For some unknown reason, when Sheyan heard the words ‘expert sniper’, he immediately recalled that southern region sniper who executed that Tier-2 legendary creature in one shot!
Thinking of that, Sheyan was instantly enlightened. If it was that person, then it was no wonder that Prince Stalo had acted as though a powerful adversary had arrived.
In actual fact, no matter who it was, having a sniper observing you would essentially feel like having brambles and thorns pricking one’s back. What more Prince Stalo who had to continue duelling with contestants?
Although both parties were involved in a duelling contract, but! That lone sniper wasn’t part of any contract or pact. If he really wished to unleash a shot and snipe Prince Stalo into near-death state, then it couldn’t be considered foul play. In this manner, Prince Stalo wouldn’t have a period of rest at all. What’s more, who could clearly say there was only 1 ambushing sniper and not two?
One shot to near-death state. Another sniper simply following up with another shot, before blatantly entering to snag the dropped key……although Stalo’s performance had been domineering so far; at this very moment, he still didn’t dare to take his own life as a joke.
After Zi heard Eros’s words, she batted her eyelid at him and ignored him. Then, she refuted Prince Stalo solemnly.
Well since you can arrange for a Growth-hunter to supply you auxiliary mana replenishment out of the field, then there’s nothing strange about me inviting someone to spectate the battlefield. Your reasoning is that it is fine as long as one doesn’t directly interfere with the battlefield, then my action isn’t considered violating the rules too.
Listening to Zi’s words, Prince Stalo immediately felt a sense of speechlessness. In theory, did Prince Stalo possess the ability to challenge 17? Yes! However, it would definitely be gravely taxing on his MP. One must understand, his opponents were contestants, elite personnel who had been chosen by the realm itself! Not just 17 wild boars for the slaughter!
Therefore in Stalo’s arrangement, Eros was a crucial chess piece to replenish his MP within the 30 seconds regulated break. He even considered the possibility of being sneak attacked by others during that period. Still, those other 12 Growth-Hunters were not vegetarians and would definitely jump to his aid if that happened. The only miscalculation was actually the possibility of an insanely powerful sniper, one that could threaten his life.
Both sides sank into a deadlock. As time dragged on, it undoubtedly became advantageous to the defenders. More crucially, with such an incomparably terrifying beastly sniper hidden in the darkness, even a Growth-Hunter would feel pins and needles; and could at most exhibit 80% of their true potential.
Prince Stalo sighed deeply, before spitting out.
Fine! Zi, consider me giving face to Zeus. Today, I shall let you off. But since our hidden mission cannot be completed, the 13 of us cannot expect to leave empty handed.
Zi very frankly replied.
Fine! Everyone here will hand over 3,000 utility points, 3 potential points to compensate your losses.
At present, there were roughly 70 – 80 plus defending contestants, and they could be considered refined sand washed by the billows. Hence although Zi’s offer caused some to nearly cough out blood, it wasn’t severely detrimental to them.
(TN: Chinese idiom referring to people that have gone through trials of intense warring)
Yet more critically, the side mission for the defenders would be accomplished very soon. Don’t even mention others, completing this battlefield side mission would at least reward them with 2 achievement points. This itself eclipsed 3,000 utility points and 3 potential points, what more the subsequent missions etc.
As for Prince Stalo and the rest, obtaining over 200,000 utility points and 200 plus potential points to divide, was considered a pretty consolation. If they dared to revolt and retaliate; the 13 of them fighting against 70-80 contestants, while that frightening sniper existence laid hidden. Then inevitably the defenders would suffer severe casualties, but they themselves would possibly be utterly annihilated!
Hence, this formidable pack of uninvited guests chose to compromise, and dejectedly retreated. Fortunately, theirs was just a hidden mission and not a main mission, if not they definitely wouldn’t be willing to take things lying down.
After this series of incidents, the remaining defenders no longer ventured out. They honestly and obediently stayed by the crashed valkyrie. Primarily to prevent others from destroying the engine, and secondly for their personal safety.
Don’t mention those 13 Growth-hunters returning for vengeance; if that lone sniper wished to slay anyone, he would pose an intense threat to the overwhelming majority. Fortunately, he seemed like a lone hermit and was unwilling to join any party; hence, most of the contestants heaved a sigh of relief.
In actual fact, a contestant of such incredible calibre would have a higher chance of survival by not joining a party. It may seem like party members could supply additional security and safety, but it also came with appalling limitations. For example, losing the freedom to choose the location, time and target to fire. Besides, during a party battle, experienced opponents would definitely sacrifice all cost to slay him first!
Time trickled away by the seconds. Currently, Zi’s reputation was second to none. She had garnered the undisputed allegiance of most contestants. Worth mentioning was the fact that Reef also received esteemed respect. Primarily due to his performance in battle and his unwavering willpower of steel. Pledging his unyielding tenaciousness, he had impacted the multitudes greatly – doing battle alongside such a MT, his grandeur alone was sufficient to propel their morale vehemently.
Finally, the 3 days timeframe concluded, causing everyone to heave sighs of relief. To most people, accomplishing this side mission smoothly was satisfactory already. Especially those individuals that had reaped massive benefits during the beast war. For example silver storyline grade equipments dropped from legendary creatures, a whole load of utility points, and never forget, that resurrection tool ‘Unmodeled Amnio Tank’; of which 4 were sold off.
According to most people’s prior experiences, once a side mission of the realm war was accomplished, returning to the realm would still hold punishments; penalties of attribute points and what not. However, the rule forbidding them to bring out harvest from this world would be terminated. Hence, to such individuals, it would be relatively worth it.
Instead, Sheyan was secretly deeply moved.
This realm war mission difficulty is indeed out of the norm!
Their entire cohort didn’t follow according to the mission designation of defending till the beast horde ended, but chose the compromised path of executing the RDA workers to appease the beasts. Such conduct naturally lowered the intended difficulty of the battle side mission ‘Footing’. Thus, when a natural calamity was avoided, human disaster approached!
The realm allocated a hidden mission to an obviously formidable pack of Growth-hunters, allowing the 13 of them to create a conflict here. Only by passing through the tribulation, could this mission be officially counted as complete……..
Thinking of that, Sheyan couldn’t help pondering about that fabled ‘no one knows its rewards’ Golden Side mission! With regards to this medium intensity realm war, just a mere starting side mission was already incredibly daunting. Then for a golden side mission, wouldn’t its difficulty be beyond terror? All in all, this information was on the eve of being officially disclosed!!
Come.
Sheyan inhaled deeply, exposing an expectant expression.
I’ve been waiting.
[ 5 ]
[ 4 ]
[ 3 ]
[ 2 ]
[ 1 ]
[ Mission duration over. ]
[ Contestant no.1018. Within these 3 days, you and your party have successfully guarded the Valkyrie’s core engine. ]
[ You completed the side mission ‘Footing’. ]
[ You receive 7 achievement points.
(Base reward +3 points. Silver party leader additional +3 points. Legend level additional +1 points ]
[ You receive 10,000 utility points, 5 potential points reward. ]
[ Pointer: You accomplished a battle side mission which relies heavily on party strength. 5 party contribution experience points earned (2 points base reward +3 additional for high difficulty reward)! ]
Woah woah!
Sheyan instantly felt a surge of delight. He hastily inquired of Reef. In the end, Reef received 5 achievement points, an additional 2 as the vice head of the a Silver prestige party. Apart from that, the 3 party members were all supplied with 5 party experience points.
Cumulating it, the prerequisite for upgrading the party level was fulfilled. Except, Sheyan’s current military ranking was still 2nd lieutenant and limited his party growth. Luckily, with the extensive application of achievement points, promoting to lieutenant (first) wasn’t that excessive. It only required 70 achievement points. Right now, Sheyan had already amassed 61 achievement points. If his plans went without a hitch, then promoting wouldn’t be a problem upon returning to the realm.
At this moment, the realm issued a list of notification through their nightmare imprint.
[ Serial no. 601-09 Interstellar Vehicle Venture Star (ISV Venture Star) is currently outside of planet Pandora’s atmosphere. They have already responded to the earlier call of distress. ]
[ 8 hours later, there will be another valkyrie dispatched from the ISV Venture Star to escort everyone to Hell’s Gate. During this period, you are free to roam about. Upon arriving at Hell’s Gate, the next follow-up side mission will automatically be triggered. ]
[ Pointer: This world is a battlefield of high mortality rate. Therefore, by staying inside a valkyrie (any valkyrie) for a period of time, you will receive the privilege of returning to the realm. Time taken to return to the realm is 5 seconds, any assaults will interrupt the returning process. ]
Chapter 401: Golden Side mission!!!!
After the list of notification, the realm finally offered something that most contestants were anticipating.
[ You must be warned. The realm doesn’t encourage cowardly behavior of fleeing during a war. Therefore, you must pay a costly penalty of 3 points of your highest attribute / 5 achievement point as safety transportation fee. In view that you have completed the first side mission, you can now bring whatever harvest you’ve accumulated in this world back to the nightmare realm. ]
When this notification surfaced, out of the 70 plus remaining contestants…..shua shua shua! 10 others vanished. Those individuals had definitely earned their basins full and were unwilling to stay any further. To make such a decisive choice at this time, they naturally had excellent self-control; forsaking future prospects of abundant rewards and opportunities.
Closely following that, a magnanimous booming resounded.
[ Warning! Warning! You are qualified to receive the Golden side mission. This mission cannot be shared! It is of extreme difficulty! ]
[ Warning! Warning! The Golden side mission has surfaced. Mission must be purchased with 3 achievement points and 30,000 utility points! ]
[ Warning! Warning! The Golden side mission is isolated! Regardless of individuals accepting this mission, only one person can ultimately complete it! ]
[ Details: You only have 1 minute to accept or decline this mission, no extensions! ]
Ogling at this notification, the wildly expectant Sheyan couldn’t restrain his heart from beating wildly. Such demanding mission acceptance requirements, while only one can receive its eventual mission rewards! Both Reef and Mogensha were similarly dumbstruck.
Their period of involvement inside the realm was longer than Sheyan; yet this Golden side mission, no matter its mission acceptance requirements or isolated completion criteria, it was their first time encountering it!!
At this point, Sheyan immediately turned his head to glance at his two party members. Concurrently, both Reef and Mogensha noticed an unbelievably ludicrous passion burning in his eyes! Reef inhaled deeply and nodded, clenching his fist to Sheyan to demonstrate his support. Brother black only lighted his cigar and issued a thumbs up sharply.
After forking up 3 achievement points and 30,000 utility points, Sheyan finally obtained this daunting mission. Without mentioning much but by just looking at its price tag, one could tell it was indeed worthy of the word ‘Golden’.
[ You’ve obtained a Rank C Golden side mission – Cherokee’s Sacrifice. ]
[ Mission deadline: None – Upon returning to the realm, if this mission isn’t completed, it will be deemed as failure. ]
[ Mission content: Slay the Chieftain Cherokee. Carve his heart out as sacrificial offering. ]
Then……nothing, absolutely nothing!!! Wasn’t this too hard?????? Sheyan was instantly stupefied. This Golden side mission was too excessively absurd, just 3 phrases! 3 phrases that was all, what kind of notification was this, not a single warning was given. Hence, Sheyan was now faced with two crucial factors.
The first was to clarify what kind of creature was Chieftain Cherokee. According to the literal meaning, it should be a certain clan lord of the Na’vi clans. Yet one couldn’t eliminate the possibility of a diabolical ferocious beast, the same monstrosity as a Great Leonopteryx.
Secondly, this mission’s difficulty would be inevitably arduous. Just from its simple introduction, one could tell how tough it would be. For example, slaying Chieftain Cherokee after a thousand ounces of painstaking effort, one still had to offer it as sacrifice; who knew if the sacrificial ceremony required a tier-6 Thanator’s blood as sacrificial rite, or inviting Tsahik Mo`at (Mother-in-law of the main lead) of the Omaticaya Na’vi Clan in the original storyline to recite special incantations etc…….
(TN:Spiritual leader in the na’vi tongue)
Therefore, the thing Sheyan urgently needed now was information, massive loads of information! Naturally, only Hell’s Gate may possess such information.
More importantly; even if Sheyan tossed aside the Golden side mission, he still had two urgent matters to see to.
Previously back inside the luscious forest where Lille and Uzel had disclosed their malicious intentions; by catalyzing the crux of their actions, one could determine there was a mystery buried inside the Great Leonopteryx’s skull. Undoubtedly, it masqueraded a tremendous mystery and fortune within, which could probably be solved only after heading to Hell’s Gate.
Next was an important extraordinary object that Sheyan possessed – ‘Chris Redfield’s Lucky Bracelet’. That bracelet required the blood of a movie’s main lead to unseal.
(TN: Sheyan acquired this bracelet in chapter 75 of the Starship Trooper world (vol.5))
At this point, modular cultivation of the Avatar body of the main lead, Jake Sully, should have commenced…….indeed, Sheyan was currently coveting that main avatar body that was still being cultivated; still without a soul owner.
One could imagine, amongst the entire armed security forces of Hell’s Gate, at least 60% would be mobilized to deal with terrifying invading creatures. 35% would be tasked with safeguarding the treasury of precious stockpiles of high purity Pandora crystals. There was no cause for doubt, treasures that exceeded 20 million american dollars per kilo in worth had full justifications to be overly guarded. Therefore, the security of the laboratory should be relatively slackened. Naturally, that was quickest method to fetch some of the main lead’s blood.
Ultimately, it was necessary for Sheyan to make haste to Hell’s Gate base. Waiting dorkily over here for 8 hours wouldn’t be a decision any wise man would take. Hence, Sheyan immediately thought of summoning a Blackthorn Overlord as their flight carrier. Instead, he very swiftly eliminated that notion.
On one hand, that would easily provoke the attention of others. At present, Sheyan was still unwilling to let others know of his association with that alien arachnid race. On the other hand, it was due to the Overlord’s intrinsic characteristics. It was a flight type creature without a shred of self-defense capabilities, the worst case scenario would be vicious Mountain Banshees or that rare Great Leonopteryx deciding to have a change of taste buds. Once he provoked these daddies and uncles, it would really be the case of ‘easier to invite the devil than to send him away’.
But at this moment, Zi proactively found her way to them; more precisely, to seek for Reef. She very bluntly reiterated that their Illume-Union had Hell’s Gate’s coordinates. 10,000 utility points and everyone can proceed with this alliance. Upon reaching Hell’s Gate, they can prolong their cooperation.
Under Sheyan’s urging, Reef straightforwardly agreed. Then he added that their alchemy master was left with a scarce amount of concoctions. Moreover, due to the prices of raw materials inflating and the economic crisis, they have no choice but to start accepting manufacturing costs in this aspect……
Reef’s nasty behavior was evidently filled with purpose. Instantly, Zi’s expression turned sully; yet though she was dissatisfied, she couldn’t impulsively declare they didn’t require his concoctions.
As a party leader, one naturally had to take responsibility for one’s party members; making decisions to guarantee their survivability. Hence, a valuable concoction that could grant at least 6 points of bonus attribute, if one could get their hands on it, then it must surely be done…..the outcome was after negotiations, Sheyan’s side managed to earn 5-6 thousand utility points from them instead.
Facing this passive atmosphere, Zi had the impulse of ‘grabbing a slipper to smack cockroaches’, she gnashed her teeth and coldly snorted before leaving. Fortunately, Archeaphill managed to contain the situation, becoming an intermediary lubricant to this situation. He then gestured Sheyan and the rest over to travel together.
The remaining individuals of the Illume-Union were all peak experts, but the prowess of Sheyan and the trio spoke for themselves; naturally they cordially invited them in. To the masses, arriving at Hell’s Gate 8 hours earlier also signified receiving their battle side mission an entire 8 hours ahead of schedule. Moreover, who was to say Hell’s Gate wouldn’t consist of loads of side missions?
In actual fact, this 8 hours that the realm initiated may seem rather silly, but it wasn’t at all without reason. In fact, according to the expected sequence of resisting the beast horde or those Growth-hunters, the 8 hours was supposed to be adequate rest to heal up after experiencing a terribly insurmountable hardfought victory. It was time for them to recover their broken and severed limbs. Except, it didn’t factor in that the contestants would reach such a compromise…..
As the saying goes, A step ahead leads to many steps supreme. What’s more, this was 8 long excruciating hours! Waiting for the valkyrie to fetch them….when one finally arrives at Hell’s Gate, then others would’ve probably advanced manifold steps ahead in the subsequent battle side mission. Hence, under Zi’s deliberate emission of this fresh news, most contestants here all craved to follow their party out. Besides, Archeaphill had made a personal vow in guaranteeing that they would arrive there within 2 hours.
With the Illume-Union operating in this manner, they managed to receive 1,000 utility points from every single contestant; craftily reaping huge proceeds from this. Zi’s expression finally turned slightly better. The rest was needless to say, the contestants hurriedly journeyed off.
Accompanying their rich and overbearing manner, the Illume-Union actually managed to produce 3 ‘AMP Suits’ with guns blazing as they led the pack; with many smaller units of contestants trailing them in this journey. Under normal circumstances, even if they encountered a forest tyranny like the Thanator, they could easily dispatch of it. As long as they didn’t encounter any large Na’vi clan, they could directly bash their way forward.
Along the way, Sheyan and Yuan Zhan became on good talking terms. Sheyan’s designed role in this temporary party was to supplement bonus buffs before the battle broke out. Yuan Zhan, as a summoner, obviously couldn’t storm the front. When Sheyan simply mentioned his interactions with summoners like Phelps and Fanu, he easily shared a common language with Yuan Zhan.
Chapter 402: Flora pastures
Trekking through the primitive jungles of planet Pandora wasn’t as comfortable as it looked. Pandora was a world of gorgeous and splendid sceneries. Solely its various flora leaves alone, were all fantastic oddities of every description; carrying yellow, red, purple, blue and brightly-colored unusual streaks. It was indeed a true eye opener.
Yet in the world of nature, freshly-lit colours frequently indicated tell-tale signs of danger. Many curious contestants had been hurt by the hidden perils of these gorgeous plants. Naturally, they suffered thorny backlashes; blood loss, poison, ulceration and what not. If not for the superior composition of a contestant’s body, they would’ve long been stretchered away.
The understory of this primitive jungle had no wind. Coupling the torrential thunderstorm from yesterday and the current scorching sun, the humid and moist environment caused everyone to be drenched in sweat. Moreover, planet Pandora just had to have a venomous atmosphere; hence underneath their oxygen masks, even taking big breaths supplied a suffocating sensation.
At present, only the monstrous Archeaphill could exhibit his formidable resistance; conceitedly pulling down his mask as he smoked his cigarette at the front, and only returning for an oxygen puff after intervals of 5-6 minutes. Sheyan randomly realized Archeaphill would’ve been a perfect match if he were to square off with Stalo. However, Archeaphill’s weak firepower was too excessive, which would probably become an immense problem against those obstructing ice walls.
Even for powerful contestants, their speed of trudging through the dense forest was still largely affected. Hence after an hour, they only managed to traverse 20 kilometres. Fortunately at this moment, a breeze blew in from the front. As they exited the forest, their eyes met with an expansive vacant land, along with the sounds of running water. Their noses caught whiff of a flowery fragrance, as they discovered blooming abundance of flourishing flowers along the riverbank.
These flowers and plants resembled Earth’s Strelitzia Reginae (Crane flower) species, with a rough height of 1 metre. Their leaves were curled into a lotus shape, with its flower demonstrating a horn shape. Pine green leaves complimented the pastel colored flower, along with mesmerizing pointed stems; displaying a sight that warmed the heart, and delighted the eyes. The air was flushed with a heavily scented sweet aroma; even through the filtering oxygen mask, it pleased their spirits.
Huge chunks of smooth rocks were distributed amidst the flora. Due to the previous rain and the drying by the sun, they appeared clean, sturdy and restless. The river was clear that one could see its bottom, and occasional cold breezes would gently pass. From ahead, orders to take a rest were issued. Very swiftly, the contestants sat down for a refreshing rest; this commanding order was indeed satisfying to everyone.
Currently, Sheyan observed Yuan Zhan as he bluntly bent down and drew in a crane flower. Then, Yuan Zhan leaned it towards his mouth, and seemingly poured its contents into his mouth; his face displayed a thoroughly pleasurable expression.
Sheyan understood. These prominent summoners were individuals that were mostly biologists or held a similar vocation of the present world. Either that or they were minimally researchers with biology education. Following suit, Sheyan drew in a crane flower, and immediately discovered the existence of a perfumery nectar within. Only few tiny droplets rolled into his throat, but they brought a combination of refreshing peppermint and carefree sweetness; as though the heat of the journey had been dispersed.
Since Sheyan had sampled its sweetness, he no longer remained courteous as he consecutively drank down 7-8 flowers. Wherever there were flowers, there would naturally be bees. Due to the low gravity of planet pandora, ordinary flora and fauna were all larger than Earth’s by a notch; the amplified bees were no exception.
A distinct one nearby was a fiery looking bee, with a size that of a sparrow. It was essentially an evil tyrant. Every time it loomed over a flower, it would rudely chase away the other bees and butterflies; its demeanor incomparably frightening. Sheyan personally witnessed a palm sized enchanting butterfly being stung by it; the butterfly’s wings were shredded apart, dying after struggling for a short distance.
Undoubtedly, Sheyan’s nasty plucking flower behavior agitated that fiery bee. Buzzing, it exploded towards Sheyan, seemingly about to discipline this flower thief. Sheyan wasn’t one to be trifled with. Unflustered, he reached out his finger. Who knew, the bee nimbly dodged. Enraged, it detoured an extensive circular arc before charging in again.
Observing its threatening gesture, Sheyan actually felt a tinge of threat. A slap later, he directly sent it colliding against a rock. The stunned bee was writhing around on the ground. Meanwhile, Yuan Zhan coincidentally turned his attention over, and asked with amazement.
Isn’t that a Hellfire wasp?
Those brats possesses an accurate organic targeting system, its olfactory organ can detect the biochemistry of nearby creatures. It is said that certain technology of humans in this world uses their targeting system as reference. Its flight is erratic and agile, how did you deal with it?
As he spoke, Yuan Zhan leaned in to seize the hellfire wasp. It modelled a real wasp, but with a larger body. Yuan Zhan very blatantly ripped apart the wasp’s head, wings and 6 limbs. Then he laughed.
Of course. From my understanding, the hellfire wasp’s best usage is to consume it. Many thanks for knocking this one dizzy. Truthfully speaking, this bee is extremely agile, I cannot catch them.
After finishing, he tossed the poor wasp into his mouth; which followed by clear crisp crunching of exoskeleton. Pfff! Like melon seeds, he spat it out.
Witnessing such unabashed behavior, Sheyan was immediately awestruck. He couldn’t help asking.
Aren’t you afraid of getting poisoned?
Yuan Zhan revealed an infatuated expression.
This brat doesn’t have a poison gland and a body stinger. To them, the brute force from their incisive dual-stinger mouthparts is adequate to run amok already.
Sheyan wasn’t one to lose out. Watching Yuan Zhan feasting delightedly, he hastily browsed around the area. The hellfire wasps weren’t like normal bees, they preferred to travel solo. Moreover, it demarcated its territory and prevented others from invading. Hence, after spending some effort, he managed to signal out one hellfire wasp; Sheyan immediately gave chase. As he was about to seize it, he felt an abrupt uneven ground beneath his leg as he tripped.
Fortunately, Sheyan’s balance was great. In a flash, he recovered stability. With hands slapping in contention, after a brief period of humiliating himself, he finally captured that unlucky hellfire wasp. Learning from Yuan Zhan’s recipe, he tossed the bug boldly into his mouth. Who knew with just one chew, its outer shell crackled and broke, as extremely fragrant nectar juices splashed out from the belly of the hellfire wasp.
The interior flesh of the hellfire wasp tasted excellent and chewy, just like a chicken drumstick; biting it resulted in a slightly al dente sensation, a stark difference from Sheyan’s repulsive imagination. If one had to compare this with another, then the closest would be the pincers of a large ocean crab.
At this moment, Sheyan recalled the weird uneven ground from before. While chewing the hellfire wasp forcefully, he walked over to investigate. After pulling out the thick grass, he discovered the uneven cavity was shockingly a tremendously large hoofprint. This hoofprint was familiar, probably left behind by a gigantic direhorse.
Sheyan’s heart stirred as he immediately got Mogensha and Reef to scout around. Not long later, they discovered multiple loads of hoofprints scattered around this sea of flowers. The trio’s actions couldn’t be concealed from others. Besides, those who could survive till now were all quick-witted individuals. Gradually, they discovered more and more hoofprints.
From Yuan Zhan’s former interpretation, the team of horses comprised of at least 300. Yet for commonly seen direhorse teams, it wouldn’t exceed a hundred.
Secondly, beneath the root systems of these crane flowers, there were tracings of digging. Uprooting the place would reveal carcasses buried beneath. Naturally, this place had been artificially created.
These two factors combined, could provide a basic inference – this ‘river bank’ should be hailed as a ‘flower garden’, inspired by a certain highly intellectual life form to cultivate direhorses. If grass was the direhorses’ staple, nectar flowers would be a direhorses’ recreation and snack.
Thinking of that, every contestant didn’t dare to stay any further. Na’vi warriors were fine, direhorses were manageable, but putting the two together….speed and archery coordinating together birthed equestrian archery. In former years, Genghis Khan swept through Eurasia with such deadly skills! Without adequate preparation, invoking a frontal assault with a na’vi clan was naturally not a wise thing to do.
The bunch of them naturally didn’t dare to stay any second longer. The Illume-Union made preparations for inflatable canoes, before floating along the river, while those without preparations made their own log rafts. The river stream was crystal clear, sightings of extremely queer fishes appeared occasionally. During their journey, when countless violet Stingbats were startled, they appeared like a violet mist dispersing from afar.
Half an hour drifted away. From afar, one could visibly notice greyish thick fumes rising in the horizon, sketching out gruesome outlines of fiends in the sky; utterly inharmonious with the spotlessly white clouds and sky of Pandora.
The destination was clear to all, the destination was right ahead.
Chapter 403: Hell’s Gate!
As they approached nearer, densely packed chimney peaks stood numerously from a distant. Red flames peeped out from the chimney, while they spurted out smoky fumes. Smoke and dust converged like humongous grey serpents, slithering away into the sky.
No doubt, this spectacle of emulating the eighteenth century United Kingdom industrial age, was Hell’s Gate. Bustling with refinery of loads of Pandora crystals, and a string of incomparably complex processing systems. With such clear indicators, the contestants no longer worried about losing their way. Very swiftly, they hurried towards the deafening roars of machinery and engine motor. Soon, they were greeted by an enormous, at least 100 metre tall, olive green machinery operating inside a mining pit.
To date, this was the biggest excavating machinery invention of the humans – The Bucket Wheel Excavator. It possessed giant tooth wheels of 2 km in circumference, with altitudes of 20 metres; it could easily grip against rocks, and grind down vegetation, wood, even rocks easily. From afar, it appeared like a mini mountain like robotic creature that was slowly operating. Behind it was a profoundly deep ditch, as deep as 50 metres and as broad as 100 metres.
Beside the materials storage compartment of this olive green robotic creature, was an enormous Hell’s Gate truck in camouflaged paint. The truck’s tremendous back compartment was piled solely with Pandora ores to be sent for processing at the initial phases. It was exceedingly durable, firm; confining the driver compartment to only a tiny telephone booth size at the front.
Although the truck appeared like a granule beside the bucket wheel excavator; when one approached the giant truck, one would discover its massively sturdy wheels to be the height of two grown men. This ensured that the truck could easily overcome the rough terrain of planet Pandora, and resist the threat of various creatures. Just observing several sporadic 2 metre arrows lodged along the tire, was sufficient to illustrate its reliability.
Going a step nearer, one could tell this Hell truck didn’t possess reinforced vehicle armour. Although it could resist light assaults, if a creature with deadlier penetrative firepower appeared, it would be able to pierce through it.
At least for now, they could fathom that the Omaticaya clan was fairly civilized. Their protesting methods seem to be mere resorts of firing arrows at those tires, and not directly towards the driver compartment.
Brother Black, Mogensha, was fairly adept at socializing. Following the party, he strolled towards the road constructed for these Hell trucks. Targeting a rumbling Hell truck passing by, he took a big stride and easily grabbed onto the lateral climbing ladder up the driver compartment. The driver was also a black sister with large eyes. She quite closely resembled the female lead Sheva from Resident Evil 5. Turning around, she casted a suspicious gaze over. Mogensha then very naturally knocked against the driver window, and tossed a strip of chewing gum in.
Hey, beauty. I know you’ll give me a ride. After trekking the damned forest for 3 hours and 11 minutes, you and your truck are lovelier than angels in my eyes.
Causing them to be taken aback, Mogensha actually didn’t get rejected. Perhaps one could attribute this to his incessant bragging and sexy lips. Immensely proud of himself, he sat at the front passenger driver seat and waved to Sheyan and the rest. Following that, the Hell truck puffed out thick fumes before disappearing behind a rocky bend.
