As a Charming Mushroom, I Fell into the Apocalypse (MUSHROOM)
Xiao Wubian's flamboyant red hair seemed to stand on end at that moment. He stared fixedly at Gu Wang, his gaze wild and unrestrained.
Just as one might suspect they were about to come to blows, the area around Xiao Wubian's eyes began to redden bit by bit. "Where... where have you been all this time..." he demanded, his voice choked with tears.
Xiao Wubian's subordinates were long accustomed to their boss's crybaby nature. A second before he broke down completely, they had already dispersed the others nearby.
Thus, they spared the esteemed face of the number one guild leader from being utterly shamed before the other mercenaries.
And he himself, quite sensibly, retreated to a position where he couldn't overhear the conversation, going off to help keep watch instead.
"Gu..." Xiao Wubian had just started to call out those two words when Gu Wang's warning glare made him swallow them back. His emotional intelligence, for once, kicked in, and he forced out a different name: "Chen."
Xiao Wubian unleashed his S-class ability to intimidate the surroundings, ensuring no one was eavesdropping before he spoke. "They all said something happened to you, but I knew scourges live for a thousand years!"
He poured his heart out dramatically: "Brother, I missed you so much I couldn't even eat. I went from seven meals a day down to just five."
Wiping his tears, Xiao Wubian regained a serious expression. "What really happened back then in the wasteland? And why are you hiding the fact that you're still alive?"
Gu Wang's eyes darkened. "I was hit with Mental Shackles, and then ambushed during the mission."
He shouldn't have fallen for it so easily, but those people had calculated that his contamination threshold was too high and had tampered with the inhibitor in his backpack.
The Mental Shackles were a long-term setup. While he hadn't trusted Ji Nianwen completely, they had known each other since childhood, so his guard was naturally lower around him compared to others.
Thinking of this, a cold smirk tugged at Gu Wang's lips, his eyes holding not a trace of affection, only killing intent.
As for Ji Nianwen, he had known from the start that this man was overly scheming, but he never expected his heart to be so venomous.
Ji Nianwen was originally the unfavored illegitimate son of some prominent family. At his twelfth birthday banquet, he was bullied by those children who looked down on bastards, pushed into the water and rescued. Because he was the birthday boy, Gu Wang went to see him on the spot and scolded those who had pushed him in.
From then on, he was latched onto.
Ji Nianwen spent immense effort squeezing into their social circle. Under the pretense of pursuing Gu Wang, he forcibly scrubbed off the ugly "illegitimate son" label stuck to him.
In high school, Gu Wang had clarified that he didn't like Ji Nianwen at all and that their relationship wasn't as good as the rumors claimed.
But Ji Nianwen was quite adept at manipulating people. He still pretended to be infatuated, chasing after Gu Wang relentlessly, putting in tremendous effort both in public and in private.
At the time, Gu Wang was busy skipping grades and preparing to study abroad. Most of the young masters in their circle had come together for benefit. Aside from Xiao Wubian, the fool who genuinely believed they were all friends, no one really cared about Gu Wang's true feelings.
They just wanted to latch some seemingly real, seemingly fake homosexual rumors onto this "model child" who outshone them in every aspect, as if that could prove he wasn't so perfect after all.
When the apocalypse broke out, Ji Nianwen happened to be at their house delivering that so-called homemade cake.
Gu Wang felt indifferent toward him, but having known him for many years, he would have extended a helping hand even to a stranger, let alone Ji Nianwen.
So, from the early days of the apocalypse when Gu Wang began building his own power, all the way until he gradually became the chief of the base, Ji Nianwen was there.
And in the end, it was also Ji Nianwen who dealt the fatal blow.
However, Ji Nianwen was indeed clever and ambitious, but he couldn’t be the mastermind behind this.
Gu Wang intended to root out these cancers one by one and cleanse them completely.
Ji Nianwen was merely the pawn pushed to the forefront.
Gu Wang briefly recounted what had happened. Xiao Wubian’s eyes reddened again, and he muttered, "Thank goodness you survived."
He sniffled hard, "I knew you’d be fine! As long as we’re alive, we can definitely get our revenge!"
He took a few steps forward, reaching out to give Gu Wang a hug, but paused when he saw the bandages on his face. "Did you get disfigured?"
Gu Wang looked at him with the expression of someone staring at an idiot.
Xiao Wubian stroked his chin, lost in thought. "Wait, that’s impossible with your healing ability. Are you trying to hide the fact that you’re alive?"
Xiao Wubian’s intelligence slowly kicked in. "No wonder you contacted me through this mission. The mastermind’s reach is too far. If we had communicated inside the base, it would’ve been too risky."
After piecing everything together, he still seemed a bit puzzled. "How long have you been back at the base?"
"A few days," Gu Wang replied casually.
