With a sense of responsibility, Xu Renjie did not easily conclude the "annihilation" of the second squad based solely on Sang Biao's one-sided statements.

After all, as a soldier, from the first day he donned the uniform, he was told never to abandon his comrades and brothers on the battlefield.

Therefore, he needed to see them alive or retrieve their bodies if dead. Xu Renjie gave Luo Yi a straightforward task: to confirm whether Sang Biao's statement was true. If there were any signs of survivors, they must investigate to the end and bring them back no matter what.

Orders were as unyielding as mountains. Upon receiving the command, Luo Yi immediately gathered Sang Biao, and under the latter's guidance, the rescue verification squad began a week-long search operation.

They carefully examined every possible hideout following the second squad's route, but unfortunately, the only things they found were zombies that had long since transformed. They discovered no sign of any living beings.

Of course, the search was not entirely fruitless. At the crash site of the second squad, Luo Yi confirmed the following:

Firstly, the car crash did occur, with the vehicle colliding with a roadside light fixture.

Secondly, there was a shattered skeleton in the driver's seat, though blurred by fire, still retained some semblance of a figure.

Thirdly, there were traces of blood and several joint-like objects scattered several hundred meters from the burnt vehicle. Although these bones could not verify their owner's identity, it was undeniable they originated from members of the doomed second squad.

A week later, Luo Yi documented everything he saw, heard, and felt in detail.

When Xu Renjie saw the search report, his already weary face revealed even more exhaustion.

Undoubtedly, he had to make a decision.

The report Luo Yi submitted was exceptionally detailed, confirming the incident that befell the second squad. Although it couldn't be fully determined if all members perished, based on current circumstances, finding survivors seemed like an almost impossible task.

After all, in such a vast city, searching blindly without any leads was like finding a needle in a haystack.

Not only was it unlikely they could find them, but the potential additional personnel losses were something Xu Renjie didn't want to see.

Moreover, fuel was a real issue that had to be considered. The base had already expended substantial precious fuel for the "fruitless search of the week." Continuing this would jeopardize the base's future resource replenishment.

"Everyone" or "the family" — only one could be protected, a painful decision for the military-bred Xu Renjie.

Although he did his due responsibility, the fact remained that he had sent out the second squad, and not bringing them back was something Xu Renjie found difficult to forgive himself for.

But balancing reality with rationality had never been easy. Sometimes, despite knowing what should be done, the various constraints of reality forced compromises.

After contemplating and weighing the pros and cons for a long time, Xu Renjie eventually penned large characters at the end of the report Luo Yi submitted: "Second squad, all members annihilated"!

Closing the report indifferently, Xu Renjie exhaled a long breath, the relentless toil of two months had taken a toll on this rugged man.

However, a soldier remains strong; Xu Renjie did not succumb to despair.

As the saying goes, the battle continues, life goes on. The 200-plus people in the base were relying on him, so he must persevere.

The next day, the base held a general assembly, which was undoubtedly a novel event for survivors who had lived here for nearly two months.

Most of them witnessed such a large-scale gathering organized by the base for the first time, so along with curiosity, there was a touch of anticipation.

Everyone sat in order on the circular stands of the venue, while Tang Xiaoquan and others chose seats in the better central location.

"Hey, guys? What do you think is the reason for this big event today?" Wu Chao spoke with a slant in his mouth, his eyes fixed on Xu Renjie slowly walking up from below the stands.

Wang Qiang shrugged indifferently, "Come on, isn't it obvious? They must be announcing that big plan!"

Veterans like Lao Lin and others agreed, as apart from that "big plan," they couldn't think of anything else worth such effort from the base.

"Alright! Please quiet down!" Without any amplification, Xu Renjie's powerful voice reverberated through the bustling gymnasium.

In an instant, all the survivors who had been quietly talking closed their mouths and turned their eyes towards the front podium.

Seeing the crowd quiet down, Xu Renjie cleared his throat and continued, "I have two announcements to make today."

Upon hearing this, Lao Lin and Lao Zhao exchanged glances, somewhat surprised by Xu Renjie's mention of "two things."

"Firstly, as you all know, last week, the three squads we recruited went out for the first material search mission. I'm sure you've heard about the events that transpired."

"I'm sorry to inform you all, but after a week-long confirmation, we have reason to believe the second squad has been completely annihilated!"

A brief uproar ensued. Although those on the stands were mentally prepared, hearing Xu Renjie personally deliver this result left them deeply affected.

After all, for survivors cocooned within the high walls, they hadn't faced the threat of death for a long time; they'd nearly forgotten about "zombies."

Yet now, the annihilation of the second squad unmistakably sounded an alarm in their nearly "forgetful" minds:

The apocalypse continues! They are still in danger!

Reciting the names of the five fallen members of the second squad, each name was like a sharp knife stabbing Xu Renjie's heart.

"I hope everyone remembers these names, because it was their selfless courage that gave us the possibility to live! I also hope each of you will carry on their fearless spirit, for only then will humanity have a chance to reclaim our home!"

At this point, Xu Renjie instinctively paused, solemnly scanning the entire assembly, and then, with an indisputable tone, commanded, "Everyone, please stand, let us observe a minute of silence for these fallen heroes!"

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