Just as Waldo was about to level up, the chat channel became abuzz with discussions about him again. Many people were gathering, eager to know what had happened to him.

"Heh, times have changed. Waldo is no longer the same. He’s become a relic of the past."

"Yeah, now the highest-level survivor, the most powerful one, is Ronald!"

"Absolutely, I’m willing to call Ronald the boss of the strongest survivors!"

"Hey guys, I have good news for you. Ronald is planning to expand his influence and even intends to flatten the West District!"

At this point, someone interjected, catching everyone’s attention.

"Today, half a month later, Waldo is no longer the most admired person. After all, he has been gone for too long. Many survivors have turned their attention to the newly risen Ronald! He is currently the highest-level survivor in City 25, with a lot of popularity."

This statement attracted the attention of many. "Is it true? Is Ronald really planning to expand his influence? Can I join?"

"If Ronald is really planning to expand his influence, I’d join even if I have to fight my way in!"

"Me too!"

"It’s well-known that Ronald is the most powerful survivor right now. Joining his team means we can survive the apocalypse for much longer and go much further!"

"That’s right, this means a bright and prosperous future!"

"By the way, do you guys know where we can sign up? I’d like to join and stick to Ronald’s side. I hope nobody minds!"

"Get out of here! Dammit, I don’t even know how to get in!"

The crowd was engrossed in discussion when suddenly, a user with the ID "Ronald" spoke up.

Ronald: "Hello everyone, I am indeed the Ronald you’ve been talking about. You’re right, I do have plans to recruit on a large scale, and I hope you all will enthusiastically join. Rest assured, I will not mistreat anyone. We’ll level up together and manage the West District as a team!"

The chat channel fell silent for a moment, then numerous survivors expressed their astonishment.

"Oh my god, it’s really Ronald!"

"Ahhh, is that Ronald’s profile picture for real? So handsome, I’m in love!"

"Indeed, Ronald is different. He gives me a warm feeling, and I really like him."

"Yeah, that’s right. Not like someone, all cold and acting aloof. And now? Haha, all I can say is that times have changed!"

"Someone? Are you talking about Waldo?"

"Yes, it’s him."

"Now he’s nowhere to be found, it’s hilarious! He’s probably been killed by zombies."

"Haha, you should’ve seen how high-profile he used to be. So annoying. It’s good that he’s dead, perfect!"

Just as the crowd began to pile on criticism against Waldo, Ronald stepped in once more.

Ronald: "Let’s not mock Waldo anymore. Regardless of anything, Waldo is our predecessor, and he was invincible for a while. He deserves our respect. Now, we should wish him well, hoping he’s safe."

"Wow, I knew it, Ronald is too kind, even defending Waldo."

"That’s right, you guys should see how Waldo’s supporters were bad-mouthing Ronald, saying that Ronald wasn’t as good as Waldo."

"I laughed at that. Waldo? What’s he? He’s not even qualified to be Ronald’s underling!"

At this moment, an incongruous voice appeared:

Binder: "Haha, when Waldo shows up, that’s when you’ll eat your words! A bunch of frogs in a well, comparing yourselves to Ronald, who’s barely level 35? It’s ridiculously laughable!"

At this moment, in West District, Binder and his friend Digby’s residence, Binder was filled with anger. Some people were truly opportunistic. When Waldo didn’t appear, and Ronald became the only survivor at level 35, they all kneeled and licked boots.

What’s more, among these people, Binder recognized several familiar faces who were once Waldo’s supporters. Now, they had become Ronald’s supporters, even going as far as vilifying Waldo. It was this group of people who were the most enthusiastic and shameless in their insults!

"Heh, the big waves wash away the sand, adversity reveals true colors, just as I thought!" Binder chuckled coldly.

This time, he finally saw the true faces of some people. But it was also a good thing. At least by now, those who were willing to support Waldo, those who believed in Waldo, were the true supporters, Binder thought to himself.

Then, he quickly adjusted his mindset because he was already certain that Waldo was alive and well. Moreover, it seemed that Waldo was preparing something significant. Judging by the recent commotion he caused, Waldo’s strength had probably reached a terrifying level. Perhaps all it took was one opportunity to shock everyone!

