Chapter 1011

Sitting while waiting, he desperately thought about what to do next, while also feeling sorry for his loss.

Our translation: "Sitting while waiting, he on one hand desperately thought about what to do next, and on the other hand felt sorry for his loss."

Sitting while waiting

Alternatively we could output "Plucking while waiting, he..." but that would be weird. I'd go with sitting.

Like him, several people on the convoy also hurriedly jumped off the vehicle and gathered together in a panic.

Our translation: "Like him, several people on the convoy also hurriedly jumped off the vehicle and gathered together in a panic."

Like him, several people on the convoy also hurriedly jumped off the vehicle and gathered together in a panic.

Looking at the figure walking over with steady steps, Bianzi Nan stood quietly behind Tuofusiji, lowering his voice:

Our translation: "Looking at the figure walking over with steady steps, Bianzi Nan stood quietly behind Tuofusiji, lowering his voice:"

Looking at the figure walking over with steady steps, Bianzi Nan stood quietly behind Tuofusiji, lowering his voice:

Boss, these two are strong! Could they be eyeing our stuff...

Our translation: '"Boss, these two are strong! Could they be eyeing our stuff..."'

Boss, these two are strong! Could they be eyeing our stuff...

We just accidentally said the wrong thing, and then we were saved; if they want it, should we give it to them...

Our translation: '"We just accidentally said the wrong thing, and then we were saved; if they want it, should we give it to them..."'

We just accidentally said the wrong thing and were then saved. If they want it, should we give it to them...

Feeling tense and uneasy, under normal circumstances it's normal for survivors to have some quarrels and snap at each other, especially since they also misjudged unintentionally.

Our translation: "Feeling tense and uneasy, under normal circumstances it's normal for survivors to have some quarrels and snap at each other, especially since they also misjudged unintentionally."

Feeling tense and uneasy, under normal circumstances it's normal for survivors to have some quarrels and snap at each other, especially since they also misjudged unintentionally.

But under the huge disparity in strength, the panicked crowd instinctively magnified their own mistakes without limit.

Our translation: "But under the huge disparity in strength, the panicked crowd instinctively magnified their own mistakes without limit."

But under the huge disparity in strength, the panicked crowd instinctively magnified their own mistakes without limit.

In the apocalypse, there's no reasoning; if the other side is really displeased, they could kill them casually and no one would care.

Our translation: "In the apocalypse, there's no reasoning; if the other side is really displeased, they could kill them casually and no one would care."

In the apocalypse, there's no reasoning; if the other side is really displeased, they could kill them casually and no one would care.

Bianzi Nan immediately worried about the supplies they had risked their lives to bring back, and also about his own life.

Our translation: "Bianzi Nan immediately worried about the supplies they had risked their lives to bring back, and also about his own life."

Bianzi Nan immediately worried about the supplies they had risked their lives to bring back, and also about his own life.

Hearing the ponytail man still worrying about the supplies, Tuofusiji couldn't help but glare at his usually shrewd companion.

Our translation: "Hearing the ponytail man still worrying about the supplies, Tuofusiji couldn't help but glare at his usually shrewd companion."

Hearing the ponytail man still worrying about the supplies, Tuofusiji couldn't help but glare at his usually shrewd companion.

Damn! Just being alive is good enough! Still wanting supplies?!

Our translation: "Damn! Just being alive is good enough! Still wanting supplies?!"

Damn! Just being alive is good enough! Still wanting supplies?!

A few seconds later, as Lin An approached, Yinggoubi, before Lin An could speak, took a deep breath and bowed ninety degrees to him, sincerely apologizing:

Our translation: "A few seconds later, as Lin An approached, Yinggoubi, before Lin An could speak, took a deep breath and bowed ninety degrees to him, sincerely apologizing:"

A few seconds later, as Lin An approached, Yinggoubi, before Lin An could speak, took a deep breath and then bowed ninety degrees to him, sincerely apologizing:

Sir, I'm very sorry for my companion's rudeness just now.

Our translation: '"Sir, I'm very sorry for my companion's rudeness just now."'

Sir, I'm very sorry for my companion's rudeness just now.

As compensation for you saving us and for this matter, I am willing to compensate you with all our supplies!

Our translation: '"As compensation for you saving us and for this matter, I am willing to compensate you with all our supplies!"'