With Mogensha as example, many other contestants learnt likewise. However, the charmless Sheyan tactfully didn’t test his luck. Instead, he quickly and easily climbed up the carriage of a Hell truck, and accompanied the Pandora ores.
Due to the low gravity of planet Pandora, these Hell truck big boys travelled speedily through the makeshift roads. At present, Hell’s Gate was in its basic stages, with towering reinforced concrete major weapon towers vividly seen from afar; its pitch-dark cannons could easily wreck any disturbing elements from land or air. At the outskirt of Hell’s Gate, the contestants went through a light inspection; probably just conventional routine, to prevent unknown viruses from contaminating the inside of the base.
From an aerial perspective, Hell’s Gate had the shape of a loose square. Its total surface area was 15.4 square-kilometres, while securing the base were 4 lofty solid perimeter fences that were as broad as 3.93333 kilometres. Not forgetting the various automatic turrets along the perimeter, minor weapon towers were also erected in intervals of 50 metres; manned by workers around the clock. As Sheyan queued, he engaged in visual assessment, basically confirming the perimeter fences were constructed with 3 metre thick reinforced concrete.
Bullet holes and bloodstains surrounding the base’s periphery. Apart from cannons at the major weapon towers, automatic heavy munitions weapons were also installed to deal with various surface and air intrusions by large hostile Pandorian wildlife. Moreover, those minor weapon towers at intervals of 50 metres were used to exterminate intrusions of smaller lifeforms. At the outskirts, a cleared 30 metre wide strip isolated the base, with automatic clearing machinery patrolling around. The isolated strip was an excavated gorge riddled with landmines, preventing any Pandorian creatures from infiltrating through borrowing.
When the contestants stepped onto the ground of Hell’s Gate, their nightmare imprints finally transmitted the notification.
[ You have successfully arrived at Hell’s Gate base. ]
[ Warning: Utilizing violence inside Hell’s Gate base is an immensely risky behavior. It is highly advisable not to, please remember the above-mentioned instructions. ]
[ You received the sequel battle side mission: ‘Hell’s Gate trust’ . ]
[ Mission objective: Within 72 hours duration, increase your reputation in this RDA base to ‘Respected’ .
(Your current reputation is ‘Neutral’. Reputation successions – ‘Neutral’ , ‘Amicable’ , ‘Respected’ , ‘Revered’ , ‘Worshipped’) ]
[ Pointer: During this battle side mission, if one utilizes any item to speed raise one’s reputation, its intended effect would be weakened by 50% ]
[ Pointer: The first 3 contestants that accomplishes this mission first, will uniformly receive additional rewards. ]
[ Warning: If this mission fails, a penalty of 8 achievement points will be invoked! ]
[ Warning: If you reject this mission, you will receive a fixed reward and instantly return to the realm. ]
[ Do you wish to accept this mission: Yes / No ? ]
Upon reaching the base interior, Sheyan was extremely gratified to discover the base adopted a tight on the outside, loose on the inside mentality. Besides, if a crime was committed here, there was no other place to escape to. Its periphery were treacherous forests, with 25 hours (Pandora time frame) patrolling by foot soldiers mostly in surveillance against any hostile creatures that may infiltrate the base. The interior was like a relaxed town. Which goes to say, if Sheyan desired to commit atrocities of blood extraction in a certain laboratory, chances of escaping would be relatively high.
In this period, the base interior construction was still at its preliminary stages. From nearby, several officers that modelled american military officers were yelling loudly, calling for them to assemble. With one glance, Sheyan immediately recognized the flat top Colonel Miles Quaritch. Three protruding red scars stretched down from the right of his forehead, successfully betraying his identity.
In this instant, Sheyan was even sinisterly fantasizing of killing him, which would most certainly result in an ‘Advanced Machine Piloting Fluency Scroll lvl 7’ drop loot. Once this colonel piloted an ‘AMP Suit’, there was no cause for doubt in his outstanding combat capabilities. During the movie’s battle scene, he even managed to fully suppress the female lead that was riding a Tier-7 legendary Thanator. In the end, the male and female lead had to combine to defeat him.
When everyone adopted an uprightly still military attention posture, the colonel remained silent. Instead, he utilized his incisive raptor vision to scan everyone, as though he had x ray vision. After a full 2 minutes, he finally spoke.
Perhaps I should phone my old friends back at the ISV Venture Star, and commend their efficiency for sending us sufficient manpower. Yet my only question now is…..are you the youngsters that we urgently need?!
Speaking till here, the colonel paused. With his hands behind, he paced several steps around and continued.
Only talents that can obey commands and work hard will receive a generous salary, welfare treatment and my good graces. Listen up. If anyone here is a supporter of that chattery old hag Grace Augustine, then I will generously give you 30 seconds to vanish from my sight.
So now it is about choosing factions eh.
Sheyan whispered internally.
Naturally, although the entire Hell’s Gate was under the RDA’s company control, rivalry factions were bound to happen. One faction belonged to advocates of the Avatar program, mainly led by Dr Grace Augustine. Currently, she had already stayed on this planet for a decade, and her faction mainly composed of scientists and researchers. The other faction belonged to Colonel Miles Quaritch, called the Hawk faction. They solely believed in resorting to bullets, explosives and warfare to settle all problems.
At this moment, Yuan Zhan took the initiative to step forward. He then bowed humbly to colonel Miles Quaritch.
Colonel sir. Although I’m sorry to disappoint you, but my conscience tells me that we should excavate the riches of this planet, while protecting this beautiful planet. We should not be destroying it at all costs. If you don’t mind, may I know where can I find doctor Grace Augustine?
Chapter 404: Selecting sides, scrambling over missions
Hearing Yuan Zhan’s inquiry, colonel Miles Quaritch’s expression turned as gloomy as a foreboding thunderstorm. He inspected Yuan Zhan with a gaze as detailed as scanning a padi field. A major beside him marched forward, and spoke with an expressionless face.
You can find her at that cluster of blue buildings a kilometer to the right, is there anyone else willing to leave?
At this point, the situation was exceedingly clear. Two different factions existed inside RDA’s Hell’s Gate. The missions of Doctor Grace Augustine’s faction would naturally be centered around peaceful settings. For example, harvesting specimens, capturing life forms alive, aiding the na’vi folks etc. Such mission rewards should be skewed towards intelligence / spirit aspects.
As for colonel Miles Quaritch’s faction, his mission would entail escorting, hunting, exploring and breaking new grounds. The mission rewards would most likely directly reside in the creatures they killed.
Yet one must mention that as of now, the head administrator of the RDA Hell’s Gate, Parker Selfridge, was still leaning towards Doctor Grace Augustine. Because currently, the Earth Eco-preserving organisation still pressured the RDA company greatly. Moreover, the company’s quarterly revenue reports were still rather impressive. One must understand, cultivating an Avatar body required as much as 5 billion american dollars. Without his support, that program could never be sustained.
Sheyan carefully considered the position he should take. Undoubtedly based on his current state, throwing in with Colonel Miles Quaritch wouldn’t be a bad choice. However, Sheyan’s schemes overlooked that. Firstly, the biolab that cultivates avatar bodies undoubtedly belonged to Doctor Grace Augustine’s scope of influence.
Secondly, Sheyan still had a Great Leonopteryx skull inside his interspatial region. That object was no doubt exceedingly valuably, and was better kept as a secret from other contestants. Therefore, Doctor Grace Augustine would naturally be a suitable consideration…… one cannot harbour hopes of other matters apart from muscles, warfare, bullets, armour, money in Colonel Miles Quaritch’s brain.
Lastly, it was the question of Sheyan’s involvement with the Golden side mission. The mission that released an abnormally scarce amount of information. Yet the most evil part was that it completely contained no traces that could be obtained from the movie storyline! From this alone, one must rely on his own strength to accomplish this. Without a doubt, Doctor Grace Augustine would offer the utmost positive prospects.
Therefore, Sheyan led Reef and Mogensha as they very blatantly chased after Yuan Zhan’s footsteps towards Doctor Grace Augustine. Yet for some unknown reason, Zi that was obviously a mage type contestant, actually chose to remain in the Colonel’s faction.
To date, the Hell’s Gate wasn’t perfectly developed yet. Hence, the base core was the only space flight launching site of the entire planet. The entire airfield occupied a third of the entire base. Naturally, during inactive aerial periods, people could still travel through it.
While travelling along the airfield, one must pay attention to the endless stream of ‘AMP Suits’ around, to avoid any intimate encounters with these steel boys. Those steel lugs possessed astonishing strength, repeatedly transporting various bulky objects around. Getting trampled by them wouldn’t be a very enjoyable activity.
The wind today was slightly breezier, causing Sheyan’s hair to constantly flutter annoyingly. After joining the base, he could tell the surrounding vegetation was distinctly dispirited from the excessive pollution here. Dust covered large leaf blades of plants, and the air carried a faint trace of pungent odour. One could easily decipher the severity of air pollution processing pandora ores had caused to this planet.
When Sheyan and buddies arrived at their destination, they discovered this old blue building was called the biolab; a crucial department of Hell’s Gate. Its primary responsibility includes researching on pandora ecology, lifeforms, and providing technological assistance to the RDA mining workers. For example, supplying medical treatment services, breeding pandorian flora and fauna that could be consumed. Doctor Grace was fully deserving to be the head of this department. Meanwhile, there weren’t other research personnels that specialized in avatar research.
Yet regrettably, the contestants who arrived here hadn’t been presented the chance of meeting the busy Doctor Grace. It seemed like she was recently busy with communicating with the Na`vis. Hence, she would spend over 12 hours lying inside link units. Trying to meet her was absolutely not an easy feat.
Initially, the Avatar program was designed to create workers that could harvest for ores while being in the safety of the base. However, due to expensive spirit link systems, mass production was impossible. Hence, the RDA company was unable to invest much capital to support the Avatar program. In the later stages, the RDA company discovered that avatars could be utilized to interact with the Na`vis, whereas normal communication with them was tough. Hence, its purpose was shifted to communications with the Na’vi clans instead, researching on them as well as Pandora’s ecosystem. Doctor Grace became exceptionally passionate about this, and invested a 100% zealous effort into her work.
Right now, the one receiving them was a female pilot wearing camouflaged trousers, boots and a skintight elastic white tank top – Trudy Chacon!
Her appearance was extremely shocking to Sheyan and the others. Yet after some thought, it was rather reasonable. A bunch of mercenaries like them definitely couldn’t acquire the trust and concern of these researchers and scientists. To the Doctor’s faction, Trudy Chacon was a militant by vocation; therefore she would be the optimal candidate to handle these bunch of ‘good and bad intermingled’ mercenaries.
Amongst the contestants, approximately two-third were willing to follow colonel Miles Quaritch. Eliminating the rewarding mechanisms, it was obvious that the colonel’s mission should be additionally violent. To contestants who normally resolved issues with violence, it was more skewed to their appetite.
Observing that almost everyone that should be here had arrived, Trudy, who was leaning against the wall while chewing gum, stood up. Clapping her hands, she rallied them loudly.
Hoi! Look here you foreign kids, I don’t care what ideas you’re harboring, but let me inform you. We have loads of work over here, as long as you have the capabilities to complete them, your remuneration would be satisfactory. Finally let me warn you, don’t fking test your luck!
After speaking, a researcher dressed in white coat strolled out, carrying a black suitcase like object. The researcher whispered into Trudy’s ears while she continued chewing on her gum. Shula! After pressing it, an illusory screen ejected from the black suitcase; projecting out elaborate lines of tasks.
However, the view varied different with every contestant. Tasks in red represented that they weren’t qualified to accept it yet. Of course, such tasks would offer relatively higher rewards.
These missions were unique, and were segregated into class 1 and class 2 missions. Everyone could at most accept 3 missions, and couldn’t share them. Class 1 missions were limited, and naturally offered plentiful rewards. As such, every contestant scrambled forward, trying to snatch for class 1 missions.
At present, news of the contestants at Colonel Miles Quaritch’s faction had travelled here. Their side had demands that exceeded supply, and many weren’t able to snatch class 1 missions for themselves. In the end, they could only fold their arms and gaze helplessly at the sky. Sheyan was squeezed out of the pack as well, and only managed to obtain a class 2 mission.
[ Capture 5 Fan Lizards. Time duration: 24 hours. ]
To prevent misunderstandings; when he received the mission, there was even a 3D projection of a Fan Lizard. Its body structure resembled a dull, ruler-length lizard, with dried skin texture and color. Even its limbs and tail were identical to a venation structure. They had 45 cm long bodies, and in the day, the Fan Lizards would attach to trees without moving; allowing it to survive within the treacherous nature of the pandora forest.
Instead at night, these creatures emitted mesmerizing rose colored brilliance. It has wings on its back that could unfurl, allowing them to spin in flight; like a rose bioluminescent frisbee. This was their method of attracting mates. Because the lizard’s body contained deadly toxins, it had fewer natural enemies.
Taking on such a mission, no matter how outstanding his strength and supporting abilities were, Sheyan couldn’t be compared to even one advice from Yuan Zhan. Moreover, it was explicitly clear the few who accomplished this side mission first, would receive additional rewards. Hence, if he were to ask Yuan Zhan, him shutting his mouth without replying would already be considered generous. The worst scenario would be truthful advice being polluted with lies, especially towards crucial areas; completely misleading one towards a disaster……
Yet the vilest scenario wasn’t simply that. The current setting was a free world setting. The Illume-Union’s current prowess was the greatest. Some contestants may forsake completing the own mission for the interest of their party. They would rather deliberately stumble others, and resort to malicious homicides. The ruthlessness of human heart; one had to guard against, one must guard against!
Noteworthily right now, one could exchange contribution points in Hell’s Gate. However, those rare exchangeable commodities were now gone, leaving behind the commonly seen weapons/ammunition supplies. Probably only if one’s reputation was raised to ‘Worshipped’, would those ‘AMP suits’, resurrection tool and other disgusting goods resurface.
Chapter 405: Visiting Parker
As the saying goes, some rejoice while others worry. Amongst every 10 contestants, 7-8 of them ended up heaving sighs of vexation and despair after all the class 1 missions were snagged. However, individuals who obtained the class 1 missions similarly exhibited a bitter expression; totally baffled by the mission requirements. In the end, the 3 remaining summoners became like celebrities, with many encircling them, seeking for advice.
Instead, Sheyan was already sentimentally attached to this world. Even when entering the realm war, he squandered an entire 4 achievement points to draw this Avatar world! He had already conjured contingencies to various situations many times, why would he be deflated by just a mere mission? Naturally, he had cards up his sleeves.
Hence, Sheyan simply spectated the disorderly scene as he stood alone. Yawning widely several times, he sat down onto a spongy sofa nearby. Looking rather exhausted, he leaned back, and appeared as if he was about to sleep soundly. He was utterly disregarding his personal mission.
Meanwhile, Yuan Zhan was frowning as he provided relevant mission advice to the contestants around. Observing Sheyan’s lackadaisical conduct, his eyes flickered as he strode over and smiled.
Seaman, why aren’t you getting busy?
Sheyan opened his eyes as he gazed at Yuan Zhan, whom he was now on good talking terms with. Then he helplessly replied.
I need to catch Fan Lizards. They only appear during the night, and are essentially dried twigs in daylight. Do you expect me to search every single tree? Why would I operate now?
Yuan Zhan sighed deeply, desiring to speak but halted. Finally, he awkwardly replied.
So it’s that creature. Hais, that isn’t a species of our earth, I have no knowledge about it. Truthfully, I can’t help you at all.
Sheyan shrugged his shoulders, and replied dejectedly.
Seems like I’ll just have to wait for nightfall to catch the Fan Lizards.
Yuan Zhan revealed a sympathizing expression before turning to leave. After distancing himself, he directly communicated with Zi.
No surprisingly movements by that person you wanted me to watch. His mission difficulty is pretty tough.
I still feel there’s something about him I can’t see through. I don’t know why, but I feel like I’ve encountered him before.
I think you’ve remembered wrongly, boss. Such an incredible support, if you’ve seen him before, then you wouldn’t forget him.
There’s no doubts about Reef’s innate ability, while Mogensha’s combat prowess speaks for itself. Yet when I observe them, I get a strange feeling that Seaman is their chief…..no matter what, you must definitely watch him tightly. If need be, resort to extreme measures!
I got it. Your desires will be implemented.
……….
……….
Sheyan continued laying on the sofa. According to their earlier plans, he allowed Reef and Mogensha to split and complete their own missions. Besides, their earlier performance definitely aroused the attention of some. A tall tree attracts the wind wasn’t just a saying spoken for entertainment. After they dispersed and left, their absence also signified removing a large portion of attention on party Ace.
More crucially, the Illume-union held the greatest influence, yet the other contestants weren’t individuals to be trifled with. Hence, those contestants were already mixed within the ranks of the Illume-union. Such a scenario was undoubtedly beneficial to Sheyan. Besides, fishes are more easily caught in muddy waters.
After most of the contestants had left the base, Sheyan finally stood up leisurely from the sofa. He strolled out of the Biolab, wearing his oxygen mask as he trailed the airfield towards the west. Very quickly, a 4 storey grey steel building surfaced ahead. Resolute and firm, its roof hosted various antennas and solar energy generators etc; apparently similar to the upper layer bridge structure of an aircraft carrier. Only, the building’s long blue airtight mirrors enhanced a romantic dreamy tint to it.
The nexus of Hell’s Gate, the RDA operations center. Straightforwardly speaking, one could view it as the main office of Hell’s Gate, the core of communications. A synthesis of meeting rooms, administration and operations control, and the living quarters of executive RDA staff. If this building were to be destroyed along with the humans inside, then the entire Hell’s Gate would become crippled; exactly like losing its head.
There wasn’t any security like he imagined when Sheyan arrived at the operation center’s entrance. Strictly speaking, the RDA company was a business company not a military organization. Moreover, committing crimes here on a planet 5 light years away from earth, was fairly simple. Yet, trying to flee afterwards would be tremendously difficult. Unless, one replicated the impossible feat of Mr Jake Sully (Main lead); ultimately foregoing hotdogs, NBA, sexy girls, thongs, marijuana, home and even the body his parents created.
A bustling scenery unfolded inside the operation center. Numerous workers paced back and forth, like busy working ants in an ant nest. Sheyan’s face failed to even attract a sliver of their attention.
After brief encounters with ‘n’ amounts of people, and traversing a of stretch of steel corridors; no one knew when a short shriveled old man appeared behind Sheyan. Indeed, it was Jinkuang. Though he wore a western hat and held a civilized cane, he still glanced around like a little thief; as though surveying for the optimal route to flee after committing a robbery.
Very quickly, they arrived at the roof. A hall occupying 500 square metres greeted him, along with bulks of computers arranged tightly in a ring formation; juxtaposed to each other. Not forgetting, the presence of several busy computer operators. Presently, a humongous steel framed window allowed everyone here to view a spectacular panoramic scene of Hell’s Gate from the control room.
In the middle of the hall, a front-projected holographic display was installed, spanning over 10 square metres. This round table liked machinery illuminated various topographic profiles through its holographic display, with staff members scanning data on those profiles. Here, was also the place staff members held discussion meetings.
Witnessing the holographic display, Sheyan affirmed that this was the place of interest. Thus, he very politely knocked on the door. Sadly, everyone ignored him. Sighing, he proactively retreated backwards. Sticking out his chest and sucking in his belly, Jinkuang brazenly adopted his evil tyrant demeanor; stomping the door as he swaggered in.
A rich instant coffee aroma congested into Sheyan’s nose. Within the gaps of dazzling arrays of computers, the hard working Sheyan glanced about. Finally, he caught sight of a pathway, one that was covered with 5-6 metre long green felt. At the end of the carpet, was an overturned teacup, its mouth facing away from the felt.
On first look, a 30 plus year old male was waving a golf club beside the felt, before lightly striking a white golf ball, as it slowly rolled into the teacup. Yet regrettably, it knocked the edge of the teacup and slid away. Regrets after regrets, this happened 3 times consecutively…….
The jittery male mumbled to himself in frustration, and intended to retrieve the ball. Instead, he immediately halted his movement, because Sheyan had already picked the golf ball up. Sheyan then smiled and strolled over.
Mr Parker. Your shoulder is too stiff. If you use your wrist strength and be slightly gentler, the outcome will be better.
White shirt tucked into his grey pants. His sleeve was halfway folded, and he wore a necktie. This male was Hell’s Gate most authoritative personnel – Head administrator, Peter Selfridge. He shot a glance at Sheyan, revealing an annoyance familiar to Sheyan. Yet after giving some thought, he quickly replied.
Woah ho. I’ve heard of your name before back on Earth, Lieutenant. But I don’t recall the base personnel list having your name. Fine, I admit that perhaps not breathing fresh air in a long while has impeded my memory. But for your previous words to become persuasive, then 3, wait, no, I’m afraid a beautiful ‘hole in one’ is necessary.
Sheyan laughed and answered.
I agree to your point.
Sheyan then extended his hand to Parker. Parker shrugged his shoulders and handed the golf club over.
Sheyan scanned the end of the green felt as he waved the club in trial. He then displayed a dissatisfied look and placed the teacup right at the tip of the pathway, while he occupied the other end. The gap between them was at least 30 metres. Parker strode forward to obstruct, his face revealing his displeasure but he still smiled and voiced out.
Hah oh, Lieutenant sir. The instruments here are very costly. Most are millions of dollars in valuation……
Before he managed to obstruct Sheyan, Sheyan swung the club; strike!
The golf ball flew out, curving a 15 degrees smooth arc crossing through 30 metres, accurately landing into the teacup. To a contestant with great perceptive sense and adequate agility, this feat couldn’t be simpler.
Mr Parker was awestruck for several seconds, before warmly clapping.
Truly marvellous, the next time I play, I will definitely follow your suggestion. We can talk now, what do you have for me?
Watching as Parker handed his golf club and ball to the besiding female secretary, Sheyan swiftly swept his gaze through his surroundings before answering.
Can we talk in your office? Mr Parker.
Chapter 406: Variable
Faced with Sheyan’s request, Parker straightened his tie.
Sure, no problem. Jenny, bring 3 cups of coffee to my office. Mine without milk and sugar, thanks.
Parker’s office had a relatively simple design. The shelf behind his office desk laid out various cultural relics seized from the Na’vi folks. At the side of his table, a pandora crystal suspended in midair. A portrait of an olive-ball sports team hung on the nearby wall. Only after the secretary delivered the coffee, withdrew, and shut the door, did Sheyan earnestly begin.
I’m here to persuade you, Mr Parker. I’m currently employed by a fine gentleman with extraordinary economical backing. Please forgive me, I cannot reveal his name. My mission is to capture a female Na’vi infant from planet Pandora. Therefore, thinking for me life, I require the RDA company’s current detailed report of planet Pandora, including the various life forms, their characteristics, the surrounding topography diagrams and others.
Parker stared at Sheyan, slanting his brows up as he issued a teasing but disapproving tone.
Okay, lieutenant sir. I’m very clear about your intentions. But I just feel that you haven’t raised one crucial question. That is, how are you going to persuade me.
Sheyan smiled slyly.
That is the reason I’ve brought Mr David Beckham here with me. He is an outstanding prodigy in that aspect.
Parker shrugged his shoulders.
Fine, I look forward to it. But it is no joke many others have called me stubborn Parker. Moreover, it is with teeth clenched, and shouting from the bottom of their hearts.
Jinkuang stood forward, producing an already cracking briar cigar before pulling out a cigarette bud from god knows where. After lighting it, he elatedly puffed a mouthful.
I heard that every kilo of 90% or higher purity Pandora crystal has inflated to 40 million dollars in the current market back on earth?
Leaning against his robam chair, Parker pressed down on his office desk; a curved hologram screen instantly propelled out.
Accurately saying, it is 41.34 million american dollars, Mr Beckham. That is the latest valuation of London’s trading floor.
Jinkuang conjured up his tricks and retrieved a tiny leather suitcase, then he flung it towards Parker.
Time is money, my friend. I don’t wish for you to waste my precious time here.
Parker suspiciously asked.
What’s this?
Sheyan tilted up his brows and replied.
Before you open the case, I have a suggestion; and that is to lower your window curtains, if not I dare guarantee that you, will regret it Mr Parker.
Parker shrugged his shoulders.
My office isn’t designed with window curtains. But under my strong orders, they will still protect my personal privacy, for example……
Parker’s lips curled into a peculiar smile, and picked up a remote control to press. The originally transparent window immediately turned blurry. Outsiders wouldn’t be able to spy on the inside.
This is really a great human design.
He then proceeded to open the case, instantly becoming starstruck by the emulsion of radiance from its interior. After several seconds, he finally squeezed out some words.
What is this…….?
By now, Jinkuang had cleaned up the coffee ahead of him, and casually pulled the cup in front of Parker towards him. Beaming with smiles, he drank down a gulp and continued.
Here’s 2 kilograms of pandora crystals of 95% purity, Mr Parker. According to your market rate, this guarantees 82.68 million american dollars.
Directly harvested Pandora ores frequently had relatively low purity rates. To the humans, only after complex processing and refinery could the crystal reach a 90% and above purity rate. Therefore, if one directly lugs a case of recently excavated raw pandora ore to find Parker, he would be treated like a mental patient. Even during normal circumstances, nobody would bring only a pocketful to trade like Jinkuang.
Apart from that, under high tech surveillance monitoring, attempting to embezzle finished products from factories was exceedingly difficult. Although it required 5 full years to travel from Earth to Pandora, developed communications made it easy to monitor everything.
Parker quickly covered the case, his expression had changed.
To gather our detailed information on pandora, the company till today has expanded much labour and resources surpassing a hundred billion. Furthermore, till now, so many outstanding workers have sacrificed their treasured and costly lives…….
JInkuang used an exaggerated tone and cried out in fear.
Woah! My friend, I remember your industrial injury compensation payment is 501.07 thousand dollars, but you recollect and additional 40% of it as income tax. The unlucky family of the dead would then, only receive 316 thousand dollars. Most importantly, the RDA company frequently recruits tramps without family and kin…….so please don’t use the word ‘costly’ and dishonour my common sense alright?
Following that, this short old man very agilely leapt sidewards and opened the door. Meanwhile, Parker kept the suit case with shocking agility, as Jinkuang yelled out.
Miss Jenny, our Mr Parker needs another 3 cups of coffee. More sugar and milk, and please find the biggest mug, thanks!
When the coffee girl Jenny retreated out from the door, Jinkuang once again picked up the coffee mug in front of Parker, and drained it in one gulp. His tiny eyes blinking as he resumed.
If Mr Parker can spare us some convenience in certain areas, then we can add another kilo on top of that case.
Parker licked his skewed lips, feeling as though he was standing on a turning point in life. Senator, elections, sexy girls revolving inside his craving desires. His tone became slightly deformed.
For example?
Sheyan replied.
I am very interested in the Avatar program. I hope I can tour the biolab a little.
Tour? Just a tour?
Parker asked, filled with uncertainty.
Sheyan laughed and replied.
No information whatsoever will be left behind, I don’t want to create any trouble for you. I just want to touch those big boys, you can treat this request as my fetish.
Parker hesitated briefly, before replying with difficulty.
I’ll need to consider a little.
The convicted and forceful Jinkuang once again drank down a mug of coffee, pulling his lips and added.
I express my admiration for your self-control, Mr Parker. But I have to warn you. Not everyone can resist the enticement of 600 ounces of gold. Moreover, this 600 ounces of gold is amplified 600 folds!
That sentence was the final rice straw to overwhelm the camel’s back. Parker finally made a decision and clapped his hands.
Alright alright, you guys have persuaded me. I’ll hand over the information immediately. But the avatar biolab is something I cannot directly interfere with, you must wait till Grace brings a team out for exploration.
Sheyan bluntly replied.
No problem. Apart from that, I’ve also earned your friendship, ain’t it?
Parker hesitated slightly, before smiling faintly and stretching out his hand.
Yes, lieutenant. This is an exceptionally expensive friendship. But I will let you understand its true worth.
Simultaneously, Jinkuang put on an act to receive the reports. Instead, Sheyan received the notification from his nightmare imprint.
[ You have acquired the friendship of an important storyline character – Parker Selfridge. Your relationship with him is raised from ‘Cold’ to ‘Amicable’. ]
At this point, Sheyan suddenly realized a carelessness on his part, and inquired.
Dear Selfridge, although my employer has repeatedly emphasised that my mission wouldn’t be risky, and I wouldn’t meet any rivals, but I reckon that is just trying to use kind words to deceive and convince me with malice. Therefore, I wish to implore you as a friend, have you seen a group of people recently?
Then Sheyan begun describing, the special characteristics, looks and figure of Eros, Stalo and that entire group. Parker Selfridge sighed. Observing his behavior, Sheyan understood. Sheyan immediately seized the chance to forge the iron while it was still hot.
Dear Selfridge, if a friend brings a lucrative transaction of 82.68 million dollars, I would surely pray for him to live a hundred years; because he may very well surprise me with additional benefits.
After Parker head this, his brows raised. Pressing a button, he spoke out.
Jenny. I need yesterday’s secret archive of the company within 1 minute. RIght, passcode oojkl112398.
