Chapter 1731

He shook his head, the squad captain looked coldly toward the southwest.

Under the propaganda of those with ulterior motives, the surrounding Survivors naturally regarded them as evil, thinking they were occupying this place.

Many ordinary people even believed that entering the Heiyu would grant them great power, while this group of defenders were seen as lackeys helping a tiger, unwilling to let everyone grow stronger.

"Captain, in my opinion we shouldn't be guarding this place."

"Let those idiots go in! I want to see how many can come out alive! When enough people die, they'll naturally learn to fear!"

"Damn it, we're not hoarding these things! We've bled and fought for these supplies—how much have we actually given out?"

"If it weren't for our food aid, the people around here would have starved to death long ago—how would they still have the energy to cause us trouble!"

The more they spoke, the angrier they became; perhaps last night's incident had stirred everyone up. The whole team couldn't help feeling resentful.

A bunch of white-eyed wolves.

Although I can understand that many people were deceived, this feeling of frustration really makes one feel awful.

Especially, they can't even explain it.

Sometimes, the Faction: Long An, out of humanitarianism, sends out food, but many settlement rulers propagandize it as their own achievement.

If it weren't for these third-rank members and the Faction: Long An arguing on principle, having the strength to oppose, the Faction: Long An wouldn't be so kind as to allocate supplies.

"What are you thinking about?"

"If too many people go in, once the Heiyu has a problem and spreads, the entire Northwest War Zone will be in trouble."

"Those fugitives also can't wait to take action."

"The higher-ups have their own countermeasures; we just need to do our jobs. As always, obey orders!"

He waved his hand, the Captain secretly sighed, knowing the team members' dissatisfaction. Recently, other factions' Awakened Ones often incite ordinary people to attack the city walls.

Facing the curses and hostility of these women and children, they still cannot take action.

Even just the day before yesterday, on the C-line defense squad, someone couldn't bear to watch a group of pregnant women being driven away, and was blown up by a landmine beneath the city.

The whole squad then violated orders and rushed out, trying to rescue them.

As a result, they were ambushed by lurking fugitive forces, their corpses even snatched and eaten. The humans controlled by that fugitive group have already begun to spread propaganda that eating them grants power.

In the oppressive atmosphere, every squad member lowered their head and clenched their fists.

They know what the captain means.

"Captain, I know we definitely have to hold this place."

"But how long can we hold out like this?"

"Can't fight back, can't talk back, can't even explain. If we don't wipe out that bunch of scum, don't wipe out those sneaky ones controlled by the fugitives, this place will sooner or later have a big problem!"

"Yeah, Captain. Let's give feedback to the higher-ups! Dragging this on just keeps people dying."

"The number of people controlled by those fugitives keeps growing! Their forces are getting stronger! Now even third-rank individuals work for them!"

Recalling not long ago, a squad of third-rank individuals with strange auras tried to destroy the city wall, and the team members couldn't help but flash a hint of worry in their eyes.

Although they don't really know what faction the suddenly appearing fugitives are, they also know that many Awakened Ones, once they join them, can become strong in a short time!

Under such a huge temptation, too many survivors in the Southwest War Zone have joined them!

And these people regard them as enemies!

If we don't eliminate the masterminds behind the scenes, this crisis will sooner or later turn into a disaster!

Hearing the team members raise their concerns again, the captain also didn't know what to say.

To be honest, he also doesn't know why the high echelons of the Faction: Long An aren't taking action.

With Lord Lin An's strength, with Minister Zhang Tie's strength, let alone these big figures personally taking action, even if the lower high-level officials acted, it wouldn't come to this situation.

"Maybe it's because that group of monsters also has a Fourth Stage..."

"Lord Lin An and Minister Zhang Tie probably can't easily take action. Wait a bit, until we have more Fourth Stage on our side, maybe the situation won't be like this."

He barely found a reason to appease everyone.

As the captain spoke, a hint of solemnity flashed in his eyes, and he seriously looked at his subordinates.

"You should also put in some effort these days; I heard Lord Lin An has already taken out many resources! There are even resources that can break through to the Fourth Stage!"

The higher-ups have also found a dungeon that can directly make one a third rank!

Now there are no trial limits; becoming a third rank makes it possible to quickly surge to the Fourth Stage in a short time! If we don't seize this huge opportunity, we may never get another chance!

In the Apocalypse, you know how important strength is! This is the opportunity Lord Lin An gives us!

Having said that, the captain couldn't help clenching his fists, his eyes full of anticipation.

Although he is only a third-rank beginner now, because of his excellent performance, he has already been listed as one of the seeds for the Fourth Stage plan! Originally, becoming a Fourth Stage required obtaining resources oneself; now the Faction: Long An will unconditionally provide them for them.

Especially those Rule Fragments; he has already begun trying to absorb them!

"Fourth Stage..."

"Can we also become Fourth Stage?"

Hearing the captain's words, the squad members' hearts jolted.

Knowing that the captain is very likely to become a Fourth Stage in the future, their eyes are full of envy, and their hearts are inevitably full of motivation.

They know how powerful the Fourth Stage is.

That's practically divine power!

"Captain, rest assured! We will definitely strive! I've already signed up for the next round of the Heiyu!"

"Once we all become Fourth Stage, I'll definitely not fear death and go straight to settle scores with those scum!"

"I've taken a liking to the speed-system rule; Captain, you didn't take the defensive one, did you? Hehe, when the time comes, we'll cooperate, Captain, and then I'll be kicking your butt!"

Amidst the laughing and joking while waiting for the rotation, the youth carrying the spirit-energy machine gun exaggeratedly lifted his right foot and started joking with the Captain.

Seeing the team members' mindsets gradually adjust, the captain couldn't help but reveal a hint of a smile.

"If you kid can make me unable to catch up, then do as you please..."

Bang!

Before the words could finish.

In an instant, a red light surged and exploded the captain's head.

On the half of his face that had been blown apart, the smile full of anticipation for the future was forever frozen at this moment.