Chapter 259

"Extract samples, confirm contamination level; this area has already exceeded the warning line, recommend falling back to defend."

Within the reconnaissance squad, Lu Yao, the sole female, bent at the waist, her gloved palm spread flat, pressing against the sunken, collapsed ground that resembled ruins.

Her dedicated class trait was "Extraction," allowing her to separate out what was needed from various complex gaseous and liquid objects.

Because an upper limit existed on the interference level, she could not achieve excessive precision, resulting in a generally average potential assessment.

"Unbelievable! Is he really a rookie? The disaster-class Human-faced Spider Familiar at the Second Credit Tier was effortlessly crushed by him.

Could he be Third Credit Tier?"

Belonging to the First Battalion of Baiyang Bi Lei Cheng, the Reconnaissance Battalion specialized in penetrating deep into Contaminated Zones to gather and observe frontline movements.

In other words, they were the group within the entire Western Front Battlefield's First Defense System that dealt with Familiar creatures the most.

The Reconnaissance Battalion, tidying the battlefield and continuing their mission, discussed Qin Shi among themselves.

Excluding the Squad Leader, the middle-aged man of highest status spoke up:

"Impossible. First, a Third Credit Tier wouldn't be a training camp rookie; second, his life force hadn't reached the critical value to achieve a massive breakthrough.

But I think this is the most terrifying part — if he's merely Second Credit Tier yet instantly killed a same-tier Human-faced Spider..."

His pupils were ice-blue, not the common Dongxia look; high nose bridge, resolute features — clearly mixed-blood at a glance.

The Reconnaissance Battalion's establishment usually stayed between eight and twelve people, divided into three combat teams of three to four each, facilitating tactical coordination.

The one issuing orders was undoubtedly the Squad Leader, then came the Deputy Instructor.

The middle-aged man was named "Jin Chuan"; his years of service exceeded two hands' worth; if not for failing "political review," he should have been promoted to Squad Leader long ago, even transferred to battalion headquarters.

He rubbed the gravel crushed into granules between his fingertips; a light touch turned it to powder, and he sighed again:

"The power of this punch — even the residual aftershocks leave one with lingering fear.

No wonder it was blasted to slag."

Jin Chuan scrutinized the "battlefield" closely; the more he looked, the more alarmed he felt. His dedicated trait was the relatively common "Perception System" — projecting spiritual power to simulate scenes and replay them.

But even with eyes tightly shut, seriously constructing details, he still could not reconstruct it.

Because the destructive range of the entire battle exceeded a kilometer; the details needing capture were too many, too chaotic.

Jin Chuan could only roughly outline the final ending punch.

Like a fighting game's ultimate move, its power was terrifyingly absolute, undodgeable, unavoidable, directly emptying the Human-faced Spider Familiar's health bar.

Boom!

Jin Chuan's mind buzzed with a shock; he hurriedly withdrew his mental perception, nearly blacking out, footsteps staggering.

"Second Credit Tier, dealing Third Credit Tier massive damage? Xiao Yao, ever heard of such a monster?"

Lu Yao, having collected all contamination samples, let out a long breath, carefully peeled off her gloves:

"Haven't seen it, but heard of it. The Youth Classes of the Four Great National Universities — every single one is a freak.

My brother said their cultivation and leveling up is as easy as eating and drinking; feels like even breathing makes them progress."

Jin Chuan chuckled, thinking to himself:

"A super genius from the Four Great National Universities' Youth Class — how could they possibly end up at Baiyang Bi Lei Cheng.

Such a top-tier future Sun... looking across Hengzhou New Stars, there might not even be a few..."

As thoughts flashed, perhaps the keyword "Sun" triggered a memory; another young face surfaced in Jin Chuan's mind.

"That Qin Classmate seems to still be in the Deep Rear undergoing special training.

If he could appear on the Western Front Battlefield, maybe he'd give everyone a morale boost."

Jin Chuan and Lu Yao left the collapsing outpost base; Squad Leader Zhu Wei, too heavily injured, had two other members cover his withdrawal to the nearest treatment location.

The boundless wilderness now left only that new recruit squad of complex composition.

The Black Moon hanging overhead gradually sank; the Energy Tide's fluctuations weakened significantly; a hint of white appeared on the horizon.

Jin Chuan watched from afar that young rookie who had burst forth halfway and suddenly blasted the Human-faced Spider to pieces.

The other's bearing was more crisp and capable, sharp-edged fully revealed; his looks leaned hard and masculine, vastly different from the Youth Prodigies heavily promoted by Hengzhou — completely distinct.

"True."

Jin Chuan shook his head, tossing out the inexplicable bizarre notion.

"Sun-level is a strategic talent nurtured by concentrating the Administrative New Star Sea's massive educational resources.

How could they be casually thrown to the front lines? If something went wrong, the loss would compare to the entire battalion headquarters' forces being wiped out."

As Jin Chuan's thinking diverged, Lu Yao walked over generously, took out a Standard Combat Uniform from her backpack.

