Chapter 158: Chapter 158: I Brought You Out, and I Want to Bring You Back Safely
Half an hour later, the twelve of them boarded the vehicle and left Red Sun Base.
Only then did Dominic Crawford finally ask, "Jayce, Sierra, what the hell is going on? Why the big rush?"
At first, Dominic Crawford had called Jayce "Mr. Everett."
Later, after they started going on search-and-rescue missions for survivors together, they became teammates. Dominic Crawford’s form of address for the two of them changed to Captain Everett and Captain Sullivan.
Now, their relationship had grown even closer, so there was no need to be as formal as before.
And so, their titles were dropped for their names.
It wasn’t just Dominic Crawford who was curious; everyone else was, too.
This wasn’t their first time going out on a mission, but it was the first time they’d ever been in such a rush.
After all, the place they were headed was quite dangerous. Even if Dominic Crawford hadn’t asked, Jayce had planned to explain everything anyway.
Seeing everyone looking at him, Jayce held nothing back and immediately laid out everything he knew.
"Nathan Thorne left the base today. On the road..."
Jayce wanted to give them as much information as possible.
But everything he knew came from Nathan Thorne. He couldn’t have said more even if he’d wanted to.
But even this limited information was enough to shock Dominic Crawford and the others.
Dominic Crawford had a fiery temper. After hearing the story, he slammed a hand fiercely against his thigh.
The crisp sound was so loud that Sierra Sullivan’s own leg ached just hearing it.
’Dominic Crawford really is a hardass!’
’He even hits himself when he gets angry!’
Of course, Sierra Sullivan only thought these things; she didn’t say them out loud.
This was no time for jokes.
Dominic Crawford truly didn’t feel the pain.
Rage had already consumed his mind; he couldn’t focus on anything else.
"Those sons of bitches!"
"If I find out who’s behind this, I swear I won’t let them off!"
"We’re all human! Humanity’s territory has already shrunk so much. It would be one thing if they just didn’t help people, but to go and actively infect them with the zombie virus just to satisfy their own selfish desires... Are they even human? They’re lower than fucking Aberrant Beasts!"
Dominic Crawford’s furious voice echoed inside the vehicle.
Sierra Sullivan didn’t speak, but she wholeheartedly agreed with Dominic Crawford.
’How can someone who does something like that still be considered human?’
’They’re worse than animals!’
Once Dominic Crawford had calmed down a bit, Jayce spoke again. "Mr. Crawford, I know you’re angry, but now is not the time for anger. We have to keep a level head to handle whatever might happen. Otherwise—"
Jayce didn’t finish his sentence, but everyone present understood what he meant.
This time, they would be facing not only the people who were keeping these zombies, but the zombies themselves.
If they weren’t clear-headed, it would be easy to make a mistake.
Dominic Crawford took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down slightly.
"Don’t you worry! I’m not an impulsive person!"
Sierra Sullivan, "???"
A question mark slowly formed in her mind.
’Dominic Crawford, not an impulsive person?’
’Does he have some kind of misunderstanding about himself?’
No one said a word, but the looks they shot Dominic Crawford were all more or less the same.
Being stared at like that, Dominic Crawford’s face instantly flushed. "Okay, fine! I admit I’m a bit impulsive. But this time! I’ll definitely control myself. I’ll do whatever you tell me to, and I won’t do anything you tell me not to. That settles it, right?"
Although Dominic Crawford had a short fuse and was rather impulsive, he wasn’t without his merits.
Dominic Crawford’s greatest virtue was that he always kept his word.
Since he had given his word, he would certainly follow through. Of that, there was no doubt.
Only then did Jayce and Sierra Sullivan feel relieved.
The vehicle sped onward, pushing forward as fast as possible.
They were reasonably lucky; the dust storms outside were relatively light.
Although everything as far as the eye could see was a dull, earthy yellow and the air was still thick with sand, it didn’t obscure their vision too badly or have a major impact on their speed.
If the dust storm had been any worse, they wouldn’t have even been able to leave the base, let alone go and support Nathan Thorne.
Two hours later, around noon, they finally reached the residential complex Nathan Thorne had told them about.
Almost as soon as they drew near, Sierra Sullivan spotted the vehicle belonging to Nathan Thorne’s group.
"This is the place!" Jayce’s voice was grim and heavy. "Everyone, gear up. Check your equipment, rations, and water. Don’t get out of the vehicle until you’re certain everything is in order. And I have to remind you of one thing: your personal safety is the top priority."
Jayce’s gaze swept over each person’s face. His voice grew even more somber, his expression intensely serious.
"You may be Superpower Users, but you’re also human. Someone else’s life is a life, but so is yours! I don’t care what other people say, how other teams are led, or how selfless they claim to be. When you’re with me, your safety is the most important thing! It comes first!
"I’m the one who led you out here, and I intend to lead you all back safely! You’re not alone in this world; you have families back at the base waiting for you. I don’t want to let them down, and I’m sure you don’t either, right?"
Everyone was visibly moved by Jayce’s words.
Dominic Crawford’s eyes even began to redden at the rims.
"Jayce, when did you learn to give speeches like that? Is this really the time to get all emotional? If everyone cries until they’re exhausted, how are we supposed to get any work done?"
His words managed to break the somber mood. A few people started laughing through their tears, their expressions a strange sight to behold.
After collecting himself a little, Dominic Crawford said, "Don’t you worry. I tell them the same thing all the time. No matter what, your own life is always the most important thing!"
Everyone nodded in unison, completely agreeing with Dominic Crawford.
Seeing this, Jayce nodded in satisfaction. "Good! Try to stick together once we’re out there. If you do get separated, don’t panic. If it’s a last resort, retreat to the vehicle and wait. You all know how well-armored this thing is! And you all have keys!"
Having said everything that needed to be said, and with time pressing on, Jayce wasted no more words.
Seeing that they were about done talking, Sierra Sullivan took out her radio, pressed the button, and tried to contact Nathan Thorne.
"Nathan Thorne, we’re outside the complex. We can see your vehicle. Where are you now?"
After speaking, Sierra Sullivan waited for Nathan Thorne’s reply.
But she waited for a long moment, and the radio remained completely silent. Not a sound came through.
