Rebirth of MC

Today, the soldiers of A City's safe zone are treated to a sight that makes them feel very strange.

"I must have woken up on the wrong side of bed today. If not, how could I be seeing the Boss taking the daily task of sweeping?" Soldier Jia hits the back of his palm against his temple as he gives a strained laugh.

"That's right ah. That's right ah. How can our formidable and peerless Boss be doing something as insignificant as daily assignments? At minimum, he should be taking on S-rank missions that give red points ah!" Soldier Yi nods in firm agreement.

"Is that so" Soldier Bing blinks in confusion as he stares at his two close friends.

"Naturally ah! Blahblahblah"

Just as this group of soldiers are chatting and laughing, a bland voice sounds from the side.

"What are you all gathering here for? Are you so free? Since you seem to have nothing to do, then run laps around this safe zone" Clad in camouflage military attire, an imposing man carrying a broom on one shoulder and biting down on an unlit cigarette quirks an eyebrow as he stares at the soldiers.

Although this individual is very handsome, in the eyes of these soldiers, he is a terrifying being. In a flash, the idle men snap to attention in unison, saluting as one.

"Reporting to senior officer! We are very busy!"

"That's right ah. I need to patrol the perimeter wall."

"I also need to guard the safe zone's outer gates"

"I need to"

Sweeping a light glare over the men, Long Zhanye barks. "Then quickly hop to it!!"

"Yes, Sir!"

A chorus of affirmatives and a dust cloud rises as the group dashes away with a striving to be the first, fearing to be the last attitude. For the one who falls behind will be subjected to Long Zhanye's punishment of running laps around the safe zone. Everyone knew the fate of being the unlucky one as all of them are no stranger to their Boss' sadistic penalties.

"Hehe" A light snicker rises. In this safe zone, the number of people who dare tease Long Zhanye can be counted on one hand. However, the only one whose teasing Long Zhanye is willing to be subjected to and even take delight in is Huo Zaiyuan. "They seem very afraid of you."

"It is called 'being dignified." Turning around, Long Zhanye's mouth curls up around the cigarette as he looks at the still laughing Huo Zaiyuan.

"Un, very dignified indeed." Staring at the man biting an unlit cigarette and shouldering a broom, Huo Zaiyuan chuckles again before calling out to the soldier supervising the sweepers. "We're done. Please inspect it."

He hands out two cards to the soldier for stamps as soon as the other approaches.

"Yes, yes." The supervisor walks over stiffly, secretly glancing towards Long Zhanye out the corner of his eye. Taking the offered cards, he stamps twice and returns them.

Their remarkable and extraordinary Boss personally swept this floor. Even if there are piles of dead leaves and a thick layer of dirt on the ground, it will still be considered very clean. Nonetheless, this attractive little older brother accompanied their Boss and actually swept this place spotless, so the soldier doesn't hesitate to give them stamps. But even so, respectfully sending off this demon king is his top priority.

Stowing the cards away, Long Zhanye and Huo Zaiyuan depart under the anticipating gazes of the nervous soldiers.

Returning to the Missions Hall and turning in their completed assignment, Long Zhanye asks, "What assignment should we take on next? Tilling the soil, watering crops, moving items, paving, construction orhmm? Why are you staring at me? Do I have something on my face?"

"It's nothing. I only feel that group of soldiers are correct," Huo Zaiyuan replies, smiling lightly.

"What did they say that you think is right?" He naturally overheard what those men were saying when he was sweeping, but all he remembered was being annoyed by the noisy chatter.

"You are more suited to undertake S-rank missions that give red points."

Long Zhanye is someone who likes to show off his abilities. No matter if it is the end of the world or a peaceful period, he is forever standing high above, overlooking everyone else.

"Without little Yuan by my side, no matter how many S-rank missions there are, I wouldn't give a damn. Since little Yuan likes doing daily assignments, I will gladly accompany you. Even if it only gives ten green points each, I am perfectly contend with it," Long Zhanye says very seriously as he drapes an arm around Huo Zaiyuan's shoulders.

No matter how serene Huo Zaiyuan is, after hearing this man publicly declare such mushy words with a straight and sincere face, his heart can't help but be touched, thumping rapidly in his chest.

