On the way to the commercial street fifteen kilometers away, five armored vehicles and an M1A1 main battle tank roared along the highway.
The scorching sun distorted the air and made the metal surfaces of the vehicles extremely hot. If one placed their hand on the surface for three seconds, they would smell the aroma of roasted meat.
This was the mercenary team arranged by Patrick to accompany Xia Leng to the Street of the Dead.
Xia Leng had expected only a few transport vehicles to be dispatched with him, but he was surprised to see an old-era tank's firepower as well. This showed just how much importance the company placed on discovering new types of creatures.
The team was divided into two squads, each consisting of about 25 fully armed elite mercenaries.
The two squads were led by Captain Gilbert of the Falcon Squad, an agile-enhanced end-time hunter, and Captain Philip of the Tiger Squad, a power-type end-time warrior.
Their roles were quite different, and so were their respective squad's equipment.
The Falcon Squad specialized in long-range shooting and included snipers, assault gunners, machine gunners, and even rocket launcher operators.
The Tiger Squad, on the other hand, was more focused on close combat. Each member wore sturdy exoskeleton combat suits and wielded various violent close-combat weapons, including several first-stage end-time warriors.
Typically, these two squads were old teammates with a high degree of coordination, frequently collaborating on missions.
When the Falcon Squad carried out long-range sniping, they would first eliminate a batch of enemy long-range firepower, while the Tiger Squad would prevent the Falcon Squad from being ambushed up close and launch counterattacks.
In summary, they played different roles depending on the terrain: the open wilderness was the main battlefield for the Falcon Squad, while the densely built-up urban areas were the best places for the Tiger Squad to attack.
At this moment, Xia Leng was in the first armored vehicle with the two squad leaders, waiting to reach their destination.
However, Captain Philip still had his arrogant demeanor, casually smoking a cigar despite the smoke filling the closed vehicle.
"This guy has that kind of temper; don't mind it. Also, we just came back from exterminating a mob camp and are now starting a new mission, so he might be a bit tired," Gilbert said with a smile, trying to ease the awkward atmosphere in the vehicle.
Xia Leng didn't mind. The Blacklight Virus in his body could block all harmful smoke and purify his respiratory tract.
"Hmph, tired? I've never known what it means to be tired. Those worthless mobs are less than a rat in my eyes."
Philip snorted disdainfully.
Indeed, a fully armed and highly disciplined mercenary squad could easily wipe out a mob camp of lawless, scattered individuals without much effort.
The reason they had to deal with these barbaric mobs was that the clueless refugee camp had hijacked a water transport vehicle from the Comodo Company.
When people are on the brink of death from hunger and thirst, they can do anything. For a moment's sustenance, they risk their lives to hijack something that would lead to their annihilation.
"Have you been to this street before? Do you know what it's like inside?" Xia Leng asked, looking out the observation window of the armored vehicle as various billboards gradually came into view.
"You mean the Street of the Dead? Our company doesn't have enough manpower to deal with rival groups, so how could we possibly go to exterminate those meaningless zombies? If you hadn't mentioned discovering a new type of mutated creature deep inside, the company wouldn't have sent us for such a task anyone could handle," Gilbert said with a smile, actually quite curious about the new type of mutated creature that had captured Patrick's attention.
As they were exchanging brief pleasantries, the entire convoy arrived at the shadowed street.
"Captain, we've arrived. Please give the next instructions," said the deputy commander sitting in the passenger seat, turning to Captain Gilbert. He was a vision-enhanced hunter-type purifier.
"Alright, let's have all team members check their gear again. Even though we're dealing with mindless barbaric monsters, I don't want anyone becoming their prey due to carelessness," Gilbert said solemnly. Even Philip, the brash warrior, started to get serious and began inspecting his exoskeleton armor. His weapon was a titanium alloy double-edged sword more than two meters long!
Regardless of the task or enemy, the two squads would always bring their full battle intent, which was one reason for their impressive track record.
Xia Leng wanted to inform them that these zombies were not as mindless as they seemed. Under the command of the mysterious Zombie King, their coordination was even comparable to that of a well-organized military force.
The three of them got out of the armored vehicle and looked at the ominous street filled with danger.
The giant billboard Xia Leng had previously shot down still lay quietly in the middle of the street. However, the zombie crushed underneath had disappeared, perhaps dragged away by other zombies. The ground was still stained with dried dark green blood.
"The billboard ahead is blocking the way for the armored vehicles. Have your men move it aside," Gilbert said to Captain Philip. Such manual labor was usually handled by them, while their shooters provided cover from the rear.
Several soldiers wearing heavy exoskeleton armor went over. Though they were ordinary people, long-term training and the support of their armor had given them nearly the strength of first-stage end-time warriors!
Xia Leng observed the street. The zombie tide that had previously surrounded and besieged him had vanished, perhaps hiding in the surrounding buildings, waiting for the opportunity to pounce like raindrops.
At that moment, the soldiers had reached the giant billboard and were lifting it by its four corners.
"Hey, do you think if we get bitten by these zombies, we'd end up like the walking dead in the movies?" Philip asked curiously while holding his exaggeratedly large double-edged sword.
"Heh, you've watched too many old movies. If you get caught by these zombies, do you think there will be any intact bones left in your body?" Gilbert replied with a smile. He had once seen a refugee being pounced on by three zombies and torn into countless pieces within less than half a minute, not giving any chance to be infected...
As everyone waited for the obstacle to be removed, Xia Leng suddenly sensed a familiar violent aura emanating from the massive billboard!
The soldiers also found the decayed billboard to be unexpectedly heavy, exceeding their expectations!
Rip—
Suddenly, a tearing sound of nylon was heard!
A rotting, skinless, desiccated arm burst out from the giant billboard's inner layer, grabbing one of the soldiers by the right leg!