Salt Lake City, outskirts.
"Alright, rookies, we've reached the outskirts. We'll stop here and regroup. Your task is to check the surroundings for monsters. Don't think this is a simple task. It concerns everyone's safety. So, rookies, take it seriously," said a veteran elite.
Inspired by these words, Cheng Zhi was filled with energy. Of course, such a crucial task wouldn't be entrusted to newcomers. Veteran members were still responsible for the checks; otherwise, any oversight could lead to a disaster.
The veteran's words were meant to encourage the new members and integrate them into the team. In the long run, this approach would enable them to handle any situation flawlessly.
As a logistics personnel, Cheng Zhi immediately immersed himself in his work, focusing intently.
Beep! Beep!
The electronic device scanned the area.
Numerous slowly moving light dots appeared on the screen, some distance away.
"We are currently within a safe range from the monsters," Cheng Zhi reported. This was knowledge acquired during training, now applied in a real-world scenario. As long as they remained attentive, there shouldn't be any problems.
Their armored vehicle was the second in line, with the first vehicle manned by veteran members conducting reconnaissance.
"Excellent, a good analysis. You definitely have a talent for logistics, kid."
Cheng Zhi blushed, embarrassed by the compliment.
Zhang Yue gave Cheng Zhi a thumbs-up, confirming his skill.
Just then, the moving armored vehicle jolted violently, startling Cheng Zhi. He grabbed the railing to steady himself, a look of surprise on his face, unsure of what had happened.
The veteran reassured them, "Don't be nervous. This is normal. The roads in the ruined Salt Lake City are uneven. Bumps are to be expected. Don't worry about it."
For the new members, their nerves were on edge. They were like startled birds. This was a common experience, and the key was to overcome that fear.
The only way to conquer fear was through experience. With enough experience, they would become accustomed to it.
Cheng Zhi was visibly tense, constantly watching the green dots on the screen. As the dots drew closer, his heart pounded, silently praying they would change direction. He finally breathed a sigh of relief when the approaching dots wandered off in another direction.
The veteran members smiled at the anxious expressions of the newcomers. It was a familiar sight. Everyone went through it. Even as veterans, they still hoped to avoid monster encounters during missions.
Unfortunately, that was wishful thinking.
Suddenly, a voice echoed through everyone's ears.
"Attention, Sonic Monster detected."
Everyone became instantly alert. The veterans, having faced various monsters before, remained calm. However, for the new recruits, the announcement of a monster sent shivers down their spines, their palms sweating.
"Rookies, watch and learn. The best way to deal with a Sonic Monster is to pin it down," a veteran said, maneuvering the armored vehicle. All the new members watched intently.
Six armored vehicles simultaneously fired iron nets. The Sonic Monster wasn't particularly fast, but upon hearing the sound, it reacted swiftly. Its arms, like sharp arrows, deflected two nets in the blink of an eye. However, the remaining nets successfully entangled the monster, firmly pinning it to the ground.
"Beautiful!"
Everyone cheered excitedly.
"See? No need to be afraid of monsters. Our modified armored vehicles are not to be trifled with."
Cheng Zhi and Zhang Yue watched, mesmerized. This was their first encounter with a real monster. It was different from the training materials. The pictures and the reality were vastly different.
"Whoa! Monsters are truly terrifying. Look, you can see its brain pulsating through half its skull."
"Yeah," Cheng Zhi agreed, nodding.
Zhang Yue was curious about these monsters. As a combatant, he was expected to fight them. Seeing a real one naturally made him nervous. He touched the knife at his side, drawing a sense of security from his weapon.
Soon, the armored vehicle came to a halt. Xiao Hong's voice echoed through the intercom.
"One person remains in each vehicle to stand guard and await further instructions. The rest, disembark and prepare to enter the underground base."
Before entering the underground base, everyone gathered around a map.
Xiao Hong's voice was serious. "The underground base is located beneath the medical company. There's only one entrance, and we'll enter from here. We need to reach the entrance as quickly as possible. The scientists are waiting for us there. We don't have much time. During the operation, no one is to deviate from the plan. Regardless of what happens, if it's unrelated to our mission, ignore it. Is that clear?"
"Yes!" The group responded in unison.
Xiao Hong continued, "New logistics personnel, stay behind. The rest, both new and veteran combatants, follow me. Remember, no unauthorized actions. Otherwise, you'll be kicked out when we return."
"Yes!"
"Yes!"
