Chapter Eleven: The Realm of Weimo

"Population count (11/10). Congratulations, host, on completing the task. A novice gift pack has been awarded. Would you like to claim it?"

"I accept."

"Congratulations, host. You have acquired the skill—Exploration (Basic). Would you like to name your territory?"

Jiang Qiyu paused briefly, recalling how she had gradually met her demise in her past life. She closed her eyes, then opened them again with clear resolve.

"Vimo."

The system’s mechanical voice sounded once more: "Congratulations, host, the naming was successful. Please continue your efforts!"

Jiang Qiyu calmly fixed her gaze on the people kneeling before her, while her mind raced with calculations. Among them were old and young, men and women, many bearing light to severe injuries—evidently they had suffered greatly outside. Their eyes were filled with fear and anxiety, yet tinged with faint hope. Clearly frightened, they had signed contracts out of desperation. Jiang Qiyu tried to discern from their expressions, eyes, and body language who genuinely wished to join and who harbored ulterior motives, merely seeking to ride the coattails.

Her gaze slowly swept across the group, her tone even but commanding, causing everyone to involuntarily lower their heads. Finally, her eyes settled on the middle-aged woman who had challenged her earlier. “I know what you’re thinking: merely seeking a safe haven, a full stomach, and protection from the undead. But let me make this clear—my territory does not harbor idlers or traitors. To survive, you must pay the price. The contract you signed is not mere paper. If anyone dares to break it, they will face the consequences.”

“I understand that among you, some are weak and powerless, some possess skills, and others are ordinary. Here, there is no distinction of rank or status, only usefulness or uselessness. If you are willing to work hard and contribute to the territory, I will not treat you unfairly. But if you bear ill will, are lazy, or harm the interests of the territory, do not blame me for being ruthless.”

She drew a circle in the air with her hand, her tone grave. “This circle marks the boundary of Vimo. Within it, I guarantee your safety and sustenance. Outside, there are flesh-eating zombies and a living hell. The choice is yours.”

Then she clapped her hands, her tone softening. “Of course, I will not treat you like cattle. The rules of Vimo are simple—fairness and justice, rewards according to effort. As long as you obey the rules and do your best, this will be your safest home in the apocalypse.”

She scanned the crowd, a subtle chill flickering in her eyes. “Do you all understand?”

The group nodded hastily, answering in unison, “We understand!”

Their voices trembled—some from fear, some from excitement, others from the unease hidden deep within.

After issuing her warning, Jiang Qiyu returned to her room, intending to organize the supplies in her space and plan another outing tomorrow to seek useful items.

A slightly stout middle-aged man approached her with a flattering smile. “Miss Jiang, I used to work in housekeeping. Is there anything I can help you with?”

Jiang Qiyu glanced at him and activated her Exploration skill. Li Dalin’s attribute panel appeared clearly before her.

Character: Li Dalin
Territory: Vimo
Loyalty: 60
Strength: 7
Speed: 5
Burst: 8
Spirit: 20
Personality: Loyal, honest, but reckless
Skills: None
Remaining attributes to be unlocked

“Loyalty…” Jiang Qiyu muttered softly. This was a crucial attribute. In the apocalypse, the threat was not only zombies but also people. How many had died because of betrayal by teammates in her past life?

In her previous life, even the family she risked her life to protect abandoned her at the base’s outskirts, leaving her to fend for herself. So these new residents were no exception. But Old Li’s loyalty was not low—he was usable.

Personality was also important. For a territory to grow, everyone must be in the right position.

Li Dalin’s loyalty was decent, but his recklessness made him unsuitable for zombie hunting.

“Old Li,” Jiang Qiyu handed him a gun and a pair of infrared goggles. “Go to the rooftop to keep watch. Observe the surroundings carefully. Report any abnormalities immediately.”

Li Dalin took the gun with both hands but treated it like a hot potato, his face troubled. “Miss Jiang, I—I don’t know how to use this.” In his youth, he had done manual labor at construction sites and later years of housekeeping. Guns were something he had only seen on TV.

Jiang Qiyu understood. Before the apocalypse, firearms were strictly regulated, and civilians rarely had access. She smiled and motioned for Li Dalin to follow her. “I’ll teach you.”

She led him to an open space behind the villa, casually picking up several stones and placing them in different spots. “Guns are actually very simple. Aim, shoot, and hit the target.” She picked up the gun and demonstrated. “Like this.”

“Bang, bang, bang”—several shots rang out, shattering the stones.

“Your turn.” Jiang Qiyu handed the gun to Li Dalin.

He imitated her posture, raising the gun and aiming at a stone but hesitated to pull the trigger. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and his hands trembled slightly.

Jiang Qiyu stood behind him, patiently guiding, “Relax, take a deep breath, don’t be nervous. Imagine you’re not holding a gun but a water hose, and you want to use the water to knock down that stone.”

Li Dalin closed his eyes, inhaled deeply, and when he opened them again, his gaze was steadier. He pulled the trigger, and with a loud “bang,” the stone shattered.

“I hit it!” Li Dalin cried excitedly.

Jiang Qiyu nodded. “Good, try again.”

Under her guidance, Li Dalin gradually grasped the basics of shooting. Though still clumsy, he could operate the gun adequately.

“Thank you, Miss Jiang! Thank you!” Li Dalin was deeply grateful. He never expected that Miss Jiang would not only save his life but also teach him to use a gun—a crucial skill for survival in the apocalypse!

[Resident Li Dalin’s loyalty +5, current loyalty 65.]

Jiang Qiyu paused momentarily, then smiled faintly.

She also selected a very introverted girl to help her inventory the supplies. Though quiet and inconspicuous, Jiang Qiyu might have overlooked her if not for the loyalty rating shown in the skill panel.

After working together for half a day, Jiang Qiyu found the girl meticulous and well-suited for such delicate tasks.

Inventory management was one of the most rewarding jobs, though many didn’t understand why such an important task was given to a quiet girl. But soon, their instant noodles were ready, and the group had no time or courage to question it further.

In the harsh apocalypse, having a warm meal and a place of refuge was a rare blessing.