pertwk Chapter 118 Choice
Chapter 118 Choice
Chapter 118 Choice
The roar of helicopter engines occasionally shattered the deathly silence above the Red Star Industrial Zone. Xu Mo's life continued its established rhythm: observation, recording, and cultivation. His internal energy circulated within the "Thirteen Bodyguards Horizontal Training"...
Driven by this force, like an unending undercurrent, it continuously washes over the muscles and bones, and the barrier leading to the Iron Bone Realm seems to be getting thinner and thinner, waiting only for the right opportunity to break through in one fell swoop.
In the past few days, a few new call signs have started to appear sporadically on the encrypted walkie-talkie channels. Those are the new recruits who have come to rotate and joined the "chat group" of this frontline position.
The veterans' biggest concern was, of course, the safety of the rotation process. The newcomers' responses were largely consistent: the helicopter would first use heavy firepower to clear out the zombies around the fortress, creating a relatively safe area. Then, the observers would quickly ascend and descend via the helicopter's rope ladder. Although the process was thrilling, it was relatively safe as long as the teamwork was good. Hearing this, the tense atmosphere on the channel seemed to ease somewhat.
On the sixth day, during his routine training, Xu Mo deliberately turned up the volume on his walkie-talkie a few notches. Judging from the supply order, today should be the day F area receives supplies. He multitasked, feeling the swelling sensation from the flow of blood and energy through his muscles and fascia, while simultaneously keeping an eye on any movement on the channel.
However, the conversation over the walkie-talkie was mostly just trivial chatter; there was no specific information about supplies or personnel rotations in Sector F. Xu Mo wasn't impatient; he simply waited patiently, like a hunter lying in wait. He knew that what was coming would eventually come, and that beneath the calm surface, the undercurrents were often the most turbulent.
Around noon, Xu Mo was eating self-heating food when a voice, completely different from all the other observers, suddenly broke the usual dullness of the channel with a hurried and unfamiliar call sign.
"Calling, calling all audible units. This is the 'Sharp Sword' superpowered squad, this is Captain Lu Chuan. Repeat, this is the 'Sharp Sword' squad, we are being chased by a level 2 zombie, location unknown, requesting fire support from nearby fortresses if possible, repeat, requesting fire support."
The cry for help was repeated twice, the voice trembling and gasping from running so fast, accompanied by the sound of messy, heavy footsteps and a disturbing hissing sound, like strong acid corroding something.
"Level 2 Zombie —"
Xu Mo's chewing motion stopped instantly. Although he had guessed and was mentally prepared, when the Sharp Sword Squad's call for support came through the radio waves so urgently, his heart sank, and then an indescribable complex emotion surged up.
It was indeed true; the anomalies in Sector F and the loss of contact with the observers were not unfounded rumors.
There was a moment of silence in the channel, then it was broken by A-02's steady but noticeably faster voice: "Sword" team, this is frontline command node A-02. Report your exact location."
Lu Chuan's voice on the other end of the walkie-talkie was filled with frustration and anxiety: "We can't determine our location. Our equipment packs have been corroded by that monster's venom, and our map and locator are destroyed. We don't know exactly which area we're in now."
"A venomous zombie?" Xu Mo frowned. He hadn't expected that the level-two mutated zombies hunting down the Sharp Sword Squad would be this type. The splattering, highly corrosive venom did indeed explain why the observers, who were relatively safe inside the fortress, had met with such an accident.
A-02 clearly realized the seriousness of the problem and immediately changed the way he asked questions: "Describe the characteristics of your surrounding environment, such as obvious buildings, road signs, or terrain."
Lu Chuan described the scene rapidly as he ran, his voice broken and intermittent, interspersed with increasingly heavy breathing and short warning shouts between his teammates: "We are next to an abandoned factory area. To the right is a very tall cooling tower with a broken top, and to the left—to the left is a low warehouse with badly peeling red paint. After crossing the open space ahead, it looks like—it looks like we can see a fortress, but the number is unclear."
In the background of his description, several crisp bursts of gunfire could be clearly heard, along with the zombies' characteristic, violent roars. It was clear that the pursuers were very close, and the squad was fighting and retreating, in a very critical situation.
"Attention all fortress personnel." A-02's voice switched instantly, carrying an unquestionable command tone. "Closely monitor your surrounding area. Report immediately if you spot the 'Sword' team, or any environment matching Captain Lu Chuan's description. Provide all possible support while ensuring your own safety. Repeat, report immediately upon spotting."
Observers from various fortresses responded in unison, the channel instantly filled with replies of "Received" and "Understood," and the atmosphere became extremely tense. Afterwards, most people remained silent, leaving only Lu Chuan and A.
The emergency communication from 02, and the constant background noise that screams of a deadly chase.
"Captain, Xiao Zhou's leg got splashed and is severely corroded," a young voice cried out.
"Shut up. Save your energy!" a gruff voice roared.
