Chapter 74: Apocalypse IF Side Story

The Northern Base.

In the dead of night, the green lights of the restricted passage illuminate in sequence; only those executing emergency missions of S-rank or higher have clearance to enter or exit this zone. A slender, lithe figure approaches from the end of the corridor, the scent of heavy, cloying blood clinging to his frame.

After a routine scan confirms the mercenary returning from the field is uninfected, the duty doctor asks, 'Do you need treatment for those wounds?'

'They aren't mine.'

The mercenary speaks while peeling off his blood-stained coat, followed by his leather gloves. His well-defined fingers look blindingly pale under the cold, clinical lights.

He finally removes his mask and tosses all the discarded gear into the decontamination bin.

The doctor says, 'That is good. Thank you for your hard work.'

Before leaving, Shi Qi glances at the doctor one more time.

He looks familiar; he seems to have seen him in the Central Zone before.

If he is a doctor from the Central Zone, why is he working the night shift here?

But he quickly pushes the thought aside to process his mission settlement. Shi Qi belongs to TTOG, located in the Central Zone of the Northern Base, one of the top mercenary groups among the four major bases.

He pushes the door open just in time to hear Lin Yan briefing the new recruits: 'As everyone knows, Number 17 is the ace of our TTOG, maintaining a legendary one-hundred-percent mission completion rate to this day.'

The new recruits wear expressions of admiration. Lin Yan is satisfied: 'However, Qi-shen isn't here today; he’s out on an emergency mission. If you want to see the god himself, you’ll have to wait until next week—'

The sound of the door opening makes Lin Yan turn around. When he sees who it is, his words cut off abruptly.

Shi Qi says simply, 'Help me settle the commission for this run.'

'Are you even human, Shi Qi?! It’s only been three days since you took that mission!!'

Lin Yan is visibly shocked, talking to Shi Qi as they walk away. The new recruits nudge each other, none of them daring to step forward.

The mercenary codenamed '17' is famous, a veteran in the field for years; outsiders generally guess him to be around thirty. Most mercenaries are robust Alphas, and they had assumed '17' was no exception, but he is entirely different from the rumors.

'Did you see him? He’s so young.'

'Yeah! Twenty-something at most! And he doesn't look like an Alpha at all.'

'He is just so, so...!'

The new mercenary doesn't quite dare to say 'too beautiful' out loud, shifting his gaze and saying, 'Do you think I could ask him for an autograph?'

Seeing Shi Qi ready to leave after collecting his commission, Lin Yan stops him: 'Are you in such a rush to get back?'

'Something up?'

Lin Yan mutters, 'I think you’re the one with something up.'

Bewitched by some fox spirit who appeared out of nowhere, his heart completely tethered to someone else.

When he first heard Shi Qi had picked up an Alpha, Lin Yan nearly thought he was dreaming or hallucinating. When he learned Shi Qi let him live in his own home, Lin Yan was left completely dumbfounded.

He’s heard of Alphas keeping Omegas, but the reverse is a first.

Besides, Shi Qi has never been interested in Alphas; he’s even somewhat repulsed by them.

His striking appearance has earned him plenty of advances, mostly from Alphas. Once, a blind fool had the audacity to try and hire him as a personal bodyguard; after being rejected, the man wouldn't take a hint, so Shi Qi simply took action and sent him to the hospital.

Lin Yan jokes, 'What exactly is so good about Shang Sui that our baby runs home the moment he finishes a mission?'

After a moment, Shi Qi says, seemingly nonchalant: 'His scent smells very good.'

That sweet, soul-snaring scent was what drew him in involuntarily the very first time they met.

Just like now.

Shi Qi pushes open his front door. The interior, warm as spring, feels like another world compared to the freezing winter night outside. The pink-mist bellflowers on the island counter are lush and vibrant. The television, set to mute, is playing an old pre-apocalypse movie—a lighthearted Christmas comedy; the colorful imagery brings to mind a kaleidoscopic crystal ball.

When he lived alone, there was never anything extra in the house, and he couldn't be bothered to turn on the TV. With the large floor plan and the predominantly dark color scheme, Lin Yan used to tease him that his place looked like a cold, empty showroom.

Shi Qi suddenly understands why his married teammates would lament that the atmosphere at home is completely different from the past.

A house where an Alpha or Omega has lived for a long time will more or less retain some Pheromone, though faint to the point of being hard to detect, Shi Qi still smells the scent belonging to another person.

His nose twitches slightly. He follows the faint fragrance into the depths of the house, and the sight in the Art Studio makes him stop in his tracks.

A myriad of sunset rays dilutes the boundary between sky and ocean. The clouds’ burning edges and the flowing tide, along with the damp sand, are all submerged in a dazzling, golden sunset. The magnificent, unbelievable colors seem to illuminate the entire room through the canvas.

