The enemy's stronghold lay deep within the occupied territory. Xiao Qiang and Lin Yu had to overcome the enemies on the beach or find a good cover point to safely pass through the enemy zone and locate the stronghold for a decisive strike.
Once they found the stronghold, the central nerve of the enemy's concentration would be severed, causing the monsters that roamed freely in the occupied areas to collapse without a fight.
War was about slaughter—fighting for peace, fighting for justice. True warfare ignited a fervor within. At that moment, Xiao Qiang's eyes burned with rage and hatred. His Mechanical Battle Suit melded seamlessly with his consciousness as he mimicked the attack patterns of Mimetic Organisms, darting and leaping with agility that did not hinder his shooting or control over his shoulder-mounted tendrils. He resembled a fierce lion, tearing apart the surrounding Mimetic Organisms without mercy.
The tentacles of an Octopus monster exploded under a hail of bullets, twitching and writhing as foul green corrosive liquid oozed from them.
Lin Yu wielded a large knife with ferocity, leaping through the air to slash at a burrowing monster.
Xiao Qiang's skills grew increasingly refined as he dodged, evaded, jumped, and spun, catching enemies off guard while delivering powerful fire support that left the monsters disoriented.
Liu Yi led several members of the N Group through a depression in the ground. They had not anticipated an attack from behind when Xiao Qiang leaped over, raising his arm to unleash a barrage that shattered the approaching monster's body into pieces.
Liu Yi could hardly remember how many times Xiao Qiang had pulled them back from the brink of death. On the battlefield, gratitude was irrelevant; only killing more enemies could repay a comrade’s life-saving efforts.
Despite slaying countless foes, their numbers seemed unending. Tentacles and flames spewed from all directions, spreading chaos around them.
Thick smoke enveloped the battlefield, shrouding it in darkness. Xiao Qiang and Lin Yu could not inform their comrades of their actions since they were about to infiltrate deep into enemy territory—an act against military orders.
Success hinged on this moment; they had to swiftly traverse the Beach War Zone and enter the devastated area to locate a river dam. This time, Lin Yu had to follow Xiao Qiang's lead; only he could sense that strange signal.
The colossal monster was also searching for Xiao Qiang, drawn by the blood coursing through his veins.
The Giant Monster was a cunning and brutal female Bionic Alien that continuously spawned murderous offspring; perhaps it should be called Octopus.
Its abilities rivaled those of Xiao Qiang, suggesting an inexplicable connection between them. It would know his thoughts almost instantaneously, just as he would grasp its intentions.
This was akin to Jack's illusion—when the Giant Monster found him, an invisible magnetic force linked them together.
Since leaving the Tavern, vivid yet unreal images had occasionally surfaced in Xiao Qiang's mind. He could sense the cries and movements of the Abnormal Monster nearby, as if it were just within reach yet completely out of sight.
Finally, amidst powerful fire support, they crossed through the Beach War Zone and entered the first enemy-occupied area. It resembled an amusement park—rusty carousels, Ferris wheels, and thrilling roller coasters stood forlornly amidst waist-high weeds swaying in the wind, evoking a profound sense of desolation.
If it weren't for these detestable aberrant invaders, this place would have been filled with joy and laughter—children's shrieks of delight echoing around... "We’ve ridden roller coasters," Lin Yu said with a wry smile while leaning against one of them.
"I haven't either," Xiao Qiang replied. "But we’ll have plenty of chances in the future."
"Let's hope so," Lin Yu said as she left the roller coaster and looked towards the still billowing smoke of the Beach War Zone, wondering how the situation was for the Vanguard Joint Defense Force. "We should head in that direction."
"I think..." Xiao Qiang's gaze was fixed on the low-lying area with residential buildings. "We need a vehicle to reach the Inland Contaminated Zone." He scanned the surroundings cautiously, and suddenly his eyes lit up. Among the nearly collapsed houses, there was a Tow Truck, and to the north, a Civilian Vehicle. With a vehicle, there was hope, but he couldn't tell if these vehicles were good or bad. They exchanged a glance filled with anxiety, yet they had no choice but to try.
"You go east, I'll go north."
"Why?" Lin Yu widened her eyes, not understanding Xiao Qiang's intention. It would be better for them to stick together; separating wasn't a good idea. If something happened, they wouldn't be able to help each other.
"There's a lurking monster to the north. I'll draw it away; you hurry and get the car."
"Then... be careful," Lin Yu hoped this time would be successful. She didn't want to traverse the Beach War Zone repeatedly; it was an area filled with the scent of death. The longer they delayed, the more danger those behind them would face. "Remember, you can't get hurt." That was what worried her most. If injured in enemy territory, one could easily be captured by monsters, and the consequences were unimaginable.
Xiao Qiang's blood was a valuable energy source for monsters. If he were captured, it wasn't hard to imagine that they would drain his blood and turn him into a dried corpse.
"Yeah, don't worry."
The two of them took off running towards their respective destinations.
Xiao Qiang reached the north side and smashed a fist through the car window. Once inside the driver's seat, he realized there were no keys. He searched frantically but found nothing. In desperation, he began tossing everything out of the car.
Lin Yu was incredibly lucky; she effortlessly found the car keys and started it up. Feeling anxious, she urged in her mind: Come on... hurry up!
The hidden monster lunged from the north. Xiao Qiang saw its writhing tentacles and his heart skipped a beat as he quickly glanced at Lin Yu.
Lin Yu had already started the car and shouted at him as she drove away: "Hurry!"
Xiao Qiang raced against the monster; their common goal was Lin Yu and that vehicle.
Due to distance, Xiao Qiang reached Lin Yu first and dove into the car. The vehicle struggled to roar to life as it lurched forward.
It was an old-fashioned Tow Truck dragging a cumbersome mobile home behind it. The scenery along their path was desolate—no signs of life, just empty wilderness littered with collapsed buildings and vast patches of wild weeds.
"Is it following us?" Lin Yu's abilities were limited; she couldn't sense any information about the Abnormal Monster at that moment.
"It's cunning and well-hidden. I... can't sense it for now," Xiao Qiang replied while keeping his vigilance on what lay behind them. The empty road behind was eerily silent.
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