Even if most of them are fearless like newborn calves, even if their survival skills aren’t top-notch, and their mental resolve might not surpass the scavengers in the Buffer Zone, as long as the Inspectors have strong capabilities and can unite everyone, this group could immediately become a force.

A force that can support the infrastructure construction of the Satellite City!

"My goodness, that scared me to death! I’ve worked in the mine for over ten years and never seen such fierce strange birds!"

"Absolutely, they’re ferocious! Look at those bone spears; one of them is almost as long as my hand. If it hits your body, wouldn’t it pierce right through?"

"Thankfully, we didn’t slack off during the day and set up this activity unit, otherwise we’d be in trouble tonight!"

"Yes, this unit may be small, but it’s much more comfortable than the tents we stayed in before. It’s firm underneath, and you feel relaxed when you lie down!"

Subtle whispers echoed inside the unit.

Although it’s not their first time camping in the Wilderness, thinking that this might be a long-term living place in the future left everyone with mixed feelings that they couldn’t quite articulate.

Suddenly, a voice interjected: "Eh, when the Thorn Bird came just now, why didn’t Inspector Cheng just shoot down the leader?"

The speakers were a young couple.

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone glanced over simultaneously, many eyes bearing a "look at this fool" expression.

Eventually, Sun Dazheng couldn’t resist and softly reminded them, "Inspector Cheng’s shooting skills are excellent, but he isn’t an Owl. How could he see clearly who the leader is in the dark?"

"Ah?" The couple were momentarily dumbstruck, then hurriedly scratched their heads and apologized, "Sorry, sorry, we misspoke. We’re from nearby Guang Province and haven’t encountered Thorn Birds before; this is our first time seeing them."

Hearing that the couple was from Guang Province and unfamiliar with Thorn Birds, the crowd’s scrutinizing stares collectively drew back.

But influenced by this couple, the subsequent discussion inevitably shifted from expressing fatigue and danger to the Inspector Cheng who brought them here.

"Inspector Cheng is truly remarkable! I observed yesterday, and he’s the youngest. I was secretly worried at that time."

"Worried about what? Worried he’s inexperienced?"

"Not exactly, just unsure..."

"Oh, don’t even mention Inspector Cheng, even Inspector Wang has way more experience than our group!"

"Exactly! Happiness City is the most powerful Super Shelter City in Stone Province! Our Inspectors from White Stone Shelter City have to study for twelve years and pass assessments before being appointed. The standards in Happiness City must be even stricter; I can’t even fathom how exhausting it must be to study for twelve years every day!"

"Hey, didn’t Inspector Cheng say he plans to build a school in Dapo Town for the children to attend? I wonder if it’s true?"

"Mommy, I’m scared. I don’t want...to go to school."

Amid the group’s chatter, a timid child’s voice suddenly interrupted.

This remark amused the crowd, and they glanced at each other, unable to hold back their laughter.

"Silly kid! If you don’t go to school, you’ll only work as a laborer for life! Even the foreman at our mine must study for three years before taking the job. Those skilled in ore refining also require two months of training each year! How can you live a good life without schooling?"

"Exactly! I’ve heard that the industrial area of Happiness City only hires educated people. Someone like me who can’t recognize all the words wouldn’t even pass the first round of selection.

"Speaking of which, didn’t Inspector Cheng mention setting up adult skills training schools? They’ll specifically teach adults like us and even guarantee job assignments upon passing assessments!"

"Indeed," but he didn’t specify what jobs... I’m worried too; there’s no vein nearby to mine, and I don’t know how to do other work..."

"..."

As soon as they began discussing aspirations for a better life, everyone instantly lost their fatigue.

Within the enclosed activity unit, they conversed with one another, and the oppressive feelings from the Thorn Bird attack and the threat of Infected Bodies quickly dissipated. Someone even started joking, occasionally leading to relaxed laughter.

At the parking lot.

Wang Kang finished his patrol and returned to find Cheng Ye leaning against the side wall behind the supermarket.

He seemed to be listening to the voices and laughter in the unit, while also enjoying this moment of peace.

"Brother Cheng, why don’t you go inside to rest?"

"I’m not going in; it’s hard enough to create a peaceful atmosphere. If I go in, everyone will get tense again."

Cheng Ye waved, feeling quite tired at this hour.

Having spent the whole day doing physical labor, constantly on edge, breaking into a cold sweat, and wrestling with corpses and Infected Bodies for half the day.

Even with the strong enhancement brought by Zeye Physique, allowing him to go three days without sleep, the mental fatigue was no less.

Moreover, after activating "Hundred Martial Students" three times in one day, Cheng Ye finally understood what special energy the perfect-level talent was consuming.

Vigor!

Unlike the Iron Body, which stimulates a fixed neural network, Hundred Martial Students consume intangible mental energy, depleting about 10% each time it’s activated.

If he ensures daily sleep recovery, activating it three times means a 30% energy drain, which wouldn’t matter in the Buffer Zone.

But now being out in the Wilderness without enough time to rest, the depletion of vigor becomes troublesome.

Enduring one night is manageable, but what about tomorrow night and the night after?