Due to professional habit, Shi Qi always walks without a sound, yet the person painting turns around at exactly the right moment.

'You’re back.' A smile ripples from the corners of Shang Sui’s eyes. 'Did the mission go smoothly?'

Shi Qi hums: 'Painting?'

'I’m painting the day we met.'

Three months ago, after finishing a mission, Shi Qi passed through Xiya Town just in time to catch a sunset after a rainstorm.

He thought he was the only one around, but from a distance, he saw someone standing on the beach, watching the lonely, magnificent scenery with him.

The sea breeze lifted the stranger’s hair. Their eyes met, and those fox-like eyes were full of shimmering light, as if this accidental encounter brought him immense joy.

For a moment, Shi Qi almost thought he knew him.

Shi Qi asked, driven by some impulse: 'Are you alone?'

After half a century, people have largely brought the zombie tides under control and expect to end the apocalypse within the next five years, but there are still very few lone travelers outside the bases.

Receiving an affirmative reply, Shi Qi offered: 'Do you want to come with me? It’s getting dark, and it’s not safe here.'

The strange Alpha not only followed him obediently but also ended up moving into Shi Qi’s house.

The other man is named Shang Sui, a painter who went to the beach to gather inspiration.

At first, Shang Sui suggested selling his paintings to pay rent, and Shi Qi went with him to meet a buyer. The buyer was also an Alpha, calling him 'Xiao Sui Gege' with every breath, acting exceptionally enthusiastic.

Jiang Yan reached out and gestured a number. Shi Qi’s face grew darker and darker, until he finally said stiffly: 'He’s not selling anymore.'

After saying that, Shi Qi dragged Shang Sui away. Jiang Yan chased after them: 'Why not! Wait, wait, the price can go even higher!'

Shi Qi’s expression was sour. After they had walked some distance, Shang Sui asked softly: 'What’s wrong?'

'Is he buying a painting? He’s practically trying to buy you.'

Shang Sui’s expression was strange; he seemed to want to say something but didn't know how to start.

Shi Qi, fearing he had misunderstood, quickly explained: 'I don't mean your paintings aren't worth that much, it’s just...'

After the apocalypse, the value of art is hard to maintain. Even with things improving, the price Jiang Yan offered was nearly as much as one of Shi Qi’s missions; it didn't look like a simple purchase of art.

'I like your paintings very much; they are beautiful,' Shi Qi said earnestly. 'Sell them to me. I’ll give you more money.'

Shang Sui asked instead: 'Then is Xiao Qi trying to buy me?'

Shi Qi froze.

'That’s fine,' Shang Sui said, smiling as he took Shi Qi’s hand before he could react, placing his own fingers into the Omega’s smaller palm. 'From today on, I am yours.'

Shi Qi wanted to say that wasn't what he meant, but the other man’s body heat traveled through their touching skin, accompanied by a faint, lingering fragrance.

A moment later, Shi Qi tentatively gripped Shang Sui’s hand.

I was the one who picked him up, so it’s only natural he belongs to me, right?

That vague, indescribable feeling was pulled along and amplified. Whenever Shi Qi went out, no matter how late, Shang Sui would wait for him to come home.

Originally, going on missions was more interesting to Shi Qi; he didn't mind a life on the edge, and the more dangerous it was, the more excited he felt. Even when he had no work, he was used to staying at the base to play games with Lin Yan. Home was just a place to crash, but now, it was the exact opposite.

Shi Qi washed away the lingering scent of blood while recalling his time with Shang Sui.

He changed into his pajamas and dried his hair. Before bed, he went to the island counter for water and unexpectedly found a fluffy little cat doll under the bellflowers.

It wore a pink-and-blue plaid scarf and a matching hat. Shi Qi picked it up and locked eyes with its round, gray eyes.

He couldn't help but pinch the cat’s paw; the texture was surprisingly good.

The cat doll gave off a sweet, honey-like scent. Shi Qi had seen Shang Sui making various crafts in his spare time, like seals.

Confirming that Shang Sui had made the cat himself, Shi Qi carried it toward the bedroom.

Powerful abilities come with a burden; most mercenaries suffer from insomnia. Shi Qi’s ability is too overbearing, and the side effects are more severe than for most.

It is said that the pheromones of someone you like can alleviate the insomnia caused by abilities. Shi Qi knew many in his team used this method to soothe themselves—some by finding a companion, others by using synthetic drugs. He had never encountered a scent he liked before, so the method had never worked.

He’ll just borrow it for the night and return it tomorrow morning.

With that thought, Shi Qi placed the cat doll by his pillow and, after a moment of hesitation, reached out to hug it.