Afterward, Binder sped up, editing the videos he had shot today and preparing the text. He had to inform everyone as soon as possible that Waldo was about to make a triumphant return!

An hour later, Binder finally finished editing the video and writing the text. He quickly posted both the video and the text on the public chat channel.

The content in the video was truly breathtaking. Whether it was the thousands of zombies moving in unison, hunting down a survivor, or the scene where hundreds of rockets rained down like a storm, it left people wide-eyed, trembling from the depths of their souls. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

Many people, after watching it, were left in a daze, unable to snap out of it. But what was most important was the person who appeared in the video just before it ended.

In an instant, those who watched the video were stunned. "Who is this? Waldo? But didn’t he get killed by zombies? What’s going on?!"

While they were still in shock, a passionate voiceover started. Soon, countless people widened their eyes, finding it incredibly unbelievable. "No way, Waldo isn’t only alive, but he’s even more powerful?!"

"So, Waldo hasn’t been in trouble all these days, he’s just been accumulating experience, waiting for the day to shine?"

"I knew it! How could anything happen to Waldo? It turns out the ones in trouble were the zombies!"

"Hahaha, this is too satisfying! Waldo didn’t let me down after all! Those lackeys of Ronald, get ready to eat your words!"

"I knew it! Waldo has been quietly improving all these days. He just doesn’t care about fame or any of this stuff. None of this matters to Waldo!"

Many people were amazed, astonished, and impressed. Some survivors who had been active in West City in recent days also spoke up. They had indeed witnessed large-scale zombie disturbances in West City. However, due to their limited strength and the presence of many level-three zombies in the groups, they dared not act recklessly, so they didn’t know the exact details.

One of them said, "I have witnessed something similar to the video in West City. It was quite a shock. Thousands of zombies were directly annihilated by a barrage of artillery. It was my first time seeing such a massive scene, and it was even more shocking in person than in the video."

Another person chimed in, "I had a similar experience. I was lucky enough to witness it once. At that time, I saw someone finishing off the last of them. I felt that person was incredibly skilled and was deeply impressed."

"I’ve always thought I was one of the front-runners among survivors," someone else added, "but it turns out someone has left me far behind. It’s quite discouraging."

At that moment, I had doubts whether that person was Waldo. After all, there were rumors that Waldo had arrived in West City a long time ago. However, I didn’t get a clear look at that person’s appearance. Plus, many people were saying that Waldo had encountered trouble, so I wasn’t certain. Now it seems that person was indeed Waldo!

"Yes, exactly. Besides Waldo, I can’t think of anyone else who could achieve this level! At least Ronald couldn’t do it. I’ve had multiple interactions with Ronald, know him inside out, and he’s just average."

However, inevitably, there were those who had negative things to say. "Heh, it’s so obvious why Waldo’s fanatics uploaded this video at the time when Ronald is expanding his influence. I find it quite pathetic. This timing is way too sensitive. They deliberately released it during Ronald’s expansion. Clearly, they’re trying to oppose Ronald."

"I advise those supporting Waldo to be more honest. Don’t casually create a fake video! Otherwise, the consequences will be beyond your imagination. Once you anger Ronald, you’ll bear the consequences! Even if Waldo shows up, he won’t be able to protect you!"

While both sides were arguing fiercely, a system announcement appeared.

"Congratulations to survivor Waldo for being the first to reach level forty and earning the title of the Strongest Survivor. Keep up the good work!"

Boom!

In an instant, the announcement caused a massive reaction. There was so much information packed into that single message.

Firstly, Waldo became the first survivor to reach level forty. Secondly, the system referred to him as the Strongest Survivor!

What did this mean?

Remember, when Ronald first reached level thirty-five, he wasn’t called the Strongest Survivor by the system!

This indicated that the system recognized Waldo’s strength! He was officially acknowledged as the Strongest Survivor by the system!

Haha, as expected, Waldo didn’t disappoint. He reached level forty!

As everyone knows, Ronald barely reached level thirty-five, while Waldo jumped from accumulated experience to level forty in one go. And level forty isn’t necessarily Waldo’s limit; who knows, he might be approaching level fifty by now.

Haha, that’s a possibility!