They arrived at the camp near Residence No. 4 to eat something and take a rest. This area was under the jurisdiction of Team Two, though Xu Wenfeng and the others were not here; it served as a temporary reception area.

Shen Jinxuan brewed some coffee with the coffee machine here, and the air was filled with a rich aroma, invigorating and refreshing.

"Residence No. 1?"

Su Changxing had just received a message from Lin Xiuyu, saying the Doomsday Cult might have connections with some people in Residence No. 1. They discovered a Doomsday Cult member frequently visiting the place.

Beside the base was Residence No. 1, where those who had been city elites before the apocalypse resided.

Though it was the apocalypse, social order wasn’t completely disrupted. The military still existed, and systems were preserved. They continued to enjoy their due privileges.

For example, Yuan Yingjie, the mayor of Donglin City, although he held no real power now, was still officially the mayor. He had previously been a strong character, a man of decision-making on this land.

Moreover, he had a chance to ascend to a higher position next year, but now everything has turned to bubbles.

Yet why these people would have ties with the Doomsday Cult, according to security bureau intelligence, most of these elites died in the apocalypse, and those who survived were recorded.

Did the Doomsday Cult actively reach out to them?

"What’s wrong?"

Shen Jinxuan looked over her shoulder at the table, asking while facing a steaming hot pot.

Su Changxing tasted the coffee and said:

"There’s news about the Doomsday Cult, but it’s a bit strange. Some people in Residence No. 1 seem to be connected to the Doomsday Cult... Is the taste of what you made not quite right? It’s very bitter."

Shen Jinxuan smiled and said, "Maybe it would taste better if you add some milk... Now, everyone knows that becoming an Extraordinary is the most important thing; they must know too..."

"Hmm, makes sense, but it’s not easy."

Su Changxing nodded, a sharp glint in his eyes.

Even in the apocalypse, the influence of these elites couldn’t be underestimated, with tangled webs of relationships.

Previously, he learned that Mayor Yuan Yingjie and the current military district commander had family ties, but it was not visible on the surface; they appeared as if they never knew each other.

······

The rolling black fog made the night deeper and quieter, streetlights’ illumination didn’t penetrate far, restricted to four or five meters.

A person dressed as a clown swaggered down the street, moving with a comedic air but extremely fast.

The location of the Player Mutual Aid Association was at the edge of the management area, convenient for hunting monsters to earn points.

Though many players weren’t Extraordinary, their combat strength wasn’t weak with the aid of various mysterious items and innate abilities; some were even ridiculously strong.

Luo Haotian leaned against the building’s rooftop, gazing around, seemingly searching for something.

"What are you looking at?"

A hoarse voice came from behind him.

He jumped, having not noticed anyone approaching, and turned to see a person wearing a red-green clown mask.

Luo Haotian remained composed, nodding slightly:

"Mr. Clown, I thought you’d forgotten us; I was a bit worried."

In reality, he was somewhat panicked, using Su Changxing’s name to attract other players; if Su Changxing didn’t appear, the association might quickly dissolve.

He had just become an Extraordinary, and his strength was insufficient to maintain authority, while the "Joker" title was well-known among players.

Su Changxing squatted on the stone platform beside, watching him, said:

"Your association’s rapid development is surprising to me."

Luo Haotian promptly replied, "It’s all because of your reputation, sir."

Su Changxing was somewhat puzzled, "My title?"

Luo Haotian nodded, saying, "Everyone knows you’re at least a Tier Eight Extraordinary, once took down a Black Fog World team leader, and conquered a powerful monster on Long Bridge’s main road."

Su Changxing figured some players disguised as ordinary people escaped his notice, surviving the apocalypse brought survival instincts to their extremes.

For instance, the reporter named Zeng Lei was likely a player; thinking back, a normal person’s psychological qualities wouldn’t be so strong.

Su Changxing pondered a bit before asking, "Got a question for you, do you know much about the Doomsday Cult?"

Luo Haotian nodded, replying:

"I know they’re like a bunch of lunatics; we stay away from them. Heard the massacre at Residence No. 4 might be their doing; security bureau people are looking for them now."

Su Changxing continued asking, "Do you know any other details?"

Luo Haotian hesitated for a moment, then said in a low voice:

"I know a little about them; though their actions are crazy, quite a few are willing to join. Apparently, they have a Dharma Gate to become Extraordinary, but whether it’s real or fake... I think it’s not baseless."

"A method to become Extraordinary?"

Su Changxing frowned, realizing the morning incident might relate to this.

Death is the end, yet also a rebirth.

In many Extraordinary Domains, it’s believed because Order life, at the moment of death, releases all life energy.

This is why many rituals involve death, requiring equivalent exchange, while life is sometimes the cheapest commodity.

"Do you think there are Doomsday Cult members in your mutual aid association?" Su Changxing, wearing a smile, asked while staring at him, his dark pupils shining with a glow.

Luo Haotian felt immense pressure, as if a boulder pressed against his chest, hesitated and said:

"I guess there might be, as we’re not a rigid organization. Do you have specific matters, sir?"

Su Changxing subtly said, "Hmm, just curious. Do you think the existence of such an organization is good or bad?"

Luo Haotian pondered and seriously said, "Hard to say; if it results in more Extraordinary being born, perhaps it’s good since the Black Fog World is still upon us."

Su Changxing nodding thoughtfully, asked, "Recently, have many people in your association become Extraordinary?"

Luo Haotian showed a trace of proud smile, saying:

"Including me, there are about four or five people; largely due to our association’s resource sharing. Some items in the Doomsday Shop can assist in opening paths."

"But that’s also because we’re survivors from the apocalypse, accumulating and erupting; other ordinary people probably struggle to become Extraordinary."

In the apocalypse, they were pushed to the brink, naturally unleashing immense potential.

Yet the current situation for ordinary people is relatively favorable; at least most aren’t in life-threatening danger, and food and drink are temporarily adequate.