Xiao Wubian narrowed his eyes, though he still didn’t look particularly bright, resembling a husky. "...You didn’t suspect me too, did you?"
Gu Wang was completely frank. "Yeah, I investigated who benefited from my death these past few days. You weren’t on the list."
Not only was Xiao Wubian not on the list, but after hearing the news of Gu Wang’s death, he had even organized multiple search and rescue missions. Unfortunately, he was misled by certain people, and the routes were all wrong.
Moreover, his own guild had been severely suppressed during this time. If not for his strength as the guild leader and a few loyal subordinates along with a clever vice-leader, given his intelligence, he might have been swindled out of everything by now.
Although Xiao Wubian was foolish, at least his combat prowess was high, earning him the respectful title of "Lord Xiao" within the base.
Places like the underground fighting rings revered brute strength, so it was easy to gather information about Xiao Wubian’s recent situation.
The mastermind not only wanted to eliminate Gu Wang but also had no intention of sparing Xiao Wubian, who was close to him.
In other words, Gu Wang really didn’t want to suspect Xiao Wubian the most, which was why he investigated him first and cleared him of suspicion the earliest.
Gu Wang sighed softly. "You haven’t improved at all."
Xiao Wubian gritted his teeth, grabbing his red hair. "You’re the same, still so harsh."
That tone of calling him foolish was exactly the same as every time before.
What was worse, every time Gu Wang called him an idiot, he did so with a calm, matter-of-fact tone, as if he weren’t insulting him but simply stating a fact.
Xiao Wubian withdrew all his earlier emotion and grumbled, "I shouldn’t have grieved for so long."
Ever since the news of his childhood friend’s death had arrived, he often shed tears under the covers at night. He definitely couldn’t let this sharp-tongued, arrogant king know about that.
The reunion concluded. Though Xiao Wubian was a bit slow-witted, he had fully adopted Gu Wang's decisive and efficient style. Crackling electricity sparked around his fingertips as his eyes blazed with fighting spirit. "Ji Nianwen... He's involved in this operation too. The higher-ups said they'd send an S-class to assist, but I never expected it to be him."
He had only received the news this morning—even if he objected, it was too late to request a replacement.
He had never liked Ji Nianwen, considering him a habitual liar.
After Gu Wang's brief explanation earlier, Xiao Wubian now uttered Ji Nianwen's name with the venom one would reserve for their father's murderer.
Xiao Wubian eagerly suggested, "We can capture him right now. I'll avenge you!"
Gu Wang's lips curved slightly, though no warmth reached his eyes. "No need. Don't expose me yet. Carry on with your duties as usual."
For now, others would likely assume Xiao Wubian simply valued talent and was privately recruiting him for the guild.
But break time was nearly over. Continuing their conversation might draw unwanted attention.
Xiao Wubian nodded and turned to summon a subordinate nearby. As the man approached, Xiao Wubian slung an arm over his shoulders. "Let's go. I want to check on that mascot."
...
The mascot in question, Mushroom, had just finished eating and was contentedly patting his full belly.
A small mountain of empty cans lay piled at his feet.
While children might hesitate between choices, he simply took everything!
His human form seemed to come with a doubled appetite.
It was baffling how his slender frame could contain so much food.
Xiao Wubian arrived just in time to witness this scene and curiously leaned closer. "Are you mixed-blood?"
Others nearby hurriedly greeted him with respectful "Master Xiao!."
Xiao Wubian waved them off dismissively. They cast reluctant glances at Hui Gu before scattering.
Mixed-blood? What did that mean?
But he certainly wasn't purely human—he was purely mushroom.
After a moment's thought, Hui Gu nodded. "Mm."
Xiao Wubian stared intently at him, unleashing a silent pressure from his high-level supernatural ability.
Anyone else would have flinched under such intensity, yet Hui Gu simply met his gaze steadily, his calm eyes still shimmering like tranquil waters.
After half a minute, Xiao Wubian broke into a grin. "You're genuinely adorable."
He was beginning to understand why those grown men enjoyed feeding him.
"You shouldn't work at Nightclub anymore. Come be our guild's mascot—I'll pay you."
Hui Gu tilted his head. "Mascot?"
A soft chuckle interrupted them as Ji Nianwen's voice carried from a distance. "Master Xiao, long time no see."
Their conversation was cut short.
Xiao Wubian: "..."
He clenched his fists, remembering Gu Wang's instructions, and forcibly restrained himself. Turning away to avoid conversation, he feared any words would turn into curses.
Ji Nianwen noticed nothing unusual—he'd always known Xiao Wubian disliked him, though their grudges predated the apocalypse.
Lin Duqiu had summoned him, claiming someone was trying to "abduct" Hui Gu.
Though the word choice struck him as odd, Ji Nianwen came anyway.
He happened to catch Xiao Wubian's earlier proposition.
