Large tires screeched to a stop in front of a low building, splashing up a muddy wave.

A tactical boot hit the ground as a tall figure emerged from the SUV, a small bag at the waist, and a metal shield in hand, striding towards the off-road vehicle, guarding beside the front passenger seat.

Figures in black raincoats descended from three red fire trucks, cautiously surveying the surroundings.

Especially those distant and indistinct roars, which set nerves on edge.

Yet they'd passed several buildings without encountering the zombies that seemed to appear randomly like NPCs. The yard was as clean as if no one lived there, and the buildings were intact, with no signs of forced entry at the doors or windows.

Lao San jumped out of the off-road vehicle's driver seat fawningly and ran to the side to open the door for Su Huan.

Su Huan frowned as he looked at the ground, the rainwater on the concrete pooling around their boots, an inch deep.

"Something followed us, and it's fast."

Yu Yue in the back seat warned.

Su Huan nodded, "Call Lu Xiao and Jiang Rong over."

Before long, the two were summoned to the front of the vehicle, the bean-sized raindrops shattering on the car door, blurring even the figure of Su Huan sitting in the front passenger seat.

"What are we collecting this time?" Lu Xiao asked.

"Collecting?" Su Huan raised an eyebrow in surprise, pointing to a Night Demon lurking on the building behind them, "That's your mission."

"You're a tactical team, not a resource collection crew. For the next hour, your task is to guard this yard and prevent anything threatening from entering."

Lu Xiao's face turned a bit grim upon seeing that Tier One Night Demon.

He hadn't expected the first mandatory mission would throw them against such a creature.

Relying on a group of ordinary people with a few sticks and knives to take down that thing would surely cost many lives.

This was a mission he'd have to risk his life for!

"Catch this."

While he was lost in thought, Su Huan tossed something from the car to him.

By reflex, he caught it, his heart skipping a beat at the solid metallic feel.

This texture—

Law Enforcer-S1 Tactical Pistol.

Although the emblem on it was worn off, the gun had no modifications, so he recognized it at once.

He glanced sideways, seeing Jiang Rong also holding one, which looked even newer than his.

Feeling the reassuring weight in his hand, Lu Xiao was somewhat surprised.

What's going on? Has the train conductor changed his tune today?

"The gun is an early reward for this mandatory mission, but the 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition inside aren't free—they're charged double. Don't let too many people die, or the train conductor will feel the loss of... resources spent on you."

Su Huan still spoke in a sarcastically indifferent tone.

Yet, for some reason, it sounded much more pleasant to their ears.

Jiang Rong, probably holding a gun for the first time, silently watched Lu Xiao beside her as he checked the firearm. She wasn't very proficient in mimicking him, but she clearly knew how to operate it.

After all, Law Enforcer firearms are known for their solidity and reliability.

Watching the two leave, Su Huan stroked his chin.

These two tactical pistols were nearly useless on the train—trading them for two Evolvers to risk their lives for him was a major gain.

The main thing is there's an entire military arsenal right in front of them.

Compared to an arsenal, two handguns mean nothing.

Lu Xiao, who had left, returned.

"Since you're not using us as cannon fodder, a heads up: that group is likely heading for the train or planning to ambush us on the way."

Facing Lu Xiao's well-intentioned reminder, Su Huan felt his gnawed conscience almost leap from his gut.

But regarding his suggestion, Su Huan asked with a peculiar expression, "Why do you think I might overlook this problem?"

...

Outside the armed train, not long after Su Huan left, three modified off-road vehicles rushed in, stopping a hundred meters away.

Evidently, even modified off-road vehicles couldn't handle a drop from over ten meters high.

He Jie, shirtless, sat like an imposing figure in the front passenger seat, his face a storm cloud as he gazed at the armored train squatting in the rain.

A medic behind him bandaged the gash on his shoulder.

In the first encounter of the mission, he'd already lost two elite members.

Both the medic in the passenger seat, Greyhound, and the demolitions expert, Thunder Dog.

These weren't ordinary soldiers; they had been trained as Evolvers for two years, proficiently using their abilities for coordinated combat.

They were officer seeds for the company's future transition!

Now, two had died in this godforsaken place.

If it weren't for the three squads arriving quickly from behind, he would have had that Butcher smashed on the spot!

Despite that, he still clung to a shred of hope.

As long as he could complete the arsenal mission, the company would turn a blind eye.

But seeing the armed train's location made it clear—the worst-case scenario had occurred—the opposing party was also here for the arsenal!

If he lost the arsenal as well, not only he, but the board members behind him would face the company's censure too.

He Jie now resembled a gambler who had bet everything he owned at the table, with no choice but to go all-in.

Taking a deep breath, He Jie signaled to the side with a hand gesture.

'Secure the train; the rest continue the mission!'

The three off-road vehicles began to split up, two heading towards the arsenal, one towards the armed train.

Car 3.

Xiaoba slowly opened his eyes, the metallic color in them intensely deep.

"The Pan-energy Crystal is fully absorbed. Want another one?"

Beside him, Wan Xing crouched next to a Tier One Fearsome Wolf's corpse, eyes dim and uninspired, with a transparent crystal taking shape in his hand.

For her, decomposing and collecting now felt like second nature.

She could even do it while eating.

Xiaoba shook his head, "Su has given me enough crystals to reach Level 3 metal control. I've just finished absorbing the second one, and I'm still clueless about new skills."

"There's no need to rush. Su Huan said without specialized equipment and training methods, some skills can't awaken spontaneously. When I've accumulated enough basic materials, cultivating a Pharmacist will solve it."

Wan Xing said calmly.

The Pan-energy Crystal in her hand finally formed to normal size, with an aesthetically pleasing pattern of cracks around the crystal stone.

Xiaoba pursed his lips, "We can't rely on Su for everything."

"No wonder he trusts you to stay here so much, such awareness for a young guy." A tall figure walked over from the other end of the corridor.

Cradling an Iron Curtain-A3 in her arms.

"Sister Yu Jing."

Yu Jing waved her hand, "Su Huan said, when he's not here, I'm responsible for production matters on the train, but the combat leadership is yours. You can give orders now."

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