Zhao Lin, the Iron Gale Squad, and the others who knew her didn’t ask any questions.

When they reached the outside, they were stunned to see a mountain of debris forming a tall wall. In the middle of it was an open manhole cover.

"Quickly climb down!" Nanzhi ordered.

Wang Bo didn’t hesitate and immediately followed her instructions.

Some time passed before the last survivor entered the sewer. Nanzhi quickly climbed down and closed the cover above her.

Not long after, the wall of debris collapsed, covering the manhole completely as alien beasts flocked to where the survivors’ bloody scent had disappeared.

Nanzhi and Weihao handed out flashlights. "We’ve already cleared the mutant rats in the sewer. Just follow the markings. Six kilometers from here, there’s a temporary safe base."

Everyone watched as Nanzhi and her team headed toward a different tunnel.

Zhao Lin called out, "Wait! What about you? Where are you going?"

"There are still survivors we need to save," Nanzhi replied calmly.

These people barely even knew them. So why were they risking their lives to rescue others?

"Let me go with you! I still have some energy left!" Wang Bo said.

After him, others began raising their hands—Zhao Lin, members of the Iron Gale Squad, and Luo Gang included.

"Miss Lu, thank you for saving us. I may not be able to fight anymore, but I can help transport the injured."

"Me too, Sister Nan! You handle the fighting—we’ll handle rescuing!"

Nanzhi saw the determination in their eyes.

"Alright," she said. "But you must listen to us and don’t make any noise."

The volunteers nodded firmly.

Moments later...

The alleys behind the commercial block near the Mausoleum had turned into a slaughter ground.

Ordinary survivors including a mother and her child pressed against overturned vehicles, their faces ashen. A few low-tier ability users stood in front of them, breathing heavily.

"Hold it—just hold it!" one man shouted, forcing a short earth wall forward. The wall barely slowed the alien beasts.

From both ends, the tide closed in.

A Tier 3 alien beast stepped over a crushed car hood, its plated body reflecting the distant firelight from Longmen Base.

Despair spread faster than blood.

"We’re finished..." someone whispered.

Suddenly, a manhole cover burst open.

A figure shot out, killing the Tier 3 alien beast with a single swing of a bolo machete.

Another figure sent bolts of lightning crashing into both ends of the alley. At the same time, overturned cars lifted into the air and slammed down, forming barricades.

Everything happened so fast the survivors were left stupefied.

"Don’t just stand there! Climb down!" Wang Bo and Zhao Lin shouted as they began pulling and dragging people toward the manhole.

Similar scenes played out in nearby areas where remaining survivors had gathered.

The initial population of Longmen Base before the mosquito swarm had been around 5,000. The swarm alone had claimed more than a hundred lives. After the unexpected tide, the casualties had risen drastically.

But as the rescue operation continued, the death toll began to slow.

[+20 EXP]

[+20 EXP]

[+20 EXP]

[...]

[Current Survivors: 3,469]

[Congratulations for triggering Double EXP Event]

Yet a part of Nanzhi wasn’t happy.

While rushing to rescue others, some areas had already been too late.

Blue dots faded and vanished.

Weihao could feel the sadness radiating from her.

He gently patted her head. "You’ve done your best."

The system, which rarely comforted its host, added:

[He’s right. I did not expect the rescue count to be this high.]

Nanzhi, Weihao, Baoyin, Bingwen, and the volunteers had rushed nonstop without rest. Now, they were exhausted.

Nanzhi distributed water and energy bars to the volunteers, who accepted them gratefully.

By the time they reached the community center, most survivors were running on sheer willpower.

The sewer escape had drained the last of their strength. Faces were pale. Some civilians could barely stand. Even the ability users looked hollow-eyed and unsteady.

When the hatch at the front of the community center was pushed open, warm light spilled down the ladder.

One by one, they climbed out.

The streets above were nothing like the chaos they had fled.

"Big Sister Lu!" The children, still wearing hospital gowns with masks and gloves, rushed forward.

Beside them stood the two uncles.

Nanzhi and Baoyin gave short nods. "Can you lead the injured to the temporary infirmary?"

"Yes!" the children answered in unison.