"Here, wear this; it has some anti-contamination effect. Looks like you're planning to continue deeper? The contamination concentration ahead has already broken through the warning peak; life force purity isn't high enough — recommend not going."

Qin Shi accepted the combat uniform, light as woven silk, and put it on right there.

His original clothing had been damaged during the battle, leaving only tattered half-pants.

"The exploration mission I accepted has its endpoint within the Administrative Building's range, so I intend to go take a look.

But Xiao Gao and Xiao Zhao, you two can return early, wait at the Contaminated Zone Edge for me to rendezvous."

Qin Shi changed into the combat uniform, donned the Dark Green Cloak, stepped in brand-new Military Boots — the very image of a Reconnaissance Corps Combat Officer.

"Brother Qin, going alone?"

Through this exploration mission, Gao Pao and Zhao Su realized this Brother Qin from a Central City great family was truly a thigh thick beyond thick.

They wished they could cling tight, to rack up points and avoid elimination by Yellow Spring Camp.

This "Winning Brother" who appeared in the newbie fish pond for who-knows-what-reason — simply a godfather-tier existence!

"I have a Support Team; besides, just exploring the Administrative Building's edge, collecting a few high-contamination-concentration dangerous samples.

That way, the mission settlement score will be higher too."

Qin Shi felt some regret inside; with his 【Insight】 Achievement active, this time he only gathered Gold and Purple contamination samples; the highest-value "Big Red" he still hadn't touched.

Withdrawing just like that, he couldn't help but be unwilling.

"Xiao Gao and Xiao Zhao are still new recruits; the return trip might not be safe. Trouble you two officers to bring them along."

Qin Shi looked at Jin Chuan and Lu Yao, who had come out of the Reconnaissance Soldier Camp; the former's observation was keen, attempting to lock onto his Qi.

But with the little trick Lao Liang taught him, in a non-combat state, he channeled all his Qi Life Force into the Perfect Core, able to suppress roughly two-thirds of it.

Even using detection instruments, it was hard to determine Qin Shi's true Combat Power.

"Not troublesome."

"Should be..."

Jin Chuan and Lu Yao's attitudes were good.

Their Reconnaissance Squad had survived a High-level Servant of the Disaster Second Energy Tier, with only one injury — truly fortunate.

Like challenging a highway speed bump with a big-wheeled cart and still surviving, they could brag about it for a good while afterward.

"Right, this new recruit, may I know your name? Killing a Disaster Second Energy Tier Vassal Creature is already third-class merit performance.

I will report truthfully and submit it to the Supreme Administrator of the Bi Lei Cheng..."

Jin Chuan asked tentatively.

"Qin Shi — the Qin of Qin Shuai, the Shi of picking up."

Qin Shi answered calmly; his own Hidden Will was actually not strong, and with the 【Heavenly Human】's gaze, he wished those Secret Sect cultists would come deliver points.

Moreover, since the high-levels of both Center City and the Tai'an Region acknowledged this approach, he chose to change his name and come to the front line.

They would surely provide good cover; no need to worry blindly.

"Qin Shi."

Hearing Qin Shi also surnamed "Qin," Jin Chuan's heart gave a jump, but seeing Qin Shi so open, without the slightest intention to conceal.

He silently noted the name, deciding to inquire when reporting merit — when did a War God Level newcomer emerge from the Yellow Spring Camp?

"Fu Lei really drew a good card this time."

Jin Chuan gritted his teeth; such an outstanding Good Seedling staying in the Yellow Spring Camp was too much of a Pity — if he could enter the Reconnaissance Corps, directly appointing him "Squad Leader" wouldn't be impossible.

Accumulating War Merit still requires participating in Large-scale Campaigns.

Solo Map Clearing, working oneself to death might not catch up to a single successful Surprise Attack operation.

So any new recruit aspiring to go further on the military path all yearn to grasp "Command Authority."

"Qin Shi."

Lu Yao chewed on the name, smiling:

"I feel Baiyang Bi Lei Cheng will soon resound through the First Line of Defense.

A War God Level newcomer, once grown, will bloom with extremely dazzling brilliance."

Jin Chuan stood in place, sending off the gradually receding Qin Shi, suddenly sighing:

"He shouldn't have come to Baiyang. The Strategic Value here is the worst among Fortress Cities in the Western Front Battlefield's First Defense System."

Lu Yao was likewise silent, then shook her head:

"A Bi Lei Cheng soldier's Military Duty is to Defend and Protect.

If everything had a Choice, no one would Willingly come here.

Old Jin, you say, right?"

Jin Chuan smiled, did not answer, then waved, letting the two Yellow Spring Camp new recruits follow, and turned leading the team to merge into the vast Wilderness.

……

……

"Boss, this job of yours is a bit high on Danger."

The short-haired woman said softly:

"Can you raise the pay a bit?"

Qin Shi's eyes were Strange, he said blandly:

"You were cheerleaders the whole way, and still have the nerve to ask for more money?"

You sisters' face skin is quite thick!