With a light laugh, he remarked, "Now that won't do, Master Xiao. How can you poach Nightclub's people?"
Xiao Wubian ruffled his hair in irritation. "None of your business."
The scene of the two confronting each other was transmitted to the base as well. The spectators in the square exchanged glances; though they couldn't hear the audio, they could detect a hint of tension from Xiao Wubian's expression and the lip movements of his five words.
"Does Ji Nianwen not get along well with Lord Xiao?"
"Lord Xiao seems to dislike him. Weren't there rumors before that Ji Nianwen has extensive connections and has been friends with Chief Gu and Lord Xiao since long ago?"
"Why are there so many rumors about Ji Nianwen? Which one is true? Don't tell me he made them all up himself."
"He's the only S-class psychic! It's perfectly normal for him to have good relationships with many high-level new humans. What would you bunch of good-for-nothings know?"
"Who are you calling good-for-nothings?"
The tension in the square began to spread as well.
Meanwhile, the other side was equally filled with silent hostility.
Ji Nianwen looked at Hui Gu, his tone confident: "Let him choose for himself who he wants to follow now."
Hui Gu looked at Xiao Wubian: "Are you very powerful?"
Hearing that Hui Gu didn't even recognize Xiao Wubian, Ji Nianwen revealed a trace of genuine smile.
Xiao Wubian wasn't bothered at all. He patted his chest: "Of course, I'm the leader of this encirclement operation."
Hui Gu's eyes sparkled: "Then are you at the front of the convoy?"
If he went to the front, he could see the Incubator again.
Under Hui Gu's "admiring" gaze, Xiao Wubian unconsciously straightened his back further and nodded with feigned profundity.
Hui Gu curved his eyes: "Then I want to go with you."
The smile vanished from Ji Nianwen's face, as if he had been slapped. He froze for a few seconds before exclaiming incredulously: "The front is the most dangerous place in the entire convoy. We'll encounter many mutant creatures there."
Hui Gu didn't understand what danger meant - he only knew he wanted to find Gu Wang.
He covered his ears, pretending not to hear.
Xiao Wubian found him adorable. The gloom that had settled over him after meeting Ji Nianwen completely dissipated. After laughing heartily a few times, he said: "Let's go. Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to you."
Ji Nianwen stood in place, watching Hui Gu being taken away. His expression shifted several times before he finally snorted coldly: "Seeking death."
Lin Duqiu emerged from the shadows, his gaze somewhat gloomy: "I'll bring him back."
"Don't do unnecessary things." Ji Nianwen turned to warn him.
Lin Duqiu: "..."
He lowered his head, concealing his dark expression.
...
Xiao Wubian was in high spirits. He asked Hui Gu why he wanted to come to the front of the convoy.
Hui Gu was completely honest: "I want to find Gu Chen."
Gu Wang!?
Xiao Wubian was astonished: "What do you want with him?"
Hui Gu belatedly realized that saying too much might expose something. He paused, not immediately offering an explanation.
Xiao Wubian pressed: "Do you know him?"
Hui Gu blinked slowly: "Well... I saw him at the underground fighting arena."
This wasn't exactly a lie - he had indeed followed Gu Wang to the underground fighting arena before.
Clearly, Xiao Wubian's imagination perfectly reflected his level of intelligence.
The expression on his face shifted from initial confusion, to contemplation, and finally to sudden understanding - the entire transformation took less than five minutes as he successfully convinced himself.
Xiao Wubian slapped his thigh: "So you're his fan!"
Fan... what was that? It sounded like something edible.
Hui Gu drifted off slightly.
Xiao Wubian thought to himself, he never expected Gu Wang to easily gain a little admirer even with a different identity.
If this were anyone else, he would find it unbelievable. But since it was Gu Wang, everything seemed to make sense.
You couldn't blame Xiao Wubian for wild speculation. After all, since childhood, he had witnessed Gu Wang's ruler-like charisma firsthand. Combined with that handsome face, Gu Wang had frequently received love letters since their school days. After becoming a high-level new human, he had gained even more followers.
He scratched his head: "You get in the vehicle first. I'll ask him if he wants to come see you."
Despite their close relationship, he didn't dare casually bring someone to see Gu Wang.
It wasn't that he was afraid of getting beaten up himself - he was worried Hui Gu might get scared to tears by the man.
Hui Gu watched him walk away, but unfortunately, even when the convoy started moving, Xiao Wubian never returned.
It seemed Gu Wang didn't want to see him.
Hui Gu put his protective mask back on, a slightly dejected expression appearing on his face.
Hmph, actually, he wasn't that eager to see Gu Wang either.
If they met, it would be easier to expose himself.
Fine if they didn't meet.
Hui Gu's expression shifted from dejected to puffed up with anger as he turned to look at the scenery outside the window.
