Chapter Ten: Crisis

When they had contacted before, Yu Zhou mentioned that there might be some kind of energy in City A affecting these mutants, but despite thorough investigations, they couldn’t find the cause.

“Yes. This time, we’re requesting your assistance to help determine whether these mutants’ sudden increase in strength is influenced by some external force.”

It was truly strange how these mutants had inexplicably grown stronger.

“Do you have a plan of action?”

“We’ve already assigned people to continue the investigation, but the area they can cover is limited. We hope you can help by spreading out and searching other areas.”

“Understood.”

They had come specifically to help resolve the situation in City A, so they naturally cooperated.

The team members paired off and headed to designated locations to investigate. If they encountered mutants, they were to eliminate them.

Jiang Yu was assigned to team up with Lin Shen to investigate the southern area.

—

Jiang Yu didn’t know much about the situation in City A; in her previous life, nothing like this had ever happened. Initially, all mutants were on the same level, with no distinctions of strength.

Perhaps, as they said, something was indeed influencing the mutants in this city.

Jiang Yu and Lin Shen conducted a thorough search of the area but found nothing unusual. However, along the way, they encountered many mutants, all of which Jiang Yu dealt with personally, leaving Lin Shen no chance to intervene.

“This place doesn’t seem to have anything. Shall we check somewhere else?”

They had finished exploring this area and were supposed to return. But since they hadn’t wasted any time on the way, it was still early, so they could continue investigating other locations.

“Alright.”

Jiang Yu didn’t mind; she wanted to kill more mutants. Returning now would only slow her progress.

The two walked out toward the outskirts, far from the city, where residential areas were scarce.

“Jiang Yu, don’t you find this place a bit strange?”

“Yes, be careful.”

Jiang Yu also sensed something odd about this place; she hadn’t felt this when they first arrived. She vaguely felt they were being watched by something, and not just one.

They cautiously observed their surroundings, both becoming increasingly alert.

“Maybe we should go back and inform the captain?”

Lin Shen thought it best not to take risks for their safety. His skin prickled all over; whatever was watching them was definitely formidable and not alone. Several mutants might be lurking ahead, waiting to ambush them.

With their current abilities, they might not be able to eliminate those hiding in the shadows.

At least, he wasn’t confident that he could.

“Alright.”

Jiang Yu didn’t know the exact number of mutants but could feel there were many. When she had been killing mutants in this city earlier, she noticed that these mutants were indeed far stronger than those elsewhere. Although she could dispatch them quickly, if there were too many, she wasn’t sure she could eliminate them all.

They gradually withdrew from the area, but before they had fully exited, Jiang Yu sensed that mutants hiding in the shadows ahead were moving closer.

“Lin Shen, contact the captain now. If any teammates are nearby, have them come support us as soon as possible.”

Lin Shen didn’t yet know what was happening but obeyed Jiang Yu’s order. He urgently contacted Xiao He to report their situation. Whether help would arrive in time was uncertain.

“How could there be so many?”

The mutants ahead came into view. Lin Shen counted about a dozen, not including those following behind.

“Stay safe and try not to confront them head-on.”

Jiang Yu’s heart sank when she saw these mutants. They seemed even stronger than the ones they had encountered before. Judging by their strength, they stood no chance against these mutants.

She began to wonder what exactly had strengthened these creatures.

[System, why are these mutants so strong?]

[Hmm?]

[Just look for yourself. Their strength is far beyond what I can handle now. Didn’t you say I was your chosen lucky one? Shouldn’t you give me some special abilities? Otherwise, I might die here today.]

[Host, please wait. I am applying for that right now.]

The system hadn’t anticipated the mutants being enhanced and urgently contacted the player controlling it from behind.

Regardless, Jiang Yu was currently disconnected from it.

The mutants continued approaching but didn’t launch an attack. Naturally, Jiang Yu and Lin Shen wouldn’t foolishly attack first; buying time was crucial.

Lin Shen watched the mutants drawing closer, his palms sweating nervously. “Jiang Yu, maybe we should run.”

He was struggling with the intense tension—either run or fight. Watching them approach slowly without being able to act was maddening.

“No. If we run, they will follow us into the city,” Jiang Yu said. “The casualties would be unpredictable.”

Early-stage mutants didn’t attack people hiding inside buildings because they lacked that capability. But these enhanced mutants were different—they actively hunted prey and were more skilled predators.

“Then we fight,” Lin Shen stopped moving. If they retreated further, they would lead these mutants into the city.

“Check with the captain on their whereabouts.”

Jiang Yu agreed with Lin Shen’s plan. Their only chance to escape the mutant horde depended on how soon Xiao He and the others could arrive.

Before they could contact Xiao He again, the mutants suddenly charged toward them.

“Roar…”

They let out a series of intimidating roars in their direction.

“They’re coming. Be careful.”

In this situation, both were barely able to protect themselves. They could only try to ensure their own safety; they had no power over the fate of the other.

Lin Shen was an awakened warrior with excellent agility. Though struggling, he hadn’t reached a desperate state.

As the mutants closed in, Jiang Yu also raised her weapon and struck. Without awakened skills, she could only fight up close, unlike Lin Shen, who could attack from a distance with magic.

Amid the mutants, luckily, she understood their characteristics well enough. Although she couldn’t kill them all, she could at least keep herself safe for the time being.