"Mainly Boss you love Challenging yourself too much. I checked — the Administrative Building is in a Disaster Third Energy Tier Nest Range; me and Ama tied together couldn't beat it!"

The short-haired woman lowered her head, poking her fingertips.

Beside her, Watermelon Head Ama couldn't bear to watch; the big sister head, a Xuanyang Heavy Industry P9 Senior Expert, actually used such a shameful acting-cute tactic.

"So you just need to be cheerleaders, and incidentally provide material supply."

Qin Shi completed the First Evolution of the Professional Grade stage; his whole body's Hundred Bones consumption was huge; he spoke while advancing:

"You should have those Spatial Backpacks configured, right? How much Energy Liquid left? Enough for me to fight one more battle?"

Ignoring my beauty?

Truly cold and heartless!

The short-haired woman's mouth corner twitched, then she said:

"Nine-grid Backpack, Five Supplies Remaining."

The most standard configuration for a Support Squad, besides various firepower weapons and transport vehicles, the most important is the "Spatial Backpack."

That is a core technology of the Holy Blood Clan, one of the Great Powers; through continuous Extraction of "Tianhui Crystal Stone" from Pollution Zones, manufacturing Dimensional Tearing spatial products.

"Your Equipment is really quite exquisite."

Qin Shi was somewhat surprised, raised an eyebrow and said.

A Nine-grid Backpack requires at least ninety Tianhui Crystal Stones.

This value is quite expensive, almost equivalent to one-third of a War Ship's construction cost.

"Xuanyang Heavy Industry, rich and lavish."

The short-haired woman hehehed with a smile, appearing calm on the surface but actually feeling the pinch.

Any resource exchange at a military-industrial enterprise requires paying a corresponding price.

Even the Chief Executive Officer cannot use them arbitrarily; violating regulations requires accepting supervision by the Board of Directors.

"I heard from Ying Huang that big companies face great performance pressure; your Support Team is short-handed yet unusually well-equipped, clearly taking the Elite Route."

Qin Shi asked Watermelon Head Ama for a supply, gulped down Energy Liquid with gugudong sounds, then said:

"But the risk for a team like yours is also obvious; once casualties occur and the operation fails, losses expand infinitely."

Considering Xu Yang Heavy Industry's performance pressure, with Optimization Quotas every year, your days must be pretty hard too."

Qin Shi shifted the topic, turning to the short-haired woman.

"Boss, you know our big company Cowhorse Life pretty well."

Hearing the words "performance" and "optimization," the short-haired woman's temples throbbed, as if her blood pressure spiked, forcing out a trace of a smile:

"After all, we're just earning Cheap Labor wages, with no other choice."

Qin Shi stopped his footsteps, then said:

"Xu Yang Heavy Industry in Dongxia is also a major military-industrial enterprise, with a relatively clear promotion channel."

"If before age thirty-five, you can achieve extremely outstanding performance, such as completing several High Score Employer Actions, or even participating in War Group Campaigns."

"Actually, you can receive Resource Tilt from the company, open your own Studio, and escape the Cowhorse Cage, right?"

The short-haired woman's heart chilled slightly, feeling Qin Shi's words were full of Conspiracy Flavor.

But then she thought, what does she have that's worth this high-intensity young boss's attention.

"Boss, what do you want to say?"

Qin Shi's Walking Speed was fast; after First Evolution, he unified Muscle Fascia Resonance, almost doubling his numbers again.

His muscles wriggled all over, pulling against his Skin Membranes, forming one with his Breathing, like an extremely precise operating Machine.

Every trace of Qi Life Force was exerted to the extreme, creating terrifying Physical Ability and Movement Speed.

Even without activating his Body Technique, just moving by footsteps, he already made Xu Yang Heavy Industry's Two Employees Out of Breath, some Difficult to Follow.

In this situation, Qin Shi's voice came from the Night Sky, intermittent, blown by Airflow into the short-haired woman's ears.

"I want to say, you two did Not Bad. If willing, besides Ying Huang's Employment Contract, accept my one-sided cooperation, provide me Supplies, and Battlefield Collaboration."

Watermelon Head Ama felt heavy Chest Pressure; every step of Fast Movement shook uncomfortably.

"Boss, are you placing an order with us? Can I ask what the price is?"

Qin Shi's Mouth Corner Hooked, as if Light Smiling:

"I'm just a new recruit who hasn't graduated from Huangquan Training Camp; where would I have extra money."

"I mean, we can cooperate. I Provide People, you Provide Strength."

"The Large Development Intensity will inevitably rise; the Western Front will also move accordingly."

"I need a large amount of Supply Resources, plus Firepower Support, and even safety guarantees for my Combat Officers under me."

"If it's just my personal Support Team, it's Not Enough."

The short-haired woman ran until her lungs were about to explode; looking at Qin Shi, upright and Leisurely Walking, she was Almost Angry to Laugh, and a sentence Popped Up in her mind—

Boss Wants to Freeload us?

Chapter End