What met his eyes were patches of trees that had turned an odd cement-gray hue. These plants exuded an aura of death, yet instead of withering away, they remained petrified in place. As they drove further, it wasn't just the plants—along the road lay the corpses of other Mutated Animals, also frozen in complete petrification.
"What in the world is all this?!"
Someone cried out in terror.
Simultaneously, those witnessing this inside the base broke out in goosebumps.
Every living thing here seemed as if it had locked eyes with Medusa, preserved in vivid, lifelike states from the moment of their death. The quieter it was, the more dangerous it felt.
Hui Gu noticed a reddish mark on a wall and pointed with his finger: "There's something over there."
The driver initially paid no mind, but at his words, his body involuntarily slowed the vehicle. As he flicked the turn signal and pulled over, his eyes widened abruptly: "It's a distress signal! Boss Xiao! There's a distress signal!!"
The convoy came to a halt.
Xiao Wubian strode over and examined it carefully: "It is indeed a distress signal, dated a week ago."
There were actually survivors nearby.
Xiao Wubian: "Does anyone know the way to Luo Village mentioned here?"
"Boss Xiao, I passed by that village on a mission before. It wasn't like this back then."
The speaker glanced at a gray, dead tree by the roadside and swallowed lightly.
Ji Nianwen's voice came through the vehicle's communicator: "Why have we stopped?"
Xiao Wubian: "Someone is asking for help. According to base regulations, as an official convoy, we have a duty to conduct rescue operations."
Ji Nianwen's disapproving voice followed: "Look what this place has become—a living hell, filled with these eerie corpses everywhere. We need to leave this area immediately..."
Before Ji Nianwen could finish, Gu Wang reached out and cut off the communicator.
The dial tone buzzed, and someone at the back of the convoy was so furious his face turned dark.
Gu Wang: "A distress signal from a week ago means a high probability of survival. Let's search."
Xiao Wubian nodded and waved his hand: "Back in the vehicles!"
The convoy rumbled to life once more, heading toward Luo Village. The further they went, the more distress signals appeared along the way.
Written in bright red ink were pleas for help.
【SOS, 15 people trapped, come quickly to Luo Village—2032.4.10】
Short and urgent, each stroke of the message carried haste, yet the sheer number of signs revealed the desperation of those seeking help.
The red characters were poorly written, the strokes even somewhat childish, and they were all positioned quite low.
Xiao Wubian's heart sank: "It seems like a child wrote these distress signals."
He wondered what could have happened to force a child to write these pleas.
The complete absence of mutant creatures along the road also stirred a sense of anxiety among everyone.
Compared to the occasional attacks from mutant creatures, this silence felt far more unsettling and frightening.
It was as if something lurked beneath the seemingly calm surface.
With no obstacles in their way, they soon reached Luo Village. At first glance, they saw the tall surrounding walls, entirely constructed from hard stone, sealing the village without a single gap.
It was evident that this wall had been constructed by a new human with stone-related supernatural abilities, likely built during the early days of the apocalypse to protect this village.
The wall bore numerous marks from previous attacks by mutant creatures, yet showed no signs of being breached.
Hui Gu followed the others out of the vehicle. The sudden emergency had everyone busy and tense, so no one noticed that the mascot had also sneaked along.
He stood by the wall, curiously reaching out to touch it.
Only a portion of the convoy chose to get involved in this matter. Most independent operators and members of other factions stayed in their vehicles, unwilling to help. Only Xiao Wubian and the guild members he brought were searching for an entrance.
Xiao Wubian didn't force them either, as this fell outside their mission scope - those with different paths need not conspire together.
After circling the wall once, they found no entry points except for a dug-out dog hole.
Xiao Wubian's body began glowing with lightning: "Never mind, saving people comes first. We'll break through directly!"
With a thunderous crash, S-class lightning abilities directly shattered the wall.
Before absolute power, this specially reinforced stone wall might as well have been made of paper.
Hui Gu turned toward the sound and happened to see Gu Wang's back.
Hui Gu: ovo!
It's the Incubator.
Mushroom immediately forgot the minor grievance he'd been holding, happily following inside, only to have his protective suit accidentally snagged by a wire.
After taking two steps forward, Hui Gu found himself unable to move.
Hui Gu: ???
"Search everywhere, quickly," Xiao Wubian ordered.
Gu Wang approached: "Who was the first to spot that distress signal?"
This person must be quite observant. While everyone's attention had been captured by those bizarre corpses, this individual managed to notice that detail in such circumstances.
Being able to observe surroundings so meticulously under pressure - this was usable talent.
Xiao Wubian looked toward one of his members, who immediately shook his head: "Not me, it was him."
Following the pointing finger, Gu Wang saw a pale, soft-looking "bun" being "attacked" by a wire, hanging helplessly and struggling.
There was something familiar about this foolishness.
Gu Wang: ...?
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