At this moment, Jinkuang had finished all his milk coffee…….very swiftly, Parker answered Sheyan.
They are special advanced staff of the company. They even possess certain superpowers. Oh, you should know, it is completely different from your bunch of steroid injection doping methods. Ah, sorry, I’m not talking about you. Their mission is unusually arduous, but I cannot reveal to you its contents.
At this moment, someone knocked the door outside; probably regarding matters for head administrator Parker to settle. Sheyan could only arise and bid farewell. Although he couldn’t obtain his full objectives, it was considered to be a trip not made in vain. Before exiting the door, Parker halted Sheyan as he meaningfully issued.
My friend, If you aren’t busy with work, you can visit our Hell’s kitchen. (Hell’s Gate staff canteen) I recommend the two dishes, peacock venison and tangerine sake stew. You can rest at the staff lounge, and find magazines, books or games to pass time. Striking a balance between work and rest is the secret to success. I’m afraid even playing till midnight, and rushing to work is still manageable.
Chapter 407: Sneak attack!
Upon hearing the word ‘midnight’, Sheyan’s gaze flickered. Understanding, he nodded faintly and led Jinkuang away. After exiting Parker Selfridge’s office, Sheyan frowned instantly. Mogensha and Reef had both attracted the crowd’s attention to pull the wool over other’s eyes, but now, they were separated; joining temporary parties to accomplish their missions.
If Stalo and gang were to only return at midnight…….
Thinking of that, Sheyan devoted wholehearted attention to link up with Mogensha and Reef through the party long-distance channel.
No matter what you guys are doing right now, I don’t care whether you’ve finished your mission; get your asses back to Hell’s Gate immediately, and be careful on the way. If you encounter any dangerous situation, just utilize the RDA workers as shields. According to my inference, if anyone harms a RDA member now, the consequences would be severely grave.
I only have one reason in recalling you guys back urgently.
Sheyan very seriously continued.
Those Growth-hunters aren’t gone yet. They are expected to return at midnight. Previously, they ate a huge loss due to our superior numbers. Most likely, those scums would seek to return this favour! The Illume-union are united and I wouldn’t care much. Instead, those other contestants are united in appearance, but divided at heart; thus, we have a huge problem…..this realm war really lives up to its reputation. If one doesn’t pay attention, then one wrong step would lead to defeat on all sides!
Recalling those preposterous Growth-hunters, even Reef couldn’t resist inhaling a chilling breath. He instantly became worried.
Then what about our accepted mission?
Sheyan laughed in response.
Those few kilograms of high purity pandora crystals that AK harvested weren’t in vain. Since we’ve gotten hands on a detailed full RDA report on Pandora, completing missions would be ten times easier than those other headless houseflies! Therefore, a slight delay of several hours wouldn’t amount to anything.
Hais, a pity it was pretty hard to settle Parker Selfridge. With Jinkuang’s ability and all the crystals we have, I only managed to raise our relationship to ‘Amicable’. If I could’ve gotten some mission from him, then raising our reputation within the RDA company would be much easier.
The two members could sense the urgency of the situation. Reef still bidded farewell to his temporary allies. Instead, when brother black heard the words ‘get your assess back to Hell’s Gate immediate’, he ceased fire instantly and turned to leave; without uttering a single word.
Sheyan was currently extremely worried. There wasn’t a need to dwell on Reef’s capabilities, while Mogensha’s personality had already solidified favourably in Sheyan’s heart. Furthermore, the pandora crystals used to bribe Parker Selfridge were all supplied by brother black without a single complaint.
These crystals were relatively sparse existence in the realm, and were worth thousands upon thousands of utility points. More critically, it may not even be purchasable with money! If his party members suffered mishaps, then it would be excruciatingly difficult to replace them.
Yet after a measly few minutes, Mogensha cried out with a raspy voice.
Shit! I’ve been targetted, they’ve chased up to me……
Without finishing, piercing gunshots completed his statement. Reef also furiously roared.
I see you, AK. Head towards your west. Those guys have been laying in ambush here………….Ugh!
Sheyan no longer delayed, rushing out with an ashen face! His eyes ablaze with fieriness. At this moment, Sheyan’s ‘spirit’ attribute suddenly plunged by 1 point. His lips were agitatedly tightened, even his facial muscles twitched slightly.
＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊
Mogensha was currently in bad shape, even his standing was unstable. Violently gasping for air, he utilized his AK as crutches to brace himself up. Clearly seen, two ghastly long wounds were slashed across his abdomen in an ‘x’ shape; as though his innards were about to spew out. However, amidst the blood stained thick lips, was a shocking desperate smile of madness!
A blood key, drenched in fresh blood like a striking cornelian was flashing within in his tight grip.
5 metres ahead, that katana wielding Growth-hunter was closing up on him. His name was Zeiss.Carl, the one that defeated 7 in a row the previous day; but in turn was trampled by Mogensha right at the pinnacle of glory. A crushing shameful humiliation, that had to be avenged!
Therefore, he took the initiative to participate in the small squad devised to take down Mogensha and Reef. Who knew, in a battle of 2 versus 1, the awakened Mogensha managed to steal victory with fire; relying on his ‘Esoteric Mobile Firer’ ability, he slaughtered one right before a thunderbolt could reach the ear.
The person Mogensha slew wasn’t one of the 13 Growth-Hunters. It was another summoner identical to Phelps from the Symbiosis sect, but able to polymerize with his summoned creature to attain massive strength.
For example when he pursued enemies, his borrowed boost was called ‘Deer force’, which greatly enhanced his speed; but his defence/HP would likewise decline. While locked in combat, he utilized ‘Bear force’, transforming into a high HP high strength model like Sheyan.
Prior to that, Mogensha had clashed with that contestant, and realized the impatient Zeiss.Carl had detoured to block off his front; causing both hostile contestants to separate, an action of underestimating their enemy. Seizing that opportunity, Mogensha retreated instead of attacking, before momentarily later, erupting with frantic retaliation. Hence, while that contestant had utilized his ‘Deer force’ to pursue, Mogensha abruptly managed to strike him into near death state. Then by supplementing a final shot, he slayed that contestant.
Yet after his outburst of firepower, it no doubt meant that Mogensha had no strength left to deal with Zeiss.Carl. But being able to explode forth and slay one under such disadvantaged conditions, Mogensha was inevitably deserving of his impressive reputation. In harsher terms, even if he died, his name would live on!
Moreover for this time’s sudden boundary awakening, Mogensha had directly selected agility and physique. High agility assisted him in fleeing, while physique assisted his sustenance. As the saying goes, even ants desire to live. His heart still harbored hope, thus he didn’t believe his boss Sheyan would abandon them! As of now, the only thing left and the only thing he had to do, was to drag on! Dragging on till death claimed him!
The enraged Zeiss.Carl had an ashen expression. Brandishing strokes as he sliced towards Mogensha. His blade rays appeared peculiar, containing an impression of retracting upon release. After slashing out with unbelievable speeds, when it touched Mogensha’s flesh, it would retract back without fully expressing itself.
Yet when the blade rays flashed, a chunk of flesh would be subtracted off Mogensha’s body; a chunk as thin as paper! Of course, the intensive agony was akin to dying by a thousand cuts!
In the present world, Zeiss.Carl was actually one of the most famous sashimi chef in Japan, Hokkaido. It was beyond clear what he was trying to do to Mogensha. He wanted to slice Mogensha who had humiliated him, one layer at a time!!
Run ah, continue running ah. Aren’t you very strong? Everyone else is being monitored by us, do you think someone will rescue you?
Zeiss.Carl howled as he waved his katana! With one kick, he directly stomped down onto the wretchedly scrambling Mogensha, before trampling onto his lips with his black box-toed shoes. Exerting force to grind down, he even stuffed the tip of his shoe into Mogensha’s mouth!
Instantly, soil flooded into Mogensha’s mouth, he could even feel the hard but faintly elastic sole with his teeth. This wasn’t a great feeling, yet the blood soaked brother Black appeared rather receptive. He still adopted a giddy smile, raising thumbs up with both hands.
Zeiss.Carl revealed a pleased expression. He loved forcing his opponent into desperation, and then watching them beg for dear life; before condemning them after letting them taste hope! Thus, he retrieved his legs. Brother black panted for a while, and spat the soil out his mouth. Instead, he flashed a smile, issuing the most commonly known profanity in this world.
F you.
Zeiss.Carl roared furiously, he was actually played for the fool! His katana shimmered, sending one of Mogensha’s ear flying. His katana then hanged down on Mogensha’s other ear, gradually severing it!
Warm blood slowly trickled down the Mogensha’s cheeks. Brother black was obviously not those tough nuts that endured under such pain, he screamed sorrowfully as a paleness flushed on his anguished face. This scene was exceedingly common in Zeiss.Carl’s eyes. Yet he had forgotten one thing – a scream was simultaneously a call of distress to others. Moreover, if Mogensha didn’t display exceptional suffering, then his foe may lose interest and very well behead the neck of a limbless bird.
A murky greenish-black vapor abruptly formed beside Zeiss.Carl. After a period of dizziness, that Growth-hunter very blatantly slashed his katana past Mogensha’s neck, directly sending him into a near-death state; before intending to deal a fatality!
Yet at this moment, due to that brief stunning period, a swiftly fierce figure had pounced over; both hands seizing the dying Mogensha’s shoulder! Then using his own back, he endured Zeiss.Carl’s decisive chop as though it was nothing. Exerting great strength with both arms, he flung Mogensha far away.
Chapter 408: 3 stabs 1 shot
Zeiss.Carl was slightly startled, but realized the contestant in front seemed rather familiar. It was indeed that support class in Reef’s party. He smirked coldly.
You’re quite a reckless patriot.
Sheyan’s expression had submerged like water, dropping his eyes without making eye contact. Instead, his frame was like an unwavering lofty mountain, shielding Mogensha behind. At the brief moment of interaction, Sheyan had already utilized a HP regeneration medicine on Mogensha. At present, Sheyan only wished Mogensha wouldn’t become his personal weakness.
At this moment, under the glaring sunlight! Zeiss.Carl heaved his katana, bolting forward like thunder!
Human in front, while katana behind; sparks erupted from friction between the blade and rocks, seemingly attempting to carve a secant line and split the world into two. Its loftiness second to none!
Sheyan’s pupils strangely contracted, abruptly shifting half a step horizontally as he raised his arms to block his face. Instantaneously, 7-8 weird vertical icy strokes flashed in the atmosphere, along with the blunt sound of metal colliding.
In a flash, Sheyan’s elbows dripped with blood with scars covering densely. Coagulated crimson blood ice chunks even scattered onto the ground. Painfully groaning, he retreated 3-4 steps back.
At this moment, that depiction of ‘Zeiss.Carl’ charging towards Sheyan had diluted into the air. As for the real Zeiss.Carl, he appeared before Sheyan, still holding his katana. With an amazed expression he asked.
You actually saw through my move?
Sheyan endured the pain and replied with gusto.
Under such circumstances, you would definitely finish off AK first! Since I know your intentions, then even if a thousand hoodwinks can fool my eyes, it cannot mask the truth!
Is it so?
Zeiss.Carl’s ‘so’ word was dragged purposefully long, filled with intense ridicule.
This time, 2 shocking image of Zeiss.Carl appeared in Sheyan’s eyes! One of them leapt exorbitantly towards Mogensha like a hunting eagle. As for the other, he raised his katana towards Sheyan and thrusted in!!!
Without hesitation, Sheyan pounded towards the foe in midair, but his punch connected with emptiness. Instead, the Zeiss.Carl in front of him waved his katana, directly slicing a bone-deep pitiful wound across Sheyan’s leg. Fresh blood instantly poured out from the deep cut, the pain it brought throbbing terribly. Sheyan’s facial muscles twitched from the searing pain.
There is only one truth.
Zeiss.Carl glared at the hurting Sheyan. Laughing hysterically at his flustered expression.
And…..that is in my hands!!
His laughter echoed through the forest. Two Zeiss.Carl surfaced again. Another pouncing towards Mogensha again, while the other thrust his katana towards Sheyan. Without hesitation, Sheyan once again pounced towards the mid flight Zeiss.Carl. Just as in the past, he smashed through the illusion.
The real Zeiss.Carl brandished his katana with a sneer, inching forward and slicing forth. An ice-cold scorching mix of pain terrorized against the intersection of his chest and abdomen!
Instead this time, Sheyan didn’t groan out. At the slicing instance, he suddenly stood firm; as though time and tide had stagnated. Sheyan pulled backwards like the serenity of the deep ocean!
His head still hanging down, with most of his face covered by his hair. Yet his entire being was like a surging volcano. At this moment, it utterly erupted, no, exploded forth!!!
An incomparably defying deep-blue long saber abruptly appeared in Sheyan’s arm; sporadic stars glittered down alongside the blue glows. A split second later, the blue long saber hacked down against Zeiss.Carl without restrain. This long saber then raised again, manifesting its magnificence amidst the dullness. Like a gigantic depraved waterfall, it showered down from high heaven.
A screaming torrential shower!!
The shrilling howl of a zergling filled the air!
You!!!
Zeiss.Carl’s voice boomed with astonishment. He was about to retrieve his katana after slashing at Sheyan, hence his entire centre of gravity was shifted forward. To evade the enemy’s counter attack, he would have to forsake his weapon and swiftly retreat!
Yet to the haughty arrogant Zeiss.Carl, he simply couldn’t accept that. He would rather execute another slash and swap blows with his opponent, before moving away and striking again. As a Growth-hunter, he had built up this conceitedness.
He could never ever believe there was someone who could strike faster, and harder than him!!!!
Casting a vicious glare, he instantly drew back his katana, and swung forward again!
In this moment, blood gushed out simultaneously and blended together; along with the terrifyingly acute sound of blades chopping into flesh and blood.
At the striking moment of infliction, Zeiss.Carl’s pupils instantly shrank as tiny as a needle tip! Not only agony, but a turbulent flood of fear flooded his heart momentarily!
……How can this, the might of his saber, how can it be so monstrous!!!!
Did he trigger a rare effect?
Was it someone helping in the dark?
Is it……
A thousand notions swept through his heart. Zeiss.Carl could only recognise one word.
Run!!!!
Even if his slash is stronger than mine, I am at least faster than him.
But the second slash!!
A second slash of devils and monster, a second slash of deadly menace…..it rumbled frantically like rolling dust!
Zeiss.Carl had just withdrawn his body, before seeing a deep-blue glittering blade ray coming his way. Like a giant wave crashing against the reef, covering heaven and earth; sweeping forward with lightning speed threatening to flood the whole earth!
AHHH!!!!!!!
Sheyan’s second slash directly cleaved an arm off Zeiss.Carl, sending his blood spurting towards the sky. The searing pain instantly crumbling his willpower! But his desire to survive remained steadfast. Teeth gritting with blood, Zeiss.Carl acted in with rational judgement.
This Seaman’s second slash is so rapid, but it appears roughly at 60 points of agility; still falling short of mine. Even if this guy was a tiger disguised as a pig, I…….can still escape!
But Sheyan’s impending third slash directly morphed into a crackling thunder, unable to be captured with the naked eye. Only an incomparably sorrowful blue flash invaded into the fleeing back of Zeiss.Carl, who was already 2 metres away. Like hot knife passing through butter, blood wasn’t even drawn yet before the saber was retracted back.
Zeiss.Carl’s rapidly rushing figure instantly turned sluggish, his face exhibiting great disbelief; trying his best to turn to glance at Sheyan. His throat emitted gurgling sounds, eyes filled with resentment and despair…….seeing his state, he had already entered near-death state. Moreover, he had no life saving medicines.
Seeing this scenario play out, Sheyan spared him no last words. He immediately plucked out ‘Ambition’; a blazing lead bullet penetrated his forehead!
3 blades of thunder rolls and lightning flashes. That final wild gunshot carrying the rich sea breeze!
[ You killed reserve-duty Growth-hunter no.19011! ]
[ PVP milestone ‘Suspect’ count: 5 ]
(TN: Author actually wrote x3 here, but it should be 5 because the previous was 4)
Watching Zeiss.Carl’s corpse, Sheyan picked up his dropped blood key; before issuing a suffering groan, as he raised his head to gulp down his ‘Endless Vodka’. The boiling sensation streamed down his throat and flowed towards his 4 limbs. Then he tossed the wine cup towards Mogensha, who by now, had recovered from near-death state.
Examining Mogensha’s miserly mass of wounds, Sheyan reached his hand out and pulled him up.
Can you move? Reef is still waiting for us.
Gulp gulp. Mogensha drank down two shots. Wiping the blood off his lips, he leaked his splendid white sunshine smile and replied.
Just a Growth-hunter, delivering two blood keys to us.
Sheyan faintly sighed in response.
This is my failed planning, I didn’t consider those pack of Growth-hunters lingering around. I’ve exposed you guys to huge risks.
Brother black used his teeth to help bandage a wound across his arm, and giddily consoled.
Boss, you are already a freak. Any powerful person will have times of errors. It has been a long time since Reef made a sound. I reckon our party channel is being disrupted by a powerful spirit Growth-hunter. We must make haste to save Reef, let’s go.
Sheyan replied.
No hurry. The reason I rushed here is fearing for your life. Reef’s life wouldn’t be lost so easily. That pack of Growth-hunters are limited in numbers, they wouldn’t directly clash with us; and can only find a suitable location to make a move. Therefore, while they would send more people to tail their group, a smaller group would lay in ambush to plot against those returnees.
If not, once someone gets killed and spreads word, all contestants would instantly return to surround them. Then they can at most kill 2-3 returnees only. Something like that is merely beating the grass to scare the snake, their goal would end in futility!
(TN: Chinese idiom, meaning inadvertently alerting the enemy.)
Looking pensive, Mogensha nodded. Sheyan then continued.
That is why they chose two high damage high speed assassins to deal with you, the gunman that can escape the easiest. Therefore, to deal with Reef, they would dispatch a long range combating Growth-hunter that is adept at speed reduction!
In theory, such a Growth-hunter is able to finish off Reef without the risk of getting harmed. But if that’s the case, then there’s a prevalent flaw; their offensive power wouldn’t be that dreadful. Therefore, as long as Reef devotes himself to defense, he would be able to sustain for a long time.
(TN: I’ve changed Sheyan’s long blade to long saber instead, and the required advanced ability to wield it to ‘Saber Fluency’ from ‘Blade Mastery’)
Chapter 409: Raging chop!
The two rested for approximately 2-3 minutes, before Sheyan discovered his health started declining for no reasons. Immediately, he knew Reef had been struck into near-death state, and ‘Life-link’ had been activated. They hurriedly rushed over, but on the contrary, Sheyan’s heart had calmed down.
In the prior battle with Zeiss.Carl, that brat had an immensely frightening damage output. Sheyan’s health had dropped to around 300 points; but after several minutes of regeneration, it once again swelled back to 500 points. Moreover, Sheyan hadn’t used the party skill ‘Gloryheal’. If need be, there was still an honorary medicine dosage. Before his health dropped to near-death state, the ‘Life-link’ wouldn’t be terminated. Hence without saying, enduring for 7-8 minutes wasn’t a problem.
The two hurried forward according to the location Reef had provided earlier. Very quickly, sounds of people conversing could be heard a few hundred metres away. Mogensha was a veteran at this, he immediately segregated from Sheyan to find a vantage point. Instead, Sheyan bluntly advanced forward, before the situation below unfolded before his eyes.
Reef was half-kneeling on the ground, while a silver radiating layer sheltered him. His face was beaming with anger. With his hand folded across the chest, Eros exposed a taunting cold sneer. Another contestant holding a silver longbow stood 3 metres away from Reef, repeatedly strumming his bowstring towards Reef. Although there wasn’t any arrow, one could see ripples undulating in the air; seemingly possessing adequate killing power.
I’ve heard long ago about a party Sphere being utter garbage, but the MT Reef isn’t that bad. Still, isn’t he just like a dog kneeling before me?
Eros curled his lips in disdain.
Reef suddenly raised his head, his bloodshot eyes shooting forth unprecedented viciousness.
You can insult me, but never dishonor my party Sphere!
The contestant holding the longbow laughed loudly, suddenly gathering towards Reef’s face.
A trash party, what’s so good about it? I just want to dishonor, so what? What can you do?
After speaking, he spat a thick phlegm but was instantly deflected by the silver layer.
Mogensha spied in from afar; his gaze was flashing with ruthlessness, and his facial muscles throbbing violently. The AK rifle grip was drenched in sweat. Only after several deep breaths, did he calm himself down.
Eros had obviously relied on his mental powers to disrupt their party channel. Thus, Sheyan had already instructed him of the mobilizing signal. If not, Mogensha would’ve instantly acted already!
At this moment, the bowman continued taunting.
You’ve been struggling in the realm for a long time already, to live till now truly isn’t easy. Furthermore, an MT is exceedingly rare. Thus, as long as you hand over 4 equipments on you, me and Eros can keep prince in the dark, and release you!
F you.
The usually polite Reef, only icily squeezed out an english curse from his teeth.
Eros and the bowman glanced at each other, before vilely continuing.
Don’t think that just because you have that ridiculous protection around you, we are helpless against you. When that silver screen breaks, we make make you wish you could die!
The two had already made an evil decision; naturally after extorting 4 pieces of equipment, they would still kill him for his key. With regards to contracts, there would surely be a loophole somewhere. Don’t mention others, even that wretched Makaji managed to perform a contract defying exit from the party. The proverb ‘sucking the bone marrow after hitting the bone’, was created because of such malicious sluts.
(TN: Chinese idiom which means maximum cruel exploitation)
In Eros’s perspective, Reef was already forced into desperation. He had exhausted all trump cards, and his life was in their hands. Reef was only being stubborn because of that weird shield, and once it broke, then his heart’s defence would shatter as well. Then without saying, his only choice was dying earlier or later!
The two glanced at each other with conceitedness. Nobody would mind an excess of equipment that enhanced one’s survivability, of which the valuation remain constantly high. Reef was the party leader, his entire array of equipments would inevitably be worth much. These guys had the meat in their hands, the fish on the chopping board. Using both carrot and stick, they just had to extract oil from the trunk no matter what. Eros had since replaced Prince’s instructions with his own plans, intending to reap a fortune.
Reef, you must consider carefully. Leave yourself a way out, don’t court death!
That bowman was already exhausted from all that shooting, and kicked forward towards Reef. Appearing like he was about to unzip his pants and pee over Reef…..
But at this instant, a regiment of venomous dark-green vapor enveloped them; causing them to feel sluggish. Mogensha immediately tossed out his readied ‘Sparta spear’ vehemently. In the midst of rolling thunder and flashing lightning, a fanatical silver beam bolted towards Eros and that bowman. Thunder and lightning brought forth a paralytic effect, causing them to concurrently feel alarmed and wrathfully cry out. During that brief moment, their bodies were incapable of responding to their mind!
Meanwhile, Sheyan who had slowly encroached in 10 metres away from them, bent his knee; appearing like a short distance sprinter awaiting the resounding gunshot flag off. A regiment of dust erupted beneath his legs, as grains of sand sprayed 2-3 metres away.
With eyes combusting with wildfire, Sheyan had already gripped his long saber and leapt forward. This feeling…..could only be described with a high speed hummer jeep leaping over a towering sand dune. It was brimming with unworldly discontentment……and insanity!
Sheyan emotionlessly beheaded downwards, the deep-blue glow showered down like a waterfall. That bowman yelped out frantically as he blocked with his left arm! His strength had been drained by 4 points, then how was he suppose to challenge a 49 points strength Sheyan. As blood splashed out, Sheyan’s one chop instantly coerced him into near-death state! (Mogensha had already attacked him previously, his HP wasn’t full)
Immediately, a dazzling radiance flashed from the bowman, an indication of consuming the honorary medicine dosage. Only this time, Mogensha’s AK unleashed its threat. DA DA DA! Burst shots resounded, unloading everything onto the rock ahead. Concurrently, that bowman was coincidentally about to step off the rock. In the end, it was like he had stepped against nothing, as he miserably tumbled down.
Raising his head in despair, he coincidentally caught sight of that pair of untamed wildfire passion in Sheyan’s eyes; as though it was invading into one’s soul. Of course, not forgetting that mesmerizing melancholic long saber!
We’ve arrived too late and let you suffered.
Sheyan reeled Reef in after bandaging him.
Reef’s face was still ashen. After exiting near-death state, he forcefully slapped Sheyan’s shoulder; his eyes still fiery. He then strangled that already sunken into near-death state bowman, and gradually added force. That guy was really unyielding, not pleading for mercy after being choked to death. Of course, he had no chance to even make a single sound.
After finishing him off, Reef’s emotions slightly cooled down. Sheyan then tossed over his ‘Endless Spirited Vodka’ as he gulped down two mouthfuls. As the alcohol hit him, strands of blood vessels popped distinctly from his eyes, as he abruptly roared out.
Eros! I will definitely kill you!
The reason Sheyan and Mogensha aimed the bowman first, was in consideration of Eros’s earlier performance; that his movement speed wasn’t considered that fast, and Mogensha could bite him down. Therefore, the bowman naturally took precedence. Unexpectedly, that Eros was a sly fox. Realizing something was wrong, he actually executed his life-saving ace – ‘Flash Migration’ ability. In a flash, he was 17-18 metres away, before utilizing full strength to flee.
If Mogensha did pursue with full might, he may be able to catch up to Eros. However, he chose to execute his ‘Beastly Instincts’ to assist Sheyan in delaying the enemy. In the end, a step too late resulted in a chance wasted. The prerequisites to chasing Eros had evolved to needing to invoke a long and arduous pursuit and battle. In this treacherous environment, pursuing the enemy and getting ambushed instead, would be attempting to be smart but having an egg smashed in the face. Hence, he could only swallow this belly of air.
The trio then assembled to discuss. Mogensha brought forward the event of him personally slaying off another noticeably weaker contestant beforehand. Moreover, that contestant with the silver longbow also displayed a definite disparity from an official Growth-Hunter. Therefore, Sheyan discovered that he had made certain misjudgments of the entire state of affairs; an inconsistency in determining the enemy group’s composition.
Deducing from the current state, from those contestants that had harassed them; their Growth-hunter count was roughly not even a third, and of those, majority were just reserve-duty Growth-hunters. Furthermore, ordinary contestants were also present.
Hence it could be confirmed, there was a possibility that these were party members of Prince Stalo that he had somehow brought to this world; and not those few solo Growth-hunters from the duelling previously. Since Aldaris and the others didn’t participate, the quality of aggressors had waned. However, their quantity still vastly exceeded Sheyan’s estimation!
Thinking of that, Sheyan immediately advocated to retreat. Although Reef was still reluctant; after considering that though they ate some bitterness, and suffered insults, they still managed to make an overall comeback and exterminate 3 foes! They had raked two blood keys, which was considered a compensation already. Pondering till that point, his emotions finally calmed down.
Perhaps due to other intense battles occurring elsewhere, the 3 didn’t encounter any pursuers after fleeing with full force. Not even 10 minutes later, they returned to RDA Hell’s Gate without a hitch. At least contestants wouldn’t dare cause a ruckus over here, and it could be deemed as a safe zone.
Chapter 410: Growth-hunter’s key…..
The trio were drenched in perspiration and blood, looking rather forlorn. Fortunately, this scene was commonplace to the base interior workers. Hell’s Gate’s healing facilities were very robust, and skillful in treatments.
Apart from the cruelly tortured Mogensha spending more time and money to heal himself, Sheyan and Reef only enjoyed a careless bath. As they wrapped themselves up, they immediately felt incredibly refreshed. Next, they headed off to the internal canteen for a meal. After 10 minutes, brother Black whistled as he reunited to them.
The weather was presently blistering hot. Previously, with the absence of Reef and Sheyan, the duo tanks by his side, the nervous Mogensha had sorely felt a lack of security. In addition to the strain of full-on collision and fleeing, he was already dying of thirst. Eyeing the cup of dark-green freshly pressed juice, he picked it up and drank it cleanly.
At this moment, the canteen served the trio in succession; nothing else but steak, sandwich, borscht and so on. Sheyan devoured his food ravenously while sharing the RDA company report with Reef and Mogensha. To them, examining it carefully now would be considered as honing the axe to prevent mishaps while cutting firewood.
Seated inside the air-conditioned canteen for a brief while, they observed several defeated and blood soaked contestants fleeing back along the path to Hell’s Gate; some had decapitated limbs. Quite a handful suffered crippling injuries, and one was roasted like coke but also with layers of condensed icicles at the back. To even endure till now, one had to credit either that contestant’s willpower or his luck.
As time elapsed, surviving contestants returned in scattered bits. In the end, a sunken faced Zi returned with the group of dejected and depressed Illume-union members; of which Archeaphill was in the worst condition. Covered in blood and semi-conscious, he was being lugged back. Even in this tropical climate, Archeaphill’s violent coughing released fogs of cold air, looking as though he was trapped in near-death state.
Why’s he like that?
Sheyan asked curiously.
Mogensha pondered and answered.