The doll’s white-gold fur felt like a fluffy cloud. Wrapped in that familiar, sweet scent, Shi Qi relaxed his body without realizing it.

He rubbed his chin against the top of the cat’s head and was about to close his eyes in satisfaction when he heard a knock at the door.

'Xiao Qi, are you asleep?'

'Not yet.' Shi Qi shoved the doll under the covers. 'The door isn't locked, come in.'

Shang Sui is also wearing pajamas. A tattoo on his collarbone is visible beneath the deep V-neck—a butterfly pierced by a thin thread, winding its way down to rest on his sturdy chest, where the powerful muscle lines rise and fall with his breathing.

Shi Qi stares at his chest involuntarily, then quickly averts his gaze once he realizes what he is looking at.

Shang Sui says suddenly: 'They say that smelling a scent you like can help with insomnia.'

Shi Qi thinks he’s been caught hiding Shang Sui’s doll and feels like a cat whose tail has been stepped on: 'Who would like—' your scent.

'I haven't been sleeping well lately, and I wanted to ask for your help.'

Shi Qi brakes just in time.

Shang Sui seems not to understand: 'What did you say just now? Who would like what?'

'...Nothing, go on.'

'To me, your scent smells very good.' Shang Sui’s voice is lingering, like honey flowing past his ears. 'In return, mine shouldn't be too bad, right?'

Shi Qi says reluctantly: 'It’s alright, I guess.'

'Then can I sleep with you?' The Alpha walks toward the bed as he speaks, the light shifting in his eyes. 'I’ll stay quietly on the side and won't disturb you.'

Despite his polite and restrained words, he walks step by step to Shi Qi’s side.

Just like the countless times before, Shi Qi feels dazed under his gentle gaze and nods once again.

Granted permission, Shang Sui lifts the blanket. Shi Qi realizes what’s happening and tries to stop him, but Shang Sui sees the cat doll tucked by his thigh first.

Shi Qi is wearing only a top to sleep, and the loose hem covers most of his thighs, leaving the exposed skin as delicate as porcelain.

Shi Qi says uncomfortably: 'I thought it was cute, so I brought it in.'

Shang Sui stares at him for a long time, and just as Shi Qi is about to kick him, Shang Sui smiles: 'It is very cute.'

Shi Qi gets the feeling he’s implying something, so he simply reaches out and clicks off the light.

Excellent night vision allows Shi Qi to clearly capture Shang Sui’s movements. Seeing him get into bed, Shi Qi pulls the covers back up.

Compared to the small doll, the pheromones on Shang Sui are more alluring, a vivid, rich fragrance wafting from his glands.

But he lies down far away from Shi Qi, carrying out his promise to 'stay quietly and not disturb.' For the first time, Shi Qi feels his bed is incredibly large.

Shi Qi can't help but ask: 'Why are you staying so far away? Didn't you want to cure your insomnia?'

As the words fall, the thick, swirling fragrance intensifies.

Shang Sui not only moves closer but reaches out to gently drape an arm over Shi Qi’s shoulders. This embrace-like gesture would be easy to shake off, but Shi Qi stays pinned in place, motionless.

'Is this okay?'

Shi Qi originally wanted to say that he didn't ask him to stay so close, much less ask him to hold him.

But all that comes out is permission: 'It’s okay.'

Just before drifting off to sleep, Shi Qi vaguely remembers something: 'Why is your painting different from reality?'

The seaside town on the canvas is decked out in lights beneath the sunset, like a grand festival.

Unlike the scene Shang Sui depicted, that place is actually a ruin. Before the apocalypse, Xiya Town was a popular tourist destination; now, only the broken walls of the last century remain.

'To me, that day was a day of celebration.'

Shang Sui’s voice is soft, as if he had been waiting a long time for this encounter.

-

'Thanks for the help earlier.'

Shang Sui sits at the bar and says to the person beside him: 'How should I thank you?'

The information hub in the Central Zone is bustling. The last time he was here was with Shi Qi; he had wanted to sell a painting to the owner of the hub.

As he thinks of this, the owner in the distance waves at him happily, eager to run over and grab a drink, but his expression changes instantly upon seeing the person next to Shang Sui, and he vanishes in a flash.

Shang Sui looks at Shen Qianyu beside him; he assumes those two must have argued again.

'No need, you gave me a painting once.' Shen Qianyu also notices Jiang Yan’s colorful reaction and says calmly, 'Besides, the person you asked me to look after is very capable; I didn't really help much.'

Healing-type ability users are highly sought after in every base. Shen Qianyu’s ability to control infections in the early stages is even rarer; the Northern Base practically wants to enshrine him.

The emergency mission Shi Qi took last week was too high-risk. Even if Shi Qi didn't care, Shang Sui was worried, so he asked Shen Qianyu to hide his identity and go to the front lines, so that if Shi Qi had an accident, he could be treated immediately.

