Chapter 26: Team Meeting

Early the next morning, Lin Yi stretched like a lazy cat and sat up from his soft bed.

Sunlight spilled through the gaps in the curtains, spreading across the room like golden threads, bringing a touch of warmth to the chilly morning.

He planned to do nothing today, intending to fully enjoy this rare leisure time to recuperate for the upcoming decisive battle.

Upon arriving at the dining room, Lin Yi found Komuro Takashi and the others eating there as well.

The atmosphere at the dining table seemed somewhat somber; everyone's smiles carried a hint of forcedness, as if they were using smiles to mask their inner unease.

Lin Yi offered a greeting and sat down to enjoy his breakfast.

At that moment, Takagi Saya walked over. She approached Lin Yi and whispered, "Lin Yi, come to my room in a moment. I have something to say."

There was a hint of urgency in her voice, as if there were something important she needed to discuss with him.

Lin Yi glanced at Takagi Saya, noticing the alluring view peeking from her collar, but he did not linger his gaze for long.

"Alright, I understand," Lin Yi responded indifferently, continuing to focus on his breakfast.

An hour later, the group of survivors from Itofuji Academy gathered in Takagi Saya's room.

The atmosphere inside the room was exceptionally heavy, as if shrouded by an invisible gloom.

Every face bore a different expression—confusion, bewilderment, worry... various emotions intertwined to form a complex tableau.

Takagi Saya stood by the window, her gaze piercing as she scanned everyone present.

Her voice carried a sense of gravity and determination: "After this, can we still be partners?"

This question was like a heavy bomb, triggering massive waves in everyone's hearts.

Miyamoto Rei and Komuro Takashi clearly had not expected Takagi Saya to suddenly raise such a question; expressions of surprise and confusion appeared on their faces.

Lin Yi and Busujima Saeko, however, had already made their guesses, and their expressions remained relatively calm.

A brief silence fell over the room as everyone engaged in an intense mental storm.

"We escaped together, so of course we are partners," Komuro Takashi was the first to break the silence. Although his voice trembled slightly, his tone was exceptionally firm.

"That's right, we are partners," Miyamoto Rei echoed, her voice soft yet revealing an unquestionable resolve.

However, Takagi Saya did not relax because of their answers.

She took a deep breath and continued, "Right now, as a small group, we have entered a much larger group. We only have two choices: either be swallowed up by this large group and stay here, or split up, with some people leaving to continue forward."

As Takagi Saya's words fell, the atmosphere in the room instantly turned solemn.

Lin Yi frowned slightly; he knew Takagi Saya's concerns were not without reason.

The position of their small group within the larger group was extremely delicate.

If they chose to stay, they would likely be assimilated by the large group, losing their independence and autonomy; if they chose to leave, they would have to face even greater dangers and uncertainties.

Everyone's eyes converged on Lin Yi. He stood by the window, gazing deeply into the distance.

Lin Yi spoke slowly, posing a question: "Do you all know roughly how many supplies are needed to maintain an estate this large?"

Aside from Takagi Saya, the others showed expressions of uncertainty and suspicion.

"It seems everyone has realized it as well," Lin Yi said slowly, his gaze still fixed on the tent area to the right of the manor. The survivors gathered there were like a potential undercurrent, capable of stirring up waves at any moment.

"Do not be fooled by the current peace of the manor; in reality, it hides many hidden dangers." His tone was heavy, as if warning everyone not to be deceived by the present tranquility.

"It is not scarcity that causes trouble, but inequality," Lin Yi continued. "For those survivors who can only live in tents, such a massive mansion is undoubtedly a huge psychological blow. This disparity can easily breed dissatisfaction and resentment."

Lin Yi turned around to face the group. "Furthermore, the daily consumption required to maintain such a large estate is a massive issue. Gasoline, drinking water, food... these are all essential supplies. Now that the virus has just broken out, we can still scavenge some from the towns, but as time passes, the problem of resource shortages will inevitably become prominent."

He paused, seemingly giving everyone time to digest the information, before continuing: "Once supplies run low, the people below will riot out of desperation. This is human nature, and it is an unavoidable reality."

Prompted by Lin Yi's warning, everyone felt as if they had just woken from a dream, realizing that danger was quietly approaching them.

Those who had been immersed in the wonderful life of the manor could not help but feel a sudden chill.

Takagi Saya turned her gaze toward Lin Yi. She knew well that Lin Yi was the core of this team, and his decisions often guided everyone in the right direction.

Though no one said it aloud, they had all internally defaulted to following Lin Yi's lead.

"So, Lin Yi, will you come with us?" Takagi Saya's tone carried a hint of plea, hoping Lin Yi would leave with them.

Lin Yi shook his head gently. "Sorry, I have other matters to attend to tomorrow. I might not be able to set out with you."

A hint of disappointment appeared on Takagi Saya's face, but she did not give up and pressed further: "What are you going to do?"

Lin Yi took a deep breath and said slowly, "Eliminate the source of all this."

As soon as his words fell, the room instantly plunged into a deathly silence; one could hear a pin drop on the floor.

Komuro Takashi swallowed hard, clearly stunned by Lin Yi's sudden declaration.

"Have you found the source of the virus?" Takagi Saya's voice trembled, clearly very concerned about this question.

"Yes, on a research vessel in Tokyo Bay," Lin Yi's tone was very calm, as if he were discussing something trivial.

However, his words caused an uproar in everyone's hearts.

Tokyo Bay? A research vessel? The combination of these words filled everyone with an inexplicable sense of dread and unease.

Lin Yi said no more, but worried expressions appeared on everyone's faces.

As a high school student, Komuro Takashi was usually somewhat timid, but he also harbored a dream of saving the world.

He was about to ask for more details when Miyamoto Rei pulled at his sleeve.

Miyamoto Rei tugged him forcefully, signaling him not to be impulsive.

She understood Komuro Takashi's thoughts, but she also knew that Lin Yi's abilities far exceeded anyone else in their group.

If Komuro Takashi acted rashly, it would only become a burden to Lin Yi and might even jeopardize his own life.

Komuro Takashi sighed, abandoning his unrealistic thoughts.

(End of Chapter)