I heard that will happen if one repeatedly sinks into near-death state within a short span of time. Medicinal effects would gradually worsen, and finally become ineffective. Archeaphill was actually beaten into this state, how chaotic the battle must have been…..
Eie!? Yuan Zhan didn’t return with them. Who knows if he had been directly eliminated, or forsaken his interest and deployed some sort of item to forcefully exit this world. It seems those bunch clearly had a sinister purpose, to focus on eradicating the summoner; because summoners can frequently communicate with biology, they are massive aids in accomplishing missions here on planet Pandora. Seems like after their hidden mission failed, those guys are now striving to wreck our missions!
At this juncture, both Mogensha and Reef felt a chill down their spines.
Back when Mogensha had triumphed 3 times consecutively duelling them, he earnestly stepped on their reputation to forge military fame for his Golden AK. While Reef was the cornerstone during the party battle, and roared victoriously with his ‘Shattering Cardiac Roar’.
The ultimate defeat of those Growth-hunters, was something they both could claim great credit for. Right now when Prince Stalo led his party and unscrupulously laid ambush outside, naturally it was for revenge. If not for Sheyan recalling them back in the nick of time; foiling their ambushing plans and compelling them to hastily act, their corpses would probably be getting violated as of now.
Noteworthily, their ambush had not only inflicted casualties, it even caused those class 1 mission looters to spin a cocoon around themselves. There was a deadline for missions received at the biolab, and if they failed to complete the mission, punishment would be extremely harsh………
Basically, one mission failure was sufficient to declare withdrawal from the competition! Furthermore, with the hindrance of Prince Stalo’s party outside, who would dare venture out?
As the saying goes, blessings and calamities coexists. Those contestants that had snatched those class 1 missions could only weep sorrowfully. Instead, those contestant that failed to acquire a class 1 mission rejoiced in their misfortune. Hence, an upheaval arose with people shouting to form groups, instigating to teach those guys a lesson. Nevertheless, few responded, with some even mocking;
Why didn’t you think about unity when you snatched a class 1 mission in the first place?
Under such predicament, an internal great divide shook the contestants severely. Evidently, rallying together to kill their way out was now a futile obsession.
At present, Sheyan couldn’t care less about them. After slaying those 3 contestants, they had obtained 2 blood keys. Regrettably, that bowman didn’t contribute to them. Also, they could confirm that Ruby Cards were really gems with immensely tiny drop rate. Zeiss.Carl was a Growth-hunter but only dropped a blood key.
Though military rank mission included delivering blood keys; after a series of discussions, Sheyan still decided to activate Zeiss.Carl’s blood key, besides a Growth-hunter’s blood key was no small matter. Not only was his attack supremely powerful, one could imagine the grade of his equipment.
To straightly defeat 7 contestants, he had relied on pure talent; and even Illume-union’s core, Demondream, had lost to him. If not for Sheyan wearing a ‘supporter class’ cap to lower his guard, and being very clear on Zeiss.Carl’s capabilities beforehand; trying to kill him would not be as easy as it looks!
However this time, Zeiss.Carl’s key failed to surprise them. Reef normally didn’t meddle in such things much, but for some reason, he was suddenly very excited for today’s draw. The 3 deliberated and felt that drawing an equipment would be more worthwhile. In the end, Reef didn’t draw nothing, but who knew he actually picked up an unthinkable equipment.
[ Birmingham ‘Stuka’ Hand-dart, pocket sling ]
(TN: Stuka is a German dive bomber and ground-attack aircraft used in the 1930s)
[ World: The Exorcist ]
[ Origin: England, Birmingham ]
[ Equipment rarity: Black ]
[ Equipment position: Long-range weapon slot ]
[ Material: Nylon fibre ]
[ Weight: 138g ]
[ Attack: 10 fixed damage + summation of user’s strength, agility and physique ]
[ Usage requirement: Strength 17 points, Agility 20 points, Physique 15 points ]
[ Usage requirement: ‘Basic long-range combat’ lvl 2 ]
[ Durability: Nil ]
[ Details: Strength / agility +2 ]
[ Details: Perceptive sense -3 ]
[ Equipment special property: This hand-dart contains mystical sorcery. After expanding all hand-darts, it will self replenish at a rate of 2 minutes/dart. Generated darts are attached with magic, inflicting speed reduction, weakening, burnt, blood loss negative effects on striked enemy. Maximum capacity of 4 hand-darts. You can use utility points to reduce the hand-dart replenishment rate to 15 seconds/ dart. ]
[ Details: Hand-darts hurling. Hurl sharp hand-darts to inflict damage on enemies. Effective range of 3-33 metres. After initial damage to enemy, the dart-tip would lodge deeply into enemy’s body; resulting in long sustaining damages. ]
[ Details: Equipment contains a tiny probability of generating ‘Uncommon’ dart-tips. This dart-tip will deal x2 damages and overlapping negative effects. ]
[ Equipment battle score: 21 ]
[ Description: If you like employing this weapon, then I believe during an appropriate time, you can consider participating in the PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) World Darts Championship. ]
As this equipment required to be equipped in the long-range weapon slot, Mogensha passed on it. Sheyan possessed his ‘Ambition’, and thus expressed regrets. Instead, Reef’s current long-range weapon slot was equipped with an agility +1 light-blue grade handgun, which he never seemed to use at all. Coincidentally, this hand-dart filled in his gap of lacking offensive methods, and thus Reef accepted it.
Zeiss.Carl had never employed this weapon during the previous battle; because pursuing and killing to him, would require him to halt and hurl out a hand-dart, which wasted loads of time and wasted his life. What he seeked was to conclude the battle in the shortest time, and thus he probably only used it for the 4 attribute bonus.
In Reef’s perspective, someone who grinded slowly with his enemy, wasting them slowly for a long time…….he placed significance on the additional negative effects of this hand-dart. No doubt, this weapon should rightly be allocated to Reef.
Following that, the trio obviously wouldn’t exit the RDA base, but instead visited various departments. Worth mentioning, the 3 direhorse neural whips that they acquired previously were exceptionally valuable, indeed worthy of being hailed as ‘valuable objects’. They actually managed to exchange for 250 reputation points each at the research institute.
(TN: They got the direhorse neural whips back at chapter 27 of this volume.)
Pandora had massive loads of bioluminescent organisms. Even at night, one would rarely encounter situations of losing vision of their own fingers. On the contrary, the luscious vegetation of the forest sparkled brilliantly; splendid and magnificent, releasing an impression of a neon metropolis.
The trio was currently trekking through this dense forest. An fantasy orchestra of insect buzzing filled their ears, as their eyes beheld the monstrous and multi-colored scenery. Hadn’t this already surpassed the visual impact of broad daylight?
If it was day time, Pandora’s tropical rainforest would have roughly 70-80 percent resemblance to Earth’s. Yet the forest was an entirely different world when night descended. Sheyan suddenly halted his steps, as he squinted his eyes and whispered.
……….stop!! Yes yes yes, right ahead should be that striped bracken that we need to dig out for the mission. Ah Reef, take note. Our source’s operating manual describes plainly; that plant lives by the waterside, and its roots are extremely developed. You must be careful not to break too much while digging, if not it would affect the mission rating.
Chapter 411: First encounter with Tsu’tey
Speaking till here, Sheyan suddenly paused and stopped the hasty Reef from rushing up to excavate.
Oi, wait. There may be wild beasts guarding around that plant, merely, it isn’t indicated what sort of wild beast species it may be; pay more caution to it.
Boss, the wild beasts guarding it are viperwolves.
How did you know that?
I have excellent profound knowledge in this……that would be a lie. The truth is, I can already see those fang baring brats scuttling over as if their buttocks are on fire…….
Dammit Reef. Quick discard your damn shovel, and take responsibility as an MT! Also, AK you’re not allowed to fire off. I don’t bloody care what you use, use your short-spear to stab those cursed wolves or something. The rumbles of your AK gunshots will drift miles throughout the night, I don’t want additional trouble.
After having experienced the baptism of the beast horde, even when Mogensha didn’t use his rifle, Sheyan and comrades managed to resolve those dozen viperwolves within 3 minutes. Proceeding that, Reef expended great efforts digging out that striped bracken, sweating profusely due to those concentrated roots. Eventually, his gaze flickered as he shovelled his high grade spade a cubic metre beneath the plant, before suavely scooping it into the party’s storage….….instantly, he felt a great relief.
With the guidance of the RDA internal report, Sheyan and buddies searched easily by following the conventional instructions of the report. Thus, they accomplished these irritating missions without exhausting much effort. Yet when they were capturing the Fan Lizards, for some unknown reason, they accidentally startled a Hammerhead Titanothere.
That creature was analogous to a robust earthen rhinoceros. A giant ‘凹’ shaped cartilage grew at its head, with peacock like feathers displayed as ornaments at its neck. Its head was rock solid and could erupt with astonishing strength. Even if an ‘AMP Suit’ were to collide with this accelerating brute, it would be sent crashing and destroyed to the ground. (Like in the movie)
Fortunately, this brute was just a tier-1 legendary creature, and didn’t possess the bonus hundred thousands of HP like those in the beast horde. Hence, Sheyan and company adopted a roaming battle tactic. Though the situation was rather nerve wrecking, they effectively contained the terrifying collisions of the Hammerhead Titanothere. Hence, as the situation stabilized, the furiously bellowing Hammerhead Titanothere could only have its strength slowly withered away.
Yet after locking in combat briefly, while the usually calm Reef was plotting what weapon to employ, a gentle sound abruptly resounded from afar. Closely following, a vigorous blue figure swung in speedily while attached to a vine, before making a nimble flip in midair and landing atop the Hammerhead Titanothere. It stretched its arms into the horizon, and released an enraged roar!
In a split second, the blue figure’s arms simultaneously drove into the Hammerhead Titanothere’s eyes. This great beast produced a painful whine, losing its objectives as it lost balance and heavily slammed against the nearby tree. The tree crackled in response, fracturing with splinters and collapsed. As for the severely wounded titanothere, its head knocked the ground as it began convulsing relentlessly.
The blue figure then leapt down from its back, and landed onto the ground, before turning around to face Sheyan and the humans.
No doubt, it was a Na’vi. His face sullen as he glared at the trio; revealing his canine tooth like a cheetah, he snarled vehemently.
Leave this place! Outsiders, you don’t belong here!
(Note from author: The Omaticaya Clan had always been receptively amiable to the humans. They attempted to understand humans, and the construction of Hell’s Gate had also received their assistance. The humans aided them in establishing a schoolhouse and hospital facilities. However, the clan’s princess and sister of the female lead, Sylwanin, had set a bulldozer on fire; and was reduced to a honeycomb by RDA soldiers. This incited the wrath of the Omaticaya Clan against the humans, and Doctor Grace Augustine was banished from the clan. Even the male lead’s avatar had suffered a cold-reception during his first encounter. This is the plot of the movie’s lengthened edition, not an original creation.)
Sheyan observed his image, and felt he was rather familiar. He couldn’t help asking in the party channel to Mogensha.
Isn’t he Tsu’tey? That tragic prince who was jealous of the male lead but finally acknowledged him in the end?
(TN: Tsu’tey was jealous at Jake Sully and his sister Neytiri falling in love, and enraged when they mated)
Mogensha leaked out an oddly restraining smile before replying.
Boss, if he knew what you just said, he would fall out with you immediately. Also boss, you must learn to respect other’s social custom.…..I’ve heard before of an ancient Chinese custom – there was a princess who married a tribal chief, but after the chief died, his son had to marry the princess. Such a custom is even more excessive.
Sheyan was immediately left speechless. Instead, Reef was more honest and stood up with his right hand pressed to his chest; then he bowed humbly.
My gratitude for your assistance, friend.
The male Na’vi was shocked, and continued fuming.
A slaughter begets no gratitude! Their deaths weren’t necessary, it’s all on you! You’ve slain those viperwolves, but yet not treat them as food; then, why did you have to kill them?
Sheyan helplessly responded.
Because they were treating us as food.
Then you shouldn’t have come here and appeared in their sight!
Tsu’tey raged out.
Sheyan expressed a tough time in comprehending Tsu’tey’s logic. Yet seeing that there wasn’t any danger now, Sheyan naturally headed towards the besiding darkness, casually seizing the Jinkuang that was hidden inside. He then pledged to Jinkuang.
Settle him, 500 utility points.
Jinkuang immediately tidied his necktie, and strolled out arrogantly. He then casted a tormented expression and behavior.
Tsu’tey. Actually, we were forced to be here. We are just a group of sad miserable slaves. I’m afraid, all our kin had been imprisoned by the bad guys, and they are compelling us to risk our lives in harsh labour. If not, they would behead out father, mother, wife, daughters…….
Speaking till here, Jinkuang squeezed out several drops of tears, his shrivelled tangerine skin old face wrinkling excessively. Then he lunged forward and hugged Tsu’tey’s calf before bursting in tears…….as the saying goes, a well-tempered steel can unexpectedly turn soft! The Na’vi folks wouldn’t normally consider the existence of a heaven defying term called lies. Thus, Tsu’tey was now at a loss of what to do.
Alright, alright. I don’t know about your circumstances, or how to help you. Just release my leg first alright?
Mogensha voiced into the party channel wish shock.
It appears there’s a huge difference between civilized Na’vi clans and barbaric ones. Right, boss, can you view his strength?
Sheyan smiled bitterly.
A rapid one strike dispatching of a legendary creature…….although it’s just a tier-1 legendary creature, the Hammerhead Titanothere probably still had three-quarters of life……do you really think I can see through him?
Mogensha shrugged his shoulders.
I understand. I will close off my gun insurance.
Reef then spoke up.
RDA’s report also indicated, a Na’vi’s brain capability is even wider than humans. Though they appear like uncouth predators, but at least the civilized Omaticaya Clan exceptionally reveres various lifeforms, and possess a kindhearted personality; holding great adoration for nature. Moreover, they are gifted in language; not only can they precisely replicate various animal sounds, they even practice the language of humans. Therefore, I feel we are temporarily out of danger.
After strenuous attempts and finally bribing away Jinkuang with a jewel pendant, Tsu’tey no longer bothered them. He directly marched towards the head of the dying hammerhead titanothere; pulling his dagger out, he knelt and recited out.
I feel your torment, brother.
Let me end it.
Bless you for sacrificing your meat as our food.
Eywa be with you.
Then in a flurry, Tsu’tey stabbed into the Titanothere’s heart. The twitching great beast finally died. Clean, agile and decisive. Even Sheyan and the spectating humans felt a ferocious resonating heartbeat in their hearts. Brother black then murmured.
That’s freaking awesome, that script is too cool! Bless you for sacrificing your meat as our food. Next time, when I kill off someone, I’m gonna use that phrase. Shit man, no, I don’t wish to become food for aboriginals!
Following that, Tsu’tey called over several other Na’vi warriors to transport the great beast away. He then turned to Sheyan and the rest, before sighing helplessly.
Dangers fill every corner of this forest. Outsider, your lives are too fragile here. The Omaticaya clansmen cannot supply you protection all the time.
After finishing, he disappeared into the forest with his prey.
The subsequent two days were verifications for Tsu’tey’s words. The treacherous and foreign primitive jungle expressed sufficient enmity to Sheyan and company. Yet for the sake of their missions, they couldn’t help being constantly on the move; hunters becoming the hunted became a common occurrence.
Many a time, Sheyan would greedily seize waterlogged leaves to drink. Instead, the leaves would become stirred up. Actually, those leaves were moths that possessed incomparably queer poison. Its mouth was like a mosquito and could insatiably absorb human’s blood. The poison it secreted into the human’s body could easily paralyze its prey, and these moth were abnormally avaricious; that even Sheyan personally witnessed it drawing blood till its skin stretched excessively and broke.
Next, were mutated fungus. Its exterior appeared like a regiment of round rocks. But just a light step would trigger a ‘Bang!’ explosion of dull-yellow smog in a massive radius of 10 square metres. The fog inherited countless fungi pores, that would adhere onto one’s body……..
Chapter 412: Flirtatious withdrawal
When these mutated fungus exploded, their unleashed pores had an adhesive rate a hundred fold of a Siberian cocklebur. One could imagine the taste of those pores contaminating one’s skin……having to their utmost to remove them. Yet the true objective of the fungus, was to deploy these pores to pollinate growth in distant places.
Of course, the most thorny issue to them, were slingers they had fought against before. Thriving near the Omaticaya Clan residence, these creatures were all mutated and enhanced. Concealed inside the forest, when they erupted with sneak assaults, it was sufficient to constitute a massive threat to any contestant!
(TN recap: Slingers are those long range creatures that participated in the beast horde at the start of this volume)
Their minute venomous stings that sprayed out could easily be masqueraded within the environment, and accurate prick against any contestant……
As it turns out, they exactly received the habitual surprise attacks of the slingers in this primitive forest. Those blow ‘arrows’ contained mutated venom pricks, smeared with deadly poison more horrifying than a black mamba! According to RDA’s report analysis, the venom could kill a blue whale in 1 minute!
During combat, when Reef was struck, he had to swiftly gouge out of the firing zone; if not the sustaining damages would even be torturing to him.
Looking back on the past day – when it was midnight previously, Sheyan’s trio had immediately stealthily sneaked out of the base; while the remaining contestants waited for 24 hours before vigilantly venturing out.
Occupying this first movers advantage, and coupled with their detailed report; undoubtedly, Sheyan and the others had accumulated loads of RDA reputation and led by a wide margin. Of course, they ingeniously concealed this fact.
Meanwhile, one had to admit that Stalo and those Growth-hunters had committed a great deed before leaving. Their elimination of those summoners had undoubtedly aided Sheyan and their party immensely.
However, Sheyan and company were still prepared that other contestants still possessed remarkable prowess. That woman Zi was actually able to forge an excellent relationship with Doctor Grace, which no doubt assisted her in acquiring natural conveniences. Although the doctor was an upright person that wouldn’t be swayed by personal affairs, she would still find time to provide solutions to Zi – whenever Zi had certain tacky problems.
As for the other contestants that had survived till now, it was hard to discount any hidden dragons and crouching tigers. In this competition for reputation, it definitely didn’t represent that Sheyan and company could let their guard down.
As time elapsed along with the pressure of their external nemesis receding, the competition amongst the contestants gradually intensified.
Fortunately, Sheyan had previously seeked out Head Administrator Parker. Moreover, in all respects he had relatively pulled the wool over the eyes of others. Thus, his confidential operations had been executed very outstandingly, while completely allowing Zi to claim all the limelight. At present, there were roughly 40 contestants that remained, and the Illume-union occupied approximately a third of them.
As the saying, ‘experiences of the past are teachers of the future’; after a former ‘cleansing’ by Stalo’s group, the remaining contestants naturally became more cautious of the Illume-union; in lieu of preventing another catastrophe. Many contradictions continued to spark between the Illume-union and the remaining contestants, while Sheyan’s plans advanced steadily without much pressure.
Thus, time rapidly dwindled away amidst the hustling and bustling of these anxious contestants, swiftly reaching the 3rd day deadline. Sadly, the deeds that Sheyan and buddies had done, supplied them with relatively few utility points and potential points; reckoning that the main reason was to diligently raise RDA company reputation points. Following the deadline, Sheyan’s nightmare imprint initiated its notification.
[ You completed the sequel battle side mission: Hell’s Gate trust. ]
[ Mission objective: within 72 hours duration, increase your reputation in this RDA base to ‘Respected’. ]
[ Your current reputation: Respected (1471/6000). ]
[ You receive 5 achievement points as reward. (Base 2 achievement points reward, Silver prestige party leader additional +2, legend level additional +1) ]
[ Contestants who were unable to raise their reputation to ‘Respected’ will now be forcefully transported back to the nightmare realm within 10 minutes. ]
[ Note: These are the first three contestants who completed the mission – contestant no.1018, contestant no.2703 and contestant no.15711! ]
[ Note: Contestant no.1018. You are the first to complete this mission. ]
[ Determining bonus rewards….…… ]
[ Please select an option beneath for your bonus reward. ]
[ Reward A: Receive 4 achievement points bonus. ]
[ Reward B: Receive 20,000 utility points bonus. ]
[ Reward C: Receive 10 potential points bonus. ]
[ Reward D: Bonus of 3 days extension in this world. ]
Facing the 4 choices; although reward A was exceedingly alluring, Sheyan still chose option D. This was something he had long been awaiting.
Yet after seeing the announcement, ‘The first three contestants who completed the mission – contestant no.1018……’, a cold chill emitted from his back. He couldn’t help sighing in his heart.
Really deserving of a battle side mission……with such a public announcement, isn’t this akin to igniting the fuse for an internal strife between the contestants? These competitions are really too excessive.
Truthfully speaking, though Mogensha and Reef also completed their side mission, they unexpectedly didn’t qualify within the top 3. This was something Sheyan hadn’t anticipated. The three of them could be said to have occupied a huge advantage, and had the title ‘Outstanding Worker’ to assist them. Yet Sheyan was the only 1 amongst the trio!
(TN: Outstanding worker’s properties included receiving additional rewards when accomplishing a mission from the RDA company)
From here, one could tell how significant that +1 legend level was. That value was normally not noticeable, but during crucial moments, it was a vital game changer!
At this moment, Reef voiced into the party channel.
Zi is second, no.12703. That no.15711 is unknown. Boss, your identity may be exposed.
Sheyan composedly replied.
It won’t. My perceptive sense isn’t bad like others. Furthermore, my helmet also contains a precedence nature ‘Pulse Interference’. They cannot probe out my realm serial number.
Mogensha earnestly replied.
Boss, many a time, the problem lies in not being able to investigate a thread of information from you.
Sheyan laughed in response.
If the Illume-union will dare to investigate only if they wish for both sides to suffer defeat. If I haven’t guessed wrongly, that no.15711 holds an immensely strong purpose here. Most likely, some party members were willing to accept mission failure and be penalized 10 achievement points, to guarantee he ranks top 3. Therefore, to lay hidden thus far, one’s scheme would bound to be enormous. Think about it, will that person compromise with the Illume-union at this point?
The current situation was exceedingly subtle, like the calm before the storm. Hell’s Gate suddenly broadcasted – inviting new mercenaries who had passed the trial to gather at the second floor of the command centre. After this filtering of the battle side mission, the contestant count was halved again, leaving behind approximately 20 individuals. There were 7 Illume-union members left, and once again occupied a third of the headcount.
When they streamed into the meeting hall bit by bit, they discovered that the two ringleaders Colonel Miles Quaritch and Doctor Grace Augustine had lined up. Head Administrator Parker Selfridge was standing over the platform, waiting for everyone to settle. Then, Head Administrator Parker initiated his speech.
Brave soldiers, we just received a report from our exploring squad. A report they released before disappearing off the radar, that they had discovered the spirit shrine of the Na’vi race – The location of the Tree of Souls. With confirmation from Doctor Grace, these tree dwelling blue monkeys share devoted faith in that existence. Therefore, if we can clarify these matters today, then we may have a way to resolve the problem of those thorny monkeys, and even convince them to assist in our mining.
As for what you guys need to do, it is very very simple – Confirm the authenticity of that report, and return with a stem of the Tree of Souls. I will be in base preparing champagne, fresh flowers, young girls, and a blank check for you to fill when you return.
Sheyan and the rest consecutively received the notifications.
[ Battle side mission (Final skirmish) command: ‘Stem of the Tree of Souls’. ]
[ Mission objective: within 5 days, obtain a dangling stem from the Na’vi race’s Tree of Souls. ]
[ Description: After a period of indefatigable striving, you successfully obtain acknowledgement from the RDA base. They are currently planning to task you with a gruelling mission. The latest exploration squadron issued a crucial report – the possible discovery of the location of the spiritual shrine of the Na’vi race, the Tree of Souls. Affirm the authenticity of this report, and return with a dangling stem from the Tree of Souls! ]
[ Note: Only the first 3 who return with a Tree of Souls dangling stem will be rewarded! ]
[ Warning: If you reject this mission, you can either receive a free staying window of 4 days, or accept a fixed reward and return to the realm instantly. ]
[ Do you accept this mission: Yes / No ? ]
Browsing through the mission specifics, many notions flashed through Sheyan’s mind. He suddenly stood up and earnestly answered Head Administrator Parker.
Sorry to disappoint, sir. I believe my abilities are limited, and I cannot shoulder such a gruelling mission.
Parker then casted a ‘you know it’ expression over. This old fox Parker understood it tacitly, but his face remained calm and collected.
Ok, the RDA company has never forced our workers to comply with any task, your current contributions thus far will surely not be forgotten.
Chapter 413: Blood bandit
How is that possible?! Those 3 actually chose to give up?
Am I seeing wrongly?!
They actually abandoned the mission!!!!
Right in the midst of the uproar, Zi’s expression appeared seemingly indifferent. However, her fingernails had already cut deep into the flesh of her palm, as her heart flagged a perilous situation.
Those three actually gave up?? Don’t tell me that not a single one of them claimed the top 3, wrong, that isn’t reasonable. Fine, let’s not care about them for now. At least, those 3 wouldn’t be a direct threat to us now, then the state of affairs should be pretty straightforward now…….
Since Sheyan had initiated, Reef and Mogensha naturally followed suit. The trio’s forfeiting was like a stone evoking a thousand heavy ripples! Most had believed that Sheyan’s initiating was inspired by Reef……but no matter what, as for now; following Sheyan and company’s withdrawal, the originally chaotic situation had clarified. It instantly dissolved to a direct dilemma between the remaining contestants and the Illume-union.
Because no matter how smooth one’s mission was, only 3 eventual victors could receive rewards! The surplus would be neglected!
As the upper echelon of the base left, a state of mutual hostility grew more distinct. At this moment, one individual finally stepped forward amongst the remaining contestants, and made claims as equals against the Illume-union.
This person was called Flint Ray, and was possibly contestant no.15711. During the resistance against the beast horde, Sheyan had a definite impression of that person. He belonged to the southern region, and his performance wasn’t poor but didn’t stand out as well. Moreover, during the duelling with those Growth-hunters, he had appeared exceptionally mediocre. To keep hidden till now, he was indeed remarkable.
But right now, after the trio had withdrawn, he could no longer keep hidden. Because if he did, then those neutral positioned contestants would continue to fade away; trying to go against the Illume-union then would become impossible.
Sheyan was currently spectating the fierce battle between giants by the side, while plotting if he could fish in troubled waters. Yet at this moment, a RDA staff worker suddenly found him. This worker wasn’t just anyone, but indeed head administrator Parker’s secretary, Jenny. Her gentle voice drifted towards Sheyan.
Mr Parker invites you to his office.
Sheyan nodded, his heart was stirred.
Could it be about that?
Thus, he informed through the party channel and headed off. Pondering a little, he wore that ‘Chris Redfield’s Lucky Bracelet’ on his wrist. When he arrived at Parker’s office, he indeed caught sight of Grace Augustine inside Parker’s office; as though they were discussing something.
When Parker noticed Sheyan, he heartily walked over and slapped his shoulder; introducing him to Doctor Grace.
Grace, this is Lieutenant Seaman. You must’ve heard about his name on Earth eh?
Doctor grace creased her brows…….obviously ‘moved’ by Sheyan’s high ‘charm’ before replying lightly.
Somewhat.
Parker picked up his coffee mug and swallowed a mouthful, before voicing seriously to Grace.
Grace. Seaman is actually the representative of a mysterious wealthy lord. I reckon if we invite him to grace our Avatar program and its processes, it may result in an investment interest for this program by his boss.
Doctor Grace very blatantly refuted.
Parker, I don’t find him being able to understand much. May I ask about your qualifications, Seaman sir?
Sheyan shrugged his shoulders.
My apologies, I haven’t graduated from high school. If you require, I can only offer my elementary school certificate.
Doctor Grace continued replying indifferently.
Then, are you able to analyze the human’s genetic code sequence?
Sheyan laughed in response.
Oh, I can analyze human gambling patterns of blackjack proficiently.
Doctor Grace proceeded to ignore him and turned to Parker.
Okay, I don’t believe he can obtain any beneficial information from any tours. I suggest gifting him an adult film to fight his boredom, and not cause trouble here at our busy workplace.
Just when Parker was feeling rather awkward, Sheyan interrupted.
Perhaps I indeed cannot pick up any information from this tour, but I can determine something else. That is respect, Doctor Grace. Perhaps you are immensely talented in the field of science, but please don’t forget to respect others; especially respecting an investor, which is fundamental general knowledge of all enterprises. At the bare minimum, you should have basic reverence and thanksgiving for Mr Parker here! Without his help and capital allocation, you wouldn’t even be able to research a dog’s fart.
Doctor Grace’s face turned ashen, and ignored Sheyan.
Parker, I have other matters, I’ll leave first. Lastly, my biolab would never accept any irrelevant personnel!
After speaking, she turned to leave.
Parker’s face didn’t display any change, but his tone became slightly weightier.
Grace. I’m glad to have this chat with you today, but our words weren’t just mindless chatter; but to inform you. Also, I’m not soliciting your opinion, so I’ll pretend I haven’t heard what you just said.
Doctor Grace spun round, glaring at Parker angrily.
How can you be like that?
Parker coldly replied.
