Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies

Chapter 398: The Candidate

Zhang Yi turned and settled himself back onto the sofa. The others followed suit, waiting expectantly to hear his decision.

There were two pressing matters at hand: how to handle the Ice Soul and the upcoming battle plans. After all, according to the Great Decree, the allied forces would attack in three days.

Seeing the eager expressions on the faces of the ordinary members, Zhang Yi decided to address the Ice Soul situation first.

He spoke evenly:

“This Ice Soul, as you’ve heard, can help someone awaken as an Ability User. The West Bases have used it in the past, and so far, no side effects have been reported.”

“But I’m not convinced. I’ve never believed in things that are too good to be true.”

As he spoke, Zhang Yi’s gaze swept over everyone present.

The existing Ability Users in the group appeared indifferent. They already possessed powers, and living safely in the shelter meant they didn’t feel a pressing need to grow stronger. As such, they had little interest in a potentially dangerous Ice Soul.

However, aside from Yang Xinxin, all the ordinary members displayed strong desires.

For them, the possibility of gaining superhuman powers was irresistible. In the apocalypse, strength directly correlated to survival.

Zhang Yi looked at the hopeful faces and said:

“Understand this: I only intend to use one of the Ice Souls for now. Whoever uses it first will essentially act as a test subject.”

“If you’re willing to take that risk, raise your hand.”n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

The atmosphere grew tense as hesitation clouded the expressions of those present.

While they longed for powers, the thought of being the first to try an unknown and possibly dangerous artifact gave them pause.

Then, Yang Siyah raised her hand decisively.

“I’ll do it.”

Her eyes shone with determination. As a strong-willed woman, she refused to resign herself to being a useless ornament in the shelter.

Seeing Yang Siyah step forward, Zhou Ke’er quickly followed, raising her hand as well.

Even Zhou Haimei, despite her reservations, tentatively lifted her hand, her movements subdued.

Zhang Yi nodded with a faint smile and addressed Yang Siyah:

“Your resolve is the strongest. I’ve decided to let you use one of the Ice Souls.”

Yang Siyah’s face lit up with joy. Overcome with emotion, she threw her arms around Zhang Yi’s neck in an ecstatic hug.

“Thank you, Zhang Yi! Thank you so much!”

Zhou Haimei smiled faintly. Though disappointed, she quickly accepted the outcome. She didn’t have a particularly close relationship with Zhang Yi, so she hadn’t expected to be chosen.

On the other hand, Zhou Ke’er looked visibly annoyed. She clenched her fists and muttered something under her breath, clearly blaming herself for not acting quickly enough.

What they didn’t realize was that Zhang Yi’s decision had been made long before he’d asked for volunteers.

Allowing them to raise their hands was merely a formality.

Yang Siyah had always been his first choice.

• First, as the test subject, the candidate needed to be someone whose role in the group was minimal. If something went wrong, the shelter wouldn’t suffer a significant loss. This criterion ruled out anyone with crucial responsibilities.
• Second, the person needed to be easily controlled. Zhang Yi didn’t know what effects the Ice Soul might have, and if the user became hostile or unstable, they needed to be manageable.

Combining these criteria, Yang Siyah was the most suitable choice.

She contributed the least among the group, and her loyalty to Zhang Yi made her a safer option than others.

Yang Siyah was still clinging to Zhang Yi, her emotions overwhelming her as tears of joy streamed down her face.

“Thank you, Zhang Yi! This means everything to me!”

Zhang Yi gently patted her on the back, his tone calm:

“You’re important to me, Siyah. Of course, I’ll take care of you.”

After she calmed down, Zhang Yi turned back to the group to discuss the upcoming battle.

“Here’s my take: let’s put the potential alliances with Qingfu Base and the Baixue Sect aside for now.”

“Don’t trust anyone. For all we know, they’re testing us, and there’s a high chance they’ll betray us at the last minute.”

“Our priority remains the same—prepare to face the Western Alliance.”

Zhang Yi’s gaze darkened as he leaned forward, his voice growing colder:

“But if something changes on the battlefield... if their betrayal or cooperation tips the scales...”

His lips curved into a devilish smile.

“Then let this shelter become their tomb.”

The strategic plan largely stayed the same, though they now accounted for the uncertainty of Qingfu and Baixue’s involvement.

Once the discussion ended, it was time for the moment everyone had been waiting for—using the Ice Soul on Yang Siyah.

Human curiosity was a powerful thing, and even those who had expressed no interest in using the artifact were eager to witness its effects.

The process, according to the Great Decree, was straightforward: place the Ice Soul against the user’s forehead, and it would merge automatically.

For safety, Zhang Yi chose a secure, reinforced room to carry out the experiment.

Yang Siyah lay on a sturdy bed, her arms and legs restrained by straps to prevent any unforeseen incidents.

Her face was a mix of excitement and anxiety, her body trembling slightly as she awaited her transformation.

She didn’t know that, in Zhang Yi’s mind, there was a contingency for every possible outcome.

If she gained powers without incident, all would be well.

But if the Ice Soul caused unexpected changes—such as her being controlled or turning violent—Zhang Yi was prepared to do whatever was necessary.

He refused to dwell on the thought, knowing the decision would be brutal if it came to that.

As everyone gathered to observe, Zhang Yi opened the small wooden box, releasing a faint mist of white frost into the air.

The onlookers leaned forward, wide-eyed as two luminous white orbs came into view. They were irregularly shaped, faintly pulsing as though alive.

With steady hands, Zhang Yi donned gloves and used a pair of tongs to pick up one of the Ice Souls. Slowly, he lowered it onto Yang Siyah’s forehead.

The room fell into an expectant silence.

As soon as the Ice Soul touched her skin, thin, filament-like strands extended outward, latching onto her head like tendrils.

To everyone’s amazement, the crystalline orb began to melt and sink into her flesh.

The process was swift. Within seconds, the Ice Soul had completely fused with Yang Siyah, leaving behind a faint white mark on her forehead that shimmered briefly before fading.

Yang Siyah’s eyes lost focus, and her expression slackened. Moments later, her head fell to one side, and she drifted into a deep sleep.

“It’s done,” Zhang Yi announced. “We’ll monitor her condition closely over the next few hours.”

The group dispersed, leaving the reinforced room secured. Surveillance cameras were in place, and the walls were made of reinforced alloy, ensuring any emergency could be swiftly contained.

Author's Note