Armed Train in the Apocalypse

Shun’an Farmers Market.

Originally filled with a variety of agricultural vegetables, but due to the sudden outbreak of the apocalypse, it had long become a paradise for zombies and mutant beasts.

Some time ago, He Jie ransacked the place, leaving behind nothing but chaos.

Rotting flesh and vegetables piled in the corners, scavenged by red-eyed mutant rats.

Survivors used to occasionally use small tricks to get some grain and oil from here.

Now, people avoid this place as it has completely turned into a haven for Evolution Beasts.

No one expected a new group of customers tonight.

The sound of splashes echoed as a figure stumbled in, attracting the crimson gazes from the corners.

But the next moment, as if sensing something, the red eyes flickered, accompanied by bizarre squeals, as the mutant beasts frantically fled.

The investigation team leader fell in front of a spice counter, leaning against it, gasping for air.

Strands of hair sparked with electricity, the lights above flickered on, illuminating his disheveled appearance. The left shoulder of his combat uniform stained reddish, showing a massive handprint where the fabric was torn.

Hard to imagine the terrifying grip that could pierce a body with just five fingers.

Clear footsteps approached, metal hitting the cement floor with a crisp ”click-clack” sound, like turning gears.

A cold murderous aura, like the wind outside, seeped continuously to the bone.

The investigation team leader was unfazed by the oppressive terror before him.

His eyes slightly out of focus.

Thoughts surged in his mind.

Eleven Tier Ones, one Tier Two... What mission is Black Kite executing, requiring such terrifying force?

Even their Deep Blue Data investigation team would face slaughter?

Could the armed train actually be Black Kite’s doing?

Did we inadvertently stumble upon Black Kite’s secret?

Too many mysteries intertwined in his mind, with no clear logic emerging.

Zhao Kuo entered with a sullen expression, his right eye emitting a faint blue light, dispelling the darkness before the Farmers Market under his modified mechanical eye, even without the illuminated lamp.

”What does your Deep Blue Data really want here?”

The investigation team leader retorted with sarcasm, ”I’d damn well like to know what you’re doing here.”

Even Zhao Kuo, trained in observation, couldn’t unravel the complexities here.

Clearly, those two were also from Deep Blue Data!

Why is this group as well?

Could the armed train be their pawn?

The recent crushing defeat of the Steel Council raises questions.

Deep Blue Data orchestrated the downfall of the Steel Council, seizing the Gene Primordial rightfully theirs, but this behavior might have violated some rules, forcing Deep Blue Data to cover it up.

Therefore, Mr. Shu’s reason for sending me becomes clear.

A surge of intense killing intent flickered in Zhao Kuo’s eyes.

Backstabbing!

The investigation team leader sensed his thoughts and sneered, ”It seems you’ve developed well, Black Kite. Just wait for the company’s declaration of war.”

Understanding the logic, Zhao Kuo was no longer anxious.

This dirty work can’t see the light of day; whether the company even acknowledges it is uncertain.

How could a war be declared over this?

But the task must be accomplished well, or else he, a flawed Tier Two, might become a sacrifice.

”We only want those two Gene Primordials, we don’t seek to kill anyone.”

Hearing this, the investigation team leader struggled to maintain calmness, though his heartbeat accelerated.

Gene Primordials!

Two of them!

No wonder Black Kite employed so many Evolvers.

But though two Gene Primordials are precious, risking war with Deep Blue Data for them?

The first year after doomsday was spent fighting; nothing was developed, leading to direct collapse.

Like the Steel Council, situated in the Acid Rain Zone; in a high-disaster area, they would’ve been wiped out in one wave.

Relaying the information back with a backup plan, he taunted, ”You killed all four of my teammates but don’t want to kill anyone... Explain that to the company’s battle squad later.”

Zhao Kuo’s expression turned peculiar, ”Besides that unlucky guy at the start, the rest aren’t dead.”

”Boom! Boom! Boom!”

The surviving lights on the market’s roof lit up, revealing five cocoon-like figures dangled upside down, tossed down from above.

Each person was encased in a black bag similar to a sleeping bag, with only their head exposed.

The investigation team leader raised his head in shock.

A lean figure jumped down, wearing an exoskeleton that looked simpler and thinner than anyone else’s. The combat uniform also differed, with key areas designed with different materials, especially the arms, wrapped like black bandages.

The individual resembled a sharpened blade, cold and swift.

They nodded slightly at Zhao Kuo and stepped back two paces.

Figures clad in exoskeletons appeared, some clear, some obscure, within the Farmers Market.

Hearing his teammates’ painful groans, the investigation team leader felt some relief.

At least the opponent hadn’t resorted to pure cruelty.

”Your turn to show sincerity, I’m curious why your team has seven members, while the other team has five.”

Zhao Kuo stood at one point seven eight meters, his exoskeleton giving him a cold, towering presence.

The investigation team leader looked at his teammates, frowning, ”We’ve always been five, the other two belong to the Steel Council, as for the other team you mentioned, I don’t know.”

Zhao Kuo’s face stiffened for a moment.

He seemed to feel the sneering gaze from HT-426 behind him.