I’m starting to feel convinced by Mr Solinmu that this Avatar program was a mistake. It should’ve been terminated after the realization that avatars cannot be mass produced. Still, I was persuaded to support you, yet you are repaying my support with rejection. Achieving nothing but displaying utter arrogance.
Oh Grace, listen to me finish. The shareholders have only one goal for us to be on this damned treacherous planet, and that is to mine as much pandora ores as possible. However, please tell me; how has the billions of dollars you’ve squandered fared on our monthly report? Helping it rise by several hundred percent? Let’s not talk about others, please answer me.
Doctor Grace remained silent for a moment before replying.
Nothing, for now.
Parker furrowed his brows.
Then let’s agree on this. 10 minutes later, I will bring Seaman to tour our RDA company’s research department. If you have any grievances, you’re welcomed to put forth a complain to the board of directors. If not, just produce your resignation letter!
Doctor Grace stormed out, heavily smashing the door shut, before stopping to take a deep cold glare at Sheyan. Sheyan instantly received a notification.
[ Your relationship with an important storyline character ‘Doctor Grace’ has plunged to hostile. ]
[ Important storyline character ‘Doctor Grace’ is not a combatant, she will not initiate attacks against you; but all communications will be refused. ]
Sheyan had no other alternatives to this. Naturally, one must learn to grasp his opportunities. Although Doctor Grace didn’t have a good impression of him, if he hadn’t adopted a resolute attitude just now, that woman may not treat him favourably as well. On the contrary, Parker may foul up on his side, and cost him the blood of the avatar male lead. Oftentimes, trying to peacefully handle everything would lead to fruitlessness on both ends.
That was followed by a string of unbelievable events, and it really showed logic in the saying ‘a fort would normally be breached from the inside’. Under Parker’s leading, Sheyan successfully entered the biolab; and toured around the avatar connector facilities as well as the incomplete Amnio tanks. Under Doctor Grace’s resentful cooperation, Sheyan personally witnessed the series of artificial avatar processes.
Following that, he strolled towards the tip of the male lead’s amnio tank, and suddenly gasped with a ‘woahh’ amazement.
This face, it really looks like a familiar friend of mine. Is he perhaps, Jake Sully?
Head Administrator Parker sighed in response.
Nono, my friend. You’re mistaken, it is cultivated according to the DNA of one of our RDA’s internal doctor. Unfortunately, he has since perished on earth. Only a person with near identical DNA can control this. Luckily, we heard he had a twin brother. Eh, it seems that I’ve seen his name was indeed called Jake Sully. Going back to topic, his twin brother presented a tiny probability of redemption for our 50 million dollars invested, instead of sending it for impairment.
At this moment, a big beard Doctor wearing a big white coat, Matthews Peter, spoke up.
If we impaired this avatar, it would’ve been a huge waste; because other avatars were all artificially cloned on earth before going through a long 5 years to be transported here. This particular avatar was successfully created here after many failed modulations. It contains an extremely substantial significance.
Woah oh!
Sheyan exhibited a solemn and reverent expression.
I would never expect such a complicated story to it. More importantly, even in a place 5 light years from earth, I actually managed to witness such an object so intimately related to Jake Sully. Mr Parker, you must grant me this request, let me shake hands with this one.
Naturally, Head Administrator Parker felt awkward, while Doctor Grace inhospitably replied.
The avatar amniotic fluid isn’t warm like humans, so much so, that it can be described as an exceedingly violent alkaline substance! Parker, your guest is here on a tour and not to make a mess.
Since their relationship had already turned hostile, Sheyan naturally didn’t sugarcoat his words.
Shut it old hag. I’m about to vomit from the foul smoke coming from your mouth. Didn’t anyone teach you that interrupting another’s conversation is extremely impolite? Or are you implying that you can represent Parker to make decisions?
Obviously, that final slanderous speech affirmed Parker’s decision. In spite of Doctor Grace trembling entirely, he turned to the big bearded Doctor Peter.
Satisfy Seaman’s slightly queer aspiration……..but lieutenant sir, I hope this is the final time you make such a difficult request.
Chapter 414: A drink to clear the way
Instantaneously, Sheyan received a notification.
[ Warning: Cracks have emerged in your relationship with an important storyline character ‘Head Administrator Parker’. Your relationship can decline any time. ]
Naturally, Sheyan overstepping his boundaries had incited Parker’s displeasure. Instead, the unchanging Sheyan sneered slightly.
I will definitely direct your 120% sincerity to my superior, and speedily facilitate their investment.
Just like that, Sheyan successfully shook hands with the main lead avatar, which was still devoid of a soul. During this process, he employed a unique needle he had hidden within his fingers, to prick its hand and absorbed a drop of blood. It was covertly flawless, and when others weren’t paying attention, Sheyan conjured an excuse of using the washroom; and dripped the blood on…..
‘Chris Redfield’s Lucky Bracelet’. Instantly, a glaring transformation happened.
[ Chris Redfield’s Lucky Bracelet (First blood seal undone) ]
[ Weaver: Shinji Mikami ]
[ Rank: 7 ]
[ Current unsealed effect: Allows you to grasp the rank 5 passive ability – ‘Luck Art’. ]
[ Usage requirement: 15 potential points, 150,000 utility points, 10 achievement points (Official achievement points that aren’t acquired from trade) ]
[ Releasing the second blood seal: Allows you to grasp the rank 6 passive ability: ‘Major luck art’ ]
[ Releasing the third blood seal: 50% probability of grasping the rank 7 passive ability ‘True luck’. Also, 50% probability of a curse, causing you to randomly lose one ability. ]
Of the 3 seals, he had managed to undo one already. Sheyan finally released a long exhalation. At this moment, he bidded farewell to Mr Parker and exited the biolab. That was when Reef contacted him.
Boss, negotiations have collapsed between Zi and that Flint Ray. She wants to hire us to fight for her, and assist us in accomplishing that damned mission.
Sheyan chortled in response.
Don’t be in a rush to reply her, delay it.
Mogensha silently chuckled
That’s correct. We are now rare commodities worth hoarding. No matter which side we lean to, we hold absolute advantage. Since we are selling ourselves, then we should sell to the highest bidder. Drag on and we profit.
Sheyan sincerely continued.
I’ve never thought of aiding them to complete that final sequel side mission. I’m afraid that mission difficulty would be beyond everyone’s imagination. If not, why would I be willing to forgo it?
Mogensha doubtfully replied.
The current Omaticaya Clan is rather amicable to the humans now. Even if the exploration failed, at most we rush back crestfallen. Plucking off a stem from the Tree of Souls wouldn’t pose huge risks right.
Sheyan squinted his eyes and answered.
If I haven’t recalled wrongly, the coordinates of the Tree of Souls in the original storyline was only leaked to the colonel by Jake Sully. Moreover, the colonel treated this report of major significance.
Reef immediately tasted the underlying flavour of Sheyan’s words.
What you’re trying to imply is; the ultimate target of this side mission, is in fact not the genuine Tree of Souls?
There’s a huge possibility.
Sheyan earnestly continued.
And right now, those Growth-hunters have already left this world, and for the realm to enhance the difficulty, then naturally it would be designed towards the natural environment of this planet. The first beast horde side mission’s difficulty is needless to mention, it was to test the contestant’s strength and courage. The second side mission obviously trended towards a contestant’s intellect and socialization. Then, this third side mission, and also the final side mission……is specially designed to allow only three to complete – most likely it is testing the contestant’s unity. Do you think these people can be united?
Sheyan’s series of bold statements had thoroughly convinced Reef and Mogensha.
Sheyan then continued.
No matter if it’s Zi or that Flint Ray, just pretend to comply. Give them the impression you’re trying your best to become objects for profiteering. Hmph, hmph. We just need to drag for 24 hours, they would naturally become like monkeys with scalding assess, and get busy with their mission. Even if they realized we have no intentions of helping, both their hands would be full! What we must do now, is to prevent any mishaps or slip-ups. Especially, at the starting phase; it can be said that with one wrong move, the whole piece will be lost!
Mogensha was still slightly apprehensive.
Only, the RDA report we retrieved doesn’t contain what we want. I reckon it is that Doctor Grace pulling tricks, and not divulging everything. If not, anyone can simply swap positions with her already. But boss, your relationship with her is already hostile…….don’t tell me you want Reef and I to curry her favour?
No need for that.
Sheyan dimly replied.
Even if you guys made a hasty last-minute effort, I reckon it is too late. Besides, she may not reveal the truth. In this world, the answers we need may not be only known by Doctor Grace.
Reef muttered out.
Are you perhaps thinking……to inquire from the Omaticaya Clan?
A brilliance flashed past Sheyan’s eyes.
That’s correct! The reason I hadn’t considered the Omaticaya clansmen is because we are lacking a certain incision point. We hadn’t personally witnessed the attitude of the Omaticaya clan towards humans. Yet after our encounter with Tsu’tey, I admit it did conceive an idea within me.
The RDA Company has had over ten years of diplomacy with the Omaticaya clan, yet it cannot be said that the Omaticaya clan had no desires or wishes from the earthlings. During their honeymoon period, at least the Omaticaya clan children attended Doctor Grace’s schoolhouse. The reason they’ve sank into this enmity, is that Hell’s Gate has nearly exhausted all the surrounding pandora ores around. The only solution would be harvest beneath the Omaticaya clan Hometree, and thus it has led to an irreconcilable contradiction to surface!
But we are different. Moreover, the tremendous price we paid to obtain this RDA company report is definitely not useless. At least, it records down the Omaticaya clansmen most beloved item……and that is alcohol! Strong alcohol! These few days, I have been storing up a total of few kilograms of spirited alcohol with my ‘Endless Vodka’! In addition to the excessive quantity we had purchased from the canteen, it is sufficient to build a good relationship with them; so much so, that there would be enough to spare. Come, let’s head off!
Even though Sheyan had grasped the detailed coordinates of the Omaticaya clan Hometree; to travel in a straight line there, it would still take over a hundred kilometres. Trekking in this luscious primitive forest, even for a powerful contestant, it would at least require over 3 hours; moreover, that was on the pretext of not encountering any wild beasts.
Of course, it wasn’t that Sheyan didn’t consider employing an Overlord, but he still felt rather apprehensive; because of its inexistent self-defense capabilities. Without a defense mechanism, it was hard to deal with unexpected outbursts. Moreover, once the Omaticaya clansmen noticed a flying alien Overlord in the air, no one could predict their reaction to it.
Therefore, Sheyan once again seeked out head administrator Parker with his thick skin. Without expending much effort, he got wind of a Samson aircraft that was bound for an aviation mission the next day. Hence, they only needed to request the pilot to deliver them to a location 10 kilometres from the Omaticaya clan hometree, and he would settle the rest. This kind of tiny matter was easily accomplished by Parker, and fully satisfied Sheyan.
During the flight journey, Sheyan and company personally beheld the impressive floating spectacle of the ‘Hallelujah Mountains’, and couldn’t help praising the work of God. When they descended, the trio were free of worries, because they had already accustomed themselves to the monstrously multi-colored pandorian forest over the past 3 days. That was in addition to learning of various creature characteristics, topography distribution etc from the RDA report. Thus, they encountered no extra troubles enroute, and reached within a 5 kilometres radius of the Omaticaya clan hometree. Right amidst a fluorescent sunflower region, they met an Omaticaya calvary.
(A Samson in the Hallelujah mountains in the movie)
Three mounted warriors sat atop 6-footed direhorses, looking formidably gallant. Sheyan reckoned their combat prowess vastly surpassed the barbarian clansmen he had slain previously. Furthermore, they didn’t make a move, but merely expressed a callous countenance. Upon opening their mouths, they ordered these outsiders to leave, and very kindly pointed out the direction back to Hell’s Gate.
Sheyan easily seized Jinkuang from the back. Piling up smiles on his face until it looked like an anus, Jinkuang strolled forward.
Brave Omaticaya clan warriors, I am here specially to visit prince Tsu’tey; in gratitude for rescuing my nephews and me from the brutal Hammerhead Titanothere previously.
While he spoke, Jinkuang fished out 3 simple looking, processed and carved wooden cylinders. There was no bamboo on planet pandora, but a variety of trees were hollow without segmentation. A simple processing and storing of alcohol would serve as a considerate gift. Under his overbearing ‘charm’, the 3 Omaticaya clan warriors who didn’t harbour any hostility, accepted his gift. They were first deeply moved by the delicate carving of the wooden cylinder, before sampling a whiff of its internal spicy fragrance. Unable to contain themselves, they raised their heads and drank. As the alcohol reached their throats, their face instantly turned radiant and exposed smiles.
As the saying goes, receiving one’s goodwill requires showing face. Moreover, Sheyan and gang had very sincerely traversed here to thank their clan warrior. Naturally following this, the entire Omaticaya clan had faces of dazzling radiance all around, and obviously offered courteous reception to them. After Jinkuang had slowly distributed these gifts out, a thick alcoholic aroma pervaded the air of the entire Omaticaya clan
The attitude of these Na’vi clansmen became increasingly affectionate towards them, making a hospitable exception to invite them into their own hometree; yet it didn’t initiate any reputation amongst them yet. Suffice to say, one must obtain the approval from the woodsprites of the Tree of Souls like the male lead before it was possible.
(TN: Woodsprites are the floating dandelion seeds in the original storyline)
v
Chapter 415: The truth of the Golden side mission!
Right when Sheyan got up to give a toast, he suddenly saw something, causing his gaze to momentarily tightened.
It was a coarse and fine wooden pike, roughly the size of one’s wrist; upright and drilled into the ground. The wooden pike was approximately 3-4 metres tall, and its surface displayed glittering twinklers; as though it was coated with a layer of resin, or smoothened after years after years of human stroking.
Erected wooden pikes were relatively common in the Omaticaya clan. However, the object impaled over this wooden pike, was rare. In the entire clan, it could be said to be second to none!
That object was a skull. Although dried and wrinkled up, its frame was still enormous like an adult person; sinister and menacing. Though it should’ve gone through a rot-proof processing and air-dried, those yellow and red deterring stripes were as distinct as before; vividly being portrayed out!
That object was too familiar to Sheyan. At present, their party interspatial storage had a replica. Indeed, it was that Great Leonopteryx skull! Inside the Omaticaya clan, the region beneath the Great Leonopteryx skull impaled wooden pike, was akin to an emperor’s throne. It was governed by the Omaticaya Clan patriarch Eytukan and Tsahik (Spiritual leader) Mo`at seated below. Other na’vi clansmen wouldn’t dare to sully that forbidden domain.
Observing this scene, Sheyan’s heart was stirred; but he didn’t carelessly inquire, and instead continued cordially urging them to drink. After a brief while, several clansmen carried in some peacock meat to roast; the bunch of them started feasting on meat and wine, lost in awful joy. When the banquet crescendoed to its climax, several Na’vi unmarried males and females began pairing up to dance. In a flash, the atmosphere became bustling with noise and excitement.
Only at this moment, did Sheyan finally walked over to Tsahik (Spiritual leader) Mo`at for a toast. When he noticed her mood to be rather good, he then incited Jinkuang to inquire about relevant matters pertaining to that Great Leonopteryx skull.
Raising up this topic, Moat’s emotions skyrocketed. Actually, her great grandfather was a gloriously unrivalled Toruk Makto (Rider of the last shadow), a term that was implicitly hailed as the chieftain of all Pandorian Na'vi. When her great grandfather’s Toruk (Great Leonopteryx) died of old age, they carved out its head with tremendous reverence. After processing it, it became the symbolic totem protecting the entire Omaticaya clan (sounds rather gruesome, but it’s similar to egyptian mummies). This was the greatest honor, and hence Mo
at was also known as the ‘dragon’s daughter’.
Sheyan deliberated for a moment, before finally asking a question.
Then…..I heard a former story in our Saucepan-head clan. When they were mining the underground minerals, they dug out a stone coffin; and right inside it, was the remains of a Toruk’s (Great leonopteryx) skull. The weird thing was that this stone coffin was actually buried beneath a pathway, which was constantly trampled many times daily. Such strange handling really makes me bewildered.
Mo`at’s expression turned solemn as she answered.
Using a stone coffin to contain the dignified Toruk skull, is to express reverence for these great divine creatures. To bury it beneath a pathway is to trample on the honor and glory of the clan that it once protected!
(Toruk: Na`vi tongue which means the last shadow)
In the entire na’vi history, there were a total of six Toruks that were tamed. The scenario you mentioned, may very possibly be the extinct Iklinozee clan. That was how the Kiwatakin clan, the clan that annexed them, treated the Iklinozee’s consecrated Toruk. If we cannot reinforce our defence and become annexed by other clans, then they would treat our consecrated Toruk skull in the same manner!
Hearing till here, Sheyan was finally enlightened on the unusual origins of that stone coffin, and couldn’t contain the urge to question.
It seems the Toruk skull is extremely significant to all na’vis?
Mo`at loftily replied.
Of course. It can protect our warriors from getting harmed by wild creatures during hunting. It can bestow a safe childbirth for our infants. It can cause our the forces of our foes to suffer misfortune during conflicts. Only a na’vi clan that has acquired a protecting Toruk totem can better communicate with Mother Nature Eywa.
Woah oh!
Sheyan gasped in surprise.
It sounds pretty awesome, just like an omnipotent existence. Then why did the Kiwatakin clan bury the Toruk skull totem?
Mo`at very earnestly replied.
They were condemned with the sin of bloodshed and slaughter, and were starting to turn corrupt. Therefore, their clan had no ability to gain the Toruk totem’s approval.
Currently, Sheyan finally understood the reason for Lille’s sudden outrageous revolt. There was because the Toruk skull totem had such paramount significance. Naturally after entering this world, most contestants would choose to assist the RDA company; but there would estimatedly be a portion of people who chose to fight shoulder to shoulder with the Na’vi clan! Once one could establish a cooperative relationship (Amicable) with a na’vi clan, then there would be a huge possibility of one receiving a relatively advanced mission pertaining to a Toruk skull totem!
The world’s easiest Toruk skull totem to find, was undoubtedly in front of Sheyan. The one not in his party storage, but the one belonging to the Omaticaya clan. But if one acquires it, then no doubt it meant making the entire Omaticaya clan an enemy! If the Omaticaya clan was so easily dispatched, then what would come of the male lead’s affairs? It would instantly tamper the original movie storyline into a total mess.
According to Sheyan’s calculation, just solely Tsu’tey’s personal strength in comparison to the Lord of the Rings uruk-hai leader Lurtz; even if it fell short, it would be of the same tier. Moreover, Tsahik ‘Dragon’s daughter’ Mo`at’s supporting abilities would be beyond terrorizing, and simply astonishing to behold. Hence, a further deduction could be made – the Great Leonopteryx skull or rather the Toruk totem’s worth, had surpassed his earlier projection…….
Since Sheyan had discovered Jinkuang’s charm could influence the Na’vi folk, then he quickly forged the iron while it was still hot; shooting out another suspicion of his.
O grand dragon’s daughter, I still wish to seek guidance for a personal affair. If you are willing to reply me truthfully, then I will be abundantly grateful.
Tsahik Mo`at nodded.
Mother nature Eywa desires that I ameliorate the living. You may ask.
Sheyan continued.
I have a friend; He came here because his mother is critically ill and requires loads of money for treatment. He spontaneously undertook the task of exploring an unknown region. Yet just 2 months ago, he disappeared. Before he disappeared, he issued a message saying only one word – ‘Cherokee’…….perhaps the grand dragon’s daughter may have heard of this before?
When the word ‘Cherokee’ spilled forth, the na’vi folk in their merriment suddenly quietened down; simultaneously, turning to glare at Sheyan. Beads of cold sweat started emitting from Sheyan’s back. After a brief while, Mo`at finally opened her mouth.
Outsider, over here, we do not permit the mentioning of that wicked name……mourn for your friend, since he has incurred a relationship with Cherokee, then he should’ve already returned to Eywa’s embrace.
Sheyan responded seriously.
But I have no ways of explaining to his mother with your words!
Mo`at gazed at the bonfire for a little while before suddenly standing up. She turned and headed towards the higher floors of the hometree. Watching her figure fading into the darkness, Sheyan had an impulse of chasing her; but ultimately it was just a thought, if he put it into practice; he was asking for these Na’vi clansmen to throw him out.
The ardent bonfire party came to a spontaneous end with Mo`at’s departure. The entire clan recovered its water like serenity. Sheyan and the rest were escorted away by 5 direhorse mounted warriors, looking as though they were sending them back to Hell’s Gate. Amongst them, was shockingly Tsu’tey.
Sheyan observed Tsu’tey as he felt this young and vigorous young lad should be much easier to deal with than that old cunning Mo`at. After leaving the Omaticaya clan hometree, he instigated Jinkuang once again. Jinkuang immediately understood intuitively, adopting a teary face and wailed.
Tsu’tey my friend. If I were to unfortunately perish, will you sprinkle water at the Tree of Souls for me?
The direhorse mounted Tsu’tey immediately asked in bewilderment.
Why would you suddenly talk about dying?
Sheyan immediately interrupted.
Our friend disappeared with neither trace nor reason, we must definitely search for him.
Tsu’tey’s expression revealed his impatience.
Your friend is definitely dead. Didn’t Mo`at mention it just now?
Jinjuang replied frankly.
We must either see a living person, or a dead corpse!
Tsu’tey was momentarily stunned, roughly comprehending his underlying meaning. He then released a long sigh of emotions.
You outsiders…….still possess sentiments. Fine, even if Mo`at punishes me, I have to tell you the truth.
As he spoke, he leapt down from the direhorse and sat on a rock beside. He then pondered deeply before speaking out.
Not all Na’vi folks possess a tolerant and pardoning spirit. There is a portion of Na’vi groups who believes in violence and massacre. Their viewpoints diverges inharmoniously with ours, just like light and darkness, water and fire; it cannot be reconciled. They would go to extents of treating other Na’vi clans as prey and food when famished. Therefore, while we hail ourselves as children of nature, we call them the corrupted.
As for Cherokee, he is the chieftain of a massively supreme corrupted clan! That clan is called the Mosake clan. He is world-renowned for his brutal atrocities and bloodshed. It is said that a long time ago, a calamity struck. Food was sparse, and Moat’s brother was captured and eaten by Cherokee. Therefore, whenever she hears that name, Mo
at would plunge into sadness. However if she were to start a war of vengeance, god knows how many casualties will plague the entire Omaticaya clan. That is why Mo`at can only bury this deep hatred in her heart.
TN: Fun fact! In real life context, the Cherokees are a native american tribal people
Chapter 416: Thanator riders
Hearing Tsu’tey’s explanation, Sheyan’s eyes fluttered as he instantly asked with an intrigued tone.
The Omaticaya clan is so powerful, and can dominate fierce beasts of the skies and even communicate smoothly with Mother Nature Eywa; but they still cannot defeat a Mosake clan?
The usually bold and mighty Tsu’tey haughtily replied.
How can we? It is hard for any corrupted clan to obtain Eywa’s guidance, and thus they fall short of the qualifications to live in a hometree. Even if they forcefully conquered a hometree, it will lead to the hometree degenerating (just like how the Kiwatakin clan had destroyed and butchered the Iklinozee clan, and was exiled by Eywa as a corrupted clan). They are unable to tame ikrans either (ordinary mountain banshees, because after taming a mountain banshee, it would follow its master to live in the hometree). Thus, us who possess the skies, do you think we are unable to defeat them?
As a modern man, Sheyan obviously understood the importance of aerial supremacy. Hence, he was thoroughly convinced and nodded. Instead, Tsu’tey added.
However, everything has its pros and cons. Though the corrupted clans are banished from hometrees, it has caused their range of operations to expand; surviving under treacherously harsh conditions. Thus, they became specialized in taming wild beasts, and grasped several terribly savage controlling techniques over various wild beasts. Not only does their forces contain massive multitudes of direhorse calvary, there are some powerful individuals acclaimed as Angtsik Makto (Hammerhead-Titanothere rider), Talioang Makto (Sturmbeest rider), Slinger rider, and even the corrupted clan chief mastering methods of taming a Palulukan (Thanator)!
Although a Toruk Makto (rider of the last shadow) is recognized as the lord over the na’vi race; throughout na’vi history, there had only been 6 Toruk Makto.
Tsu’tey spoke dejectedly.
But though a Palulukan (Thanator) Makto is incredibly rare; amongst all corrupted clans, 1 or 2 large domineering clan chief are mighty Palulukan Makto!
At this point, Sheyan could roughly guess what Tsu’tey’s next words would be. As expected, Tsu’tey sighed and muttered.
Cherokee is a tyrannical Palulukan Makto. Most of our warriors here are only Pa’li Makto (Direhorse Riders), and only 23 are Ikran Makto (Mountain banshee riders). Once war erupts, both sides will inevitably suffer. Thus, Mo`at’s concern isn’t without justification.
Observing Tsu’tey’s emotional state and knowing he had alcohol left to spare, Sheyan naturally handed several pipes of alcohol to encourage him. He then proceeded to retrieve steak, peanuts and other dishes, and finally motivated him to drink more. Until Tsu’tey was semi-intoxicated, singing in his merriment with Jinkuang and Sheyan. Sheyan then inquired about the sacrificial offerings.
In truth, though the corrupted Na’vi clans had lost their rights to a hometree, many large clans had begun constructing their own Eywa temple, and resided around it. Most of these temples were constructed in a shape identical to the Mayan Pyramids. To initiate a sacrificial ceremony, one had to climb to the peak of the temple, and offer 23 hearts in sacraments on the sacrificial altar.
The truth of the mysterious Golden side mission had finally came to light after Sheyan’s painstaking probings. It actually required assaulting a fearsomely dreadful and corrupted supreme Na’vi clan!
To summarize this mission bluntly that no other words can replace, it was for a clean-cut clan extermination! Moreover, the dominion ruler of this corrupted Mosake clan, was even something the Omaticaya clan, of the storyline main lead, feared greatly! As for the crux of this horror, Cherokee was essentially a thanator rider that was almost equivalent to a Toruk Makto of the Na’vi race!
Since he was the one that murdered and feasted on Dragon’s daughter Mo`at’s brother, then his age wouldn’t be young, while his Thanator mount would inevitably be primely matured; it was simply impossible to compare it to those tier 2 or 3 junior thanators they faced during the beast horde. In estimation, if it wasn’t a tier-7 then it would minimally be a tier-6. Factoring those Hammerhead-Titanothere riders, Sturmbeest riders…….calculating based on such a difficulty, it indeed required the essential unification of all contestants; everyone right from the first mission to congregate and take down this Golden Side mission!!
Moreover, back at the valkyrie shuttle when Sheyan had just entered this world, he managed to find a RDA worker’s diary from his cabin; preceding his brazen disposure of those RDA workers. In the diary, it mentioned the Mosake clan, and it seemed like that worker had a relative understanding of the Mosake clan on hindsight. Furthermore, the dwelling place of the Mosake clan had been recorded clearly – the Windstone Highland.
(TN: this happened in Ch 23. Also, it is mentioned that Mosake translated in the na’vi tongue is called Toxic arrowhead)
At this moment, Mogensha frowned and spoke.
Looks like we’ve been fooled by that Parker. He sold us a totally incomplete RDA report, even those subordinate exploration workers knew things that weren’t recorded down.
Reef shook his head in refutation.
That’s not totally the case. Firstly, we cannot eliminate the possibility of the exploration worker burying this matter. Secondly, data that enters RDA report files would normally be more concrete and precise evidences. Whatever rumours, anecdotes, or groundless accusations wouldn’t be recorded inside officially.
Thirdly and also the most important point. The RDA is a business company, they’re definitely not some national geographic department. The core essence of their work revolves around mining out fortunes of pandora ores. Other matters would obviously be neglected. Based on what Tsu’tey mentioned, those corrupted na’vi clans or the uncivilized barbarians in our context, do possess the rights to live inside a hometree. Therefore they wouldn’t be associated with any pandora ore veins. Obviously, nothing detailed about them could be reported.
At present, no matter Mogensha or Reef, after realizing the specifics of this Golden side mission, they both felt the difficulty was like an insurmountable mountain; even hopes of seeing the midpoint was impossible. The current maximal limits of the trio, was probably only against single tier-3 legendary creature. If that legendary creature was mounted with a na’vi rider commanding it, they would merely get wrecked, that’s all.
Sheyan proceeded to inhale a deep breath of air, an immeasurable excitement and wild fervour lingered in his eyes. After parting with Tsu’tey, he straightforwardly viewed the topographic map from the RDA report. A careful examination later, he tapped against the map and exclaimed.
We’ll head there first!
Mogensha and Reef glanced at each other, vaguely sensing the terrain demarcated was rather familiar. After inspecting a few more times, they discovered it was actually not far from that valkyrie crash site when they first entered the world. Finally after careful attention, they both simultaneously yelled out.
Isn’t that the Takji clan?!
Sheyan nodded with seriousness and replied.
That’s right, our destination is there!
Mogensha and Reef voiced their disbelief.
But……
Sheyan chuckled in response.
I’ve already inquired during the banquet previously. That Takji clan is part of the Sons of Nature, but possess some kinship ties with the nearly extinct Kiwatakan clan; that is why they assisted those cannibals. Your worries, are because we had wiped out a substantial amount of their forces right? And that is exactly the reason why we must seek them.
