The conversation between Professor Chen and Su Chen was abruptly halted as Su Wenhao approached from the other side. Urgency etched across his face, he exchanged a few words with Professor Chen before instructing him to return to the bus. Turning to Su Chen, he delivered his message with a solemn tone, "We've made contact with higher-level troops and the general staff. Despite the woeful signal quality, we've received orders revealing that the abnormalities in the Midtown District are not isolated. Both the Dongcheng and Xicheng Districts are also hosting sacrificial rituals. Our main group is currently engaged in a fierce battle against the horde of monsters at the sacrificial site in Xicheng District, drawing their relentless attention."
As Su Wenhao concluded his sentence, a hint of sorrow shadowed his expression.
Though a soldier, he remained conflicted, for deep down, he couldn't bear to witness those under his protection perish alone.
A heavy sigh escaped Su Chen's lips as he queried, "Do you have any knowledge of the purpose behind these sacrifices?"
Shaking his head, Su Wenhao replied, "Regrettably, the details elude us. The information we receive is sporadic at best, suggesting that these rituals serve as a precursor for something even more ominous..."
"But, Mr. Su, that is inconsequential to our current mission. The situation stands as follows: all troops and survivors within the city are to seize this opportunity to retreat. Soon, a missile assault will be launched, targeting the sacrificial sites in the East. The military has been engaged in prolonged skirmishes at the sacrificial locations in Xicheng and Dongcheng Districts."
"We've been ordered to evacuate from Beicheng District. Reports suggest that hordes of monsters from Beicheng have already rushed to reinforce the East and West districts. At present, the number of monsters in Beicheng is relatively scarce. We have fighter planes providing cover as we extract ourselves from the urban confines of Yuanliao City."
"Our military has established a temporary command center and a large-scale survival area in Heihe County, just beyond Yuanliao City. Outside the city limits, the concentration and magnitude of the monster threat are comparatively lower, offering a semblance of safety."
"Mr. Su, would you consider joining us?"
With those words, Su Wenhao revealed his true intent, cutting through the layers of conversation to extend a crucial invitation to Su Chen.
The weight of their recent losses burdened Su Wenhao and Su Chen heavily. With numerous survivors to protect and the looming threat of encountering monsters, their lives hung in the balance. Su Wenhao's fearless nature didn't waver, but his concern for the safety of Professor Chen and the other survivors compelled him to seek shelter in the military's convoy. Joining forces with them seemed like the prudent choice.
"Okay," Su Chen acquiesced without hesitation.
Refusing the offer was not something Su Chen desired. For now, aligning with the military held advantages. The black scale monsters and elongated ghosts had receded, leaving only a handful of stragglers in Midtown. Su Chen saw no need to take unnecessary risks. By traveling with the military, he could stay abreast of the latest developments in Yuanliao City and avoid venturing out to hunt monsters.
However, the outcome of the sacrificial ceremony loomed, promising new changes on the horizon. Su Chen and Lin Mo had exposed themselves in front of the "favored person." When that individual found the opportunity, they might single out Su Chen and Lin Mo, perhaps even unleashing hordes of monsters to attack them. Su Chen realized that it was impractical to be two mobile "heavy weapons" at all times. Thus, he sought to monitor the monsters' movements and find Lin Mo. Amidst the chaotic retreat of the military across the city, Su Chen believed that the military held the key to the information he sought. Regardless of Lin Mo's choice, Su Chen yearned to see him again.
The impending meeting between Su Wenhao's group and their retreating troops promised further changes, but that was a concern for later. In the present circumstances, the future remained uncertain, warranting a cautious step-by-step approach.
Su Chen pressed on, "In the face of danger, I will act, but I require compensation. There is something you must do for me."
Su Wenhao's face contorted with unease.
"I assure you, my demands are not unreasonable, and you can fulfill them after we join the army," Su Chen reassured. "Perhaps I only need communicators, some pistols, and ammunition... And at present, I desire an explosion-proof shield. Furthermore, I hope you can utilize the military's resources to keep tabs on Lin Mo's whereabouts."
Having already acquired battle armor and an RPG, large rifles held little significance for Su Chen and were cumbersome to carry. On the contrary, portable pistols might prove useful in specific situations. While the battle suit boasted formidable defensive capabilities, acquiring an explosion-proof shield seemed like a wise decision. Such a shield would allow Su Chen to engage in both offense and defense, even when his energy reserves were depleted.
Relieved, Su Wenhao exhaled, "I agree to your terms. However, we don't possess an explosion-proof shield at the moment. We can search for one when we rendezvous with the mixed seven camp we encountered earlier. Mr. Lin, we won't give up."
With their agreement settled, the military convoy resumed its journey. Su Wenhao led them towards a secure military base outside the city, where survivors would be informed and provided shelter. A flicker of excitement and vitality briefly graced the faces of those onboard, a welcome change from the pervasive desolation.
Amidst the crowd, Su Chen's attention was drawn to a familiar face—an "acquaintance."
It was Qiao Zheng.
As Su Chen boarded the bus, surrounded by awestruck fighters and grateful survivors, Professor Chen's fiery gaze included, an unexpected voice rang out, "Brother Su!"
Qiao Zheng, dressed in tattered clothing and a hint of shame, called out to him.
Su Chen's gaze lingered for a moment before recognition dawned, giving way to surprise. "It's you?"
Xia Chuwei, who approached alongside them, couldn't help but express her helplessness. "Su Chen, do you really know him?"
Su Chen's brows furrowed, surprised that Qiao Zhengjing had managed to slip into their team unnoticed. Qiao Zheng had always sought a meeting with Su Chen in the past but had been hindered by various individuals. Now, unexpectedly, he stood before Su Chen.
Qiao Zheng scratched his head, displaying a tinge of embarrassment. "Brother Su, I must apologize for my past behavior. Circumstances arose, and I... many things came up. I formally apologize to you now," he said, bowing sincerely before Su Chen.
Though Qiao Zheng had a volatile temperament, he wasn't inherently malicious. Su Chen recognized this underlying nature despite his initial anger. Nodding, Su Chen replied, "It's okay."
With that, Su Chen made his way onto the bus, seeking a quiet spot to focus on honing his skills and replenishing his depleted dark energy. Conversing with Qiao Zheng was the furthest thing from his mind. He shook his head, dismissing the thought, and said directly, "I don't possess the knowledge or expertise to guide you on talents and abilities. Perhaps you can seek advice from Professor Chen. He is well-versed in such matters and might offer you some insights."
Qiao instinctively turned his gaze toward Professor Chen, who held the cup Su Chen had given him and seemed utterly bewildered, glancing around in confusion.
Qiao had always been skeptical of people from all walks of life. His doubt crept in upon witnessing this peculiar scene. However, before he could gather his thoughts, Su Chen had already retreated to the back of the bus, taking a seat.
Observing the situation keenly, the bald leader on the other side proved to be more astute than the gullible Qiao Zheng. He had been attentively listening to their conversation and assessing the dynamics at play. Recognizing that Su Chen had no intention of engaging with others, he quickly intervened, rushing over to stop Qiao Zheng from approaching Su Chen. Casting a quick glance at Su Chen's demeanor, he sternly said, "Can't you see that my elder brother wants to rest? Show some respect and leave him be."