As compensation for you saving us and for this matter, I am willing to compensate you with all our supplies!

While speaking, he raised his head, putting on a fawning expression, and spoke again:

Our translation: '"While speaking, he raised his head, putting on a fawning expression and spoke again:"'

While speaking, he raised his head, putting on a fawning expression, and spoke again:

Mutants are yours too; everything is yours. If you've taken a liking to anything, just say the word!

Our translation: '"Mutants are yours too; everything is yours. If you've taken a liking to anything, just say the word!"'

Mutants are yours too, everything is yours. If you've taken a liking to anything, just say the word!

Whatever we can do, as thanks for saving our lives, our squad's lives are yours!

Our translation: '"Whatever we can do, as thanks for saving our lives, our squad's lives are yours!"'

Whatever we can do, as thanks for saving our lives, our squad's lives are yours!

His words were earnest, even somewhat servile.

Our translation: "His words were earnest, even somewhat servile."

His words were earnest, even somewhat servile.

Standing beside Yinggoubi, Zhang Tie unexpectedly glanced at this sinister-looking squad leader.

Our translation: "Standing beside Yinggoubi, Zhang Tie unexpectedly glanced at this sinister-looking squad leader."

Standing beside Yinggoubi, Zhang Tie unexpectedly glanced at this sinister-looking squad leader.

Nice guy, he's quite loyal... showing such devotion, those who don't know might think Lin An saved his whole family...

Our translation: '"Nice guy, he's quite loyal... showing such devotion, those who don't know might think Lin An saved his whole family..."'

Nice guy, he's quite loyal, showing such devotion. Those who don't know might think Lin An saved his whole family...

He's so well-behaved, I'm embarrassed to say more.

Our translation: '"He's so well-behaved, I'm embarrassed to say more."'

He's so well-behaved, I'm embarrassed to say more.

On the other side, Lin An, who had come before everyone, looked with interest at Tuofusiji still bowing, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes.

Our translation: "On the other side, Lin An, who had come before everyone, looked with interest at Tuofusiji still bowing, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes."

On the other side, Lin An, who had come before everyone, looked with interest at Tuofusiji still bowing, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes.

Somewhat interesting.

Our translation: "Somewhat interesting."

Somewhat interesting.

If it weren't for Yinggoubi's standard Soviet face, he might even have thought the other person was Japanese.

Our translation: "If it weren't for Yinggoubi's standard Soviet face, he might even have thought the other person was Japanese."

If it weren't for Yinggoubi's standard Soviet face, he might even have thought the other person was Japanese.

Apologizing, offering supplies, and pledging loyalty, truly a Japanese-style one-click three-link, just missing the kneeling.

Our translation: "Apologizing, offering supplies, and pledging loyalty—truly a Japanese-style one-click three-link, just missing the kneeling."

Apologizing, offering supplies, and pledging loyalty—truly a Japanese-style one-click three-link, just missing the kneeling.

However, he didn't take it seriously.

Not paying attention to the other side's shout just now, Lin An also realized they probably took them for vulture people.

After giving a slight nod to indicate the other party needn't be overly formal, Lin An directly asked:

"Your Safe Zone, why isn't anyone coming to support?"

Seeing Lin An unfazed, Ying Gou Bi let out a relieved sigh; just as he was about to answer with a bitter smile, a squad of Awakened Ones suddenly surged out from the city gate, rushing straight at them.

The din of voices was loud; it looked like many people were still leaving the city.

Seeing Lin An instantly turn his gaze toward the noisy exiting troop, Ying Gou Bi hurriedly explained earnestly:

"Sir, those coming out should be a city guard squad."

"Damn, these bastard wastes, only now coming out—must be because they saw we're fine!"

After swearing, Ying Gou Bi gave Lin An an apologetic smile, then went on to explain the earlier question:

"Sir, it's like this."

"Our Thunder Spear Safe Zone's Awakened Ones have been going out to take battlefield zone missions these past two days."

"Perhaps those powerful Awakened Ones aren't in the city."

"These dog-eyed lot only make a move when they see a good bone; usually they're terrified of death, and unless you reach the city walls, they'll just fire a couple of token shots."

After hearing that, Lin An gave a slight nod; from Ying Gou Bi's words he actually sensed strong dissatisfaction.