Observing that Mogensha and Reef had somewhat comprehended, Sheyan earnestly continued.
We’re the ones responsible for their catastrophic losses, but the Takji clan doesn’t know that. Therefore, we can treat it as it never happened before. At least, the mechanics of this world allows us to do that. After all, referencing that we slaughtered those valkyrie RDA workers, the Hell’s Gate RDA still treated us with amicableness.
More crucially, synthesizing the RDA and Omaticaya information we gathered, I’m afraid the reinforcements the Takji clan had dispatched previously was greater than our estimation; It presumably numbers over a hundred! I’m afraid those hundred are already obliterated. Because the Takji clan suffered tremendously, it signifies their entire clan would currently have dire needs; this indicates untold opportunities and missions!
Reef was taken aback, and asked.
How was it possible so many died? Even if the collapsing hometree had a monumental destructive force, it still doesn’t add up to over a hundred na’vi folks dying cleanly right?
Sheyan smirked and answered.
Inside the RDA report, it recorded that an astronomical level of abnormal magnetism occurring at area coordinates xxx,xxx that night. A phenomenon of magnetic strength skyrocketing to unprecedented levels in a flash, to the extent that their instruments were wrecked. That phenomenon is detailed as a magnetic storm, which normally occurs only in the cosmos universe. The coordinates coincidentally corresponds to the hometree we demolished.
According to my deduction, the explosion we designed was merely but a fuse, while the most part has huge relations to the already dying hometree. The hometree on the verge of perishment, had already accumulated excessive dying charges throughout its endless life, before a sudden explosion triggered a Pandora magnetic field variation! That is also the reason why although the Omaticaya clan hometree collapsed in the movie, it didn’t trigger a magnetic explosion.
At this moment, Mogensha suddenly questioned.
Boss, say do you think we have a chance of persuading the RDA to deal with that Mosake clan?
Sheyan nodded and replied.
Yes, but two conditions must be met first. Number one, we must convince them the ground beneath the Mosake clan occupies an astounding quantity of unobtanium reserves. Number two, why is it that head administrator Parker in the movies kept wavering in calling the decision to attack? That isn’t because he is kindhearted, but fighting a war costs money!
Chapter 417: Zi’s ultimate form
Upon hearing Sheyan’s analysis, Brother Black who was more proficient in warfare aspects frowned and said.
But in theory on this planet Pandora, human’s firepower occupies full superiority. The casualty rate can be close to negligible. Thus, costs of war would be compressed as low as possible.
Sheyan smiled faintly and swayed his finger.
You committed an error, my dear friend. This place is an entire 5 light years from Earth! The cost of transporting a guided missile, I’m afraid would be 10 times the cost of creating it, or even a hundred folds! The RDA company is a business company and not a military organization. The expenditure of inciting a war is much more terrifying that what we can imagine. Moreover, the pressure of Earth’s Greenpeace organization on the RDA company is immensely impervious.
Even if we fulfill those two conditions, we probably still must wangle with Parker privately……facts have proven that even by activating Jinkuang, Parker would still be a very very very tough greedy nut to crack. Therefore, it isn’t totally impossible to incite RDA to deal with the Mosake clan, but the difficulty…….it definitely isn’t smaller than getting all contestants to unify.
At this point, Mogensha abruptly inquired.
Boss, how did the blood bandit affair with male lead come along?
Sheyan answered.
Of course, without a hitch.
Mogensha frowned in response.
Strictly speaking, the blood of the avatar world’s main lead, should be drawn from that paraplegic marine veteran, but you went and harvested a completely unmatured……his avatar body’s blood, it may not be approved by the realm eh.
Sheyan frankly replied.
I had the same worry as you beforehand, which was only verified after the sampling concluded. And the facts proves that my conjecture is correct, where I also stored up a remainder of his blood.
Seeing that his two assistants had no other questions and silently nodded, Sheyan then decided to return to RDA Hell’s Gate.
Currently on hindsight, their basic objectives had already been met. Employing alcohol gifts to entice the Na’vi into communication was relatively successful. However, relying solely on ‘Endless Vodka’ to supply alcohol was evidently inadequate, gathering alcohol from the base to supplement their ‘door gifts’ was more suitable.
Apart from that, after verifying the information obtained from the RDA company and the Na’vi clan, it better guaranteed that potential areas of contradiction and suspicions wouldn’t surface. Sheyan’s working style always attached strict importance to details; truths had to be verified, even if it pertained to areas not usable for the future. While for matters crucial, its specifics must be verified to the pinnacle.
Due to Tsu’tey getting drunk, they were left with two Na’vi cavalry escorting them. With them leading, they naturally met with no troubles during the journey. The Na’vi cavalry weren’t willing to spectate the scenery of deforestation, thus they separated with the humans at the outskirts of Hell’s Gate.
The night had yet to be overshadowed by morning, pitch-darkness still enveloped all sides. Those bioluminescent organisms of Pandora’s forest seemed to realize that dawn was approaching, as their enthusiasm waned and their glows dimmed. From afar, masqueraded within the incessant branches of the dark forest, resided a danger that was unspeakable.
Mogensha suddenly half knelt, pressing his cheek to his rifle as he squinted his eyes; raising his rifle to aim. Without hesitation, he released trigger.
DA DA DA! His AK gunfire resounded, disrupting the stillness of the night. Then, Mogensha’s eyes widened greatly. The string of bullets he unleashed were obviously expected to repeatedly latch onto targets and explode. Yet, it was like a clay ox entering the sea, completely silently and utterly extinguished!
From the darkness, an individual surfaced.
Clear facial features could not be seen, but one could only sense an immense unknown force blending with the darkness. Yet it was apparently docile as it binded this individual entirely, as mysteriously as a black hole.
This individual’s figure was noticeably abnormally raised, travelling forward as though weighing her own weight. Light and graceful, like a dancer scaling through a balancing beam. Her eyes were the most surprising, it brimmed with an imposing dignity. Both eyes shockingly hosted abnormal golden pupils, that would send delusions of hurt and stifling upon eye contact.
Zi?
Reef had the most interactions with her, and couldn’t help probing out. Yet this woman made no sound, strolling in one step at a time until a gap of 8 metres from Sheyan and company; her cold glare stabbing forward.
Suddenly, Zi lifted both arms. One could distinctly observe her hands gripping onto something. In a flash, the air was pierced with a ‘Chi!’ sound; as though molten iron had been poured into icy cold water. In that instant, Sheyan felt a brilliance radiating all around his eyes, as though he was about to turn blind from that splendor. When his vision had scarcely reinstated, the shocking sight of two majestically dazzling lightsaber greeted him!
The two lightsabers was modeled after the fine swords used in royal duels in 17th medieval century! One lightsaber unleashed a red beam akin to flames, while the other unleashed a bone-chilling icy beam. When the two beams reflected mutually, it created an illusory impression that the fighting could commence anytime.
This was actually Zi’s ultimate fighting form!
Her trump card, was shockingly a mage contestant transfiguration into a close-combat type contestant. Yet if one deliberately thought back, the force of Star Wars was essentially just a supplementary ability to jedi warriors!!!
Yet right at this moment, it was unknown why she had chose to reveal this ultimate trump card.
Both hands clutching lightsabers, Zi replicated a bird demonstrating its fully opened wings; before she interweaved her lightsabers in front, as they emanated the light ‘wham’ sounds! Then she demanded outrightly to the trio.
What mission are you guys doing now?
Reef hesitated slightly. Instead, Brother Black munched on his chewing gum and chuckled.
The Golden Side mission.
Zi light snorted from her nostrils in reply.
I have no time and mood to joke with you, give me a forthright answer! I am lacking manpower now. Since you three have withdrawn from the final side mission, then our interests do not clash anymore. So hurry up and name a price, I’m hiring you lot to complete the mission!
After she issued her statement, Reef and Mogensha both flashbacked to Sheyan’s earlier deduction. That final side mission of retrieving the ‘Tree of Souls stem’ was brazenly outrageous, and they immediately thought of rejecting her. Besides all individuals accustomed to the realm would know; no matter how great the benefits, it amounted to nothing once life was lost.
Sheyan suddenly cut in.
What price can you pay? The reason we abandoned the final side mission, is because of its ridiculously high difficulty! The rewards obtained from that is already the best.
Zi lightly replied.
The hardest part of this mission actually resides within us contestants. With a tiny completion quota of a tiny 3, it inevitably would lead to mutual hostilities and conflicts. But right now, there are no longer any interfering and competing parties.
Speaking till here, four others quietly strolled out from behind Zi – Demondream, Archeaphill, Sable, and the Deadsoul user, Mordah. Reef replied in astonishment.
(TN:Dead souls user Mordah appeared in ch 5, and is a support for the Illume-union)
Don’t tell me the others?
Demondream snorted coldly.
Nobody can hinder us from making the next step! Anyone bold enough to obstruct us, will eventually meet with death!
Mogensha suddenly spoke out.
It was clearly that lone expert sniper, that could even intimidate Prince Stalo, that aided you. If not, no matter how formidable Zi is, the outcome of battle is impossible to look so neat. But that person is definitely not part of your Illume-union.
Demondream replied aloofly.
Why can’t he be our Illume-union’s?
You guys cannot hold him.
Mogensha’s words drew blood on first prick.
If I hadn’t guessed wrongly, the minute probability dark-gold grade accessory previously should be his commission for operating.
After hearing Mogensha’s probing words, Sheyan noticed the expression of Sable and that dead souls user, Mordah, turned slightly unnatural. Their reaction honestly proved Mogensha’s conjecture. At this moment, Zi stepped forwardly and loudly proclaimed.
That’s correct, but so what?
Mogensha laughed in response.
So I doubt you guys can produce anything of worth to us.
Zi faintly replied.
You’re implying you want prepayment? That is obviously impossible. But to demonstrate our sincerity, why not you describe to us your current mission. As long as Reef agrees, then we can first assist you to complete your hidden mission. Is that sufficient sincerity?
After she spoke, Zi faintly sneered as her curved brows raised slightly, enhancing her charm a little. This method of retreating to advance was indeed wily. In actual fact, this trio combination of Sheyan’s party had already incurred the attention of many others. Even the core of Illume-union shared this consensus, and felt Reef’s new party had the quintessence of three words – stable, precise and fierce.
Yet Reef’s party had ultimately decided to forgo in front of all the contestants, right after treading to the final side mission. This was way beyond any reasonable limits, and the Illume-union shared a common viewpoint.
Only with something else of greater interest and benefits surfacing, could one be enticed to forgo the readily available cake in front of their eyes. There was a huge possibility that this so called party Ace had acquired a certain hidden mission of tremendous fortune!!
Wise individuals wasn’t eternally limited to only Sheyan. Since he could deduce the treachery of the final side mission, Zi similarly could deduce it. Therefore, Zi’s latest suggestion had a strong probing function:
We take the initiative to assist you with mission completion, but we obviously cannot do so without you revealing a slight bit of mission content! Once we obtain the relevant tiny hints of the mission, then with how powerful the Illume-union individuals are, it wouldn’t be tough to deduce from there. Like a mountain having a connecting pulse, the possibility of the voice of us guests overwhelming the mission host is there.
Faced with this incomparably coercive probing, Sheyan was seemingly presented with only two options – agree or refuse.
Agreeing was akin to falling into the opponent’s trap. On the contrary, wouldn’t rejecting be very well emphasizing the value of their mission? Hence no matter which answer they made, it was pretty much stepping into the opponent’s ploy!!!
Chapter 418: Takji clan
Facing Zi’s incomparably coercive interrogation, Sheyan’s refute was the pinnacle of geniousness. Since the opponent had arranged concrete options for them, then clearly one cannot walk according to their tempo. Others forcing us to make a decision, then the wise method would be to totally render that question invalid! He sighed and replied.
What a pity……we were just returning after completing the mission.
Brother Black immediately followed up with a regretful and dissatisfied expression, as he exclaimed.
Your excellency Zi! Why didn’t you raise such a great suggestion earlier? Hais! What a pity, we wasted so many precious resources on this mission!
Hearing Sheyan’s answer, the bunch of Illume-union members had a drastic dip in expression; a frankly hateful and itching expression…..Sheyan’s answer was obviously unsatisfactory to them, yet they simply could not identify any flaws within! More distasteful was that Mogensha, he actually dared to counter-attack with an innocent face of grudgeful ‘why didn’t you guys say so earlier’!. Such a slut should really be stripped naked, hanged and whipped!
Just when both parties sank into a deadlock situation, a sudden glaring beam pierced in from afar. 3 RDA company Swan tanks (Ground Assault Vehicle JL-723) patrolled towards them. Their objectives were to guard against Na’vi with slight aggressive disposition at night. Of course, also to prevent wild beasts from damaging the routes, avoiding affecting the next day’s ore transportation.
Seizing this chance, Sheyan’s trio spontaneously gestured the patrolling squad, explaining that they were workers of the exploration squad who had just completed their surveying mission; wishing to borrow a ride home after a tiring and famished day. This request was naturally approved. Unless the Illume-union wished to break off relations with the RDA company, they definitely wouldn’t dare strong-arming them to stay.
Brother Black adopted a look of beaming elation as he puffed his cigar and jumped into the tank, casually turning around to wave incessantly at the Illume-union. He was like a superstar celebrity enthusiastically bidding farewell to fans. Demondream clutched her blade’s shaft until her fingers turned pale, and Zi’s face turned grim and proclaimed in a low tone.
There’s definitely something fishy with them!
Archeaphill squinted his eyes in response.
Then we should now…..
Zi indifferently ordered.
We must immediately follow and watch them tightly! The speed of Reef and Seaman is ultimately their shortcomings. Without the cooperation of those 3, even if we can reach the final step of the side mission, our casualties are bound to be disastrous! If they aren’t willing to help, then they can forget about obtaining any other advantages in this world.
Yet merely 5 minutes later, Demondream transmitted an infuriating message through the party channel, that could trigger their tears.
I’m sorry, I lost them.
That news completely shocked Zi!
You lost them?
In Zi’s perception, Demondream was a master in that field. Nobody had ever escaped her pursuit before. Demondream then paused for a moment before acknowledging these unfortunate news.
You will understand when you arrive here.
Swiftly, the remaining Illume-union members all congregated at where Demondream was. This was an overhanging cliff of unmatched steepness.
I gathered they rode on that RDA patrol tank, but suddenly proclaimed they had forgotten something extremely important. Therefore, they urgently unboarded and reached here. I only traced them for 50 seconds worth of distance, before……..before not a single one appeared in sight.
Zi gazed at the distant abstruse darkness away from the cliff, and unhurriedly replied.
The only two options for them are to jump or fly, but my speculation is that they flew. Looks like we still underestimated that trio of party Ace……especially that……Seaman!
It was obvious that Sheyan had finally employed the arachnid Overlord he had purchased back in the Starship Trooper world. In the face of the contestants threatening to clean them out, he held no more reservations. This excellent jellyfish like transportation creature glided through the airs of Pandora peacefully, surging straight towards the Takji Clan location. Sheyan did in fact attempt to fork out some utility points in his bid of activating the natural disguising auxiliary ability of the Overlord; instead, he was notified that such an ability could not be activated in this realm war.
Thus, the most unfortunate event that Sheyan was worried about struck very quickly. As daylight descended upon them, several Mountain Banshees soared through the skies with the mentality of ‘the early bird catches the worm(arachnid)’. Their superb vision allowed them to rapidly identify this unprecedented and unknown Overlord ‘worm’ in their entire lives. Their appetite momentarily expanded, triggering a frantic secretion of saliva from their mouths as they swerved in viciously.
Trapped helplessly inside the Overlord, Sheyan and his trio could only choose to force an emergency landing. After a series of arduous battling, where the arachnid Overlord had been shredded into flesh chunks, they finally managed to force the Mountain Banshees into retreat. Fortunately, their current location was roughly a straight line 10 kilometres away from the Takji Clan as indicated on their map. Hence, they still managed to conserve a huge deal of time and energy travelling.
The forest here gradually grew sparser and sparser. Blessed by their prior plentiful experience of surviving in the forest, Sheyan’s trio exited the forest without trekking for long; before an exceedingly vast grassfield welcomed them.
Pandora ores seemed to be scattered throughout the grassfield, with the occasional larger ore chunks of 7-8 metres in size drifting about and hindering their vision. The dense outgrowth of grass had grown healthily and touched the human’s knees. As the dawn breeze rustled through the sea of grass, it released a sensation of true elusive freedom.
After trodding through for a kilometre or so, Mogensha’s plumpy nostrils suddenly flared and he suddenly warned out.
There’s a blood stench coming from the west!
The trio hastily advanced towards it, and after making a huge detour around a hundred square metre hovering boulder, they could now see a massive pack of creatures sprinting through the grassfield. A curved horn sprouted from the heads of those creatures while their buttocks wagged with a long tail resembling that of a lizard. Their dashing style appeared rather eccentric yet their speed were miraculously fast.
According to the RDA company’s report, these creatures were called Lizard Goats and loved to graze in moist and marshy grass fields. Behind these goats, were 5-6 mounted Na’vi Direhorse cavalry in pursuit of their prey.
They were waving a peculiar weapon in their hands which looked rather simple and crude; a two metre long string with circular rocks tied to both ends. After slinging towards their target, it would automatically coil around the legs of the prey and trip them.
Sheyan also noticed that amongst the few na’vi cavalry, not a single one appeared youthful, but most were old Na’vi warriors and kids. Hence, the coordinating strength they demonstrated appeared extremely unaccustomed. Furthermore, those lizard goats they were hunting seemed to be more tenacious and brutal as compared to the mongolian gazelles of earth. Once they suffered an assault, their eyes would burn with scarlet red as they transformed increasingly vicious and roared ferociously! Thus at present, the 5-6 Na’vi cavalry had only captured one lizard goat so far.
At this moment, Sheyan immediately gestured towards Reef and Mogensha and proceeded to charge towards the lizard goat herd. Surging forward and diving through the air, Sheyan actually managed to catch hold of one of the lizard goat’s neck and binded it unwaveringly! Similarly to the direhorses, thick armour shockingly protected the creature’s neck, but was still rapidly fractured under Sheyan’s smashing raw strength like it was brittle porcelain! Blood combined with bodily fluids was instantly spat out from its mouth. Instead, its strength was not to be trifled it as it refused to collapse even after Sheyan’s pounding. Staggering a little, the lizard goat struggled frantically and continued dashing forward.
Even after that happened, the lizard goat could not escape the torturous pain jolting through its body as it squawked in misery; sweeping its tail recklessly in response to the pain! Its tail instantly swept the grass, soil and decayed leaves within a 10 metre radius into a wild gust, bombarding its fellow goats around it with nature’s sediments.
Those unlucky brats that received the torrential sediments momentarily lost their balance, as they crashed to the ground and begun rolling haphazardly. That one goat had successfully morphed into the ‘black sheep’ of the herd. The remaining lizard goats could not evade this stumbling block in time and triggered a chain of successive collapse like they were dominoes.
Crack! Sheyan released a muffled snort as he summoned strength in his arms to snap off the lizard goat’s neck, before he leapt into the air again, making a roll and landing steadily. He then casually lifted the lizard goat up and tossed it towards the fleet of incoming Na’vi cavalry. To his horror, when the lizard goat’s carcass was still wafting through the air, a sudden enormous mountain banshee swooped in with a gust of wind; fluttering its wings threateningly, it widened its long beak and clamped down onto the goat!
This mountain banshee was entirely coated with pure black. The terrifying carnivore immediately started chomping ferociously onto the lizard goat, with its throat incessantly gulping down mouthfuls of blood. The claws of its fluttering wings proceeded to pierce the lizard goat as it spiralled in mid flight, before forcefully jerking its robust neck in ruthless bid to rip this miserable lizard goat into two.
Just solely observing from afar, one could tell how dreadful this blood-thirsty mountain banshee was. Its blood stained mouth contained two razor-sharp curved fangs, that were as long as 23 centimetres. Once it chomped onto anything, even a direhorse with reinforced armour would be crushed. Thus even though the lizard goat was a tough creature, it was still hard to avoid getting torn apart.
Presently, Reef had also infiltrated into the tumbling lizard goat herd, as he lifted his head to the skies and unleashed a furious roar; instantly sending the entire dozen plus goats who were struggling to flee into a slowed state. From afar, Mogensha was already half-knelt over the ground as he pasted his head against his rifle and took aim. Instantly, fiery tongues shot out from his rifle. With the trio working together, they only required a short dozen of seconds to slaughter the entire herd of lizard goats.
In spite of that, the 5-6 na’vi riders were all stumped by this situation; hesitating to make a single action. Only until that mountain banshee finished swallowing the lizard goat, and descended to the ground in spirals, did a mightier looking na’vi mounted on the mountain banshee’s back yelled loudly.
Outsiders, what are you trying to do?
Apart from his sturdy built, this na’vi appeared relatively old with his deep wrinkles that looked like scars on his face. His forehead was adorned with aesthetically precious ornaments, where two red stripes were painted intercrossed along his face; exuberating a dignified and murderous aura.
Chapter 419: Marketing favour
That mountain banshee beneath the na’vi’s groin was a class of its own. Its mere physical frame was already 2-3 times larger and exhibited an amplified savageness with its pure dark grandiose. Although it definitely couldn’t compare to the likes of a Great Leonopteryx, based on the shade of its skin and built, it would at least be a Tier 4 or 5 legendary creature!
Following the intelligence supplied by the RDA company, Sheyan and the rest pressed their fist to their chest and humbly bowed in respectful greeting.
O noble Takji clan patriarch, we bring you greetings and endowments from the great ‘Dragon’s Daughter’ Mo`at.
Mo`at was the current Tsahik (Spiritual leader) of the Omaticaya clan. The reason she was acclaimed as the ‘Dragon’s Daughter’ was because she inherited the blood of the latest Toruk Makto (Rider of the Last Shadow). Hence, not only did she inherit greater ability to communicate with Mother Nature Eywa smoothly, she also grasped several secret arts in taming Mountain Banshees. Therefore, the Omaticaya clan had much superior and manifold aerial riders as compared to other clans. Moreover, her prestige amongst the na’vi race was also extremely prominent.
Upon hearing Mo`at’s name, in addition to the sufficient reverential goodwill the three invaders had exhibited, an immense possibility remained – that the Takji Clan Patriarch would ignore them if it was under normal circumstances. Besides, in their minds, these outsiders seemed to display a certain inharmonious air between them. However, his current Takji clan was witnessing one of the most dire ordeal to date…..many thoughts flashed through the Takji Clan Patriarch’s mind but ultimately, he still nodded.
We appreciate Mo`at’s greetings, and grateful for Mother Eywa’s blessings.
Sheyan motioned with his head, as Jinkuang appeared and offered several cylinders of alcohol in response. After the na’vi patriarch uncocked it and sniffed slightly, he immediately revealed a delighted countenance.
This is Mastaba Gafsa (Fruit wine)?
He then directly gulped down a mouthful; in a split second, his eyeballs instantly swelled out as he choked on the intensity of the alcohol, without being able to take in a single breath of air. Such an unusual reaction immediately caused the na’vi riders behind to turn anxious and glare furiously at the humans; their loud heavy panting was apparent in this atmosphere.
After a few brief fleeting seconds, everyone watched as the Takji Clan patriarch urgently retrieved a meat patty from his pocket and tossed it into his mouth. He then comfortably belched from the alcohol and began lauding praises.
Magnificent. Splendid! From henceforth, you are friends of our Takji Clan.
Following the clan patriarch’s proclamation, Sheyan and the rest received a notification.
You have obtained the friendship of the Takji Clan, reputation system for the Takji Clan is now initiated.
So it is indeed so…..these sly old foxes can only be pacified by benefits.
Sheyan scoffed in his heart.
Under the current difficulty, I reckon we are only able to initiate reputation system amidst several smaller scale na’vi clans. Only when we raised our reputation in these clans to ‘Worship’ would we be able to start accumulating reputation in major clans like the Omaticaya clan. If this Takji clan hadn’t fell to our schemes and declined to become a minor clan, and this method still worked…..then anyone could simply call the winds and summon the rain at the Omaticaya clan. That would mean it would be too simple to alter the storyline!
(TN: Chinese idiom which means stir up troubles)
Proceeding that, Jinkuang pointed to the dying lizard goats, who were still wailing in anguish, and declared.
Those are our felicitations for the respectable Takji clan.
As his words echoed out, one of the 5-6 na’vi cavalry whistled, hinting another to gallop away. Not long later, he brought along another pack of na’vi Direhorse riders. If one could primarily describe the aforementioned na’vi hunters as ‘old and weak’, then their secondary pack of riders could be described as ‘sickly and crippled’.
Leading the second pack of na’vi clansmen was a na’vi leader with crippled legs. That na’vi leader had facial features that betrayed his identity as a Takji clan elder, yet his face hinted of having only experienced light hardships. The clansmen presented a dying lizard goat in front of him. The na’vi leader then sat on the ground cross-legged and pinched towards the carcass head, twisting the lizard goat’s head 360 degree around mercilessly
With a flicker of his wrist, he pulled out a thin and acute black sickle that was pasted to his chest and bluntly slice downwards; his action was as smooth as water. Such an incisive slice released an impression that the air had been severed as well.
The Lizard Goat’s body fur were all standing and disheveled from its anguish, as the black sickle outrightly tore through from its chest down; its innards came sloshing out. Instead, a na’vi clansman immediately retrieved the innards and segregated them into distinctive organ piles.
A lizard goat was minimally 350 – 400 kilograms heavy. Yet it was effortlessly cut apart by that na’vi who made handling a butcher’s cleaver look easy. Sheyan observed that na’vi had indeed employed a slaughtering technique to slice open his prey. Without a doubt, if that na’vi still possessed a pair of functional legs, he would unquestionably be a formidable force to reckon with. As the clansmen took turns at offering the lizard goats, the remaining dozen over lizard goats were disposed off without even ten minutes!
With these dozen over lizard goats, the Takji Clan immediately begun journeying home in high spirits. Without an exception, Sheyan and gang were invited along. When they arrived beneath the Hometree, Jinkuang had already subtlety and gradually inquired plenty of information from na’vi clansmen whom they had favourable impressions with.
Truth to be told, the Takji Clan was originally a medium scale clan with nearly three hundred members. Due to their reputable proficiency in taming direhorses, and particularly adept in equestrian archery, they naturally belonged to the ‘Sons of Nature’. However, their methods of taming beasts had been imparted from the Kiwatakin Clan, thus, their cavalry were incredibly invincible.
Therefore, because of that, they had owed a favour to the Kiwatakin Clan. When the Kiwatakin clan had deteriorated gravely, the Takji clan had reached out in aid. Hearing that there were only few invaders, they had dispatched warrior Jacques and his buddies. They had originally presumed this matter was in the bag; but in the end, after a long while, Jacques still failed to make it back.
Jacques’s prestige was illustrious within his clan, and his relations with others were excellent. This time, at least another hundred plus warriors were dispatched. Yet their luck ran out as they coincidentally met with the collapsing Hometree, which triggered the wrath of Mother Nature Eywa. (In actual scientific context, the human’s potent explosives had already disrupted the stability of the magnetic field. Adding in the collapsing Hometree that was already on the verge, the Hometree that was supposed to maintain the equilibrium of magnetism from the Pandora ores……..it naturally catalyzed this devastating catastrophe, unleashing something analogous to a magnetic storm.) Eventually, not a single one made it back alive.
Such an absolutely unthinkable calamity had befallen this clan, brazenly shaving off half of its clan population; and what more, the casualties all composed of elite warriors? Thus, members of this righteous clan were plunged into panic, and food supplies were presently on the verge of depletion. Before Sheyan and gang arrived, the clan folks had already been famished for days. As for the dozen few lizard goats hunted today, it could fill their bellies for only several days at the most.
Within the Takji Clan, only three na’vi warrior possessed the credentials to mount a Mountain Banshee. This was mostly related to the long overdue absence of a Tsahik (Spiritual leader) after their previous Tashik had passed away; cutting away the link of communication between them and Mother Nature Eywa. Naturally, convincing the ferocious and savage Mountain Banshees had become an increasingly daunting process. As for the Takji clan patriarch, his Mountain Banshee actually had the blood lineage of a Great Leonopteryx flowing within its veins; and was exceptionally diabolical. The patriarch had recruited his Mountain Banshee during a fortuitous encounter of his childhood days, and such a scenario was simply irreplicable.
That na’vi whose legs were crippled and assumed the responsibility as ‘butcher’, was actually the Takji clan patriarch’s son. His name was Murru. Initially hailed as the prime warrior of the clan, and was first in line for the position of clan patriarch, he descended from heaven to hell the day his legs were impaired; sinking him into unquenchable despair. Yet this setback transformed into a blessing, as he was spared from the epic explosion prompted by Sheyan.
Sheyan’s heart was kindled after hearing all these information. Afterwards, he colluded with his buddies Mogensha and Reef, and accomplished several mission for the Takji clan. After raising their reputation to ‘neutral’, he ran in search of Murru and….. only offered him a single question.
