Aside from Sofie's fatigue, James Lone noticed a traffic jam ahead, prompting the convoy to come to a stop.

Yes, a traffic jam. Just a few meters away, some genius had somehow managed to get an SUV stuck on this bumpy road. The vehicle was nothing more than an ordinary city SUV; it hadn't even been upgraded and was still sporting regular tires, so it quickly became hopelessly stuck in the mud.

The driver struggled futilely for quite a while, growing increasingly frustrated as he realized he couldn't get it out. Frustrated, he stood outside, seething with anger.

Onlookers who had hoped to hitch a ride laughed at his misfortune and quickly turned away, mocking him as they went.

James Lone opened the door and jumped out of the vehicle, followed by a bold Monroe.

The other women stayed inside, opting to avoid any trouble that might arise.

James shot Monroe a glance. She quickly flashed a smile, "If anything happens, I can keep an eye on the others."

James dismissed her offer. He never restricted the women's movements; just like how April sometimes ventured out through her portals unbothered, he never interfered.

The women appreciated their good fortunes even more when they witnessed the harsh reality outside. If any of them encountered danger while out alone—killed, captured—it was a risk they chose to take.

In this era of the apocalypse, James Lone himself couldn't guarantee he'd return home safely each day, let alone his group.

He viewed the women mostly as assets for resource gathering and hardly invested any emotional attachment.

If one of them were to be killed, he wouldn't mourn too much; he would simply exact vengeance tenfold on the perpetrator. Anyone who dared to touch his "toys" would pay with their life!

He shrugged slightly, "Just be careful."

Monroe nodded, "Got it. I'll stick close to you."

She had already seen that every survivor within her perception glowed with blatant hostility.

Looking back at the peculiar glint in the men's eyes, she started to doubt her decision to accompany James.

The crowd stared at the duo, mixing feelings of envy and jealousy among both men and women.

"We can't even get enough to eat, and they look pristine!"

"That woman is stunning; that jerk doesn't deserve her!"

"Damn it! Why does he look so clean while we're all munching on disgusting shepherd's purse?"

...

James Lone picked up on the hostility from the survivors around him, but it was inconsequential. The individuals within a few dozen meters were just regular people, posing no real threat to him.

Anyone who dared to make an aggressive move would be eliminated on the spot.

He approached the SUV with Monroe and calmly asked, "When do you think you'll be able to drive that thing out?"

The people nearby turned to observe them.

The owner of the SUV, frustrated, snapped without turning his head, "I wish I could get it out! I can't move it any more than you can!"

He continued to rant until he finally turned and noticed Monroe, his eyes widening with lust. "Hey, gorgeous, hop on in. I'll take you..."

Smack!

Before he could finish his sentence, James caught the man's head, forcing it down violently while simultaneously driving his knee into his face.

Crack!

The man's entire visage caved in, his lifeless body slumping to the ground.

The surrounding crowd gasped in shock.

"What the hell!" "He's brutal!" "Is he a superhuman?!"

...

James reached for the SUV's roof and exerted forceful energy.

Gravity distortion activated! Qi energy surged!

The two-ton SUV flew through the air like a basketball, landing far away amidst the treetops of the nearby forest.

The terrifying display left everyone around frozen in disbelief.

"Is he even human?!"

Murmurs of admiration, respect, awe, and shock bubbled through the crowd, all eyes fixed on James Lone.

Monroe proudly looped her arm through his, her neck arching with elegance. This man—he was hers!

Then, James suddenly turned to eye the purple mist behind them, noticing a crowd gathering by the convoy.

An elderly woman was clinging to the door of the RV, trying desperately to climb inside while arguing with the women inside.

James furrowed his brow, extending his perception towards the commotion. He could hear the old woman's voice rising above the noise.

"...You all are wearing military uniforms and driving a tank; you must be military personnel! Why should only these officials get rescued?"

Lily tried to reason with her amid a chorus of voices, "I swear, we're not military! We're just in a civilian vehicle."

"Ma'am, please step back; this isn't an army truck."

Ling yelled from nearby, clutching the door fiercely. "No! You're definitely military! Why are the soldiers only saving the rich, ignoring people like us? I sprained my ankle—I can't walk on my own, I need a ride!"

"You're inhumane! The soldiers are bullying us!"

"Why do those in power get to ride high above us?"

"Is it too much to allow one more person in such a big vehicle? Aren't we supposed to respect our elders?"

Lily sighed in exasperation as she watched the old woman throw a tantrum. With her seemingly spry legs, there was no sign of any injury.

Soon enough, a horde of scavenging survivors had gathered around, their greedy eyes glued to the beautiful women in the RV.

So many stunning women!

While they feared the power of the protector behind them, the prolonged commotion had ignited certain thoughts.

If that old woman could get on, surely they could too! If they could get on, who knows what opportunities could arise...

Shirley Inr Won and Sofie peeked from the tank, while Wot hesitated, feeling conflicted about whether to get involved.

However, upon seeing the absurd expression of the husky, he hesitated to make a move.

More beautiful women in the crowd further stirred the restless survivors.

Once that repressed desire surfaced, it became impossible to control.

Some bolder survivors crept forward, while the timid slipped away.

In that moment, James Lone approached the RV, standing beside Monroe.

"Monroe, you should get in first."

Ling clung to the door and shouted, "Is there a line? Didn't you see I was first?"

James remained silent initially.

Monroe quickly interjected, "Auntie, this is our personal vehicle, you—"

With so many people around, she felt uneasy causing trouble for James.

Ling, increasingly agitated, flushed with excitement, her voice rising, "What do you mean personal vehicle!? Is the tank yours too? Who are you trying to fool? Even if it were yours, knowing the elderly need help during dangerous times, shouldn't you assist?"

Pfft!

Ling's eyes widened in disbelief as a knife suddenly emerged from her chest.

"Wha—what's happening...?"

Ling slumped to the ground, lifeless within seconds.

James stepped past her corpse, facing the crowd with a calm demeanor.

"Do you want to make a move, or should I take action?"