Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies Chapter 1352: Sword and Shield

Arriving at the library, this was Yang Xinxin's domain.

Due to childhood polio that left her legs disabled and confined her indoors, she spent the majority of her time between libraries and her dormitory.

While the internet offers a vast repository of knowledge, certain libraries possess invaluable resources undiscoverable online.

Liang Yue retrieved a book, its pages filled with cryptic symbols that rendered it completely illegible to her.

"This script belongs to the Demon Kingdom; I cannot decipher it at all!"

she declared with a sigh.

Yang Xinxin chimed in, "These are ancient texts from the Esoteric Sect, originating from the same lineage as the Snowy Plateau Region."

Turning to Mu Yan, she commanded, "Take everything here. Leave absolutely nothing behind."

Having been with Zhang Yi for an extended period, she had absorbed his efficient methods.

After all, their time on this expedition was limited, precluding any leisurely searching.

Mu Yan acknowledged the order and immediately activated her Shadow Space, commencing the absorption of all books, including the bookshelves, into its dimension.

Yang Xinxin observed from the sidelines.

Suddenly, her attention was captured by several large display cases situated in the library's center.

Dubbed display cases, they lacked glass enclosures, instead being arranged on tables and lightly draped with gauze.

Drawn by curiosity, she moved closer, discovering stone slabs resting upon them.

These slabs appeared even more ancient, bearing script distinct from that of the Esoteric Sect.

With careful hands, she lifted a slab. It felt surprisingly heavy, and a gentle tap produced a metallic chime.

"Cuneiform script,"

she identified, her fingers tracing the markings on the slab.

This discovery sent a ripple of astonishment through her. The use of cuneiform script dated back to a profoundly ancient era, first unearthed in the Mesopotamian plains, boasting a history exceeding 6,000 years.

This implied that the Demon Kingdom civilization had endured for over six millennia?

At present, she could not interpret the inscriptions. However, the human race had accumulated extensive research on cuneiform script over many years. Her plan was to secure the artifact and dedicate time to its study later.

...

Within the Ancient City.

A wave of panic surged through the populace, their cries of despair echoing as if the apocalypse had truly dawned.

The Nine-Story Demon Tower, the very foundation of their faith, had been desecrated by someone!

This was an unbearable reality, leading many to believe the world was on the brink of annihilation.

Zhang Yi stood atop the Ancient City's highest structure, Thunderbolt clutched in his hand. A subtle smile played on his lips, yet his eyes were chillingly cold as he fixed his aim on the superhumans from the [Garuda's Followers] and the [Knights of the Round Table].

The Zhang Yi of today was vastly different from his past self.

With a superhuman ability index soaring to 18,000 points, even facing a Black Chariot-level superhuman, he retained a chance to maneuver, provided he didn't inadvertently fall under the opponent's sphere of influence.

It was evident that neither Gao Changkong nor Lancelot had exhibited such overwhelming power.

Consequently, Zhang Yi found himself in an unassailable position, free to dictate the terms of engagement.

Gao Changkong and Lancelot felt cornered.

Zhang Yi maintained a considerable distance, rendering communication impossible.

"What is his objective? He refuses to enter himself, nor will he permit us entry. Could he be intending to prevent anyone from gaining an advantage until the Lord of the Charnel Ground arrives?"

Gao Changkong pondered, a sense of unease growing.

Upon further reflection, however, this course of action aligned perfectly with Zhang Yi's known disposition.

It mattered little if he gained nothing; he would never allow others to profit.

Meanwhile, Zhang Yi casually withdrew a sandwich from his Dimensional Space and took a bite.

His abundant supplies granted him the luxury of prolonging the standoff indefinitely.

"We cannot endure this stalemate any longer. I despise yielding control of the battlefield!"

A fierce, predatory grin spread across Lancelot's face.

He gestured to Gao Changkong, "Gao Changkong, I shall engage that individual. You and your team should proceed to search for treasures within the tower!"

Gao Changkong expressed a hint of surprise, "Indeed? I am grateful for your assistance, Sir."

A smile touched his lips; he had not anticipated Lancelot offering this crucial task willingly.

However, Lancelot then indicated Gu Man, standing behind Gao Changkong.

"Nevertheless, your woman must serve as a hostage!"

Lancelot had previously ascertained that Gu Man was Gao Changkong's girlfriend.

Gao Changkong's brow immediately knitted in displeasure.

For any man, the prospect of his partner becoming a hostage was utterly unacceptable.

Yet, his frown soon subsided.

"I must first consult her wishes."

Turning to Gu Man, he earnestly declared, "If you object, I will withdraw my offer at once!"

Gu Man offered a slight smile in return. "Let me be the hostage. It’s perfectly fine. I believe that Sir Lancelot is not the sort to cruelly crush a delicate flower."

Gao Changkong, a man driven by ambition, possessed a keen understanding of risk versus reward.

Consulting Gu Man was merely a gesture to show her deference.

Gu Man, being an astute woman, recognized her inability to alter the course of events and concluded that prompt agreement was the wisest approach.

Consequently, Gu Man crossed over to the side of the Knights of the Round Table.

The imposingly tall and lean [Rebellious Knight] Mordred approached, retrieved an ornate silver collar from his satchel, and presented it to Gu Man.

"This is an explosive collar. Kindly wear it until the mission concludes. Should your associates falter in their commitment, I shall trigger its detonation!"

Without significant hesitation, Gu Man readily accepted the collar and secured it around her neck with an audible 'click.'

A green indicator light illuminated; its transformation to red would signify the abrupt end of Gu Man’s existence, her head violently separating from her body due to the sudden surge of blood pressure from her fractured carotid artery.

Gao Changkong observed this entire proceeding with silent contemplation. Only after receiving a reassuring smile from Gu Man did he address Lancelot,

"Sir Lancelot, you may now commence your engagement!"

Lancelot drew a deep breath, which he then released with a forceful exhalation.

"Very well, allow me to confront this formidable adversary!"

Extending both his arms, his innate ability [Sword and Shield] was instantly invoked.

His left hand bore the Guardian Shield [Grad], while his right wielded the Conquering Sword [Kangge'er], rendering him fully equipped for battle.

"Aaaaaahhhh!!!!"

He abruptly threw his head back, unleashing a resonant, powerful cry that reverberated throughout a significant portion of the city. It was a primal expression of the exhilaration felt when facing a truly potent foe!

"Whoosh!"

Intense Blazing Black Flame erupted and blazed ferociously around his person. Then, planting his feet firmly, he propelled himself violently skyward, hurtling towards Zhang Yi's position like a streaking black meteor!

Witnessing this, Zhang Yi's pupils constricted sharply.

"This individual, why would he direct his attention towards me?"

Zhang Yi proceeded to analyze the unfolding situation through the framework of game theory.

Either Gao Changkong or Lancelot, individually, possessed the capability to neutralize Zhang Yi.

However, should one withdraw, the remaining combatant might seize all advantages or secure a dominant position in the subsequent distribution of spoils.

Therefore, the predictable outcome would be that neither party would attain the desired benefits, nor would they permit the other to achieve a monopoly.

This constituted a rational deduction.

Zhang Yi had simply not anticipated that Lancelot harbored an exceedingly arrogant and presumptuous disposition!

The one thing he found utterly intolerable was the sensation of being manipulated by others!