"Put me down, Captain, you guys go quickly." The voice called Xiao Zhou struggled weakly.
"Stop talking nonsense." A clear but angry female voice snapped, accompanied by a faint hum of surging energy.
"Damn it, I should have insisted on bringing heavy firepower." Another voice complained in frustration.
These fragmented conversations pieced together in Xu Mo's mind a true picture of a superpowered squad in dire straits: the team members were seriously injured, ammunition was running out, and the effects of their superpowers were limited.
Time ticked by, each second feeling incredibly long. Just as Xu Mo was rapidly sketching out their possible location in his mind based on Lu Chuan's description, a new call sign broke in, filled with the urgency of spotting their target: "A-02, this is D-10. I see them, in that open area about 300 meters southeast of my fortress, moving in a slightly northeast direction. Repeat, Sharp Sword Squad spotted."
Almost as soon as the D-10 observer finished speaking, several distinct gunshots rang out over the walkie-talkie, crisp and steady, clearly indicating that the D-10 observer was providing long-range support with his own weapon.
"Watch out, D-10 brothers, watch out!" Lu Chuan's voice suddenly rose, filled with fear. "That monster can throw venom balls, and they have a long range. Stay hidden."
Venom Ball? Ranged Attack?
Xu Mo's heart skipped a beat; his previous guesses were now brutally confirmed. The Level 2 Venom type zombie not only possessed highly corrosive venom, but had also evolved the ability to throw it from a distance, completely overturning his understanding that zombies could only attack at close range.
This provides the most plausible explanation for the mysterious "disappearance" of the three fortress observers: F-10, F-11, and F-12. They were likely struck by this sudden, long-range venom attack while observing or attempting to react to the outside situation. Whether the venom directly hit the observation port or corroded critical external structures of the fortress, it was enough to cause fatal consequences in a short time. The fortress's defenses suffered a fatal weakness in the face of this type of attack.
"A-02, we can't lure the zombies near D-10; their venom will pose a threat to the fortress." Lu Chuan's voice was decisive. "We will continue to lure it eastward. Repeat, we will continue to retreat eastward."
On the other end of the walkie-talkie, A-02 paused for a moment, clearly weighing his options quickly, before finally replying heavily, "I agree with your decision, Sharp Sword Team. Stay safe. All units, continue providing intelligence support."
The channel fell into a stifling silence once again, with only the heavy breathing and running sounds of Lu Chuan's team, as well as the increasingly close roars of zombies and the hissing sound of venom corroding, like a death knell.
East, east of D-10 —
Xu Mo's fingers unconsciously traced lines on the cold ground. The D-10 fortress wasn't far from his location in C-07, separated by some factories and ruins. With his current physical strength and speed, it wouldn't take him long to get there at full speed.
He has a Barrett rifle, which, combined with armor-piercing rounds, should be enough to kill this level 2 zombie. Even if that doesn't work, shotguns and grenades can provide distraction and create an opportunity for Lu Chuan's team to escape.
To go or not to go?
Xu Mo weighed the pros and cons in his mind. The abilities and defenses of that level-two zombie were unknown, not to mention its terrifying long-range venom. He was only at the Niu Pi Realm now, and if he rashly intervened and failed to achieve anything, it would be tantamount to playing with fire.
From a selfish perspective, there's absolutely no need to risk my life for a few complete strangers. Jiangcheng has its own backup plan; perhaps reinforcements are already on their way. In this apocalypse, survival is the only rule; staying alive is more practical than anything else.
But another thought stubbornly surged up: Should we just stand by and watch? Watch these people who are fighting the monster to the death, when we have the ability to do something, but instead we give up because of cowardice?
Xu Mo's thoughts were torn between profit and loss.
"We can't keep going like this," Xu Mo muttered to himself, the hesitation in his eyes gradually replaced by a calm resolve. "If we can't even do that, how can we talk about a breakthrough?"
Once the decision was made, there was no more hesitation.
Xu Mo abruptly stood up, quickly took off his training clothes for ease of movement, and changed into his black combat uniform. He didn't choose the most commonly used AK-47, as its distinctive features would easily reveal his identity; instead, he opted for a shotgun.
Xu Mo didn't bring his machete. Instead, he inserted the cold, heavy triangular bayonet into the scabbard on his leg, tucked the TT33 pistol into the quick-draw holster on his waist, and finally took out the "ultimate weapon"—the Barrett M82A1 anti-materiel sniper rifle. He quickly checked the magazine, which was full of large .50 BMG armor-piercing rounds.
After thinking for a moment, Xu Mo took a few more magazines and stuck them into his tactical vest.
After doing all this, Xu Mo found a dark gray headscarf and skillfully covered his mouth, nose, and lower half of his face, leaving only his sharp eyes exposed.
Upon reaching the lower level of the fortress, the zombies could still be heard scratching and howling futilely outside the door. Xu Mo's eyes turned cold. He took a deep breath and abruptly reopened the hydraulic seal.
