Apocalypse Gachapon Chapter 2062: Level nine green skinned monster
Previously on Apocalypse Gachapon...
A yell accompanied Zhang Jialun's fist, but the target, a beast-shaped parasite, was not struck. Instead, he found himself moving further from his intended mark.
He twisted his head, his expression a mask of fury towards the individual who had yanked him back.
The rescuer was a formidable warrior, clad from head to toe in green-grade gear, his demeanor resolute.
Without a word, the warrior raised his magic crystal firearm and unleashed a rapid barrage of shots at the parasite. The monstrous entity shuddered under the onslaught, its flesh tearing away in chunks until its form disintegrated into several pieces.
"Life shouldn't be gambled with so recklessly."
Even after more than eight years navigating the post-apocalyptic landscape, while possessing one or two pieces of green-grade equipment was common, only the warriors of Cloud Peak boasted complete sets of such gear, coupled with the latest model crystal firearms.
"Maintain this position. A logistics team will arrive shortly. Procure a green-grade weapon from them. State that Captain Niu Zhan of the Third Team, Kang Zhiqian Unit, from the Guangyao Battle Squad, sent you. I will also document this."
Zhang Jialun stood momentarily stupefied. By then, Niu Zhan, the Cloud Peak warrior, had already advanced. It was only then that Zhang Jialun observed the other nine Cloud Peak warriors flanking Niu Zhan, their movements perfectly synchronized, forming an integrated combat unit with his own squad.
Initially, a pervasive apprehension gripped many of the assembled war teams from other factions: the fear of being relegated to mere cannon fodder. This anxiety was understandable, as many had been compelled to join, essentially conscripted by the various Cloud Peak war teams.
However, their participation was non-negotiable, given Cloud Peak's established dominance and their undisputed control over the region. Defiance would undoubtedly lead to repercussions far more severe than mere deployment.
This underlying dread persisted even upon their arrival.
It wasn't until the engagement truly commenced that the conviction grew that Cloud Peak intended genuine collaboration in the assault, rather than treating them as expendable pawns.
Zhang Jialun had entered the fray with his team precisely as the battle erupted, thus missing the broader strategic deployment by Cloud Peak. Yet, the thunderous roar of magic crystal cannons, the streaks of rockets overhead, and the recent descent of self-destructing gene soldiers painted a clear picture: Cloud Peak had consistently been at the forefront, clearing the path for them.
This unexpected support not only pleased Zhang Jialun, a six-star evolved, but also resonated deeply with every non-Cloud Peak affiliate present.
What truly astonished them, however, was the swift entry of Cloud Peak's primary war contingents onto the battlefield, fighting shoulder-to-shoulder with them.
And the prospect of acquiring a weapon? A green-grade one?
Much like the majority of evolved individuals in this post-cataclysmic era, Zhang Jialun deemed weapons the most critical gear to acquire. His trusted battle knife, a green-grade artifact, had been obliterated by a formidable parasite in a prior skirmish, leaving him deeply disheartened. Now, the chance to obtain a replacement?
Cloud Peak's weaponry was renowned for its superior quality.
"Why are you lost in thought?!" A sharp slap on his shoulder caused Zhang Jialun to stagger. He knew instinctively, without looking, that it was his second-in-command, Ai Dadu, a seven-star evolved.
"My weapon was destroyed. That Cloud Peak operative mentioned they could provide a replacement." As Zhang Jialun uttered these words, he casually glanced sideways, a faint smile gracing his lips upon seeing Ai Dadu.
It became apparent that his second-in-command's hands were also bare; his own weapon must have met the same fate.
"Damn it, these fiends' exoskeletons are incredibly resilient!"
Zhang Jialun wholeheartedly agreed with his vice-leader's sentiment.
Over the span of these eight-plus years, he had confronted no fewer than eight hundred, perhaps even a thousand, distinct types of evolved creatures. Yet, none possessed carapaces as formidable as these parasites, assuming encounters at equivalent cultivation tiers.
