Chapter 98: Complete Victory, Terrifying Chen Chu(I)
Chapter 98: Complete Victory, Terrifying Chen Chu(I)
"The lightwave detector ahead shows that there were the energy fluctuations of a level 4 mutated beast here. Originally, I thought it was a massive evolved creature swimming in from the river, but looking at these claw prints, it seems like it’s not an aquatic beast."
The other person shook his head slightly. "Not necessarily. Judging from the direction of those claw prints, the beast eventually entered the river. It's possible that it's a mutated crocodile, or an aquatic creature that has evolved limbs."
The two briefly fell silent at the thought. After a while, the middle-aged man slowly spoke. "Since that mutated beast has already entered the river, it will be difficult to track. However, following the usual pattern of evolution, it will likely swim downstream toward the ocean. Compared to the faint transcendent energy in the rivers, the ocean’s abundant energy is more attractive to these creatures."
The other person nodded. "Regardless, the increasing number of mutated creatures in the rivers and streams is becoming concerning. We need to find a way to curb them."
"Agreed. When we return, I'll propose to the higher-ups that we selectively capture any fish over two meters in size with signs of mutation. I think we can also mobilize the power of the masses..."
***
In the early morning, Chen Chu stepped out of the elevator in his black and red battle armor.
Standing at a towering height of 1.85 meters, his robust figure exuded a commanding presence. Every step of his metal combat boots resonated with a deep, reverberating thud against the lobby carpet, instilling a sense of unwavering stability akin to a mountain.
His tousled black hair, left untrimmed for three months, now cascaded over his ears as he walked. His bangs swayed gently with each step, framing his handsome features. Despite the lack of grooming, he exuded a dashing and charismatic aura.
"Chen Chu."
"Big Brother Chen."
"Brother Chen, you’re going out?"
As Chen Chu emerged, the students from Nantian and the other two schools greeted him warmly.
Compared to his ordinary and unknown status at school, Chen Chu had skyrocketed to fame upon arriving at Leisteru City. He had quickly gained popularity among his classmates and even among the new freshmen. Even the monstrous Li Hao couldn't overshadow him.
Facing these friendly greetings, he responded with a smile, acknowledging each one. There was no trace of the ferocity or dominance he exhibited in battle on his person.
Chen Chu headed to the military area to apply for a modified off-road vehicle, one that students wearing battle armor could drive themselves. He placed his saber diagonally on the back seat, then drove out. Soon, the vehicle hit the main road out of the city, the now bustling traffic adding a sense of liveliness to the journey.
After nearly a month, apart from a few cities, the situation in Kyrola had largely stabilized.
The newly established joint authorities had overturned the monarchy system; as part of the stabilization efforts, they had enacted and diligently implemented many laws beneficial to the people, which further solidified the Kyrolan people's acceptance of the Federation.
The reconstruction after such upheaval was slow-going, but it was a promising start.
Soon, Chen Chu arrived at the outskirts of the abandoned town, the one where his classmate had died. Parking the car outside, he calmly walked into a dilapidated three-story building.
In the lobby, Chen Chu took a deep breath. In an instant, a fierce aura burst forth from him, causing his muscles to swell, and his entire body to increase in size.
Boom!
With a punch covered in black true power, the air in front of him exploded. A half-meter-thick cement pillar was shattered into pieces, sending debris flying in all directions.
With the supporting pillar shattered, Chen Chu turned, unleashing a piercing roar.
Boom!
The wall he was facing collapsed as if a raging elephant had fiercely slammed into it, and the entire building trembled slightly as dust filled the air.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Chen Chu was like a wild raging beast. He rampaged through the abandoned town, unleashing terrifying power with every move and demolishing everything in his path with domineering force.
As buildings collapsed one after another by his hands, the ground shook, and billowing smoke rose into the sky. Amid the chaos, faint traces of sharp blade lights shattered everything in their path.