Looks like this Safe Zone isn't very peaceful.

Seeing Lin An no longer asking further, Squad Leader Tolstovsky, as if thinking of something, shifted his gaze and stepped two paces closer to Lin An:

"Sir, may I ask how you and your companions would like to be addressed?"

"The city guards will be coming over shortly; they might speak bluntly, so please bear with them."

"Furthermore, thank you so much for your help; without you, we'd probably have been done for here."

"If you don't mind, may I invite you into the city for a drink?"

Speaking quickly, Tolstovsky rubbed his hands, showing a hint of simple-heartedness, and pointed toward the city interior:

"In the Thunder Spear Safe Zone, the most famous are top-quality vodka and rabbit women as spicy as the drink! You're here for the first time, right? Let me introduce you to a few; I guarantee you'll have a wonderful night."

Probing and ingratiating.

Listening to Tolstovsky's words, Lin An glanced at the middle-aged man with a neither-smiling-nor-frowning expression.

He looks rough and simple-hearted, which doesn't match his appearance at all; his speech is full of probing, and he even dug a trap in advance for the opposing city guards.

Have to say, this person is quite interesting; for a moment, Lin An couldn't help but think of the amoeba's lemming.

Not intending to hide it, Lin An casually replied:

"Just call me Rayen."

"First time here, do you know of anything special around? Or any information?"

"If it's useful, I can pay some compensation."

He paid no attention to the city guard matter Ying Gou Bi mentioned; after finishing his question, Lin An turned his back on the person without caring.

Just as his words fell, Ying Gou Bi was first stunned, then his eyes suddenly flashed with great joy.

"Asking questions and still offering payment? He's so easy to talk to!!"

Taking into account that this was Lin An's first time here, all sorts of thoughts flashed through his mind.

Saving people, speaking so amiably, possessing great strength, and never seen before... the two act alone, without any concrete goal.

Does this indicate that these two powerful Awakened Ones intend to seek refuge in a Safe Zone? The city-defense troops are coming, yet he isn't in a hurry—most likely he doesn't care about supplies at all!

His heart pounded.

In an instant, the hook-nosed man's expression grew ever more respectful.

Like pouring beans from a bamboo tube, he bluntly spilled everything he knew, hoping only to leave a good impression on Lin An.

"Lord Lei En, the Thunder Spear Safe Zone surrounds two major cities, four small towns, and an original hot spring resort. Important resource points nearby include..."

As the hook-nosed man swiftly finished reporting the surrounding intelligence and some details of the Thunder Spear Safe Zone, the troops exiting the city finally arrived nearby, belatedly.

Glancing back at the lead Second Level Awakened One, Lin An silently labeled this group as trash.

Although many came, they were uniformly Second Level with a half set of White Equipment.

But in Lin An's view, setting aside strength and focusing only on tactical proficiency, their manner of movement resembled a ragtag bunch of conscripts, straggling and disorderly as they rushed over.

It's obvious these people came to pick up scraps after seeing the mutant die.

Yet even under these circumstances, their speed of emergence was still too slow.

I also don't know who the leader of this Safe Zone is.

In Long An, at this distance, if the city-defense soldiers take more than thirty seconds to muster, the captain's head ought to hang on the city wall.

"Squad 76! Hold position!"

"We are the Second Legion of the Guard Brigade! Now I order you to lay down your weapons and report your squad and supply status! Prevent infected individuals from entering the city!"

"And you two Awakened Ones, report your identities."

As soon as they met, Lin An heard the approaching Second Level Awakened Ones shouting loudly, their commanding tone tinged with an air of superiority.

Apart from the last sentence, which softened somewhat, it was clear they had seen Zhang Tie's burst-kill of a mutant, and were somewhat wary.

All things considered, this city-defense force not only failed to mention the delayed rescue, but, as the hook-nosed man said, they went straight for the supplies.

Seeing Lin An show no expression, the hook-nosed man, with a hint of respect, edged close to him and lowered his voice angrily:

"Lord Lei En, you saw that, didn't you?"

"These rations-like folks, not saving people is bad enough, and now they come asking for benefits..."

Attempting to pull Lin An onto his side, the hook-nosed man, after speaking, carefully watched Lin An's facial expression.

On the other side, the approaching city-defense captain stared intently at Lin An and Zhang Tie beside him.

