Part 1
The next day, a nationwide announcement broke over the emergency broadcast network, catching everyone off guard and sparking a wave of excitement.
**"Attention! Wild mushrooms have been confirmed growing in barren lands, forests, mountains, and any exposed soil. Identified by their white caps with distinct brown stripes, these mushrooms are edible, high in protein, and filling. According to researchers, they are expected to keep appearing until the Torrent Rain ends.
All citizens are encouraged to collect them. They will officially be named Torrentcap Mushrooms. The government will also be accepting them in exchange for points at designated collection centers."**
Across the country, people were already turning their heads toward the nearest stretch of wild land, hands itching for baskets and bags. In the chaos of scarcity, even a single mushroom with a name like that sounded like hope.
Part 2
Han Yue woke up around eight, rolling over in bed to check her smartwatch. A new announcement flashed across the screen, and she smiled.
Hehe… today Long Yi will go on a stroll with me~ We can collect mushrooms together.
In a good mood, she hopped out of bed and headed for the shower. Afterwards, she dressed up in a cute yellow sailor-themed raincoat with a matching hat, boots, and umbrella. She tied her hair into pigtail braids, adding yellow ribbons at the ends for the final touch. Her little bunny got its own yellow ribbon around the neck — perfectly coordinated.
When she went downstairs for breakfast, she found little Zhihan and Rose watching TV. The moment they spotted Han Yue's raincoat outfit, they immediately guessed her plans.
"Sister! Do you want to collect mushrooms today?" they chorused, eyes sparkling.
Han Yue was chewing a sausage. "Mmmm… yesh. Nom nom… after breakfast," she replied with her mouth full.
Zhihan and Rose giggled, cheered, and dashed upstairs to get ready.
While eating, Han Yue took out her phone and texted Long Yi:
Let's go out on a stroll to collect mushrooms with the kids.
He replied quickly:
Ok. I'll be there in 20 minutes.
Although Long Yi had been delegating more authority and responsibilities to his men lately, he still preferred showing up at the office. That didn't mean he stayed chained to it — now he had the freedom to leave whenever he wanted. After all, he had trained his people for years; they were capable and trustworthy.
After breakfast, Han Yue lounged in the living room, playing with her little bunny as it hopped around the table. Before long, the kids came downstairs, both wearing cute yellow raincoats that looked like school uniforms. Han Yue nearly squealed — they were just too adorable.
Right on time, Long Yi arrived in a sleek black raincoat. Han Yue thought to herself with a sigh, God's chosen son… why so handsome? He can just wear black and still look like a leading man.
The four of them set out. Long Yi held a black umbrella over himself and Han Yue, while the kids ran around in the drizzle with baskets in hand. They strolled leisurely along the mountain paths outside the base, hand in hand, enjoying the day — minus the gloomy grey skies.
Mushrooms were everywhere, sprouting from the wet earth. The kids kept picking them, but their little baskets could only hold three Torrentcaps at most due to their huge size. Han Yue, on the other hand, just waved her hand and swept up entire patches into her space.
Long Yi didn't even blink at her casual display — he was far too used to her "outrageous" ways. Out of sight, out of mind.
They continued walking when a sharp snap echoed from the dead black trees to their left. A mutant wolf burst out, eyes glowing red, saliva dripping from its jaws as it locked on to the children. With a guttural growl, it lunged.
It was so sudden that no one had time to shout — but before the beast could reach them, a black mist wrapped around it. The wolf let out a bone-chilling scream as its body was crushed, slowly and inexorably, by an unseen force.
Long Yi stood with one hand raised, his face unreadable. He closed his fist, and the creature's cries stopped forever.
The kids froze, wide-eyed. Wow… brother's powers are so strong… and scary…
Han Yue tilted her head, genuinely impressed. "Cool. When did you manage to control your powers to this level already?"
Long Yi's lips curved into a smile at her praise. "I've been training at night ever since I awakened them," he said, squeezing her hand affectionately.
Somehow, the moment turned sweet and romantic instead of terrifying.
Zhihan and Rose looked at each other, nostrils flaring. Omg… so this is what Grandpa meant by eating dog food! They burst into giggles, the mutant wolf's gruesome end already forgotten.
Han Yue waved her hand, quietly storing the beast into her space. Hehe… can't waste resources.
And just like that, they continued their stroll, baskets filling with Torrentcap Mushrooms under the steady drizzle.
On the other side, many citizens rushed out to gather mushrooms after hearing the nationwide announcement. Some saw it as a chance to stockpile food, others as an opportunity to earn government points. Families, neighbors, and even strangers worked together to collect them.
Some people roasted the mushrooms at home, others minced them into patties or stewed them into hearty soups. After eating, they finally understood the announcement's meaning—these mushrooms truly satisfied hunger. Joy spread across the city.
For some, it was hope—one more way to survive in this chaotic world. For others, it was simply relief from the gnawing emptiness in their stomachs. Spirits lifted. Groups ventured into the mountains, others joined patrols to reach remote areas, and some tagged along with mission teams to gather more.
The rain kept falling. A week had already passed, and the prelude of the Torrent Rainstorm was nearing its end—just a day or two more before the real danger began. But for now, everyone took the opportunity to collect while it was still safe.
Meanwhile, an emergency meeting was being held between the government and the military. The mushroom report had already been received that morning, but an even greater matter demanded attention—the Awakening Potion had appeared.
Two vials, along with a complete research report and a video experiment, had been delivered. The footage showed a test subject drinking two bottles of the potion and, after a delay, successfully awakening with newfound power.
Shock rippled through the room. High-ranking officials, along with retired figures who still held great influence, reacted in different ways—some cheered, some sat in stunned silence, others whispered with sharp excitement.
A few immediately suspected a trap or conspiracy. Others argued it should be tested on a volunteer first. Voices clashed. Hands gestured wildly. The video was replayed again and again, the report passed from one person to the next.
In the midst of the noise, the president leaned back, eyes deep with thought.The seed has taken root, he mused, watching the chaotic meeting unfold.