Shen Hao had already considered the two points Dong Gong mentioned.
If the spread was truly virus-like, a month's time would have been enough for it to reach every corner of the world.
"You're right, I've observed that there aren't too many people in the streets replaced by monsters. This means that, at least in our country, we are still the hunters, and they are merely prey!" Shen Hao nodded, agreeing with Dong Gong's statement. His gaze slowly swept across the group, his tone heavy, "Right now, there are two critical tasks: First is to quickly eradicate all monsters and ensure none are missed. Second, and this is more important, is to figure out how the monsters replace humans and the method of their spread!"
Everyone nodded in agreement; it was clear they all felt the urgency.
Dealing with these monsters was akin to dealing with a virus.
*It's essential to fight against time—the enemy holds the advantage there.*
"Additionally," Shen Hao continued, "aside from figuring out how to find the monsters, addressing how to deal with them once found is also a major challenge. Regular bullets have little to no effect on them. We also need regular soldiers to master effective ways to eliminate them. Otherwise, relying solely on the Chosen Ones—even if every Chosen One in the nation joined forces—might still be insufficient."
"Report!" Yang Jun suddenly spoke up. "I have vital intelligence to share on this point."
"Speak," Shen Hao said, looking at him.
"I believe the monsters likely have a weakness—their necks," Yang Jun said loudly. "In the recent battle, two monsters were killed by firearms. Upon inspection, both had been shot in the neck. Additionally, the monster killed by your sister was also slain when its neck was pierced by a sharp weapon."
"I see," Shen Hao's eyes lit up.
Not only him—the other two also broke into smiles.
A fatal weakness was undeniably excellent news!
They had just read in the reports that a monster struck point-blank by a heavy sniper rifle remained alive—that truly was terrifying.
"But," Yang Jun's voice softened, "the neck, as a target, is quite small and difficult to hit in actual combat. Furthermore, it's easy to defend—it seems these monsters often use their blood to shield their necks during battle."
"No problem. Knowing the weakness means there's always a way to target it," Shen Hao said with confidence.
"The research division can design specialized weapons," Chen Sihui suggested at this time. "Not just targeting the neck but also countering the blood defense. For example, using certain special chemicals or methods—like fire, freezing, sound waves, electric current, or even microwaves—are worth considering."
"That's precisely what I was about to say next," Shen Hao nodded. "These strategies you mentioned can mostly be found in the system shop available to the Chosen Ones."
"Chosen Ones… and system shop?" The three others were visibly startled.
Rewards were one thing—but a shop?
"Exactly," Shen Hao opened his Chosen One's panel again.
At the moment, his "cheat" panel was progressing, though he wasn't able to use it yet. Even so, the official platform was proving helpful!
*In fact, this was truly the way to tackle the Civilization Trial.*
*The cheat was simply exploiting loopholes—essentially fleecing the official system.*
Shen Hao's current points total was already staggering.
—9724!
Yes, the recent battle had granted him over 9,000 points!
Shen Hao had been shocked at first when he saw the number. After reviewing it carefully, he found each monster gave him roughly 200 points.
Combining the earlier three monsters and the points Qiuyue had obtained, he arrived at an initial conclusion:
Acquiring points through dominating or controlling a monster yielded higher rewards than killing it directly; killing it directly yielded more points than having it self-destruct under duress.
*This system was practically designed to serve his talent!*
The only slight disappointment was that in the current level of the shop, only White Level 1 items were available, with the most expensive item costing slightly over 1,400 points.
It was a dagger with a dark sheen, imbued with a powerful curse—which Shen Hao had already purchased.
It paired perfectly with his telekinesis.
Additionally, a selection of highly advanced near-future weapons was available.
Items like flamethrowers, freezing guns, ultrasonic shock grenades…
Most were priced around 100 points each. Shen Hao purchased more than a dozen different types in one go.
With a wave of his hand, the table was instantly covered in weapons.
Chen Sihui's eyes practically lit up.
She had taken a liking to weapons from the very start, and now, armed with the "Skillful Hand" talent, her desire to touch everything powerful grew exponentially. Naturally, these were all high-tech near-future weapons.
Just glancing at them, she could confirm: these designs were at least thirty years ahead of their current technology!
Moreover, many components utilized special materials, taking the advancement to an even higher level.
They weren't merely applications for weapons—their potential extended across numerous fields!
"As long as we have points, we can buy the design blueprints and material formulas for these weapons," Shen Hao said with a smirk. "Let's test which ones are the most effective and easiest to replicate, then produce them on a large scale and rapidly equip the forces. Let's give those monsters a taste of human warfare potential!"
"Absolutely!" Yang Jun was undoubtedly the most excited. "Let's show those monsters what we're made of!"
As a military soldier, he desperately wanted the military to take the lead in action.
The notion of relying entirely on Chosen Ones didn't sit well with him.
*After all—it was their mission to protect their homeland.*
"Our civilization, after all, has been at war since recorded history," Chen Sihui said, her smile mirroring sheer delight, as her big eyes curled into crescent shapes.
Even Dong Gong couldn't help but shake his head with a chuckle, saying, "Violence is part of our core nature."
Clearly, faced with monsters who could quietly replace family members and mimic their loved ones, no one was going to show mercy.
Peace?
*Everyone here would prefer the most efficient and swift means of annihilating every single one of these monsters disguised in human skins.*
*This was a war between species—there was no right or wrong, no peace—only slaughter.*
"Defeating monsters yields more than just points," Shen Hao said as his gaze swept over the group again. "There's also loot. I've collected six items in total, with the drop rate approximately one out of eight. Among them, three are ability balls."
As his words landed, he raised his hand again. Three faintly glowing White Ability Balls appeared in front of him.
Instantly capturing the attention of the other three.
After becoming Chosen Ones, their panels included three blank ability slots at the bottom.
Initially, none of them knew their purpose, but upon seeing these ability balls, the answer became immediately clear!