At Liao City Base’s Eastern Outpost Checkpoint, the teams for the “Clear Meishan Town New City Power Plant” mission gathered. Alongside Chen Liu’s Jinghu Squad, three renowned teams stood out. Chen Liu sized them up. The Brothers Team, led by Zhong Shan and Zhong Yong—8-star Awakened with “Copper Skin Iron Bones” and “Innate Super Strength”—was a crew of burly ex-construction workers who’d risen fast in Liao City. The Groundhog Team, under Fu Guo’an, a 9-star “Earth Element Control” Awakened and former metalwork shop owner, boasted self-forged weapons like machetes and a heavy sword, wielded by his tough ex-employees. The Nightingale Team, led by Gao Xiaomei, a 30-ish 8-star “Force Field Control” Awakened and ex-nightclub madam, was an all-female squad of fierce former nightclub girls, wildly popular at the base. Elemental and mental abilities are rare, Chen Liu thought, noting Liao City’s depth of talent. The teams exchanged wary glances. Trust was scarce in the apocalypse. Even Nightingale’s girls, geared up, radiated menace.
A whistle broke the silence, aimed at Nightingale’s girls by a Brothers Team member. His leer was blatant. They’ve changed, Chen Liu thought, recalling the Zhong brothers’ pre-apocalypse humility as migrant workers, now eroded by their Awakened status and indulgent nightlife. Power had gone to their heads. They had gone from curb-side ogling to brazen harassment. Nightingale’s girls glared back, disgusted. A young girl tugged Gao Xiaomei’s hand, prompting a cold stare. An invisible force field enveloped the area, buckling weaker men while the Zhong brothers endured. Gravity control, Chen Liu thought, awed by its potency.
“Damn bitch!” Zhong Yong snarled, ready to attack, but two military jeeps roared up, halting him. Gao Xiaomei withdrew her field as Zhao Tinglong, the officer Chen Liu recognised, stepped out. He’s stronger than before, Chen Liu thought, sensing an oppressive aura—possibly a 1-star Evolver. Zhao nodded to Chen Liu, then addressed the group sternly: “I’m Zhao Tinglong, mission leader. Two rules: obey commands, or face consequences and team blacklisting; spoils are earned, but no fighting over loot—mission success is priority.” The Zhong brothers and Fu Guo’an seemed displeased. Their growing power was chafing under military authority. Zhao ordered, “Set comms to channel 9. Move out!” The convoy—two jeeps flanking four team vehicles—rolled toward Meishan Town, an hour away.
Mutated animals crossed their path, dispatched by Special Ops’ precise gunfire. Che Liu was sure they were showing off their elite marksmanship. The message was clear. By 10:30 a.m., they reached Meishan’s outskirts. “All teams, on alert!” Zhao’s voice crackled through the comms. Chen Liu gripped his tactical axe, ready to rave.