Chapter 269

"Holy shit!" Someone in the lab blurted out.

In front of the surveillance screens, the entire research team gaped in disbelief. One person even spilled coffee all over their keyboard.

"That girl..." The middle-aged team leader adjusted his glasses. "She actually thought to negotiate with the system?"

Damian Cross chuckled, shoulders shaking. "Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant."

"Should we patch this loophole?" someone timidly suggested.

"Patch nothing!" The team leader slammed the table. "This is what we call innovative thinking!"

Damian nodded. "Exactly. The competition rules never said anything about buying and selling clues."

The other researchers exchanged glances, silently noting down this newly discovered exploit.

Meanwhile, Aria Bennett's teammates were practically bouncing in their seats with excitement.

"One point per team?" Ezra Vaughn counted on his fingers. "Thirty teams means thirty points!"

Ronan Caldwell adjusted his glasses. "That's a conservative estimate."

Declan Ross slapped his thigh. "We're rich!"

Miles Sutton glanced at Aria through the rearview mirror while speeding down the road. "Aria, is your brain made of diamonds or something?"

Aria lounged lazily in her seat. "You guys are just too honest."

"So what now?" Miles asked. "Ambush them?"

"No." Aria narrowed her eyes. "Let the fish come to us."

Ronan immediately caught on. "Settle in first, then spread the word."

"Smart." Aria snapped her fingers.

Just then, a military announcement crackled over the radio—they were establishing a survivor base.

Aria's eyes lit up. "Head to the military zone."

"Huh?" Ezra blinked in confusion.

But Ronan already understood. "Kill two birds with one stone."

They could earn goodwill points while using the broadcast to advertise their services.

Declan gasped in realization. "Aria, you're a freaking genius!"

The livestream chat exploded:

[OMG this move!]

[Who called Aria just a pretty face? Come say that again!]

[How's that humble pie tasting, haters?]

[From today, I'm officially an Aria stan!]

[Her IQ just outplayed the entire competition!]

Outside, zombies howled. Inside the car, laughter filled the air.

"Chopping with a cleaver makes my arms sore," Declan complained, shaking his wrist.

Ezra chewed on a toothpick. "Would be nice to get a gun."

Aria shot him down. "Dream on."

Then she smirked. "But... we could try our luck at the armory."

Their eyes instantly gleamed with anticipation.

The armored SUV executed a perfect drift through the horde of zombies, speeding toward the military zone.