Chapter Summaries

Song Zhi, a university student who had survived three years in a nuclear-ravaged parallel world, collected soil samples in a scorched jungle when foreign mercenaries caught her. She escaped one captor with a pistol and a flash grenade, but Lu Yu stopped her and she was knocked unconscious.

• Song Zhi reflected on how she had transmigrated into the apocalypse and survived by avoiding danger while searching for signs that the land could support crops.
• Kelante approached Song Zhi at gunpoint and questioned her about collecting soil samples.
• Song Zhi disarmed Kelante, threatened him, and used a flash grenade to flee into the jungle.
• Lu Yu confronted Song Zhi with a pistol, and she surrendered after hearing him speak Mandarin.
• Someone struck Song Zhi in the neck, and she lost consciousness after cursing at her attacker.

After being captured by Group A in Zone C, Song Zhi refused recruitment and fought Lu Yu, but the squad subdued her with a shock collar. The chapter ended with the American soldier assessing her as an S-rank danger.

• Song Zhi woke bound in a tent and learned that five armed mercenaries had captured her.
• Lu Yu interrogated Song Zhi, discovered the survival rules she had written at her shelter, and heard that she had been collecting soil samples to study medicinal plants.
• Lu Yu told Song Zhi that the organization intended to recruit her, but she refused to team up.
• Song Zhi cut her restraints and attacked Lu Yu, but Kelante activated a shock collar and Lu Yu restrained her again.
• Lu Yu tried to persuade Song Zhi to join the organization, and she mocked him while questioning what she might be expected to do there.
• The American soldier watched Song Zhi's readings stabilize and classified her danger level as S-rank.

Song Zhi was held under Task Force A’s watch as they transported her blindfolded toward the K organization’s base. When their armored vehicle came under attack, Wilk carried her to cover, and Song Zhi discovered they were hiding in a living rainforest that should have been destroyed.

• Lu Yu kept Song Zhi under constant watch at the camp, while Song Zhi learned that Kelante and Wilk would also be responsible for guarding her.
• Kelante told Song Zhi that her assessment score was minus twenty and her danger rating was S-class, then questioned her about surviving alone and gave her an apple.
• On the third day, Task Force A blindfolded and bound Song Zhi before taking her by armored vehicle toward the organization’s base.
• As Song Zhi slept against Wilk during the journey, Hill recorded a five-point increase in Wilk’s guide index.
• After Task Force A received a warning about an incoming attack, Wilk carried Song Zhi out of the vehicle and shielded her behind cover.
• Wilk put his helmet on Song Zhi, who looked around and realized they were in a living rainforest she believed a nuclear explosion had destroyed.

Song Zhi was forced to fight alongside Wilk in the rainforest, where she killed several enemies and reached High Ground B with Team A. After Lu Yu paid her reward, she settled in for a night outdoors, while Lai'en received a highly encrypted order.

• Lai'en ordered Wilk to untie Song Zhi but warned her that the shock collar and Lu Yu’s sniper rifle would stop her from escaping.
• Wilk gave Song Zhi a pistol and night-vision goggles, then guided her through the rainforest as she shot several Myanmar fighters.
• Song Zhi negotiated energy bars and a chance to touch Lu Yu’s abs by killing more enemies, and Lu Yu later showed off for her at High Ground B.
• Song Zhi and Wilk reached High Ground B with ten minutes remaining, where Team A prepared to rest before traveling toward Seji and Sri Lanka.
• Lu Yu handed Song Zhi three energy bars after tricking her into touching a dagger beneath his shirt, and Wilk covered her with his camouflage jacket as she went to sleep.

Song Zhi struggled to reconcile the brutal survival rules of the apocalypse with her instincts, then entered the rainforest with Lai'en’s task force. As she fell behind from the punishing trek, Lai'en approached her while she stood helpless in the mud.

