Elijah had also considered the possibility that the virus outbreak might have resulted from a laboratory leak in Country A.
However, he felt that even if there was a leak, it couldn't possibly spread globally in an instant.
Later, when Charlotte discovered that the zombie virus appeared alongside the mysterious Chi recorded in ancient scrolls, Elijah felt even more skeptical about the laboratory leak theory.
After all, while Country A could produce various novel viruses, could they also create something as ancient as Chi?
So, when Elijah heard Zoe say that the virus outbreak originated from Country A, he didn't believe it at all.
Elijah suspected that Zoe might have passed on misinformation, received incomplete information, or even been deceived by Elena.
After building a small ice house to protect the snow lotus spirit plants with his freezing ability, Elijah returned to the shore.
He was planning to have the remaining second-tier zombies guard the group of survivors when he suddenly overheard a conversation between the white-clad female zombie and Kylie and Abigail.
"You... are like us... why... listen to humans...?"
Kylie didn't respond, but Abigail, who had appeared out of nowhere, squatted down curiously looking at the white-clad female zombie.
She replied with a grin, "Because... we can get food without doing it ourselves, filling our stomachs! Hmm! And we can become stronger!"
As Abigail spoke, she even licked her lips!
The white-clad female zombie's eyes widened in surprise.
Just... this?
She then turned to look at Kylie.
"Because... there are important people!"
"Hmph, besides, what do you mean 'listening to humans'? Humans are just working for me, helping me get food. I listen to them just to make sure they don't slack off and stay motivated!"
Abigail said proudly.
Elijah was dumbfounded!
So, this is what you think, little girl?
She used her freezing ability to create a wide area of ice around her, forcing Elijah to back off, and then she adjusted her body.
After a while, she didn't detect anything abnormal, but she had a nagging feeling that something wasn't right, especially with Elijah's persistent, seemingly benign smile.
Elijah wasn't actually smiling benignly at her; he was focused on the line of consciousness between them. Indeed, his suspicions were correct!
At this point, with the Seed of Consciousness planted and the contract established, Elijah had not issued any commands.
Even though the white-clad female zombie used her freezing abilities extensively again, it was much less effective than in the lake.
No matter how much she struggled, there were no signs of breaking the line of consciousness.
This made things easier!
Elijah took out his phone and waved it at the white-clad female zombie, saying, "I told you before, I just want to take a picture with you. There's no need for all this hostility!"
The white-clad female zombie didn't believe him at all! Elijah wasn't expecting her to; he was just reiterating his previous excuse to reinforce her impression.
Meanwhile, he repeatedly transmitted this message through the line of consciousness.
This repetition of words, not involving commands, made the zombie believe she was just mentally reviewing Elijah's words, thus not triggering her resistance.
"I know you don't believe me, but I really do just want to take a picture. Since you can't escape now, why not trust me this once? If you cooperate, I can heal one of your legs afterward!"
Elijah continued with his friendly tone and repeated this message in the zombie's mind as an echo.
Influenced by this, the white-clad female zombie hesitated. She neither agreed nor refused!
"You can just stay there; I'll take the picture myself and make sure not to touch you. How about that? You have nothing to lose and could even get one leg healed!"
Elijah continued to persuade her as he slowly approached the white-clad female zombie. Her body tensed immediately, wanting to attack Elijah, but she forcibly restrained herself!
Elijah saw this and felt a surge of happiness. It was indeed effective!
He slowly squatted next to the white-clad female zombie, posed for a selfie with his phone, and as the phone recognized the white-clad female zombie, it unlocked the screen.
Elijah's face lit up with joy, but he didn't leave immediately. Instead, he opened the camera and took a selfie! The phone's screen captured the expressionless face of the white-clad female zombie Elena and Elijah's beaming smile.
Then Elijah promptly went to the phone settings and changed the screen timeout to never. This way, the phone would remain usable for a short period without being locked.
After completing this step, Elijah turned to the white-clad female zombie Elena and said, "Alright, now I'll heal one of your legs. Please don't move!"