Human? Slaves?

[Equipment: Anti-Poison Cloak]

[Once equipped, it automatically protects against miasma and toxins in the environment and air; however, this resistance is ineffective if the wearer's blood comes into direct contact with or if they ingest poisons.]

[A cloak suitable for use in dangerous environments, at a reasonable price.]

Linsey casually processed the materials, and the effects of the synthesized equipment were displayed in front of her.

He has killed too many Mutated Ones in the past few days.

With ample material support, he could immediately craft seven or eight of these highly effective [Anti-Poison Cloak].

Looking at the green-striped cloak in her hand, Linsey naturally thought of the Sand Dune on her way back:

"This thing will definitely come in handy when hunters and scouts are out on missions."

"However, giving it away directly might have a negative impact on the development of the territory. It would be better to distribute it as a reward for merit or other means. Sand Dune is coming back soon, so let's give him the first one as a mission reward, which will also set an example for the city."

Linsey turned back

He simultaneously unfolded Strategic Map, outlining a route to the surface.

This time, Linsey is preparing to carry out underground construction again.

In addition to shortening the return journey as much as possible, he also needed to connect the several areas he passed through so that he could easily bring those humans without autonomy back to the ground.

"And underground... the Underground World!"

Linsey raised an eyebrow, another idea forming in her mind.

After the successful scientific research at the Second Base.

Besides the Insect Nest, he also had a construction slot for a secondary base. Now that the Mutated Ones crisis was looming, this last slot would definitely come in handy!

"Okay, let's build it underground!"

Linsey made up her mind.

Based on the characteristics exhibited by the [Real-Time Strategy] module, towns built entirely underground should also be able to demonstrate special functions similar to Underground City. When the people are trained here, it will definitely greatly enhance the combat power against the Mutated Ones!

"And having built three bases, we also need to improve the road network between the cities, that's the most important thing... Hmm?"

Suddenly, Linsey stopped in her tracks.

The camp where Linsey had just wiped out the administrators was the largest Mutated Ones cave she had seen in the past few days.

As a result, the largest number of humans are raised here.

As he approached, he discovered a fact he hadn't noticed before.

The people here are not all treated like livestock.

Besides the mentally unstable Mutated Ones, there were several humans who looked to be in their thirties or forties, helping to manage the livestock pens here!

They also showed signs of being infected by the Corruption Poison.

However, it often occurs on localized features such as the arms, legs, or chest.

Moreover, when managing their fellow humans, they can explicitly hurl insults or even resort to physical violence.

"..."

At this moment, Linsey really couldn't figure out how she felt.

To aid and abet evil? To act as an accomplice to tyranny?

These humans are clearly not radically transformed Mutated Ones, and therefore cannot be enemies who died in ancient times and were resurrected in the present.

So... they're all humans who have been infected in recent years?

Linsey inexplicably recalled a saying—"If you've been a slave for too long, people will see you as a tool, and even the slaves themselves will think that way."

Seeing these ugly scenes, even as a human being, one would feel nauseous.

At the same time, as Linsey approached, the others also saw him.

What are you all still doing here?

"Let's go help!"

"Kill that guy!"

These humans attempted to manipulate the lower-ranking Mutated Ones.

However, Linsey had the [Withered Claw Amulet] to alter his aura, and these mentally weak Mutated Ones who could only follow their instincts could not recognize his identity at all.

In the end, it was the infected humans who became anxious.

They grabbed whips and stone spears used to drive livestock and, disregarding the disparity in strength, charged towards Linsey.

"What did you do to the adults? You damned bastard."

"Go to hell!"

"..."

Clang—

The firelight flashed briefly in the Underground World, and several corpses appeared on the ground.

Linsey will not show mercy.

After burning these absolute traitors to ashes, he left only one person alive, whom he now trampled underfoot:

"May I have your name?"

Linsey asked a question, while the traitor he was trampling under his feet struggled desperately:

"You dare kill the lord! You dare kill the lord!"

"Just wait, the Great One's empire is omnipotent. You damned Surface Dwellers will be..."

Linsey didn't wait any longer and silently took out a [Poison Thorn Arrow] from her bag.

Arrow: Poison Thorn Arrow

Arrows made of Thorn, upon hitting a target, will cause excruciating pain due to their poison!

[An arrow that inflicts severe pain on its prey without killing it. Often used for capturing prey alive, it is of relatively low value.]

He stabbed the man in the waist and abdomen.

"Aaaaaah—!!!"

"I won't let you get away with this! The adults won't let you get away with this!"

"Damn Surface Dwellers!"

Linsey remained unmoved and continued to torture the man.

A full quarter of an hour passed, and the guy's roars had become weak.

After the physical pain reached a certain extreme, he finally groaned and began to beg for mercy:

"Please, please, stop."

"I really... I really... Ahhh!"

Linsey continued to intensify her efforts.

He put on Sapphire Glasses that could detect changes in his mood.

He only stopped what he was doing when the other person was truly exhausted and even their emotions had become numb.

"Okay, now answer a few questions for me."

"Do you know the underground organization of the Mutated Ones? How large is their sphere of influence? What are their recent movements?"

The weak and powerless man spoke very softly, almost like a murmur.

Linsey still managed to hear his voice clearly:

"I... I don't know..."

"I'm just following orders from the adults to manage these livestock..."

"..."

Another piece of coke has appeared on the ground.

He ended his opponent's life with a single sword strike, then took out his fiery Meteorite Pickaxe and cleared a path to the ground.

"A human being who is not valued and is only used as a tool for managing livestock."

"Without any information about the Mutated Ones, such a strong sense of loyalty can be generated simply by being under slave-like management."

"Humans..."

Linsey's voice was complex.

There happened to be a rock in front of him, and while clearing a path, Linsey kicked it hard.

Bang!

Amidst the crumbling rubble and Linsey's own indistinguishable rage.

He then turned his head to look at the livestock pen, at the humans who were completely devoid of intelligence and simply acted on their animal instincts.

"Body and mind."

"As a human being, which one is the true standard of judgment... or both? Or are both indispensable? How can one possibly distinguish between them..."