Apocalypse Villainess? Nah, I'm Nice

In a world like this, anyone with good looks was usually well aware of their own charm.

Jean Shields was no exception.

Since the apocalypse began, he’d grown used to the looks of awe, and even the lustful or calculating gazes from men and women alike. Someone like Paige Summers—who only glanced for a moment before looking away, her eyes clean and unburdened—was a rarity.

He couldn’t help but take a liking to her.

”I’ve heard a great deal about you, Master Summers. I hope you don’t mind me asking you here so abruptly.”

Hearing him, Paige knew that whether he was truly a fan of weapons or not, he at least paid close attention to the field. He was even addressing her by the title used at Summers Armaments.

Truthfully, she didn’t mind. ”You’re too kind, Commander Shields.”

The vehicle was similar to Kent Kane’s, a modified car with a spacious rear. There were only two three-seater sofas, one on each side, and a soundproof partition separated the back from the driver.

At the moment, it was just the two of them and an adjutant, so Jean Shields’s expression was quite relaxed. ”I’m nearly thirty. If you don’t mind, you can just call me Brother Shields. ’Commander’ and all that is too formal.”

Paige Summers simply smiled without a word.

’It’s our first meeting, and I don’t even know what kind of person he is. I’m not in the habit of getting so familiar with people so quickly.’

Seeing her caution, Jean Shields wasn’t put off. Instead, he started asking about weapon-smithing, even taking out a dagger he’d made himself to ask for her advice. Paige believed he was genuinely interested in the topic and answered him earnestly. This was her area of expertise, so naturally, she wouldn’t disappoint.

’But in her heart, she felt the atmosphere was far too relaxed. To have this kind of leisurely chat while on a retreat from a defeat...’

’Have they really given up all hope in the two commanders of the Central Army?!’

After they finished discussing the dagger’s pros and cons, Jean Shields carefully ran his fingers back and forth over the blade. He finally flipped it over and put it away, his expression turning serious. ”I have a favor to ask you!”

’Here it comes.’

Paige’s expression sobered. She slowly shook her head. ”I wouldn’t dare presume.”

”No, you can.” Jean Shields leaned forward slightly. ”I’m sure you already know the details of the battle for Norgate from Division Commander Kane, so I won’t rehash them. With the situation as it is, Central City absolutely cannot allow a Zombie with intelligence and power comparable to a human’s to grow stronger. Otherwise, the consequences will be endless. This current retreat is only a last resort... It’s foreseeable that once we get back, we’ll reorganize, recruit, and march out again. But frankly, it’s going to be tricky.”

There wasn’t a single false word in what he said, but until she understood his intentions, Paige had no plans to respond.

Jean Shields seemed to expect this and continued without waiting for her to speak.

”The reason for our defeat this time... it’s impossible to hide. Once the news spreads, it will surely cause a huge shock in Central City. The best-case scenario is that people will despise this Zombie, worry that more like it will appear and seize humanity’s already minuscule territory, leading to our complete extinction from Earth. Then, filled with righteous fury, they’ll unite to destroy it... That’s the best case, but of course, the chances of that happening are slim.”

Jean Shields spoke these cold words in a perfectly calm tone.

”Humans are the most selfish of animals. Most of them can’t see beyond the end of their noses. I can already imagine it. Along with their hatred for the Zombie, they’ll feel even more fear, or perhaps relief. They’ll think, ’Central City is so far away and so well-fortified. The Zombies will never break in. We might as well live one day at a time. If disaster really strikes, we still have The Government, the army, and the Superpower Users to take the brunt of it. So we can just keep our heads down and live our lives.’”

The corner of Paige’s mouth twitched.

She had to admit, a portion of the population would definitely think that way.

Jean Shields keenly sensed the agreement in her silence. He straightened up and leaned back against the sofa.

”But what about reality? A Zombie’s appetite can never be sated. Sooner or later, they will devour all of humanity. Central City... it’s just a matter of time. That’s why we must take the initiative!”

”The Central Army suffered heavy losses this time, so recruiting new soldiers is imperative. Many of the truly capable people in the city either belong to the Noble Houses or have formed or joined Hunting Parties. The Noble Houses are manageable; as long as the benefits are distributed reasonably, they won’t refuse to fight or abide by military discipline. But the Hunting Parties are the tricky part. Most of them are used to being undisciplined, each with their own agenda. Even if we can hire them with the promise of rewards, managing a large number of them is incredibly difficult. And even if they do fight, it’s hard to predict how effective they’ll actually be...”

’So that’s it.’ Hearing this, Paige understood perfectly. He was targeting Bloodfall.

Sure enough, a moment later, Jean Shields finally got to the point. ”I hope Bloodfall can take on the responsibility of leading the Mercenaries!”

Paige was silent for a long while before she spoke. ”Bloodfall isn’t one of the top-tier Hunting Parties. What makes you think the others will obey us?”

Jean Shields stared at her for a moment, then smiled. ”A Hunting Party with two Eighth Rank Superpower Users... If you all weren’t deliberately keeping a low profile, Bloodfall would be far more prominent than it is now.”