• Song Zhi tried to intervene when she heard a woman being abused, but Wilk stopped her and explained that the woman’s apparent cooperation was another means of survival.
• The next morning, Lai'en took charge of Song Zhi, gave her a kukri, and warned her to keep up or deal with danger herself.
• Kelante, Lu Yu, Wilk, and Hill gave Song Zhi supplies to protect herself during the rainforest crossing, and the task force set out for Seji Station, where a transport plane waited.
• Song Zhi struggled through flooded ground, insects, leeches, and painful, waterlogged shoes while Kelante and Lu Yu killed venomous snakes near her.
• Song Zhi fell far behind, and Lai'en sent the others ahead before walking toward her as she stood unable to lift her legs.

Song Zhi admitted she had considered fighting back but could not bring herself to die, and Lai'en carried her out of the swamp rather than leave her behind. At Seji Outpost, she received medical care and a contraceptive injection, then Lai'en took her toward the dormitory, leaving her hoping he would spare her for now.

• Lai'en explained that Group A had orders not to kill Song Zhi and pressed her to choose whether to keep going or give up.
• Song Zhi confessed that she had been ready to attack anyone who violated her, but Lai'en saw through her attempt to use death as a bargaining tactic.
• Song Zhi could not bring herself to die, so Lai'en hoisted her over his shoulder and carried her across the swamp while the other squad members continued on.
• The squad reached Seji Outpost, where Song Zhi was treated at a hospital and given clean clothes, medical examinations, and a long-acting contraceptive injection.
• Lai'en returned, carried Song Zhi toward the dormitory, and picked up her new boots as she hoped he would leave her alone for now.

Song Zhi rested at Group A's dormitory, woke after a stormy night, and spent the day recovering with Hill at the beach. Lai'en told her that her evacuation had been postponed and that her future assignment would depend on her training and assessment results.

• Kelante served Song Zhi dinner and let her sleep in a dormitory bedroom.
• During the night, Song Zhi recognized Lai'en in a disorienting encounter as a storm broke outside.
• Song Zhi woke to find new clothes and toiletries, and Hill gave her breakfast while explaining her medical condition and the need to improve her health.
• Hill took Song Zhi to Andaman Bay, where they talked about the seaside and his hometown.
• Lai'en told Song Zhi that her evacuation date had been postponed and that her assignment would be decided by her assessment results.

Hill confronted Song Zhi about suppressing her instincts and avoiding difficult realities, while Lu Yu tried to teach her to swim so she could survive on her own. Song Zhi managed to float, but she avoided Lu Yu’s question about her argument with Hill as they headed back to the dormitory.

• Hill lent Song Zhi a game console, then accused her of psychologically avoiding her feelings and warned that ignoring her body’s needs could put her life at risk.
• Song Zhi woke up in Hill’s arms, escaped to Lu Yu’s room, and later went with him to the beach.
• Lu Yu tried to teach Song Zhi to swim by throwing her into the water, then rescued her when she began to drown.
• Lu Yu coached Song Zhi through floating and basic movements until she managed to stay afloat.
• Lu Yu carried the exhausted Song Zhi back and asked whether she had argued with Hill, but she changed the subject and asked about Sri Lanka.
• Lu Yu told Song Zhi that Sri Lanka was beautiful and warned her not to provoke Hill.

Song Zhi boarded a transport plane after Group A received a new assignment, expecting to be left behind at the Sri Lanka base when her target assignment ended. She arrived safely and was met by Miller, while Lai'en ordered a medical examination and psychological counseling for her.

• Song Zhi joined Group A at the airfield, where Lai'en told the team they were leaving for an assignment in Algiers and that Hill would escort her to the transport plane.
• Hill showed Song Zhi the plane’s safety equipment, gave her money pooled by Group A, and kissed her before leaving her to board.
• Song Zhi flew to Sri Lanka, where the transport plane landed safely and she saw the bright city and signs of modern life.
• Miller found Song Zhi and reported her arrival to Lai'en, who ordered a comprehensive examination and psychological counseling and told them to remove her restraint collar after landing.
• Miller greeted Song Zhi warmly and welcomed her to the Sri Lanka base.

Song Zhi settled into her new apartment at the Sri Lanka Base Station and underwent medical and psychological examinations. Miller monitored her closely as her test results raised concerns about her violent tendencies, and he was told to keep observing her.