Do you wish to restore your legs?
Facing such a question that was the epitome of absurdity and silliness, and despite Sheyan’s miraculously low charm, Murru’s eyes combusted with wild fervour and hot-blooded passion. He nodded his head ferociously in response.
Yes!!!!
I have a method. However, once your broken legs are truly recovered, I would have definitely paid an immense price. Therefore, you must assist me with something……
Murru didn’t even bother asking what assistance it was, but straightforwardly agreed.
Fine!
The reason for Murru’s frankness was because………his legs had been crippled for a full three years. Yet, not a single person had presented him with this question!
At present, according to Sheyan’s calculations, Zi and party had undoubtedly left in attempt to accomplish that final side mission. Although they may not possess confidence in completing their mission, they would at least make a trip to avoid future thoughts of regrets. Even in the scenario that they abandoned mission, they definitely wouldn’t remain idle within the confinements of Hell’s Gate. Instead, they would definitely venture out in quest for legendary creatures.
Thus, Sheyan easily brought Murru into Hell’s Gate, and blackmailed Head Administer Parker; threatening him to divulge news of his accepted bribery. Ultimately, Parker conceded and restored Murru’s incapacitated legs with biochemistry technology. Of course, the consequences of that was his waning relationship with Parker, crumbling into ‘hostile’ state………yet in Sheyan’s perspective, Parker’s exploitation value had already been squeezed dry. Thus, their private relationship dipping from ‘worshipped’ to ‘hostile’ was of no significance.
Instead the unexpected occurrence was that Doctor Grace Augustine held utterly no resistance towards Head Administer Parker’s orders. In fact, she very refreshingly welcomed this order. Sheyan who was already prepared to refute her even felt deeply amazed. However, he quickly realized that Doctor Grace Augustine was indeed someone who harbored magnanimous adoration for this planet. Hence, this affection naturally manifested in her wholehearted willingness to treat a na’vi.
At present, earthen technology could already construct an avatar, what more to restore a na’vi’s limb? Brimming with total disbelief on his face, when Murru sprinted off in his first step; tears overlaid his entire face, as he glanced to the skies released a fanatical howl!!
Chapter 420: Great Leonopteryx skull
During the instant when Murru released an incomparably excited howl, Sheyan received a notification.
[ You cured the Takji clan patriarch’s son, Murru. ]
[ Your reputation in the Takji clan has been raised to ‘amicable’. ]
[ Murru is phenomenally grateful for your actions. Your personal relationship with Murru has been raised to ‘Revered’. ]
Following that, when a healthy and kicking Murrur returned to the Takji clan, this miracle naturally ushered in waves of commotion. Of course, a series of banquets couldn’t be discounted. After feasting on excessive meat and strong wine, the Takji clan patriarch stared into the bonfire as he sank into deep thoughts. Then, he sighed deeply and lamented.
Haais, our Takji clan have not seen the birth of a Tsahik for a full decade. We have lost communication with Mother Nature Eywa; when our brave clan warriors had gone out hunting previously, they encountered the wrath of Mother Nature Eywa and had all returned to dust……..if only we had a way to regain the blessings and favour of Mother Eywa, wouldn’t that be amazing?
When Sheyan listened to his words, he immediately understood his long awaited dramatic climax was arriving. Indeed so, after the long-winded bemoans of the Takji clan patriarch, the trio simultaneously received a mission.
[ You have obtained a hidden side mission: ‘Glory days of old’ . ]
[ Mission difficulty: A+. ]
[ Mission summary: Aid the Takji clan in reattaining Mother Nature Eywa’s blessings. ]
[ Mission description: The more dynamic the effects, the greater the rewards. ]
[ Do you wish to accept this mission, yes / no? ]
[ This mission is categorized as a universal mission for the Na’vi race, it can be shared with infinite duration to complete. ]
[ You must decide within a minute. ]
In light of this mission, Sheyan immediately commanded through the party channel.
Everyone accept together!
Sheyan then stood up and headed off into the dark forest. Yet only a minute had elapsed before he came trudging out, resurfacing in front of the entire Takji clan once again. On hindsight, it seemed like there was nothing different about Sheyan. However, presently hoisted over his shoulder, was a skull.
An impressive monumental skull!!!
The skull was coated with intertwined shades of yellow, red and black; as it exuberated a brutal air of tyranny!
At this instance, even the monstrously unrivalled legendary mount of the Takji clan’s patriarch, couldn’t help releasing a frightened hiss filled with utter veneration!
The Takji clan chief murmured to himself briefly as tears began welling up in his eyes. With both his hands trembling fanatically, he stammered.
Is that perhaps a……….Toruk’s skull totem?
Sheyan nodded his head gently and replied.
Yes, that is so; but for you to rekindle the grace bestowed by Mother Nature Eywa, that would have to depend on your clan’s capabilities.
At this moment, Sheyan had already received the notification.
[ You barely acquired a semi-decayed Toruk skull totem. Only 4 members will be acknowledged with mission success upon relinquishing this mission object. Do you wish to proceed with mission completion? Please indicate your nightmare imprint numbers. ]
Sheyan and buddies were in total, 3 individuals. Obviously, they wouldn’t be stumped by that notification; as they reckoned that with the Toruk totem of the Omaticaya clan, it would be able to satisfy the requirements of even a large scale party like the Illume-union.
Bequeathed with such a wonderful outcome, the Takji Clan patriarch instantly and decisively implemented two measures.
The first measure was to immediately relinquish his position as clan patriarch, allowing his fully recuperated son, Murru, to assume the patriarch role.
The second measure that Mourbo, the clan ex-patriarch, undertook, was taking the initiative to fill the crucial but vacant position of Tsahik.
Under the toilings of ex-patriarch Mourbo – or precisely speaking, under the laborious efforts of his mount, a bloodline descendant of a Great Leonopteryx; a Toruk skull totem of pristine invincibility was finally stamped inside the Hometree of the Takji clan. Thus, Mother Nature Eywa’s blessing was once again conferred onto the Takji clan.
When that happened, Sheyan’s trio instantly received their notifications.
[ Hidden Side Mission: ‘Glory Days of Old’ (completed) ]
[ You receive the following rewards, please choose 3 rewards amongst the following options. ]
[ A: 8 achievement points ]
[ B: 8 free basic attribute points ]
[ C: Hometree Warbow ]
[ E: Helmet of Residing Souls ]
[ F: Prolonged period of stay in this world by 15 days! ]
[ Weapon: Hometree Warbow ]
[ Origins: Manufactured by Warrior Harry of the Takji Clan. ]
[ Equipment rarity: Silver Storyline grade ]
[ Equipment details: Arrows released with this bow carries additional 70-130 damage ]
[ Equipment requirements: Strength 22 points, Agility 40 points ]
[ Equipment position: Both hands ]
[ Effective range: 5- 150 metres ]
[ Material: Hometree holy wood, Hometree holy bark and polished tendon rope. ]
[ Additional installations: Bow shaft (Accuracy +3) / Arrows ]
[ Attack interval: 3 seconds ]
[ Weight: 250g ]
[ Length: 1.7m ]
[ Weapon additional effect: ‘Na’vi’s rage’ – When utilizing this longbow to attack, fixed percentage of dealing bonus divine na’vi penetration of 60 points. This damage negates enemy’s defence and holds precedence. The attack will also repel the enemy by 2 metres. ]
[ Weapon type additional effect: ‘Fatigue’ – When the user releases ten shots within a 1 minute duration, the 11th shot will consume 10 seconds of time. ]
[ Description: This divinely formidable weapon has obtained the blessings of Mother Nature. However, it emits a bended stench of beast blood and tree sap. ]
[ Equipment: Helmet of Residing Souls ]
[ Equipment rarity: Silver Storyline grade ]
[ Details: Strength -2, Physique +2 , spirit +1 ]
[ Equipment passive ability: ‘Lapping wounds’ – A chance to trigger this effect when receiving close combat damage, lowering all damages inflicted by 20%. HP will regenerate by 3% every 5 seconds, with a duration of 15 seconds. This effect can only be activated once every 30 seconds. ]
[ Equipment active ability: ‘Heartening Chorus’ – When triggered, your negative buffs/effects will instantly be expelled. (Inclusive of charmed, petrify, infuriation, blood loss) Cooldown duration: 300 seconds. ]
(TN: Just in case, Charmed here refers to a negative buff)
[ Additional passive ability: ‘Perseverance of Steel’ – Explosive strike damages received will be lowered by 25% (Example, when an explosive strike deals 200% increased damage, it would be reduced to 175% instead). When your HP drops beneath 50%, you will receive additional 25% resistance to explosive strikes. ]
[ Equipment requirements: Strength at least 15 points, Physique at least 20 points. ]
[ Equipment position: Head ]
[ Material: Wood ]
[ Weight: 5kg ]
[ Description: The helmet of a na’vi who fell in battle. Its master’s soul continues to reside within it, randomly manifesting itself to aid any courageous warrior. ]
[ Evaluation: As long as you can precisely activate the ability ‘Heartening Chorus’, your HP is as good as guaranteed. ]
Browsing through the series of notifications, Sheyan issued a serious order into the party channel.
Prolonged duration of 15 days in this world is a must, the rest is up to you.
Sheyan pondered for a moment before selecting the options of 8 achievement points and 8 basic attribute points. Yet after further deliberations, he directly stored the 8 basic attribute points without allocating them to his attributes. Moreover, now with an additional 8 achievement points, he had finally attained the qualifications to promote to Lieutenant (first). However, he still had to return to the nightmare realm to complete his promotion.
Sternly analyzing, luck definitely had a part in Sheyan and his buddies discovering this vital mission tool – The skull of a Great Leonopteryx. Yet from an even stricter viewpoint, it was essentially them robbing away the dead Makaji’s discovered fortune; and Sheyan and company just happened to be present at the right time.
Furthermore, acquiring this skull was definitely not an easy feat. The excavator of the skull, Makaji, was genuinely an exceptionally powerful entity and wasn’t the least bit inferior to Prince Stalo. Except, his strongest summoned creature had perished and wasn’t resurrected yet. Nevertheless, the deadliness of the Uzel and Lille combination following that was needless to mention. Still, one had to factor in Jin Ximin who harboured ill ulterior motives as well.
The most crucial factor was that amongst the trio, Reef had already exhausted his 4 times reserve-duty Growth-hunter opportunities, and could be tacitly recognized as an ordinary contestant. Furthermore, the Mogensha then hadn’t broken through the boundary, and Sheyan was still a sliver away. Which goes to say, the combined evaluation of their might by the realm was in fact merely at the ordinary contestant level.
Three ordinary contestants who were susceptible to disharmonious coordination, had to defeat an official expert Growth-Hunter, 3 reserve-duty Growth-hunters (inclusive of Jin Ximin), and finally escape from the combined vendetta of the Kiwatakin Clansmen, reinforced by the Takji clan. Only after all had been accomplished did they manage to obtain this Great Leonopteryx skull. Under normal circumstances, such a difficulty wouldn’t be shy of an ‘A+’ rating.
Unexpectedly stumbling on such accidental reapings, both Reef and Mogensha were exceedingly elated; as they lauded over the fact that Lille and Uzel were driven to such desperate actions just because of this rare object. They had spared no expense in attempting to preserve the mystery of the Great Leonopteryx skull. Yet in view of the events unfolding now, don’t even mention a substantial boost of reputation, just that enhancement of 8 attribute points and 8 achievement points were all worthwhile ventures!
Their excitement had clouded them to the extent that after obtaining the reward for a 15 days prolonged period reward, Sheyan heaved a deep sigh of relief; as though a burdensome weight was relieved off his mind. All his actions till now, had been a string of consecutive investigations and deductions, attempting to harvest the melon by following the vine. Since everything were all inferences, then the possibility of failure was inevitable. However, now that he had acquired an entire 15 days extension in addition to the 3 days he acquired prior to this, this meant that he now had adequate reserve time to design his schemes and firm up his plans.
Regarding Sheyan’s former schemes, he was merely basing it on a 1 week period of stay in this world; which only gave him a 50% confidence of accomplishing the Golden Side mission. Yet right now, he was bestowed with a full 18 days period of stay!! Thus, the confidence he possessed now regarding this ‘C’ rank Golden Side mission, had soared to above 70 percent!!!
Proceeding that, in following period; Sheyan, Reef and Mogensha repeatedly aided the Takji clan in hunting wild beast and accumulating food. Under their diligent and incessant toiling, the Takji clan had since stockpiled enough food to sustain every clansman for half a month. Moreover, Sheyan had no intentions to rest, this persisted until dusk of the third day……
Chapter 421: Appearance of a hidden trump
Under the splendor of the sunset, Sheyan remained focused in hunting. Using his strength to twist, he snapped of the neck of a fallen Hexapede. After he had leisurely tossed over the Hexapede to the na’vi clansmen behind him, he remained seated conveniently on a slope and inhaled deeply; before turning his gaze towards the east.
(TN: Hexapede is the peacock looking herbivore in Avatar)
The east was a field of extensively broad riverbay. Observing the vast loftiness and mighty serenity of the riverbay, it wasn’t overboard to describe it as a lake. The sunset clouds in the distance had already slipped down the horizon, yet its afterglow remained burning with scarlet red. The lake reflected speckles of glittering waves, incessantly shimmering like a million scales.
Mogensha puffed on his cigar as he strolled over, and lazily confided.
Boss, you tired?
Sheyan continued admiring the waning sunset afterglow, as he gently shook his head. Instead, he replied with an irrelevant answer.
It should be roughly 1700 in the evening right.
Mogensha was slightly baffled as he expressed his affirmation in nods.
Roughly around there.
Sheyan slowly continued.
When we entered this world, it was 1700 in the evening as well.
Mogensha smiled bleakly.
Boss, can you just finish your sentence?
Sheyan laughed as he comfortably stretched his back and turned to gaze at Mogensha.
I’m implying; if there has been no mishaps, it doesn’t matter if Zi and the rest had accomplished the final step of the side battle mission. The majority of them should’ve already left this world by now.
Mogensha heaved deeply in response.
Yes, that should be so…….is it that, boss, you’ve actually been waiting for the Illume-union members to leave?
Sheyan earnestly answered.
That’s right!! The Golden Side Mission’s greatest difficult, I’m afraid resides in any interference by other contestants! Eventually, the rule dictating that only one individual can attain its final reward, would restrict and stumble others from sacrificing for your cause! What I desire to achieve, failures definitely cannot be permitted. Moreover, such an erratic factor like Zi and her party, would surely become the greatest thorn in our hearts.
The unified strength of the Illume-union is really too frightening. Once they wholeheartedly decides to disrupt us, that would be truly devastating! Therefore, I’d rather wait! I’d rather bid my time! Actually, the Illume-union’s greatest merit lies in their cohesiveness, yet that is also where their weakness converge. Even though Zi possesses an antagonistic vengeful temper, she would definitely take into account the bigger picture, in terms of setting off and returning from the world.
Reef then muttered to himself.
Could it be possible…..they had successfully completed the final side mission, and similarly chose to prolong their stay here in this world.
Sheyan laughed in response.
Even though I would take into consideration minute possibility occurrences when formulating plans, but chances of them smoothly accomplishing the final side mission is truly a terribly minute possibility……furthermore from there, selecting to prolong their stay again in this world is yet another minute possibility occurrence. Such a scenario is essentially too rare, it is simply inconceivable.
Therefore.
Sheyan paused here as he spectated the distant Murru, vigorously urging his horse to gallop faster. Sheyan’s eyes sparkled with an unquenchable blazing ambition as he continued.
Now is the time he honors his vows.
Not long later, Murru galloped over, his face beaming with excitement.
My brother, I heard you were looking for me?’
Sheyan nodded, as he spoke with heartfelt sincerity.
Mn, I require the assistance of the Takji clan. In the next few periods, I may have to journey into exceedingly treacherous environments, and will require protection.
Murru replied resolutely.
The Takji clan will use our lives to guard you.
Sheyan laughed and continued.
My nemesis may be incredibly deadly, perhaps more pernicious than the Mosake clan.
Murru chuckled heartily in response.
Those bunch from the Mosake are indeed formidable, but their lasses are fairly decent indeed. My father’s wife was snatched over from the Mosake clan. I too, will do likewise in the future! Whatever dangers lies ahead are nothing but transient clouds!
Reef listened to Murru’s words, only to become increasingly uncomfortable……the wife of Murru’s father, isn’t she just Murru’s mum? Just hearing his manner of speech – relishing in this matter as if he was enumerating his family’s valuables, as though he is practically flaunting his medals of honor around his neck.
Murru dismounted from his stallion as he cordially treaded to Sheyan’s side.
Brother, don’t you worry. The Takji clan will always be your staunch supporter at anytime, and anywhere. As long as you beckon for us.
Desolated,
Queer,
Gruesome,
A spacious nothingness,
This was the very first impression Sheyan and his buddies had.
Dried and withered trees that grew orthogonally to cliffs appeared before their eyes. A spiralling stream of water flowed from low grounds to elevated heights. An oddly ground fracture slab speared out from the ground rigidly. Grape like vines twisted and warped throughout the pathway, covering unfathomably deep crevices that separated the ground; hollow depressions that resembled psoriasis plagued skin.
One could even behold, mud rolling up into windy obstructions like gigantic serpents, stretching despondently for dozens of metres; blended with fresh leaves, branches, twigs and fragments of scattered and smashed tree trunks. Occasionally, these mud trails interweaved and warped around each other, other times, they irrigated deep into the ground. The entire scene depicted a brazen tale of a titanic invisible palm, smashing down wantonly over the surroundings with unparalleled destructive might. Then, the culprit slipped away hastily while laughing in madness.
Shockingly, this was a place Sheyan and his buddies had been supremely familiar with. The scenic imagery of this place was originally analogous to anywhere else on planet Pandora; a luscious rainforest filled with weird creatures, twisted roots, interwoven vines, and moist humidity of the decaying undergrowth……
This was the exact location that redoubtable Growth-Hunter Makaji, had died. It too was the place where the fearsome Iklinozee clan had met extinction in the past. Similarly, it was the burial site of the Kiwatakin clan………
Sheyan folded his hands over his chest as he displayed a fairly unperturbed expression. Instead, as he gazed upon the grotesque and variegated desolation, he couldn’t help emitting a shivering chill from his back. Previously, when he had buried those virulent explosives beneath the Hometree, he had never anticipated the Hometree to create such a magnetic disturbance after it collapsed; tilting the equilibrium of the magnetic field and instigating a tempestuous magnetic storm!
Evidently, for those unfortunate individuals that were implicated by such a monumental destruction, even a titan possessing over 100 points of strength would not be spared; everyone had probably perished instantly.
As they advanced further towards the nucleus of the magnetic storm, strange sceneries surfaced exponentially. Their surrounding visions were obstructed greatly by suspended boulders wandering through the atmosphere, with several pandorian creatures seemingly stupefied by the lingering devastation of the ferociously frenetic force.
At present, though the magnetic storm had ceased, dread still hovered in those curled up and shivering creatures; creatures that had scarcely survived near the district of the magnetic storm, and now feared to advance deeper. It was as though venturing further would result in a curse. Thus, as the humans explored deeper, they could sense a misconception of total barrenness; a deathly stillness on all four sides. If they did not possess contestant bodies that exceeded the realms of ordinary humans by several folds, they would inevitably feel a screaming sensation preventing them from taking a single inch forward.
After trekking arduously for half an hour, Sheyan suddenly halted and announced gravely.
This is the spot.
As they approached the nucleus of the magnetic storm, the terrain instead had turned increasingly smooth. That was because the tempestuous might of the magnetic storm had directly disintegrated all to dust, and gravity had settled everything down naturally. Presently, even without Sheyan’s reminder, everyone could tell this was the location of the original Hometree. Right now, it had astoundingly transformed into a frightening sinkhole that was at least 17-18 metres deep.
The depths of the sinkhole was leveled up and exceedingly vast – at least the size of two football fields. Yet right at the abyss of the sinkhole, was a cluster of dense and flourishing pandora crystal ores! It was akin to densely arranged coral reefs situated at the bottom of the seabed. Moreover, these coral reefs were exuberating dazzling translucent sparkles, truly magnificent beyond wonders, like a dreamy reverie.
Sheyan observed this scenery as he couldn’t help inhaling deeply. He then swiftly proceeded to climb down the pit walls of this sinkhole. Only when he had reached the bottom of the sinkhole, did he huffed deeply and proclaimed.
Do you guys wish to know why I was adamant in blowing up this Hometree that day?
Reef questioned curiously.
Could it be, it wasn’t just a ploy against the reinforcements of the Takji clan?
Sheyan replied earnestly.
Such a terrifying magnetic storm triggered by this explosion, was in fact something I had not expected………..my primary goal, was getting something done once and for all!
Speaking till here, Sheyan’s eyes suddenly flashed with fanatical fervour!
You guys understand that the na’vi clans treats a Hometree with utmost significance. Once a na’vi discovers that this Hometree is uninhabited, then they would possibly attempt to colonize this place. However, that is extremely unfavourable to my plans! What I wish for, is this exact phenomenal. Plains of tranquility, a pandora crystal treasury without a single trace of lifeform! The greatest challenge of this scheme, lies in preventing other lifeforms from perceiving tiny traces of hints and clues. The only way to prevent our ally from being choked to death at her infancy stage, the only way to sustain her during her frailest moment. The only way to guarantee the safest environment to mature!
At present, Sheyan was standing perfectly upright where he was, with both arms lifted high towards the heavens. The clouds swirled in the skies, and even the darkest and deepest valleys seemingly couldn’t help but release slight gasps. Sheyan then turned round and gazed at Mogensha and Reef. His lips curled into a furtive sly smile.
Beneath me, it is time for the curtains of miracles unfold!!!
At this instant, over the soft ground a hundred square meters around Sheyan, 5 sudden earthen mounds protruded out; seemingly amongst them, echoed a gentle heartbeat that was throbbing vigorously. As time elapsed, the fine particles of yellow soil rustled and dispersed to the sides. The winds in the air continued to brew over them. It was as though the entire planet Pandora was trying all means to resist their emergence!!
Yet after a short span of a minute, a sorrowful howl pierced into the air. The soil over two of the mounds were utterly scattered, and revealed an incomparably tenacious eggshell. At this moment, the two eggshells had already shattered, and ushered in an amniotic foul odour that assailed their nostrils. From within, 4 incredibly vile and robust shadows leapt out, and instantly surveyed their surroundings with unprecedented vigilance; leaping about high with watchful intentions.
Indeed, they were zerglings! Vicious feral beasts of the Starship Trooper World!!
Furthermore beside those zerglings, three unhatched eggs were still fidgeting rapidly……..
(TN: Sheyan procured the eggs back in volume 5 chapter 59 of the Starship Trooper world.)
Chapter 422: Failure within the sight of success???
Even though Sheyan had already employed his arachnid larva eggs to slay Lille previously, the 6 zerglings that he spawned out had all been slain by Lille. As such, Mogensha and Reef had no clue pertaining to that inside information. At present, it was their first time witnessing the emergence of the abundantly offensive zerglings in this world.
Ah!
Upon witnessing these 4 incomparably familiar zerglings appearing, Reef immediately gasped. However, any follow up words seemed to have stuck within his throat, completely clogging off his channel of communication! He could only gaze inspiringly at Sheyan with a countenance of admiration.
Don’t tell me?!!!!!! You wish to?
As for Mogensha, the moment he caught a glimpse of the two arachnid drones eggs, the cigar in his mouth instantly fell to the ground. He could only muster a wry smile as he shook his head.
Boss……you’re seriously playing it too overly excessive, ah!
Sheyan burst into laughter as he replied.
If I don’t dare to play it exorbitantly, how would you expect us to accomplish this damnable Golden Side Mission?
As Sheyan concluded his statement, the remainder two arachnid eggs concealed within the mounds hatched; shockingly producing two arachnid drones! The two drones had an apparent appearance of black stripes, and were seemingly magnified as compared to ordinary arachnid drones.
(TN: small recap; in ch 59 of vol 5, he purchased 2 drones, 3 scourges, 5 zerglings and 9 overlords)
Meanwhile, Sheyan had retrieved a total of 600 units of pandora crystal from his personal interspatial storage, and placed it before the two drones. The two cuties begun to devour the crystals insatiably, as their physique rapidly grew. After each arachnid drone had consumed roughly 300 units of pandora crystals each, their body frames had swelled by at least 5-6 times.
The two drones then separated, each seeking out a broad region to speedily regurgitate silky threads; gradually forming two enormous ash-brown giga-cocoons. The territory occupied by the giga-cocoons swiftly proliferated and ultimately expanded to an extend of a hundred plus square metres. From here, it conversely shifted to elevated growth, speedily developing towards its limits. When it matured fully, the encompassing ashen threads of the giga-cocoons abruptly blustered, and dissolved into a sky full of splinters; gradually wafting through the air! (Author note: constructing of a twin base, you guys know this. keke)
Following that, two stupendous organ structures emerged in the view of Sheyan and buddies. The organ structure’s peripheral surface pulsating with coarse prunish vasculars, entrenching onto the ground with overcautious stability, releasing an impression of anchored down roots. Quickly following, the trademark organism ‘creep’ carpet of the arachnids naturally extended out; enveloping and covering pandorian soil with tender meekness!
Two fundamental core organism building, hatcheries, astonishingly sprouted from this very ground; a novelty appearance on this fertile, gorgeous and treacherous planet!!!
(TN: The Hatchery is the most primary basic structure for the zergs, it upgrades to Lair and finally a Hive)
Sheyan’s scheme, was actually to establish an arachnid base on this very planet Pandora! Then, leveraging on the horrifying propagating capabilities of the arachnid race and its sheer quantities, to accomplish the daunting Golden Side Mission! To him, it was merely utilizing two arachnid drones that he carried out previously. Yet, with merely two arachnid eggs while complementing the unique environment of planet Pandora, they could reproduce from 2 to 4, then 4 to 8……….an endless derivation of possibilities!!!
––––and this was the fruits of his painstaking devising, and also the ultimate reason for selecting the Avatar world.
Sheyan glanced back to Mogensha and seriously concluded.
For us to reach this stage, your selfless contributions were definitely indispensable. If you hadn’t generously offered nearly 2,000 units of pandora crystal to me, then all this couldn’t have gone so smoothly.
Mogensha chuckled heartily, as he puffed aggressively on his cigar and replied.
Boss, actually back at the Starship Trooper world, to even rake in such abundance of pandora crystals was already out of my expectations. I too desire to observe how far you would reach, and that is why I chose to invest in you. It is an investment, understood? Not donation, haha!
At this moment, two newly constructed ‘hatcheries’ had already shifted into full gear, generating strips of larvas onto the ‘creep’ carpet. Sheyan was currently left with 200 units of pandora crystals, and decided to invest everything into the spawning pool of the mother nest. On the whole, the intrinsic energies of 50 units of pandora crystal could spawn out another drone. Thus, very quickly, 4 other drones were spawned out, hatching from their shattered shells.
With this allied union, Sheyan’s cash flow which had already indicated ‘deficit’ finally halted and begun to rise. The two cutie beetles started to encroach on the pandora crystal ore clusters with their peculiar mandibles, and directly chomped the crystals into smaller fragments; finally secreting their special saliva to refine the ores into high purity crystals. Afterward, they rapidly transported the refined crystals back to the hatchery, and tossed them into the spawning pool.
Within a short span of an hour, a tiny scale arachnid base had reached its junior form. Various organ structures were incubated rapidly, and appeared seemingly inharmonious with the environmental backdrop. Moreover, a hatchery had shockingly been upgraded to the ‘II’ class already, looking additionally menacing. Several other vital arachid organ structures were still in the process of constructing.
Within the mining district, several hundreds of millstone looking, 6-legged prune colored beetles pouted their incisive mandibles as they frenziedly excavated; before extracting and storing crystals within their mouths, and repeatedly shuttled to and fro between the hatcheries and ore veins.
Within this 1 hour period, Sheyan had also spawned out all the arachnid larva eggs he had on hand; only leaving behind 3 arachnid Overlord egg in reserve. As for the actual combat prowess he possessed now, it was only 4 zerglings and 6 arachnid scourges.
Sheyan then earnestly declared to Mogensha and Reef.
I believe that Mother Nature Eywa most certainly wouldn’t permit us to simply establish this arachnid base. Therefore, the construction of this arachnid base would surely encounter substantial troubles. Furthermore, within a two hour period from now, I reckon it will be the toughest phase of endurance. If we can persist through this phase, they this arachnid base would be able to supply reinforcements in endless streams. Moreover, it would be extremely formidable reinforcements!
Because right now, the sovereignty of this entire arachnid base belongs to me! They are like my summoned creatures. To put it in simpler terms, the creatures they slay would similarly produce dropped keys, and bestow us with rewards!! Do you understand the significance of this? Tossing aside the rewards of the Golden Side Mission, the largest fortunes would reside in the dropped keys of those tier-5, tier-6, or tier-7 creatures during the process of accomplishing our mission!!!
Mogensha and Reef both nodded. Reef suddenly inquired.