'If you really want to thank me, help me set up a meeting with Jiang Yan?' Shen Qianyu pauses. 'I can't get him to listen.'

Shang Sui nods: 'He might run away if he sees you, so it’s best to pick a meeting spot where it’s easy to catch him.'

Shen Qianyu says naturally: 'Thanks for the tip.'

The two look at each other, both feeling the other is heartless, but neither says it out loud.

Shang Sui changes the subject: 'Speaking of which, when Jiang Yan tried to buy my painting last time, Xiao Qi thought he was after something else.'

'He doesn't know who you are; it’s no wonder he found Jiang Yan’s high price strange.'

Shen Qianyu adds in his heart that it’s also strange how Jiang Yan calls Shang Sui so affectionately every time.

He’s never seen him call anyone else that.

'Why don't you tell Shi Qi the truth?'

If Shi Qi thinks Shang Sui is just an ordinary, powerless painter...

Shen Qianyu’s expression is subtle: 'Could it be... you just like being kept by Shi Qi?'

Given Shang Sui’s personality, it’s not impossible.

He expected Shang Sui to show off shamelessly, but he falls uncharacteristically silent.

After a long while, Shang Sui mutters to himself: 'If he knew who I was, I’m afraid he’d hate me.'

'Is Qi-shen really at odds with Ss?'

'Absolutely! Haven't you noticed they never take missions in the same region?'

'Ever since Ss made a name for himself in the abandoned mines, the battle for the title of top mercenary has been going on for three years. They say Qi-shen...' The mercenary speaking draws a line across his throat, making a silent decapitation gesture.

The person next to him gasps: 'Then if they meet, wouldn't they fight?! The TTOG base wouldn't be enough to contain the wreckage, right?'

'No.'

The gossipy enthusiasm is interrupted by a cold, flat denial. The voice is very pleasant, but it sends a chill down their spines.

Seeing the person in question appear, the new recruits who were just dancing with excitement go collectively silent, each looking ashamed.

'Those are all rumors,' Lin Yan says as he passes by, educating them. 'It’s one thing for outsiders to spread nonsense, but why are you repeating it?'

Besides mercenary groups, there are also lone mercenaries.

The mercenary with the codename 'Ss' belongs to no organization, and information about him is almost a blank slate. He takes very few missions, but the risks are extremely high. Rumor has it that Ss is likely in a Special Sensitivity Period.

Since the apocalypse, the Special Sensitivity Period no longer needs to be hidden; the trait that people once avoided has become an advantage. Those in the Special Sensitivity Period possess more robust physical qualities and are less prone to infection, making them perfect for life-or-death work.

Shi Qi and that person’s names are often mentioned together; both are legendary figures in the industry, and everyone loves to debate who is stronger.

Shi Qi doesn't mind; he’s actually a bit curious. Once, he asked a question about Ss, and by the time it got back to his ears, half a year had passed.

For some reason, his casual inquiry was twisted into them being sworn enemies, with a 'king-does-not-meet-king' vibe.

Shi Qi is speechless for a moment and stops paying attention.

Whatever, it’s not like there will ever be any intersection anyway.

Lin Yan follows Shi Qi’s footsteps. Although the kid is expressionless most of the time, Lin Yan knows him too well and can tell Shi Qi has been in a great mood lately.

Hampered by the burden of his ability, Shi Qi is occasionally decadent, like he could blow up the base, but he has been radiant lately. Lin Yan has a rough guess and asks, pretending to be casual: 'By the way, where does the Alpha you picked up sleep?'

'...'

The question is met with a suspicious silence. Lin Yan raises his voice: 'Shi Qi!'

'What!' the person called out retorts, 'Lin Yan!'

'I thought you were going to be ascetic for the rest of your life, but you really went all out once you opened up.' Lin Yan thinks of something, his expression particularly suggestive. 'You’ve really got talent, getting someone to repay you in this way.'

'?'

Shi Qi always feels that the dirty things in Lin Yan’s head are quite different from reality. Before he can speak, Lin Yan says, half-joking and half-serious: 'But Shang Sui’s identity seems a bit unclear, doesn't it?'

Shi Qi’s eyes flicker, and he doesn't take the bait.

'Even if your relationship with him is unusual, you must stay vigilant. Don't let yourself be seduced! What if he’s a trap aimed at you? Our TTOG is counting on you to bring glory to our ancestors and slaughter the enemy—'

'Forget it,' Shi Qi interrupts. 'You’re really good at making up stories.'

Lin Yan laughs, just about to say he’s joking and that Shi Qi knows what he’s doing.

'If he has ulterior motives...'

Shi Qi narrows his eyes slightly: 'I’ll break his hands and legs.'