Hoarding is a concept that can be applied to almost everything to do with power.

  The cliché cultivators hoard spiritual energy, body builders hoard energy supplements, the rich hoard money…

  Depending on your role, anything can be hoarded, even people.

  You can’t be a leader without your own people.

  That’s why leaders always like to rely on hoarding tactics, like controlling the food supplies, to gather the masses under their command.

  Gotta say, that strategy was quite effective.

  If nothing goes wrong, the general trend was already set.

  At times like these, every smart person learns to pick sides.

  Most chose to follow those in power. Herd mentality at its finest.

  But there are always those who like making choices based on other criterion, just like this Uncle Jack right here and even…

  A certain Miss Highschooler skippidy-skipped over and bright, pure eyes stared at Yu Zhiye. “Hum, big brother Steve~ can little Ling’er join you two?”

  Naniii?! Yu Zhiye immediately wanted to say no to this danger magnet, but the uncle beat him to it.

  “Why not? One more person is one more helping hand!”

  “Eih! Then please take care of me, uncle!”

  The pair just decided that and Xiao Shuling plopped herself down at his other side.

  Yu Zhiye stiffened up. Sweet stars above! That’s too close for comfort!

  Not in any romantic sense, but danger! He hasn’t forgotten the terrifying encounter earlier in the day!

  Yu Zhiye’s eyes darted around, searching for the dangerous teen he tagged as Anomaly A…

  Unfortunately... or fortunately, he was nowhere to be found.

  No immediate danger for now. That’s good. But that doesn’t mean he won’t get flagged in the future!

  Yu Zhiye wanted to scoot away so bad from the time bomb but he was trapped in the middle and can’t even scoot away even if he wanted to!

  He considered disbanding the party right then and there, but recalling how the scruffy uncle stood up for him earlier…

  Ugh. Human relationships are so complicated.

  But that didn’t mean there’s no way to persuade others!

  Yu Zhiye looked at the trouble magnet. “You… Miss Shuling, isn’t it better to join them over there?”

  Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  “Hum?” Xiao Shuling tilted her head. “Why?”

  “At least you won’t have to worry about food.”

  “Eih! I can find food myself!”

  “They can protect you...”

  “Eih! But this Miss doesn’t have a good feeling about them. Besides, I feel safer sticking with a fellow countryman!”

  After saying that, Xiao Shuling pouted and wrinkled her nose. “Big brother Steve, how come Ling’er feels you don’t welcome me?”

  Yu Zhiye wanted to tell her: It’s not just a feeling!

  But the uncle slapped his back. “How can that be? I’m sure Steve here is happy to have a cute little sister like you by his side!”

  “Ehe!”

  Ehe te nandayo! Yu Zhiye looked left and right. These two… they’re practically singing the same tune! Did they collaborate beforehand?

  But why me?

  He wanted to walk the loner, solo-leveling path, but with these two tagging along…

  Well, a loner has a loner’s benefits. Similarly, a party has its plus sides.

  Since his secret hideout guaranteed his personal safety, he didn’t have to worry about the downsides of a party, like getting stabbed in the back while he’s asleep.

  Therefore, partying up didn’t actually change much. Just adjust his plans a little. No biggy.

  As for that anomaly… there’s a reason for everything.

  Since this Xiao Shuling was worthy enough to enter that dangerous man’s kill list, it might not be a bad thing to team up with her.

  After all, they were now in a world with supernatural powers. Anything is possible.

  That thought comforted Yu Zhiye. He felt less resistance against the idea of teaming up and just went with the flow.

  Hence, two melon eaters became three. Back to watching the drama: the green tea and her men.

  After a tug-of-war between the supporting actors, the female lead ended up standing behind the CEO.

  Wow, who would’ve guessed. Can’t tell they were in cahoots at all!

  Jack grumbled. “Sheesh. That’s that. Seems like that four-eyes has finally been elected as the temporary leader.”

  And that temporary leader stepped forward to the center of the circle to get everybody’s attention.

  “Hear me! Hear me! My friends, brothers and sisters… after a long discussion with all the brave explorers, I decided it would be best we all gather outside for a carnival tonight!”

  “Yeah? Ain’t that the smartest idea.” Jack rolled his eyes. “Think we’re stupid enough to court death?”

  “No, no…” Kwan Minhwoo smiled, unbothered by the disagreement.

  “I just think the unknown is the most dangerous. Better to find out what we will be facing earlier rather than get surprised later. What say you?”

  Jack has nothing to say about that. Neither does Yu Zhiye. In fact, most here thought the same. The only problem is…

  “Seems we’ve come to an agreement. Good. Good. Now, who’s brave enough to come along with us? We welcome all brave explorers!”

  “Ou! Brother Tae and I second that!”

  “Duri and I have no problem either.”

  That pretty much settles it. Those three teams clearly discussed this beforehand. There wasn’t much point in asking that question.

  No, if anything, that question was mostly directed at them three!

  And the four-eyes didn’t give them any chance to back out.

  “Of course, if you aren’t brave enough to come, that’s fine. I just hope... nothing goes missing. After all, we don’t want to live with thieves among us now, do we?”

  That pretty much blocked off all their retreat.

  Go? Then everything’s easy to talk about.

  Not go? Then, even if there’s nothing missing, as long as they claim something is missing, then all suspicions fall on whoever stays behind!

  At that time, even a full body search can’t wash away the stain from the false accusations!

  Why?

  Don’t forget about the game inventory!

  That’s a powerful tool, but at the same time, it can be a horrible excuse in the hands of schemers.

  Unless you can show and prove to everybody that you hid nothing in there, you’ll be nothing more than a thief!

  Stupid logic, but so effective.

  Honestly, there’s not much of a choice here.

  “Eih! Uncle, big brother, wanna go take a look?”

  Yu Zhiye glanced at the lively Miss Highschooler who looked totally ready for an adventure then exchanged a glance with Jack.

  Jack shrugged and got up. “Yeah. Might as well. I’ve always wanted to see what a zombie looks like in real life. What bout you, Steve?”

  “Why not? If a creeper shows up, maybe we can get some gunpowder. Then art is an explosion won’t be a fantasy.”

  “Bwahaha! Good one!”