Quite unfamiliar, one of them looked like a mix of Soviet and Asian heritage.

Seeing Lin An remain silent, and Zhang Tie standing with arms crossed as if looking down his nose, the squad leader couldn't help but feel a flicker of annoyance.

Given his status, which Awakened One would dare not show him respect?

Don't look down on him just because he's Second Level—his brother is a renowned Third Level Awakened One!

Catching a glimpse of greed in the hauled oil tanker, he furrowed his brow and asked:

"I'm asking you a question."

"Don't think that killing a high-level mutant makes you mighty!"

"This is the Thunder Spear Safe Zone's territory! I demand you immediately report your identities and disarm! Otherwise, I have reason to suspect you!"

With a shout of anger, the Awakened Ones behind the squad leader directly surrounded Lin An and the others, circulating their psychic energy, as if ready to strike at any moment.

Is this... a show of force?

Noticing the hostile gaze directed at him, Lin An's brow twitched, and the hook-nosed man, who had been constantly observing his expression, immediately spoke up.

He stood there, righteous and fearless, stepping in front of Lin An, chest thrust forward as he spoke:

"The two adults beside me are my Thunder Spear's lifesavers! They are certainly not problematic outsiders!"

"Paro! These things belong to Lord Lei En; I advise you not to have any designs on them! If you want trouble, come at me!"

Having said that, the hook-nosed man secretly felt a flicker of pride.

What Paro called 'disarming' was merely extortion; normally, giving a few trinkets would be enough to win passage.

But not taking advantage of Lord Lei En's unfamiliarity with these matters to display some righteousness...

How exactly should we navigate this relationship?

The squad leader called Paro stared for a moment, then, bursting with anger, looked at Tuofusiji with a scoff.

"Damn it, he hasn't even opened his mouth to extort anything, yet this guy just blurts it out—really giving him zero face."

Too bothered to ponder what relationship these two and the hook-nosed man actually have, Paro snorted and waved his hand:

"You guarantee!? What do you have to guarantee!?"

Pointing a single finger at Lin An, the Awakened Ones behind him, well-practiced, all circulated their psychic energy, as if they would strike Lin An and company the next second.

"Kid, I'm telling you, don't act cocky just because your companion's strength is decent."

"My brother is the Ice Plain Tiger, a Third Level Awakened One named Ke Lei! I demand you all disarm and submit to inspection..."

"Clang!"

A faint red sword hum lingered in the air as a visual afterimage.

In an instant, as Paro was still speaking, his voice cut off; 0.1 seconds later, his whole body slid sideways like a block of wood that had been chopped apart.

"Oh."

Standing in place, using only intangible psychic energy to form a sword hum, Lin An let out a soft 'oh' and then sliced Paro to death with a single stroke.

Sorry, knowing the aftermath would still involve a lot of talk and that he would likely act anyway, Lin An chose the simplest method.

Anyway, disarming or showing submission was impossible, so he might as well just kill him.

Looking at this guy, he's usually a disregard for life, a trash who's gotten many survivors killed.

As for the hook-nosed man's little thoughts?

Lin An tilted his head with a half-smile, glanced at the hook-nosed man frozen in place, and couldn't help wondering what the other would do.

Pat—

As Paro's corpse fell to the ground, the entire scene fell into an eerie silence.

The formerly oppressive spiritual energy also abruptly froze.

Everyone stared dumbfounded at what lay before them; obviously, their brains could not process such an unexpected event.

In the past, whenever they encountered an unruly Awakened One, hearing the name Ke Lei would make them bow their heads and submit.

But this time...

Standing before Lin An, Tuofusiji came to his senses; for a moment, the shock and disbelief in his heart surged like ten thousand grass-mud horses galloping wildly.

Holy shit!?

Holy shit!?

You just killed him!?

In his imagination, the situation now... shouldn't it be that they exchange a few words, after Lord Lei En announces his strength, he then righteously gives Paro a little favor, and then they part after trading a couple of verbal jabs?

Although Paro isn't the sharpest tool in the shed, his brother is at least a Three Fourth Rank!

The plot shouldn't be written like this!!

In that instant, Yinggoubi glanced back at Lin An with a hint of confusion.

The young man wearing a playful smile on his face seemed like a devil who devours people without spitting bones, toying with him.