Cheng Zhi obeyed the orders. The logistics personnel were to remain in the vehicles, ready to provide support. Of course, some experienced logistics personnel would accompany Xiao Hong into the medical company, primarily to monitor the screens for approaching monsters.
Only experienced personnel could handle such a task. Newcomers like him, without the necessary mental fortitude, could easily panic, jeopardizing the entire team's safety.
Six veteran logistics elites were in charge of the six vehicles, with Cheng Zhi assisting them.
"Stay safe," Cheng Zhi said, patting Zhang Yue's shoulder, hoping for his safe return.
"Don't worry. Don't you believe in my strength?" Zhang Yue took a deep breath and smiled. He had been anticipating this for a long time. As a combatant, he had to be prepared for battle.
Soon, the twenty-three-member team cautiously made their way towards the entrance of the medical company.
"Cheng Zhi, get in the vehicle. We'll wait here," a veteran elite member instructed.
"Yes," Cheng Zhi nodded.
Inside the vehicle, Cheng Zhi watched the situation on the screen. Numerous monsters roamed within the medical company. Xiao Hong and her team were trying to avoid them, aiming to reach the underground base entrance without engaging in combat.
A veteran logistics personnel provided them with real-time updates.
"Watch carefully, learn. Don't think we're useless just because we don't fight monsters directly. In situations like this, we play a crucial role. Any negligence can cause significant problems."
"Yes, I understand." Cheng Zhi listened attentively. He felt that the people in the Extermination Agency were truly remarkable. Although strict at times, they were very passionate, often sharing knowledge he couldn't learn in the academy.
Inside the medical company, the surroundings were pitch black. Abandoned for so long, the electrical systems were completely damaged. Even if they weren't, they wouldn't dare turn on the lights. Monsters thrived in darkness, finding solace in the shadows.
Beams of light illuminated the path ahead.
Zhang Yue gripped his knife tightly, his senses heightened. Any slight movement would send shivers down his spine.
"Relax," Wang Xiaojun patted Zhang Yue's shoulder. "Monsters aren't that scary. Maybe they should be afraid of us."
Besides Zhang Yue, there were eight other new recruits. Zhang Yue was particularly impressed by Meng Jinxia's composure and skill. She was an exceptional female combatant.
"A monster is blocking the path ahead. One, an Arm Strength Monster," the scout reported.
Arm Strength Monsters were relatively common. Humanoid in form, they possessed a massive right arm capable of devastating blows. However, their slow speed made them manageable opponents.
"I'll handle it," Xiao Hong said, stepping forward. The Arm Strength Monster lumbered about, its eyes gleaming with predatory hunger upon seeing the humans.
Boom!
Boom!
It charged towards Xiao Hong.
Xiao Hong remained calm. As the monster swung its fist, she nimbly dodged, circling behind it. With a swift slash, her sharp blade severed the monster's legs. Blood splattered. Aware of the monster's incredible resilience, she didn't let up, continuing to attack. Under the watchful eyes of the new recruits, the monster that had filled them with dread collapsed with a thud.
The monster's demise was gruesome. Its head, arms, and legs were severed.
Xiao Hong wiped the blood from her blade. "Remember, a monster's vitality is beyond your imagination. If you encounter one, you must cut it like this. Otherwise, it will seize any moment of carelessness to deliver a fatal blow."
"Is that clear?"
The new recruits nodded, deeply shaken by the scene. Some thought to themselves, I hope I never encounter a monster. It's truly dangerous. They had seen several close calls where the monster almost reached Xiao Hong, but she had evaded each attack.
If it were them, they doubted they could have done the same.
"Understood."
Among the group, Meng Jinxia's eyes shone with anticipation, as if eager to battle monsters. Anyone aware of this would have been astonished, calling her a lunatic. Who would look forward to facing such creatures?
Inside the armored vehicle, Cheng Zhi frowned as he stared at the screen. A veteran member noticed his concern.
"What's wrong?"
He often led new recruits, and this expression was typical for their first mission. Maintaining composure was rare. After all, this wasn't a game but a terrifying reality.
"I have a bad feeling. Look at the positions of these monsters. They're close, but not within the danger zone. It's as if they're doing it on purpose," Cheng Zhi voiced his suspicions, unsure of their validity.
The veteran logistics personnel chuckled. "You're quite observant, kid. It's nothing to worry about. This is normal. We've encountered this before. Monsters have low intelligence. They tend to stay in one place."
"However, it's good that you're thinking critically and observing carefully. Very good."
Cheng Zhi was speechless.
He felt ashamed.
They were too good at praising. It seemed like they always found an opportunity to compliment him.