As the two young people became acquainted with each other, the adults on both sides also began to converse.
The Wu family father and son also received their reward; the Jia family elders shared with them knowledge of the nearby geography and potential routes for the future.
Meanwhile, as these five individuals helped each other out, a whooshing sound interrupted them.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!—
The crowd noticed above them the heavily wounded giant mosquito, with its body covered in scars, flying with a deep blue hue across the sky as if it had traveled an infinite distance to arrive above their group!
"It's the giant mosquito! It's badly injured!"
"I was just thinking, the movements of this big guy seem to be helping us escape. Don't you feel that way?"
Suddenly, someone suggested that this mosquito monster might be assisting their group!
This topic brought an instant silence!
However, this person's suggestion did not find agreement among others.
Some mocked, some sneered, but none found his statement to be a valid guess!
Nevertheless, the impact of his words lingered, leaving similar thoughts forever etched in the minds of those present!
In reality, Jia Yan's intention was not to help these humans; rather, he only sought to save his family. However, in passing, he had aided these individuals without any particular intent, as it was just something he did.
As he soared through the sky, observing the scenery below, a look of surprise flashed in his compound eyes!
He was puzzled to see the father and son pair he had rescued yesterday now accompanying his own family.
However, since these two were also assisting his family, he had no reason to suspect their intentions.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!—
The giant mosquito flew across the sky, making a round trip before directly flying over the heads of the people. Following the path ahead, it reached a forested area ten kilometers away.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!—
Descending into the forest, the massive mosquito's body exuded extreme ferocity, bearing the remnants of a vicious battle.
As it landed, the entire forest seemed to fall silent, unable to bear the weight of its imposing presence!
All living creatures ceased their clamor; the annoying insects fell silent, and the chirping birds ceased their songs. The entire forest fell into a deep, eerie silence!
Unaware of this subtle detail, the mosquito's body collapsed onto the ground, exhausted from the intense battle. Its body, now a deeper shade of blue, emanated weakness, desperately needing rest.
Observing his scarred body, Jia Yan realized that this battle had pushed him to his limits. Henceforth, he resolved to avoid exceeding these limits. He found a comfortable spot to rest, intending to recuperate before continuing his reconnaissance.
Before long, he drifted into slumber.
The giant mosquito was truly exhausted.
The tranquility of the forest enhanced its restorative efficiency!
After over an hour had passed, the group of refugees finally arrived nearby. Upon seeing where the mosquito seemed to have landed and finding nothing, they silently continued on their way.
By now, the group had developed a tacit understanding. Having faced danger together, they treated the elderly and infirm with care.
So, around the Jia family, a few more helping hands emerged, assisting Jia's father and Jia Sheng, and carrying their luggage.
However, conversation among the group dwindled. Their energy depleted, especially among the parents carrying children, who not only had to bear their weight but also console them constantly.
They pressed on in silence.
The road ahead was long; some aimed to reach the nearest major city, such as Shanghai, where Jia Yan had once been. Others sought refuge in cities reachable by train, hoping to escape to regions untouched by the metal monsters, like the still undiscovered New Province, or neighboring countries. Having had their fill of the metal monsters' harassment, they sought safety by any means possible.
In fact, apart from this province of Fujian, which suffered from the appearance of metal monsters due to a cave, most regions of China still regarded them as something seen only in the media. While many were aware of the ongoing battle between human armies and monsters from the depths, this sense of unreality prevented many from grasping the reality of the situation. After all, reality was not a movie, and accepting the idea that humanity was under attack by a mysterious army of creatures was exceedingly difficult!
It was under these circumstances that most Chinese remained ignorant of the situation in the war zone!
However, this situation would not last forever. The presence of metal monsters would soon force humanity to acknowledge their terror!
During his inadvertent slumber, Jia Yan had no idea how much time had passed. He seemed to have slept for a long time without realizing it.
While he slept, the deep blue color on his body gradually faded, and his wounds slowly began to heal.
The giant mosquito's regenerative abilities were truly remarkable. However, this time, the recovery exceeded any he had experienced before!
The deep blue color gradually dissipated.
As the mosquito's body returned to its original state, its exoskeleton underwent a surprising change!
The exoskeleton of the mosquito had become somewhat smoother, and the viscous substance that once coated its surface now retreated inward, leaving behind a pristine exoskeleton!
However, the exoskeleton was no longer pure; it now contained traces of deep blue, indicating a permanent presence of the substance within. This substance would enhance the mosquito's defense further!
Although this change was not significant, as it only absorbed the remnants of the previous mutation, it did enhance the mosquito's strength. However, it did not grant Jia Yan the significant progress that a full mutation would have.
Soon, the mosquito awakened from its slumber, still in a dazed state.
After half an hour had passed, it finally regained its senses.
"How much time has passed? I just took a short rest, how did I end up sleeping until dark?"
Attempting to rise, Jia Yan found himself swaying from side to side, his heavy body unable to move. Feeling uncomfortable, he could not stand up and rush to his parents. Instead, he collapsed back to the ground, feeling weak.