After opening a crack in the exit, Xu Mo did not hesitate at all. He pulled the safety pin of a high-explosive grenade, delayed for two seconds, and then threw it outwards.
"boom."
Another violent explosion rang out, and the shockwave tore the nearest zombies to shreds, while those further away were also shaken and knocked off balance.
Before the smoke of battle had cleared, Xu Mo had already burst out of the fortress like a black lightning bolt. A flash of cold light appeared in his hand; the three-edged dagger, like the fangs of death, precisely and efficiently pierced the eye sockets or temples of the stunned, not yet fully dead zombies. Each thrust drew out a slurred, dark, viscous liquid. His movements were clean and swift, without the slightest hesitation.
Within seconds, there were no more threats near the fortress entrance.
Xu Mo sheathed his triangular dagger, determined his direction, and propelled himself forward like a nimble cheetah towards D-10.
They sped off in the direction of the fortress.
His figure quickly disappeared among the intricate factory ruins and broken walls, leaving only the sound of his firm footsteps striking a powerful rhythm in the deathly silence.
Xu Mo's figure moved swiftly through the desolate factory buildings, his feet treading on broken concrete blocks and rusty metal debris. He deliberately avoided open areas, choosing to proceed along the shadows of buildings and through complex terrain to minimize his exposure.
The presence of living beings in this dead land is like a light in the darkness, inevitably attracting the wandering zombies.
Some zombies, which were wandering aimlessly in the ruins, immediately let out hungry howls after sensing Xu Mo's passing figure, and stiffly or staggeredly tried to pounce on him.
However, Xu Mo was too fast. The Bullhide Realm not only brought him defense, but also his overall physical fitness, which far surpassed that of ordinary humans. These slow-moving ordinary zombies couldn't even touch the hem of his clothes.
Xu Mo ignored any zombies that weren't blocking his path, passing by them like the wind, leaving only a blurry black shadow and a rotting arm waving in vain.
Only when encountering an unavoidable zombie would Xu Mo suddenly slow down. The triangular dagger at his waist would be drawn instantly, transforming into a cold, sharp light that would precisely pierce the zombie's eye socket or temple, penetrating its brain. The movement was clean and swift, without the slightest waste.
After doing all this, Xu Mo didn't stop. He turned sideways and continued to charge forward. The whole action was done in one go, and the zombie corpses that were dealt with would often fall to the ground softly a second or two later.
Just as Xu Mo was passing through a relatively open area, a sudden change occurred.
Behind a pile of abandoned wooden crates to the side, a relatively thin, dark figure suddenly darted out like a ghost. It moved on all fours with incredible speed, leaving a trail of foul odor as it lunged straight at Xu Mo's neck. Its twisted limbs and speed far exceeding that of ordinary zombies clearly indicated that it was a level one agile zombie.
If Xu Mo were unprepared, he would inevitably be caught off guard by such a sudden and swift attack. But at this moment, Xu Mo's blood and qi were circulating rapidly, and his skin was radiating a barely perceptible, resilient sheen. In his perception, although the zombie's attack was fast, its trajectory was also much clearer.
In the blink of an eye, Xu Mo didn't even stop completely. Instead, he slid and twisted his body at a clever angle, and the triangular dagger he held tightly in his hand shot forward like a venomous snake emerging from its hole, precisely thrusting it forward to meet the oncoming black shadow.
"Pfft!"
A soft sound of flesh and bone being pierced rang out. The unique blood groove design of the triangular dagger made the penetration smooth and deadly. The agile zombie's forward momentum came to an abrupt halt.
Xu Mo flicked his wrist, shaking the triangular dagger in his hand. Without even glancing at the already dead agile zombie, he increased his speed again and continued running towards D-10 without looking back.
"I feel like my strength and reflexes have improved significantly since I first entered the Bullhide Realm." This thought flashed through Xu Mo's mind as he sped along. The feeling of killing that level-one agile zombie just now was exceptionally easy and effortless, far beyond what he used to be. It wasn't just an increase in strength, but also a comprehensive improvement in his control over power, timing, and physical coordination. The continuous flow of qi and blood was subtly strengthening his foundation, even without a breakthrough.
A few minutes later, Xu Mo rushed out of a low-lying warehouse area, and his view suddenly opened up. Ahead was a relatively open area, and at the edge, a familiar steel fortress stood there, its observation port on top reflecting a faint light in the dim light—it was Fortress D-10.
However, the area around the fortress was completely silent. Apart from a few ordinary zombies that were still lingering nearby, attracted by the earlier commotion, there was no sign of the "Sword" squad or the level-two zombie. Only some messy footprints on the ground, a few pits that were obviously corroded by strong acid and were oozing fine white foam, and a few scattered bullet casings, silently told the story of the fierce chase that had taken place here not long ago.