• Miller showed Song Zhi her apartment, then secretly watched her and reported to Lai'en that she had not entered the other rooms.
• The next morning, Miller took Song Zhi to the hospital, where she received priority access to a series of examinations.
• Song Zhi heard that the girl from the rainforest needed surgery and felt uneasy relief that Group A had not harmed her.
• Hans conducted Song Zhi's psychological assessment and noted her reactions while chatting with her about the future.
• Miller transmitted Song Zhi's results, learned that she showed an extreme tendency toward silent violence, and was instructed to keep observing her.

Song Zhi settled into life at the Sri Lanka base but struggled with her demanding studies and avoided spending the money Group A had left her because she thought it was a loan. After Miller explained that the money was a token of the squad’s feelings, she asked him to thank them and tell them she hoped they would return safely.

• Miller sent Group A a photo of Song Zhi studying and reported that she had failed her guide-course assessment.
• Lu Yu, Hill, Kelante, Wilk, and Lai'en received the photo and reacted to Song Zhi’s frugality and guide-course results.
• Lai'en denied Song Zhi’s application to leave for an Australian plantation, and Miller told her the money was meant to help her live comfortably.
• Song Zhi asked Miller whether Group A was doing all right and asked him to thank them and tell them she hoped they would return safely.

Song Zhi settled into life at the Sri Lanka Base Station, then learned that the apartment and privileges she had received were arranged by Group A. Kelante told her that her connection to Group A was only beginning, and would last until their lives ended.

• Song Zhi settled into her apartment and accepted her scheduled injection after a month in Sri Lanka.
• Kelante met Song Zhi at the hospital, took her shopping, and brought her back to the apartment.
• Song Zhi realized the apartment belonged to Group A and found a hidden camera, calling out Hill.
• Song Zhi confronted Kelante about being unable to go to the Australian farm to grow radishes.
• Kelante told Song Zhi that their connection with Group A was not over but had only begun.

Song Zhi realized she could not leave Group A and agreed to care for Wilk and Lu, while Kelante took her to begin one-on-one lessons in the guide specialization. The chapter ended with Kelante revealing that he was her instructor and locking them inside a classroom.

• Song Zhi accepted that she could not safely leave Group A and agreed to care for the injured Wilk and Lu.
• Kelante prepared a meal for Song Zhi and drove her to the library for her first guide specialization lesson.
• Song Zhi recited the textbook symptoms of PTSD, and Kelante urged her to understand how trauma affected each person differently.
• Song Zhi reflected that war had destroyed what the soldiers cherished and that peace might not last.
• Kelante unlocked a private classroom, revealed he was Song Zhi's one-on-one instructor, and locked the door after she entered.

Kelante showed Song Zhi footage of a mercenary squad killing civilians turned into human bombs, then explained the brutal choices soldiers face in war. Shaken by the images and memories of her own first killing, Song Zhi returned to the apartment and later found Kelante awake by the window, where he offered her wine.

• Kelante locked the classroom, dimmed it, and showed Song Zhi a recording of Lu Yu, Hill, and their squad advancing through the ruined oil town of Bas.
• The squad shot civilians, including children, who had been turned into human bombs, and Kelante stopped the footage when Song Zhi begged him to turn it off.
• Kelante told Song Zhi that the squad had suffered heavy casualties and explained that soldiers kill to survive; Song Zhi recalled killing a man who had threatened her life.
• Song Zhi asked to go back, then returned to the apartment, locked herself in her room, and struggled to sleep.
• Song Zhi went to the dim lounge and found Kelante smoking by the window, and he poured her half a glass of red wine.

Kelante got Song Zhi drunk and asked her to promise not to leave him or Group A before she fell asleep in his arms. Lai'en secured her assignment to Group A, and the team prepared to return to Sri Lanka the next morning.

• Kelante shared wine with Song Zhi and told her about the first person he had killed.
• Song Zhi became drunk, and Kelante asked whether she had joined Group A willingly and whether she would stay; she agreed to both.
• Kelante ended the voice message, kissed Song Zhi, and carried her to bed while Hill watched through a thermal camera.
• Lai'en pressured Karl into approving Song Zhi's transfer to Group A, despite Karl's concerns about Kelante's methods.
• Lai'en announced over the radio that Group A would return to Sri Lanka the next morning.

