Chapter 435: Judgment

Looking at the screen where Lin An was almost surrounded by zombies forming a hive, he couldn't help but ask the most experienced Second Level Awakened One in combat:

"Do you think he can handle the zombie tide?"

"The others at Long'an Base have no combat strength left."

The Awakened One being questioned stared at the screen without blinking, shaking his head with some regret:

"It's hard, very hard."

"Lin An is indeed strong, but the consumption of such an attack is equally huge."

"Commander, look."

"The spiritual energy around him is now almost less than half of what it was before."

"The mutants are smart; they're waiting for the moment Lin An exhausts his spiritual energy."

"Lin An's biggest flaw is that he lacks area-of-effect means!"

"Look at the flying sword he controls; it's indeed powerful."

"But it doesn't count as area-of-effect."

A group of elemental Awakened Ones looked grimly at the speaking Second Level Captain, feeling that his words sounded strangely odd.

Controlling many weapons at once to slay enemies, killing thousands in a single strike.

"This isn't considered area-of-effect, so what does our elemental attack count as?"

"However, when applied to Lin An, this statement can barely be counted as a flaw."

The Second Level Awakened One crossed his arms, a flicker of reluctance flashing in his eyes.

A regret from the heart.

Both Awakened Ones, both humans.

After witnessing Lin An burst forth with such strength, his heart actually trembled uncontrollably.

"If there were a few more Awakened Ones like Lin An, what would we have to fear from zombie mutants?"

"What a pity, too much of a pity.."

He couldn't help but sigh:

"Without area-of-effect means, dealing with the zombie tide is still too exhausting."

"If Lin An used his speed to swiftly roam, employing guerrilla tactics, theoretically he could slowly wear down the mutants, then finally deal with the zombies."

"Even, if he acted earlier and coordinated with others, he could block the zombies beneath the city walls."

"But the problem is, his timing of appearance is wrong.."

"He cannot break free from the zombie siege now."

"Essentially, he is using himself to draw the mutants' attention."

Watching the screen, seeing Long'an Base members collapsed on the ground with faces of ecstatic shouting, Wang Meng nodded in strong agreement.

"Lin An could leave, but this group, without the protection of fortifications, could hardly escape the mutants' pursuit."

"I don't know what to make of it."

Wang Meng pursed his dry, cracked lips:

"That's right. He no longer has a chance to withdraw and catch his breath.."

"For an Awakened One to erupt with such combat power is already enough."

"Terrifying in single combat; if he also had large-range killing ability, it would be a dream."

"Being human means having weaknesses."

"To be honest, even though I dislike this kid, I have to admit he's really strong."

"The pity is, he's still overly confident.."

"Not really wanting to slap his own face."

Wang Meng plopped down beside Gao Yan, his gaze deep:

"Gao Yan, you say if this kid had shown his strength earlier, or laid his cards on the table and talked to us, where couldn't we have a good discussion?"

"The conditions and demands—why can't these be negotiated?"

"Young people, they're just too arrogant, always thinking about intimidating this and that.."

"We're the Military Region, not bad people—could we possibly be eyeing his equipment?"

"If we had known today would come, why bother in the first place?"

An Awakened One beside them watched the screen as Lin An's light grew dimmer, then added:

"Yeah."

"After all, we're officials too, the Military Region."

"Where could we bow to a private individual?"

"Lin An clearly has such great strength, yet he neither shows up nor thinks about taking responsibility."

"Miss Gao Yan, don't blame Commander Wang Meng."

"However, I don't think Lin An will die; he'll surely escape the zombie siege even at the last moment, so you don't need to worry about that."

Fan Bing, playing Gao Yan, gave no clear response.

The people of the Wangjiang Military Region, their attitude almost completely reversed.

"But."

"Show strength early? How to show it?"

"Not inspect equipment capabilities? Treat ourselves like three-year-olds?"

"Even the Safety Token, you want it."

"Cooperation?"

She had long seen clearly the official attitude.

If Lin An really does as they say, the best outcome would be nothing more than becoming a lackey summoned at will.

What's more, even thinking with your toes, a large number of high-level officials would be curious about the source of his power.

Amidst countless schemes and greed, it's still better to develop on one's own.

Watching Lin An in the broadcast footage, her eyes were full of worry.

"Uncle Wang, can you help Lin An..."

"The armored troops aren't nearby, are they?"

Having only seen Lin An make a move once, she was also frightened by the words of the Awakened Ones of the Wangjiang Military Region.

Yeah, Lin An is strong, but no matter how strong, he can't single-handedly fight a zombie tide.

Their words may be harsh, but there's one point they're right about.

Lin An's appearance came too late.

If he had appeared before the city fell, how could the situation be like this now?

Hearing Gao Yan's request, Wang Meng hesitated and shook his head.

"You should have given me the coordinates earlier; that would have been about right."

"It takes time for missiles to fly there."

"Without precise coordinates, we'd just about end up blowing Lin An up."

"If you had given me the base coordinates earlier, maybe we could still think of a way."

"But if Lin An wanted to escape, I could actually have the armored troops assist him."

His thoughts shifted.

After witnessing Lin An's strength, Wang Meng refrained from mentioning his earlier harsh words.

"Gao Yan, aren't you together with Lin An?"

"He should have a private channel, right?"

"Like this, you tell him to withdraw and flee to the coordinates I just reported."

"It's best to have him bring those few Awakened Ones."

"If we delay any longer, then I really won't have any way."

As they spoke, the staff officer's eyes happened to meet Wang Meng's, understanding the commander's thoughts.

This proposal is indeed not bad.

He Lin An himself brought about this situation through his arrogance, even speaking rudely.

Commander Wang Meng is willing to magnanimously save his life, believing Lin An should know better.

Gao Yan heard the voice and was stunned for a moment, not knowing whether to send Lin An a message.

Watching Lin An surrounded by a dense zombie tide in the footage, she felt her heart twisted like a rope.

Lin An...

What should I do?

Just as she gritted her teeth and intended to send a message, a sudden change occurred.

"Not good!"

"Lin An seems to have exhausted his spiritual energy!"

On the broadcast projection, Lin An, who had been standing midair, suddenly fell, and the spiritual energy around him vanished.

It was as if he had exhausted his strength, silently falling into the heart of the zombie tide.

In an instant, the mutants that had been roaming around the battlefield frenziedly accelerated, and in the blink of an eye they trampled over zombies and rushed toward that tiny figure.

Wang Meng heard the sound and hastily turned his head, his eyes full of astonishment.

So arrogant?

He actually exhausted his spiritual energy!?

How long has it been since then?

Has it been half a minute?

Many Awakened Ones who regarded Lin An as an enemy inexplicably flashed a hint of delight in their eyes.

Turns out it was an all-out burst, not retaining even a bit of strength.

Although he is indeed strong, this fighting style is truly foolish.

Around the battlefield, the people of Long'an Base also noticed this.

The morale and elation that had been raised instantly plummeted to the bottom.

The alloy longsword that pierced the battlefield also fell to the ground; all of this symbolizes that Lin An truly exhausted his last mental strength.

Despair spread.