He paused, then added nonchalantly, ”Putting other bases aside, as far as I know, there are no more than a hundred Superpower Users of Eighth Rank or higher in Central City. A portion of them are the Clan Leaders or even elders of the Noble Houses, many of whom have white beards. Frankly, even if those old men have superpowers, their physical condition is no match for a young person’s. In a real fight, their overall combat strength might not be that great. Another portion is in the army—people like me, like Sheldon Reid, and some trusted aides in various divisions. Unfortunately, after the dead and wounded from this last battle, most of the useful ones are with General Walsh. Then there’s a small portion scattered about for various reasons—people like you, and your companions. From this, you can see Bloodfall’s standing among all the Hunting Parties. It’s safe to say that among the Hunting Parties, besides the number-one-ranked Sandscourge, which might be able to put up a fight, the others simply aren’t strong enough.”

’Sandscourge, huh...’

Paige, of course, knew of this team. Their leader, Sasha Lucas, was an Earth Element User, and she guessed his Level was probably Eighth Rank or higher. But Sasha Lucas had a terrible reputation. He was extremely domineering and acted like he was the sole ruler of the Hunting Parties. Naturally, his team members weren’t much better.

It was only logical that Jean Shields would skip over him and approach her instead.

’It’s just that, no matter how you look at it, this so-called ’leader’ role is just being the cannon fodder of all cannon fodder.’

In fact, historically, whenever Mercenaries worked with the regular army, they mostly served as cannon fodder. They were only willing to risk their lives because the military or The Government offered a high price.

This time, if Bloodfall agreed, they would undoubtedly become everyone’s target!

This so-called ”favor,” if viewed simply as a business deal, was definitely not worth it. But looking at it from another angle, what Jean Shields said wasn’t without reason.

If humanity didn’t unite now and take this opportunity to eliminate this large horde of Zombies, the situation would only become more perilous!

’Nora Lowell... what a huge problem she is.’

After considering it for a moment, Paige decided to be frank. ”This isn’t a decision I can make alone. I have to ask my captain. It’s just that she’s in Southreach right now. Honestly, the trip there and back will take quite a bit of time.”

Hearing her say this, Jean Shields was greatly relieved.

He let out a breath and smiled. ”I understand. Then I’ll have to trouble you to inform her as soon as possible! We should have enough time. After all, we have quite a few problems to solve when we get back as well...”

He vaguely alluded to the internal conflicts within the Central Army and with The Government, but didn’t elaborate. Paige didn’t ask further. For her, knowing the outcome was enough.

On the other hand, even if Claire Chapman agreed, there were still many problems.

There were too many issues to resolve between them and the other Hunting Parties, and between the Hunting Parties and the military.

Thinking about all this, she couldn’t help but feel frustrated.

’If humans weren’t so consumed by internal strife, the apocalypse would probably be much closer to ending by now!’

With the most important matter settled, Jean Shields was visibly more relaxed. Paige could tell he was optimistic about their decision, but she had no idea where his confidence came from.

She thought for a moment and couldn’t help but ask bluntly, ”Are you sure you have the authority to make this decision?”

Jean Shields was taken aback, then burst out laughing. But his laughter soon turned into an incessant cough.

Paige frowned.

Jean Shields coughed until he was almost breathless before it gradually subsided. His face was a terrible color, a purplish-red that was clearly unnatural. The adjutant, who had been silent beside him, rushed to support him and hand him water, his expression filled with worry.

Finally, he calmed down, leaned back against the sofa, and sighed. ”To be honest with you, I was also injured in this battle. I’m afraid it will be difficult to recover anytime soon.”

Paige nodded slightly. She could see that without him saying it; the injury was not light.

”But don’t worry. I still have a certain amount of say in the army. I wouldn’t claim my word is law, but I am at least confident about this matter. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have brought it up with you.”

’That confident tone... This man... he must have powerful backing...’ Paige guessed.

Jean Shields looked at her and suddenly gave a slight smile. ”I heard you and Sheldon Reid didn’t get along?”

”Yes,” Paige admitted openly; it was something many people probably knew. ’”Didn’t get along” was certainly a mild way to put it.’

”It seems his disappearance isn’t a bad thing for many people,” Jean Shields said meaningfully. ”However, you can’t let your guard down. The Reid Family has been operating within the military since his father’s generation. Some of their power has long since moved from the light into the shadows. It’s far more than what we see on the surface. For those who offended him, even if they aren’t afraid of him, there are still others behind him...”

Paige’s heart tightened. She felt there was a hidden meaning in his words. ’Does he know something?’

’No, that’s highly unlikely.’

’The place where Sheldon Reid was buried was extremely well-hidden. She was certain there was no one else around at the time.’

’In other words, he’s just reminding me that Sheldon Reid’s trusted followers aren’t limited to the people who were protecting him back then?’

’But if that’s the case, why didn’t this force appear? Why did they just let him be killed?’

’Who are they, and where are they?’