Song Zhi grew closer to Kelante as he cared for her in Sri Lanka, but a storm stirred her fears about the future. After Kelante left on a mission, Hill confronted her about what had happened between them during the blackout.

• Kelante helped Song Zhi study emergency medical care and rushed her home when a violent storm hit.
• During the blackout, Song Zhi worried that Sri Lanka might not stay safe, and Kelante comforted her and promised that Group A would not leave her behind.
• The storm passed, and Song Zhi found Kelante's note saying he had gone on a mission and would return to take her to her exam.
• Hill appeared in the apartment, criticized Song Zhi's nightdress, and stopped her from closing her bedroom door.
• Hill questioned Song Zhi about what Kelante had done during the blackout, citing fluctuations in her ECG readings.

Hill confronted Song Zhi about kissing Kelante, then took her to the hospital to visit Wilk and Lu Yu. Song Zhi split an apple between the two injured men.

• Song Zhi refused to let Hill in, but he forced his way into her room and questioned her about Kelante.
• Song Zhi admitted Kelante had kissed her, and Hill taunted her, then told her to get ready to visit the hospital.
• Hill made Song Zhi eat pineapple pizza and sent Kelante a photo of her eating it; Kelante suggested durian pizza next time.
• Hill drove Song Zhi to the hospital after taking a long detour, and they visited Wilk and Lu Yu.
• Song Zhi checked on Wilk and Lu Yu, then peeled an apple and divided it evenly between them.

Song Zhi cared for Lu Yu and Wilk in the hospital, then returned to the apartment with Hill, who warned her about the dangerous men around her. There, Lai'en summoned her to his bedroom and ordered her to sit on his bed, leaving her uneasy as he watched her.

• Song Zhi split an apple between Lu Yu and Wilk, removed Lu Yu's IV needle, and promised to visit them again the next day.
• Meili, the nurse, recognized Song Zhi but left the ward after Song Zhi took over her work.
• Hill drove Song Zhi back and challenged her about her feelings for Lu Yu, Wilk, and Kelante before warning that she had to become strong to survive.
• Song Zhi arrived at the apartment and found Lai'en waiting in training fatigues with a helmet and document envelope.
• Lai'en ordered Song Zhi into his bedroom and told her to sit; she chose the bed while he watched her coldly.

Lai'en told Song Zhi that K had assigned her to be Group A’s guide based on a recording of her agreeing not to leave the squad, and she reluctantly accepted the role. Hill began taking her to pack the injured Wilk and Lu Yu’s belongings, then drove her toward the hospital and her training.

• Lai'en showed Song Zhi her new identification and bank card and said K’s management had approved her application to join Group A as its guide.
• Lai'en played a recording of Song Zhi agreeing to stay with Group A, warned her that K would treat her as a traitor if she denied it, and ordered her to train as the squad’s guide.
• Song Zhi accepted the assignment, and Lai'en scheduled combat, information technology, firearms, and tactical-analysis lessons for her.
• Hill took charge of packing clothes for Wilk and Lu Yu and warned Song Zhi to be ready to leave for the hospital and training at seven the next morning.
• The next morning, Hill drove Song Zhi and Lai'en toward the hospital, then teased the sleepy Song Zhi about what awaited her in combat class.

Song Zhi trained with Hill, then Lai'en confronted her about her weakness and complacency in the apocalypse. She struggled to accept his criticism, but after eating, she went to Hill’s room to continue her lessons.

• Song Zhi practiced fighting with Hill until he ended the session and told her to shower and change before meeting the lieutenant.
• Song Zhi fell asleep in the car, and Lai'en carried her into the apartment and timed how long she slept.
• After Song Zhi woke two hours later, Lai'en criticized her complacency and challenged her to consider how she would survive if the group were killed.
• Song Zhi tearfully insisted she had not lost her reason to live, and Lai'en ordered her to eat and continue her lessons with Hill.
• Song Zhi ate the steak Lai'en had prepared, then went to Hill’s room and knocked.