Despite currently appearing as such, Chen Chu hadn’t gone crazy. After such a drastic improvement to his physique, he needed to test the full extent of his power and learn how to control it. Given his current strength, the disturbance caused by testing at the base would have been too noticeable, so he had come here instead.
It wasn't until about an hour later, amid the billowing smoke and debris, that Chen Chu slowly emerged from the half-collapsed town, his expression calm once more.
At noon, after Chen Chu finished picking up his meal in the cafeteria and was about to find a table to sit down, Xia Youhui waved to him from a short distance away and called out, "Ah Chu, over here!"
Chen Chu walked over and sat down, as Xia Youhui curiously asked, "Ah Chu, where did you go this morning? I didn't see you at the training ground."
Chen Chu casually replied, "Just went out for a drive around. I was hoping to get lucky and catch a Blood Cultist or something, but I didn't come across anything."
Xia Youhui chuckled. "Yeah, things aren't as chaotic now as they were in the beginning. After nearly half a month of dealing with us, and then a week of the new trial participants going on a rampage, the more bloodthirsty cultists are pretty much wiped out."
He then said, "By the way, Ah Chu, did you hear about Lin Xue’s breakthrough?"
"Lin Xue also made a breakthrough? Impressive," Chen Chu praised.
Xia Youhui rolled his eyes. "Ah Chu, why do I always feel like punching you whenever I hear you compliment someone?"
"Why?" Chen Chu looked at him strangely. "What's wrong with complimenting someone's skills?"
"Nothing, usually. It only becomes a problem when you do it." Xia Youhui gritted his teeth. "You're getting way more powerful than almost anyone else here, you can take down pretty anyone that goes against you like it’s nothing. But you’re always acting so meek and modest in front of us. What’s the point in that?"
Chen Chu looked puzzled. "When facing enemies, of course one should be decisive and swift in dealing with them, right? But how does that relate to my usual attitude? Do I have to act arrogantly and aloof, or look cold and mysterious to everyone?"
"Not necessarily." Xia Youhui was a bit conflicted. "What I mean is, you could be more assertive and firm in your actions and words, so that I can have more confidence when showing off."
"What does your showing off have to do with me?" Chen Chu asked, puzzled.
Xia Youhui sighed. "Every time I break through a realm and want to show off in front of Liu Feng and the others, you always casually appear out of nowhere. And even though you’re clearly more powerful than me, you always have this modest attitude. My eagerness to show off suddenly feels pointless in comparison."
Chen Chu couldn't help but laugh. "Can't blame me for that. How about next time, I'll wait until you've had enough showing off before I show up?"
"Sure, just remember that you suggested it, OK?"
With a few laughs exchanged, the two finished their meal and then went their separate ways. Xia Youhui went to continue his diligent cultivation, while Chen Chu headed to the rooftop of the hotel and let his consciousness drift away.
Within the coral reef fifty meters below the surface lay a menacing black mutated beast, its golden pupils scanning the surrounding waters. After devouring two large mutated fish in the morning, the Sword Armored Beast had proceeded to patrol its new territory, familiarizing itself with the environment.
Although the deep sea was rich in resources, it was also incredibly dangerous. Even the Sword Beast didn’t dare to be careless in such circumstances. A sudden encounter with a level 9 mutated beast could spell disaster.
Outside the coral reef, a grouper over two meters long leisurely swam by. As it neared the coral reef where the Sword Beast resided...
Bang!
In an instant, a black sword-like spike thrust out like a streak of flowing light.
Pchick!
The spike pierced through the grouper's head, causing it to die instantly without even a moment to feel any pain.
These creatures weren't like the Sword Beast; many fish species had weak eyesight, instead relying primarily on other senses to perceive water currents and disturbances in their surroundings.
The Sword Beast's ferocious figure moved slightly. With a flick of its tail, it pulled the grouper over into its claws and bit down on it, tearing at and devouring it while it kicked up from the reef. Its tail swayed as it swam deeper into the ocean, searching for more prey.