They split into two teams, each led by an uncle. One team guided the injured and those with medical knowledge to the infirmary. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

"Ma’am, Sir, Auntie, Uncle, please follow me!"

"Those who know first aid, or are doctors, nurses, or healing-type ability users, step forward! Warm meals and water will be provided!" Weihao announced.

The survivors’ eyes widened.

The doctors and nurses had hesitated earlier—they were exhausted and starving—but at the mention of warm meals and water, they raised their hands.

Out of the corner of her eye, Nanzhi saw Grandpa Meng raise his hand as well.

The old man turned to Tao’er, who was being supported by Luo Gang. "Wait for me, kid. I’ll get us warm meals and water."

Tao’er shook his head. "Grandpa, you haven’t eaten for days after you disappeared. You should eat first. Don’t worry about Father and me."

Luo Gang nodded. "Elder Meng, Tao’er is right."

Nanzhi narrowed her eyes.

Had something happened to Master?

She should ask Uncle Luo Gang later.

Turning to Baoyin and Bingwen, she said apologetically, "Sorry for dragging you into this. Go rest."

Baoyin smiled. "What are you saying, Sister Nan? Between us, there’s no need for thanks. Even though I’m tired, I feel happy inside when we save people."

Bingwen nodded. "Yes. There’s always a rewarding feeling during rescue missions."

"Remember to rest too!" Baoyin waved before leaving.

"Sister-in-law, I’ll head off too!" Bingwen also and searched Hei Qian.

Nanzhi walked toward Luo Gang and said, loud enough for Elder Meng to hear, "There is food and water for non-medical survivors too."

"Really?!" Tao’er beamed, guilt flashing in his eyes. Nanzhi had asked him to look for Elder Meng before, but he had lied, thinking she had ulterior motives—yet she had just saved them.

"Big Sister..."

"It’s alright," Nanzhi interrupted gently.

Luo Gang smiled gratefully. "Miss Lu, I haven’t even repaid the favor during the mission before, and now I owe you another one. I don’t even know how to thank you anymore."

Grandpa Meng listened quietly. When he heard Luo Gang mention owing her, he spoke kindly.

"Young Lady, thank you for rescuing us and taking care of Luo Gang. I may not have much to offer, but if you ever need help with treatment or water, you can come to me."

The face from her past overlapped with the old man standing before her. The corners of her eyes crinkled with emotion.

Her Master seemed happier now than in the past. That’s good. His gloomy expression in the past had always bother her.

Memories flooded her mind, leaving her silent.

"Is something wrong?" Grandpa Meng asked.

Nanzhi shook her head. "Nothing. You just look like someone I know. May I call you Grandpa Meng too?"

For some reason, Grandpa Meng’s heart softened at her expression and her voice.

"You may, Young Lady."

"My name is Lu Nanzhi. You can call me A’Nan."

"Then A’Nan it is," he replied warmly, feeling inexplicably pleased by the nickname.

Luo Gang watched Nanzhi thoughtfully.

He had never seen her this friendly.

Did she know Elder Meng?

Tao’er felt even more guilty watching the scene.

In the background, after the uncle announced that food would be provided to everyone—not just medical staff—the crowd lined up obediently.

The other team led the exhausted survivors into another room where Uncle Wang and Wang Ziqing were waiting.

They hadn’t eaten properly or had enough water in days.

"...For us?"

"Yes," a child replied softly. "Uncle, drink slowly."

Hands trembled as cups were lifted. Some drank too fast and coughed. Some cried silently as they swallowed.

Then came the bowls.

Steam rose into the cool night air.

Simple noodle soup topped with chopped green onions, cabbage, and carrots.

The smell alone made several people freeze.

A wood-type user blinked. "Is this real?"

The child handed her the bowl. "Big Sister, careful. It’s hot."

The woman touched the rim hesitantly, afraid it might disappear. When she took the first sip, her eyes widened.

"It’s good..." she whispered.

Around them, survivors who had been ready to die less than two hours ago now sat on plastic chairs, holding warm bowls with both hands.

Steam curled upward.

When Wang Bo and the Iron Gale Squad passed by the room, Wang Bo suddenly froze.

Inside, he saw his father and his wife.

"Ziqing? Dad?"