"Then, let's go patrol the perimeter walls"

"All right."

~~~

Today, the civilian volunteers assisting the soldiers in patrolling the outermost perimeter wall sense a very strange atmosphere pervading the place. That's because they feel that the soldiers here today are especially vigilant, expression serious with no trace of laughter or lax attitude. This causes them to wonder if a horde of undead are approaching, or some large monster has been spotted, aiming to attack the safe zone. Consequently, they too dare not relax in the slightest, staying alert at all times for the entire six-hour shift.

Of course, Long Zhanye and Huo Zaiyuan are not counted amongst the tense and cautious soldiers. Right this moment, the two are currently studying a large cannon stationed at one of the artillery platforms on top of the wall.

"I'm surprised A City still have this kind of cannonsthis is my first time seeing one." Huo Zaiyuan marvels as he runs his fingers along the ancient cannon. A curious and thrilled expression breaks the constant tranquillity, sparkling eyes capable of moving anyone who sees it.

"This kind of cannon is capable of creating a very powerful strike, and its range is very far. The other platforms surrounding this one holds modern mortars and howitzers to provide supporting fire. The shells used by this cannon is easier to manufacture compared to mortars and howitzer shells, and it doesn't require too many materials either. Should the zombies ever lay siege to the safe zone, this cannon's bombardment power would be one of our greatest assets," Long Zhanye explains patiently.

"And here I thought all artilleries are the same." He eyes this plump and round cannon appreciatively.

"Beloved, you are not thinking about taking a shell back with you to study, are you?" Seeing the flickering expressions crossing the child's eyes, Long Zhanye questions in amusement.

The member of the field artillery team in charge of this ancient cannon is currently standing aside. Although he valiantly maintains an expressionless mask while busying himself with other tasks, he is in fact unreservedly eavesdropping on the conversation.

Hearing Long Zhanye asking if Huo Zaiyuan wants to bring a shell back to study it, the corners of his mouth trembles slightly against his will as he murmurs in his heart. Boss, you've been running around the military base since you were a toddler. At the age of three or four, you are always hugging an artillery shell like a stuffed toy to sleep. Now you want to carry one of this stupid cumbersome things back home to study? This is not how you should woo your wife, right?

"I'm a little curious, but forget it. Artillery shells are precious resources. In the off chance a siege does occur, one more shell killing a group of zombies will make the safe zone that little bit more secure." Shaking his head in a negative, Huo Zaiyuan rises to his feet.

"My little Yuan is so kind-hearted." Drawing Huo Zaiyuan close, he drops a kiss on his cheek.

This one action causes the sneakily watching soldier to suffer a great shock.

This gentle and caring manis he really the great demon king they are all so familiar with?

It seems he woke up on the wrong side of bed today.

Six hours later, Huo Zaiyuan and Long Zhanye's shift comes to an end. Once the two departs from the perimeter wall, everyone heaves a sigh of relief.

Huufinally left.

Although spending an entire afternoon patrolling the perimeter walls is not a difficult task, one will still feel hungry come sunset.

After handing in their assignment, Long Zhanye glances at the person by his side. "It's mealtime, shall we return home to cook or look for a restaurant to have dinner at?"

Within the safe zone, a few able chefs set up businesses of their own. Compared to restaurants from before the apocalypse, the dishes served up here wouldn't be able to meet those high standards. But now, in this chaotic world, a small plate of thinly sliced meat costs a few red points.

With his status as a senior officer, even if Long Zhanye doesn't actively do missions to earn transaction points, he doesn't have to worry about lacking credit. Solely by completing his day-to-day military affairs, he will be able to accumulate a large bulk of points. Therefore, it is safe to say he is not lacking in funds, and the only reason he accompanies Huo Zaiyuan in doing meagre tasks is simply for the fun of it.

"Don't want to go to restaurants." Huo Zaiyuan shakes his head, gaze landing on a piece of green flatbread in a passerby's hands. "Let's eat that. We can use the points we earned today."

Looking at the flatbread, Long Zhanye nods. "Okay."

During this period when there is a shortage of food, these green flatbreads are made from dried beancurd and soybeans mixed with plain flour. It is considered the most common food within the safe zone, and a piece the size of a plate costs ten green points each. Although it doesn't taste good, it is rich in nutrients and able to stave off hunger for longer.

Unlike other well-brought up sons of high officials, Long Zhanye doesn't spit the food back out after taking a bite, even if this is his first time eating something like this. Chewing a mouthful of bland bread, he slowly swallows it down.

The corner of Huo Zaiyuan's mouth twitches, watching the man's composed face as he chews, a soft giggle rising unbidden.

Rough texture, dry and bland taste mixed with a hint of sourness, it is not very appetizing, but not so bad that one cannot stomach it.

"The person who made this flatbread is rather skilful."

"Indeed. This kind of food can be considered pretty luxurious when there is a shortage of food." Long Zhanye murmurs in agreement. "In the past, when I was out training with the Special Forces, I ate tree barks after our rations were exhausted"

"" Huo Zaiyuan tilts his head, then says. "I ate grassroots in my previous life."

"It's pretty fortunate to be able to eat this flatbread now."

"Un." Huo Zaiyuan takes another bite out of his own piece. "Not to mention, we bought it using the points we earned"