Chapter One Hundred Forty-Five: Encountering That Fellow Again

Xiao Feng and Rice gathered the remaining Alliance soldiers, briefing them once more on their intentions. Those willing to stay could remain; those unwilling were free to leave immediately.

Naturally, much like the soldiers from Godo City, these Alliance troops had no viable livelihood outside of military service, leaving them little choice but to follow Harry.

Harry gazed upon the dozens of soldiers before him with quiet satisfaction; after all, having so many followers naturally stirred a sense of pride within him.

After consulting with Rice, Xiao Feng decided to retain two of the former mercenaries. He, Rice, and the two remaining mercenaries would embark on an overnight journey back to Godo City. The crisis there was severe, with the Alliance forces yet to launch a counterattack. This was the most perilous moment—any lapse could result in being overwhelmed by the enemy.

Xiao Feng informed Harry and the mercenaries that once they reached Godo City, arrangements would be made to send weapons, aiming to expand the troops in Protection Zone 57 at least tenfold.

Harry and the mercenaries were electrified; few things thrilled these burly men more than the prospect of war.

Having settled affairs, the five of them set off in the jeep Xiao Feng had driven. Rice took the wheel, while Rush removed his armor—an eight-level ability bearer, the suit was of little use to him—and handed it to Rice.

Clad in armor, Rice used the night vision goggles on his helmet to monitor the road, while Xiao Feng and Rush kept watch for any lurking beasts. Occasionally, Xiao Feng glanced at his watch's screen, reading the green and orange light signals with precision. Should a ferocious creature approach, he would alert Rush to eliminate it.

Nearly an hour after leaving Protection Zone 57, a sudden red blip appeared on Xiao Feng's watch, rapidly closing in on their jeep at nearly twice its speed.

Startled, Xiao Feng turned to Rush. "Rush, look! That red blip!"

Rush glanced at the screen. "What's wrong with it?"

"That's a C-grade beast."

"A C-grade beast?" Rush's interest piqued. "Which direction?"

Xiao Feng instructed Rice, "Boss Rice, stop the car—we've got serious trouble!"

Hearing Xiao Feng, Rice halted the vehicle. Xiao Feng and Rush leapt down, Xiao Feng pointing southwest, "About ten kilometers away. But given its speed, it'll reach us in mere minutes."

Rush chuckled, "How much do you think a C-grade crystal sells for these days?"

"Not sure, but probably a few million Alliance credits."

"Ha, a few million credits—that's quite the unexpected windfall."

"But I have to ask—do you think you can take down this C-grade beast?"

Rush laughed heartily. "Relax, it's just a C-grade beast, not a hulking B-grade."

"You've encountered B-grade beasts?"

Rush nodded. "Once. Only someone with a ninth-level ability can challenge a B-grade beast. Even I, at level eight, wouldn't stand a chance."

"What do they look like?"

"My impression? Huge. Absolutely enormous. And their combat power is beyond imagination."

Xiao Feng eyed the watch; the beast was now barely ten kilometers away. He retrieved a flat case containing his massive 'Black Angel' weapon from the jeep, swiftly assembled it, and hoisted it onto his shoulder. Using one of its three advanced scopes—designed for precision targeting in darkness and far clearer than night vision—he focused on the approaching threat.

Climbing onto the jeep's roof, Xiao Feng prepared, chambering the nearly twenty-centimeter rounds. Yet, he couldn't be certain if the 'Black Angel's' ammunition could penetrate the beast's defenses.

Tension mounted as minutes passed. Suddenly, through the scope, Xiao Feng saw numerous beasts scattering in terror, and a vague figure appeared on the horizon.

"It's coming..." Xiao Feng murmured.

Everyone turned their gaze in that direction. Rice silently regretted not bringing his laser cannon; armed only with a standard rifle, he knew it was no more effective against a C-grade beast than a light drizzle.

As the figure neared within a kilometer, Xiao Feng's heart skipped a beat—it was the dreaded three-eyed red serpent. Nearly forgotten, Xiao Feng hadn't expected the fall from the cliff that day to have failed to kill it. Yet here it was, alive and approaching.

"This C-grade beast is a massive red serpent with three eyes—and it's venomous," Xiao Feng warned Rush.

Curious, Rush asked, "How do you know it's poisonous?"

"Hmph. I fought it once before, nearly dying beneath its jaws. If it faces you this time, you must avenge me!"

Rush laughed. "No problem. When I get revenge, you owe me a drink!"

Xiao Feng smiled. "If you kill it, I'll buy you a whole bar."

"You said that!"

"Trust me—I never speak empty boasts. If you can do it, I can too." Over their recent battles, Rush's hostility toward Xiao Feng had faded. He found himself grateful to have such a comrade, even if the kid was only a level four ability user.

"It's coming—Rush, get ready..."