Unlike the unlucky movie protagonists, they weren’t that doomed. Thanks to the garbage truck forcing its way ahead, they managed to drive smoothly out of the traffic jam.

In just minutes, the entire city seemed to plunge into chaos. Most pedestrians fled the streets; vehicles collided wildly. The utter pandemonium repeatedly spiked Ling Mo’s blood pressure. Way too intense for a newbie who’d just gotten his license.

Xia Xinyan barely paid attention to Ling Mo’s driving—she clearly trusted his skills. Her eyes stayed fixed outside, scanning pedestrians, especially the attackers.

They looked no different from ordinary humans. If anything, their skin was noticeably redder—like middle-aged office workers who’d downed several cases of beer. Still, their behavior, while dangerous, fell far short of zombies. For now, their only tactic was reckless charges followed by full-force headbutts. After knocking someone down, they wouldn’t press the attack—they’d immediately hunt the next target.

Most victims were caught completely off guard. The method seemed inefficient… until over half the street turned hostile. You might dodge one, but not all. Sooner or later, one would land a kidney-jolting blow from a blind spot.

Still… for a player, this felt almost too simple. No ranged attacks at all. If she got a gun, Xia Xinyan was confident no attacker could get within three meters.

Plus, military units were now patrolling the streets to suppress the riots. These NPCs were effectively on the players’ side, lowering the dungeon’s difficulty. Which only made her more certain: this couldn’t be *that* easy.

Better grab self-defense weapons—fast.

Traffic to the police station was light. They arrived at the entrance unharmed. Almost as if by coincidence, the moment they parked, over a dozen riot vehicles sped out toward downtown, leaving the station nearly empty.

Ling Mo parked roadside and scanned the area. Located on the edge of the downtown zone, the street had fewer cars and pedestrians. Some chaos remained, but nothing like the earlier gridlock. An armed officer guarded the entrance, adding a layer of safety.

Clutching the brick, Ling Mo stepped out. “I’ll check ahead. Wait in the car.”

Xia Xinyan opened her mouth—hesitated—and stayed silent.

*Fine. Let him have his moment.*

He closed the door, scanned again, confirmed no threats, tucked the brick away, and jogged toward the officer. (He worried showing up with a brick might get him shot before taking three steps.)

The officer spotted him instantly, rifle raised. “Halt! State your business!”

“Wait! Don’t shoot! We’re on your side!” Ling Mo raised his hands. “I’m here to report a crime!”

“Report a crime?” The officer scowled. “Can’t you see the city’s collapsing? No officers to spare! Leave now, or I arrest you!”

“It’s not— Look, we have nowhere to go! Our home was seized. They outnumbered us! ‘Turn to police in trouble’—can’t we just wait inside? It’s dangerous out here… I’m scared!”

The officer held his gaze for three seconds. Lowered the gun. “Fine. Wait inside. A grown man, trembling like that… tsk.”

Ling Mo: “….”

*Damn. Even NPCs taunt now?*

“…Thank you.” He took a breath. “My girlfriend’s in the car. I’ll get her.”

Before he took two steps—

A beet-red middle-aged man came sprinting down the street like a madman, shrieking: “dododododo—!!”

“Stop! STOP!” the officer yelled, raising his rifle.

The man ignored him completely, charging full-speed. The officer fired—missed—and was slammed backward, tumbling meters across the pavement.

Knocked out cold.

The attacker scrambled up, locked onto Ling Mo, and charged again: “dododododo—!”

Startled, Ling Mo yanked out the brick, sidestepped the charge, and swung hard. “Shut up with that ‘do’! Die!”

*Thud.*

The brick connected solidly. A dull crack numbed Ling Mo’s hand. The man crumpled. Gritting his teeth, Ling Mo raised the brick again—*thwack*—a finishing blow.

The man’s head shattered like glass. His body dissolved into white light and vanished.

“Ah… impressive.”

Ling Mo turned. Xia Xinyan stood nearby, having slipped from the car and retrieved the officer’s dropped pistol. “I was about to help.”

“Hah… no need…” His voice wavered; his hands trembled slightly. “Let’s go inside. Find weapons.”

He knew it was a game—but the impact felt terrifyingly real. Like *actually* killing someone.

Yet deep down, the fear was minimal. What surged instead was that old middle-school thrill after a fight: pure, immersive adrenaline.

Simple put? One brick swing, and he was *in the zone*.

Even Xia Xinyan’s praise barely registered.

She noticed.

This time, she turned serious. Tossed him the gun. “You take this. I’ll check inside for more.”

Ling Mo checked the firearm, stepped forward with steady calm. “I’ll lead. Stay behind me. I’ve got your back.”

Xia Xinyan paused. Smiled softly. “I’m counting on you.”

*…Sigh. Fired up already, huh?*