"It appears Cloud Peak was thoroughly prepared for this engagement. I've already witnessed several similar instances." As he spoke, the vice-leader cast a somewhat envious gaze towards the Cloud Peak warriors. Nearly all of them were adorned in green equipment, seamlessly integrated into squad formations alongside the other war teams. The tactical prowess and combat effectiveness they exhibited were truly unparalleled compared to any other fighting unit.
Within a short duration, dozens of individuals congregated around the vice-leader, predominately those whose weapons or vital protective gear had sustained damage. They awaited the arrival of Cloud Peak's logistics personnel for resupply before rejoining the conflict.
Abruptly, a series of unusual sounds emanated from the nearby vicinity, followed by escalating sounds of intense combat, signaling to everyone present that a situation might be unfolding at the front lines.
"Dadu, stop dithering, get your replenishment quickly, and then reinforce the line! Those abominations are launching a counter-offensive!"
Both Ai Dadu and Zhang Jialun spun around, spotting their own commanding officer, accompanied by a five-person Cloud Peak squad, hurtling towards them with remarkable speed.
Cloud Peak's logistical units differed from the conventional kind, which lugged about numerous supply packs. Their five-person squad comprised four guards, with one individual tasked to carry the provisions contained within spatial equipment.
A multitude of gear was then retrieved and distributed amongst these individuals. In the span of less than a minute, the clamor of intense combat ahead escalated significantly. They even observed a fresh barrage of rockets, marking the third such occurrence. Yet, following the bombardment, these participants, who had only a fleeting moment to acquaint themselves with their new equipment, were dismayed to hear that the battlefront appeared to have advanced closer to their position once more...
This implied... the assaulting forces were in retreat!
"What in the world is happening?"
Ai Dadu intercepted an individual retreating from the front lines to restock weaponry here, inquiring urgently.
"These wretched beasts suddenly commenced a counterattack with suicidal ferocity. Not only that, but some exceptionally peculiar variants have emerged. Certain ones can deploy nearly invisible threads between structures. Our people blunder into them; unless they are equipped with defensive gear of green-grade or higher, their bodies are bisected. Then there's a species of burrowing worm that tunnels through the earth, specifically targeting our lower extremities. Green equipment is insufficient; blue is a necessity. It bites and swiftly retreats. These creatures are diminutive by nature and agile. Once they vanish underground, locating them becomes impossible. And there are numerous other repulsive entities. Exercise extreme caution when you advance; do not fall prey to deception."
This individual paused to catch their breath twice, accepted a weapon from a Cloud Peak supply officer, took a hasty drink of water, and then plunged back towards the fray.
For this engagement, Cloud Peak had long since established substantial rewards for all participating contingents. The promise of merits offered quite substantial incentives. However, due to prior doubts surrounding Cloud Peak, many had been hesitant; now, universal belief affirmed the legitimacy of the situation.
Indeed, risking one's existence in the present moment might lead to fatal consequences, but what day in this post-apocalyptic era did not find one's life hanging precariously by a thread? A tenacious struggle now, provided survival, could potentially obviate years of hardship—a worthwhile endeavor! Thus, even with full awareness of the perilous path ahead, they charged forward with unwavering courage.
Ai Dadu and their unit leader, Zhang Jialun, bellowed, inquiring if preparations were complete. Perceiving all eyes turn towards him, the leader gestured emphatically, "Follow me!"
The team members promptly complied, falling into formation behind him.
Zhang Jialun followed in the rear. His inherent prowess and combat effectiveness dictated his role within the squad: tasked with flanking maneuvers. Gripping a gleaming, brand-new green-grade battle knife, he steadily advanced toward the frontline alongside his comrades. However, even before reaching the foremost ranks, he came to an abrupt halt, utterly aghast.
He beheld a corpse. Merely ten minutes prior, this very person had been conversing with him. Zhang Jialun distinctly recalled his name: Niu Zhan.