Those na’vi folks from the Takji clan would aid us right? As remuneration gratitude for restoring Murru’s crippled legs, they wouldn’t be content to remain as bystanders.
Sheyan sighed faintly and replied.
The Takji clan may not be reliable. Even if they abided by their promises, that old fox Mourbo is the true ruler. He is exceedingly crafty and sly, a convenient battle is still possible; yet once he encounters any deadly aspect, he would undoubtedly withdraw and not take life for granted. That is because the current warriors guarding their fort now, are the remnant forces of the entire clan. If everyone were to be annihilated, then the Takji clan would inevitably cease to exist. Moreover…….the foe they may face now, could even be their very own divinity, Eywa!
As they listened to Sheyan’s conjecture, a sensation of having spun a cocoon around themselves was borne within the hearts of the trio simultaneously, and shook their head in despairing guffaws. It was indeed them who had single handedly led to the demise of over 80% of the Takji clan elites. Yet verily in this short duration of hours, they became deeply worried over the insufficient might of the current Takji clan.
(TN:chinese idiom, which means enmeshed or stuck in their own devised trap)
Meanwhile at this moment, the Takji clan patriarch, no wrong, the one hailed as Tsahik (spiritual leader), mounted his massive black Mountain Banshee and skyrocketed into the skies. After spiralling for several circles, they shot forward towards the west; expressing that enemies were incoming from the west. Yet even more far-fetched, that supposedly exceptionally composed Tsahik actually unleashed a terribly alarming scream in mid air!!!
Sheyan immediately called over an overlord he had stationed in midair, before boarding it with his two party mates, and rapidly pulled away from the area. They then surged towards the west as they engaged in cautious surveillance. After glimpsing at the multitudes of hostiles invading towards them, but still a dozen plus kilometre away, Sheyan’s countenance instantly revealed a helplessness; a phrase of ‘I knew it’ all over his face. He was now incomparably vexed as he released a long sigh, and ferociously cursed out.
This damned realm! Sure enough, not even a loophole can be exploited!
As it turns out, when they stared into the extreme distant, rolling smoke and dust could be vividly seen within a faraway forest. Trees collapsed and wood snapped into fragments wherever the stampede passed, along with the berserking fleeing of birds and beasts. The smoke and dust formed a width band as broad as a kilometre long, as it drove in with a fanatical magnitude! If once carefully observed, this ‘band’ was astoundingly a thorough compilation of viperwolves, inching forward in lengths that offered no ends in sight. With one look, it was as though it blatantly stretched into the vast horizon!
Such a terror of epic proportions, it appeared almost on par to the first beast tide that Sheyan and the contestants had squared off with during their former entry to this world! Moreover, at that time, the beast tide was segregated into four, assaulting the four different regions. Hence, it discretely resulted in an outcome of military dilution.
Yet right now, the entire beast tide was a full body. Steamrolling in like with impressive discipline like the Yangtze River. Thus, it produced a frightening loftiness, one that threatened to eradicate and obliterate all that stood in its way! Such a sensation, would practically instill a sense of unrivalled desperation just by looking at it!
Needless to say that in the previous beast horde, the trio were standing alongside 400 hundred plus incredibly powerful contestants/Reserve-duty Growth-hunters. Yet right now, against the onslaught of this beast tide, even with the assistance of the Takji clan and after taking everything into account, that would amount to scarcely 20 plus individuals!
Indeed, pulling such cheap tricks is impossible……
Presently, within the hearts of Reef and Mogensha, such a forlorned notion swept through them; filling them with dispirited emotions, a feeling of failing when success was in sight. Such a feeling dwelled sullenly in the depths of their heart, causing an irresistible urge to scream in resentment to unload this burden!
Could it be, we are about to fail by the lack of a final effort???
Chapter 423: Only by giving, can one receive
Facing such an arduously steep challenge, Mogensha shut his eyes and calmed his breathing to soothe his dejected heart. After sighing, he massaged Sheyan’s shoulders and comforted him.
Boss, an eternally smooth sailing journey is simply an impossibility for anyone. Since we still have 15 days worth of time, we should just shift our direction towards legendary creatures; perhaps we can earn back our losses. Those shitty viperwolves are about to arrive within, at most, 10 plus minutes. It is absolutely inconceivable for us to resist them.
Sheyan snorted coldly and sighed once again.
Are you thinking that I’m frustrated over the forfeiture of the Golden Side Mission? No. Such a scenario has long been included in my calculations. I’m merely sighing due to the fact of losing the chance of raking in utility points and equipments extensively, and allowing that brat to make cheap exploitations.
Mogensha and Reef glanced at each other in bewilderment and asked.
What can you still do right now?
Instead, Sheyan did not answer them. Seizing every second in this race against time, he controlled the overlord to land on the ground surface; before sprinting towards the core of his arachnid base. His sprinting was so ferocious, that every stomp of his foot caused large splashes and ripples over the ‘Creep’ carpet. As for Sheyan, his gaze was currently fixated onto an arachnid egg, one that was urgently attempting to hatch.
This egg was something Sheyan instantly breeded once he witnessed the scale of the impending onslaught of viperwolves. From its maturity progress, one could tell the lifeform contained within had a larger head than its body. As time trickled away rapidly, every second birthed greater nervousness in their hearts…….
Finally, a crack whispered into the air, followed by excessive splitting shatters. A brown organism that resembled an air blower soared out. Its surface displayed black stripes, and it relied on the contractions of its superficial membrane around its body to float!
This creature was none other than a unique unit of the arachnid race.
The Queen-zerg!
At present, all life within this enormous arachnid base was still under the sovereignty of Sheyan. Thus, the Queen-zerg directly soared towards Sheyan. To rank the Queen-zerg amongst the military, it was rare for her to be directly involved in offensive capabilities, but nevertheless become the dictator of victory or defeat on a battlefield. Moreover, she was even equipped with an ability to colonize human base, possessing exceedingly powerful spirit and intelligence. This was something they could confirm back in the Starship Trooper world.
Sheyan strode towards the front of the Queen-zerg, and pasted his forehead onto the feelers of the Queen-zerg. After waiting for 3-4 seconds, his ocean of thoughts was suddenly interrupted with an exceptionally familiar voice. This voice was indeed special, one that bypassed the dissemination of the eardrum. Instead, it rung from the depths of his heart.
《 My, old, friends. Ah, it seems like, you’ve discovered a wonderful fertile planet! 》
When the voice attempted the human tongue initially, it remained rather shaky, but immediately turned fluent at the end. When Sheyan heard the voice, his originally flustered expression instantly soothed as he immediately answered.
Ah, that’s right, it has been a long time, my friendly Blackthorn companion. You ought to be glad the communication link we’ve laid down beforehand is effective. The reserves of crystal ores over here vastly exceeds your planet by hundreds and thousands! Most crucially, apart from the primitive creatures of this planet, there is none in contention against you!
The Blackthorn Overmind immediately transmitted a bluntly direct message.
《 My friend, I must have this planet!!! 》
Sheyan asked in astonishment.
Isn’t that abundantly fertile pandora ore mine that can support a decade worth of harvesting, colonized by you?
The Blackthorn Overmind’s tone became sullen.
《 Yes, but the direct subordinates of the Blade Empress discovered about it, and I cannot contend against the Empress……so I could only relinquish that treasure trove to her…… 》
The Overmind’s voice suddenly transformed ecstatic.
《 But to reward my sacrifice, the Empress conferred onto me enhanced strength, causing me to evolve once again. My friend! I require this base you have, these mineral resources, no, the entire planet! With it and adequate time, I may even develop to a level where I can contend against the Blade Empress! My companions!!! 》
At the end, the Blackthorn Overmind’s voice was already trembling. Sheyan coughed in purposeful hesitation, before replying.
Then will you aid me? As long as I have a request, will you do your utmost for me?
The Blackthorn Overmind replied haughtily.
《 Of course. Haven’t we already established mutual trust and collaboration previously? 》
Sheyan recalled for a moment; This fat parasite……oh wrong, he should’ve evolved to a dung beetle by now. Indeed, he hasn’t lied to me since we met. Thus, Sheyan answered frankly.
Alright, but the distance between us can only be estimated in terms of light years. Moreover, I have another unfortunate news to report; because in at most 5 minutes, an immensely terrifying horde of primitive creatures are about sweep through us. They would require at most 10 seconds to level the entire base, please note, their sheer magnitude is insane!!! They are overwhelmingly unstoppable!
The Blackthorn Overmind hastily replied.
《 We can still make it! As long as you consign the authority privilege of this base to me!! I just need 3 minutes, to supply you with reinforcements! As for how mighty?! When have our grand arachnid race succumb to formidable foes?! The stronger our rivals, the more insatiable our arachnid claws shiver with thirst! 》
As expected, my conjecture was spot on.
Sheyan clenched his fist.
The Blackthorn tribe must have already grasped the skill mechanics of that arachnid tribe!!! Seems like the realm wouldn’t deliver a mission that is impossible to attain as well, and would still leave a remnant of chance to accomplish the mission…..if not, it would be time to ponder about fleeing instead.
Sheyan instantly linked up with his nightmare imprint.
I wish to transfer ownership of the 7 arachnid organ structures along with all drones, to the authority of the Blackthorn tribe’s Overmind.
[ Do you confirm, you wish to consign all authority of the 7 arachnid organ structures and drones to the Silver Lord Overmind of the Blackthorn tribe? ]
[ Your actions may result in unknown consequences! ]
[ After consigning ownership, you will become unable to receive any loots or spoils of war from the forces conjured by the arachnid structures! ]
Silver lord Overmind Blackthorn……..the heck, weren’t you just a Black-iron lord previously? How did this damned bug evolved to the Silver lord class? …………I can confirm.
[ Transaction engaging……linking up. ]
[ Transaction completed!! ]
In a flash, the spirit link between Sheyan and his arachnid base was severed; just like in games where this was obviously his troops, yet suddenly being unable to manipulate them, and thus changing into allies instead.
Moreover during that instance of transaction success, at the west of the arachnid base and over the ‘Creep’ carpet, an astoundingly incubating giga-cocoon abruptly materialized. That giga-cocoon was purely black and its peripheral surface struggled and twitched violently. It appeared as if there were several hundreds of creatures intensely struggling within. As for the billowing tidal waves of sprinting viperwolves, they had already reached a distance of roughly a kilometre away!!
The berserking howls blended together, producing ear-splitting barkings! So much so that frightened birds and beasts within the radius of tens of square kilometres flapped their wings to flee in frenzy.
Sheyan folded his arms in front of his chest as he stood by the edge of this gigantic sinkhole mine. His eyes serene as he coldly stared at the incoming stampeding viperwolf horde. His hair flowed accordingly to the wind, as it released a melancholic air of a hero at the end of his route; bidding his final farewells!
500 metres,
100 metres,
10 metres,
3 metres!
At this very distance, Sheyan’s vision was already devoid of anything distinct. His wild gaze was occupied with fanatically charging viperwolves and their claws, saliva and fangs! It was as though in the next second, this terrifying beast horde would swallow him and not spare an inch of his bones!!!
Yet he remained still! Even any intentions of resistance was gone!
However, right at this moment, from the colossal sinkhole behind him, a gigantuous dark shadow soared forth in abrupt fashion, like regiments of black cloud! The arrival of such an oppressive presence could cause heartbeats to halt and slow down extensively into distinctly clear – ‘Thump’ ‘Thump’ ‘Thump’ Thump’.
The sound was akin to the roaring of the unrestrained and boundless oceanic tide.
Or seemingly two transparent and titanic palms of dozens of square metres, colliding with mutual ferocity!!
Yet in reality, it was the sound of hundreds or even thousands of flapping wing membranes; beating clamorously against the air of Pandora!!
Just when the first beast wave arrived, when the very first claw of a viperwolf had barely reached half a metre from Sheyan’s body, that regiment of gigantuous shadows spat forth hundreds of shining yellow, dumb-bell shaped spores; catapulting in gruesome splatters against the viperwolf tide! Instantaneously, 7-8 paths of mutilated flesh and blood were plowed through the black compressions of the viperwolf beast tide!
As for that viperwolf that was pouncing towards Sheyan, after receiving a spore cannon in its face, it couldn’t even mutter a sound before exploding; transforming into a sorrowful lotus of blood and flesh!!!
Mutalisks vs Viperwolves…………
The very first collision between the Blackthorn tribe and Mother Nature Eywa!
The very first collision between arachnid lifeforms and Pandorian lifeforms!
Presently, if one glanced back towards that black giga-cocoon, that had sprung up abruptly over the carpet, one would be shocked to realized it had ruptured in explosion. In its place now, was an astounding colossal organ structure; appearing like an erected mouthpart with 7-8 deathly fierce fangs.
The mouth was wide opened, and its auxiliary fangs grew to lengths of 7-8 metres and heights of 50 metres. Even the mouth could broaden as large as 30 over metres! It demonstrated a fleshy red appearance, and the impression it released was as though an incomprehensibly powerful great beast was buried beneath it; only protruding forth its mouth to breathe.
Such feelings of mystery and fantasy was invoked by an abstruse layer of shimmering membrane, that covered the internal mouth of this organ structure. Its surface exhibited deep darkness, but also speckles of flickering brilliance, as though the endless cosmic universe was stored inside. Gazing into it, would cause one an involuntary sensation of being drawn in it.
Suddenly, that layer of black glimmering membrane displayed a correlation of ripples. A large crowd of long-legged, spider like freaks, flocked out; using their 8 long legs to move speedily. The tips of their long legs exuberated the cold glimmer of metallic blade sharpness. Although these creatures had a head that looked like hydralisks, they were at least 2-3 folds amplified that of the hydralisk! This was indeed the advance unit form of a hydralisk – Lurkers!
Furthermore, the organ building that surfaced from represented the most supreme technology of the arachnid race, a Nydus Worm (Worm-hole)!!
(TN: you can google Nydus Worm if you wish to, there’s more information there. But basically it is something like a worm that digs wormholes through distant worlds/places, allowing arachnid units to travel through)
TN: My apologies if i get characters or building structure names wrongly, research is tough because the chinese terms are hard to match with english ones, but i will try my best to infer the correct terms from what I have. Do inform me if I have made any errors.
Chapter 424: Esteemed allies
The functionality of the Nydus Worm was, to establish a rapid transportation channel between different arachnid bases across vast distances! It was analogous to any two arbitrary sliding doors; no matter how complicated or complex the terrain was, two Nydus Worms would act as a network for travelling, allowing arachnid fleets to bypass both time and space. However, each transportation wave could only be activated for several punitive seconds. Naturally, due to the immeasurable gap between planet Pandora and the Blackthorn Overmind, the duration required in constructing this Nydus Worm was longer. Furthermore, the cooldown needed to activate the Nydus Worm transportation function, was similarly longer than usual.
Going by the theory of science, it was leveraging on a quantum folding of space and time – say point A and point B on a piece of paper had a gap of 20 cm, then the shortest distance between point A and B isn’t created by drawing out a straight line. Instead, it would be directly folding the paper up, allowing point A and B to converge, linking them up as though the disparity between the two was zero. This was the groundbreaking theory behind the Nydus Worm!
It was essential for the Mother Nest and the Overmind to evolve to class 3 before such an advanced organ structure could be incubated. According to Sheyan’s initial estimation, after the Blackthorn Overmind had dominated that entire abundant pandora ore mine, time would be the only hurdle preventing it from evolving to class 3. Hence, consigning this newly established arachnid base to the Blackthorn Overmind, and allowing it to employ a Nydus Worm to supply reinforcements, was exactly Sheyan’s ultimate trump card.
However, even if Sheyan had made an error in his deductions, he would at most forsake the Golden Side Mission. Fleeing to preserve their lives wasn’t a problem at all.
Noteworthily, the Nydus Worm was in fact constructed on his ally’s ‘Creep’ carpet. If Sheyan hadn’t consigned the arachnid base to the Blackthorn Overmind, he reckoned the overmind would absolutely refrain from selflessly sacrificing its blood efforts to reinforce Sheyan.
As for the first batch of arachnids that had travelled through the Nydus Worm, it was the arachnid that possessed the greatest mobility – the battling creature, Mutalisk! They directly propelled towards the viperwolf tide; while the viperwolves who lacked aerial prowess, were totally incapable of retaliating against the flying mutalisks!
Next, came the incessant scurrying of Lurkers out from the Nydus Worm, as they speedily arrived at several vital openings around the periphery of this currently small scale arachnid base. Utilizing their eight incisive long legs to drill into the ground rapidly, within a short span of seconds, they blatantly buried their entire bodies underground! As for the sheer quantity of lurkers present, it at least amounted to over a hundred!
The first batch of mutalisks entering planet Pandora from the Nydus Worm numbered nearly a hundred; though they possessed frightening offensive might, the sheer quantities of viperwolves charging in from afar was similarly too ludicrous. Just the current width of organized assaulting wave alone nearly reached 500-600 metres. Moreover, the end of its length remained out of sight. How was it possible to fathom the concept of such a viperwolf horde??? Facing against such epic multitudes, even the assaults from the mutalisks seemed like throwing cups of water onto a burning cart of firewood!
Hence, they could immediately observe the crushing black beast tide swarming in like an endless lake; before directly leaping down from the edge of the sinkhole. The infiltrating mass of crushing darkness segregated into 3 black streams upon reaching the obstructing pandora crystal ore veins; three armies invading towards the arachnid base…….even though the arachnid organ structures were vile and enormous, in the face of the boundless sea of viperwolves, they were like frail candlelight amidst a raging gale.
Nevertheless, along the inevitable pathway to access the arachnid base, there were at least a hundred plus Lurkers that were densely burrowed underground!
Following that, the three streams of viperwolf tide of epic proportions forcefully trudged into the attacking vicinity of the underground lurkers!
Instantly, chaotic stabs of metallic chaffing pierced into the atmosphere. The foremost onslaught wave of viperwolves abruptly exploded with matchless decapitation! Sliced into fragments of flesh, spewing in all four directions along with greenish fluids! When the mutilated flesh landed onto the ‘creep’ carpet, it seemed to transform into butter that were thrown into a scorching pan; melting at an astonishing pace. Within few measly seconds, their flesh was thoroughly consumed by the ravenous and famished ‘Creep’ carpet!
Within the aftermath district of the magnetic storm, the scarcity of organic substance was supremely appalling. Hence, the ‘Creep’ carpet of this arachnid base had constantly been unable to expand extensively. Yet currently, with the enhanced fertilizing of countless flesh from dead creatures, the famished ‘Creep’ carpet was now in full swing as it devoured violently, extending outwardly at a fierce rate.
Though the viperwolves fanatically speared forward with fearless defiance; after careful inspection, one could see dense and awe-inspiring rows of gigantic razor spikes impaling through the ground; welcoming the endless waves with friendly jabs. It was utter carnage. As long as the viperwolves arrived within the interior attacking range of the gigantic spikes, they would receive incredibly lethal damages. Yet to their helpless horror, their foes were actually concealed underground, totally covered by the soft soil and mud. It was basically impossible for the viperwolves to locate these pesky opponents!!!
The terrifying onslaught of the viperwolf tide seemed to have knocked against clusters of invisible ramparts. Although their targets were merely a hundred metre before their eyes, this layer of invisible wall was akin to a flesh grinding millstone; tightly halting their assaults, while employing cold emotionless assaults to counter this raid of exel.
At this point, the Nydus Worm had already ceased unleashing more lurkers. Right now, dozens of leader tier zerglings, with body frames the size of calves, were pouncing out. Instead, they stood sturdily approximately 20 metres from the Nydus Worm exit, forming into a fan shape formation, as they guarded vigilantly.
Within the next second, an incomparably plump and humongous crusty beetle flew out from the Nydus Worm, its wings still struggling with full force! Finally, when its massive abdomen and bulky solid jointed legs trampled onto the surface, the ground momentarily tremored violently and distinctively. Its exterior carapace was radiating with the pure refractive rays of diamond like sparkles.
At the instance this gigantuous crusty beetle appeared, one could clearly sense the enlivening of every single arachnid lifeform, as though they had just been injected with adrenaline; their battle capabilities instantly soared by at least 25%! This fat bug propped up its rear legs onto the ground, as it lifted its head and straightened its body. Finally, it executed a deep breathing action, before unleashing mental thoughts of shuddering rhapsodic emotions.
《 What a fresh and pleasant air! Such beautiful clusters of crystals! Though the quantities contained within this ore mine is slightly skimpy, it is still sufficient reserves to harvest for a year! Setting my foot onto the soil here for the first time, I can already feel a deep affection for it! 》
Of course, Sheyan wouldn’t have just remained at the fringe of the sinkhole previously. He had already retreated back into the arachnid base long ago, as he loudly exclaimed to the fat bug.
Hey! My friend. You really ought to slim down. Also, this fresh air can at most be inhaled a little, at least, it remains fatal towards humans. You should best cherish your own life, because all our hopes and fortunes have been invested ahead.
The Blackthorn Overmind released a fit of rumbling from its chest.
《 Ah, hah! Thanks for your warning, but I firmly believe my body hasn’t been this healthy before. Ah ahhhh, just look at those gorgeous branches of clustered crystals!!! What unprecedented miracles unfolding before my sight! My partner Shengong, can you sense the fertility here? I can’t help but itch with impatience to relocate the Mother Nest here. 》
(TN: Remember, Shengong is the name of the Mother of the Blackthorns)
Sheyan shrugged his shoulders.
I have indeed forgotten you are a disgusting species strong enough to blatantly surge through outer space. Such venomous atmosphere should be considered a nutrition for you obviously. Also, please don’t be too conceited yet. I should warn you, this is merely the first wave of assaults from this planet’s creatures. The following impending retaliation of creatures would be outstandingly powerful, even beyond your expectations. Therefore, you should make some preparations for evacuation.
《 Evacuation? 》The Blackthorn Overmind suddenly roared forth with an uplifted tone.
《 Oh! No, that is absolutely inconceivable. Do you expect me to return to that nearly depleted and barren ore mine? Do I have to directly yield to the squeezing extraction of the Empress? Preposterous!!! My friend, you really didn’t deceive me. This planet is completely devoid of the Empress’s aura. A fertile planet without a trace of arachnid existence. This ground will definitely be the ascension to prominence of the Blackthorn tribe! I’d rather die in battle here, than return to become another’s slave. 》
Sheyan was fairly satisfied with the Blackthorn Overmind’s answer. He could already begun to feel that the Golden Side Mission was theoretically 50% in his hands. Thus, he immediately advised solemnly.
Roughly half an hour later, the aerial forces of the primitive aboriginals would arrive. They are terrifyingly fearsome dragons that relies on fleshy combat. I reckon each dragon possessed the offensive capabilities equivalent to at least 5 Mutalisk, or above.
The Blackthorn Overmind started issuing terrifying snarls. Its voice echoed through the air of the base.
《 Nobody can chase us away from this haven! No matter how formidable our rivals are. Unless they can slay me and the Mother Nest, and cease the war here, causing us to retreat entirely and abandon all hopes; then engaging us in full blown warfare at the other side, eradicating us and finally severing the Nydus Worm there! Unless they can completely severe our link of connection with the tribe, we will definitely establish a new world over here! 》
Following that, the peaceful voice of the Mother of the Blackthorns quickly drifted in.
《 Your determination will be thoroughly implemented. I am already impatiently anticipating the day I fight alongside you in our new homeland. 》
At this moment, Mogensha and Reef had already assembled with Sheyan. Brother Black observed Sheyan’s incomparable elation and cried loudly.
Boss! You’ve succeeded! You really succeeded. This damned Golden Side Mission, we will surely accomplish this!!!!
Sheyan stared into Mogensha’s eyes, and uttered word by word.
No! This is our success, this is ours; the success of Party Ace!!!
As his sentence resounded out, the trio’s blood simultaneously boiled with blazing passion within their veins. Such surging waves of emotions were truly hard to describe!! They stretched their arms out in huddled embrace, heads knocking against heads, as they issued an indomitable roar of ecstasy!!!
A gigantic brown viperwolf! Its body muddled with the flesh and blood of zerglings.
This deadly brute was at least 5-6 times larger than its comrades. Stretching out its mouth that was brimming with vigorous and penetrative fangs, its movements undoubtedly allowed one to recall an electronic pincer. Its robust rear legs accorded it with exceptional leaping abilities. At present, a bypassing mutalisk floated in with slightly diminished altitude. Immediately, this brute stomped over its comrades and leapt highly, tearing the mutalisk down from the sky. In a flash, the mutalisk became food for several viperwolves.
Sheyan had long since locked onto it, emanating a glare of a famished individual eyeing a loaf of bread.
Chapter 425: Viperwolf’s beard
At present, the Blackthorn Overmind had already conferred mobilizing authority to Sheyan over all his arachnid forces. Therefore, with Sheyan’s meticulous testing, the crowds of lurkers were purposefully commanded to cease assaults against it. (Because once they interacted, the spoils of war would substantially plunge to even nothingness, which was a circumstance closely referenced to Scarface Harry) He allowed this viperwolf boss direct charging access through the entrance of the arachnid base, as it lurched into the arachnid base with unrivaled excitement!
Instead, at the opening, a figure flashed out,
It was Reef, who directly hoisted his shield in head on confrontation!
Boom!
A sonorous rumble emitted as both sides were knocked to the ground while rolling crookedly. When this viperwolf boss managed to straighten its head and climb back up, Sheyan had already charged in. He first tossed a flask of strength curse-mix, shattering against its head; and followed up with a crude punch.
This punch was initially aimed towards the viperwolf’s ear, but instead landed onto its mouth because it slanted its head. Though that was so, the might of this punch wasn’t tiny, even the monstrous might of this massive beast couldn’t parry it away, and was struck flying as it crashed against the rocky wall by the side. Its sharp fangs carved against the rock-solid wall, releasing a piercing resonance.
Except, Sheyan was also whipped horizontally by a vigorous tail in mid air! Bam! He forcefully guarded his chest with both arms, but still fell to the ground in tumbling successions before stabilizing himself. While he scrambled back up, blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.
That whip was totally unpredictable. While the boss viperwolf had its widened mouth getting pounded, the concurrent reflexive swing of its tail felt like deeply ingrained muscle memory as it ferociously flogged Sheyan’s chest!
Instead, after steadying himself from getting whipped severely, Sheyan returned to action with at most several superficial wounds. If he was an ordinary person, he would’ve at least fractured several dozens of bones. One couldn’t refute the nimbleness of the viperwolf. Yet after loudly tottering and managing to struggle back up, what greeted it was repeated bombardment of fiery bullets; smacking its skin asunder, as it continuously bawled wretchedly.
This viperwolf boss was just about to counter-attack, but Reef had once again blocked its front; stalling its path of assault while simultaneously unleashing a furious roar! A formless ripple swept out, and actually restrained the incoming strike backs of the viperwolf.
After mere minutes, this viperwolf boss had been beaten black and blue. It could perceive its opponents to be like iron and stone, utterly unbreakable. Thus, wagging its tail, it prepared to flee. Yet it had never anticipated the long awaiting Sheyan to surge in deceptively like a shadow that followed its body. His thick arms gripped the widened mouth of this massive beast as he ferociously summoned his strength. Blood sprinkled gruesomely as he actually ripped apart its jaws, by forcefully stretching it for nearly 2 metres; with repulsive organs and blood soaking the ground!
How could your razor-sharp fangs tolerate me!
You boast of strength in that aspect, then I shall lay hands on your pride!
The severely wounded viperwolf boss remained emphatic in final wrestling. Finally, Reef’s black lightsaber punctured deep into its heart. After twitching relentlessly, it died an aggrieved death.
Actually, this was already the second boss tier creature that Sheyan and buddies had slain. Sadly, the first stingily dropped nothing.
But after slaying this guy, it shockingly dropped a black key; which produced a black grade equipment.
[ Viperwolf’s beard (special) ]
[ Origins: Avatar world ]
[ Equipment rarity: Black ]
[ Equipment position: Neck ]
[ Material: Deoxyribonucleic acid, carbohydrate, water ]
[ Weight: 8.3 g ]
[ Length: 21.4 cm ]
[ Equipment usage requirements: Strength at least 15 points, agility at least 30 points. ]
[ Durability: 40 points ]
[ Equipment: All attributes +1 ]
[ Equipment: When receiving damage from opponent’s ability, wielder will result in an additional 25% of damage. ]
[ Equipment: Lowers your explosive strike rate by 1% ]
[ Equipment: When inflicting damage to opponents, there is a chance of summoning a viperwolf undying spirit to attack your target. ]
[ Details: The viperwolf spirit possesses basic attributes of ordinary viperwolf + 25% of personal attributes; lasting for 15 minutes. ]
[ Viperwolf spirit special ability: ‘Shredding heels’ – after inflicting damage onto enemy, enemy’s movement speed will decline by 5%. Duration of 15 seconds. Stackable, to a maximum reduction of 50%. ]
[ Details: At any one time, there can only be at most three viperwolf spirits in existence. ]
[ Details: Upon the death of your controlled viperwolf spirit, your highest attribute will decline by 4 points temporarily. Duration of 8 hours. This negative buff can be stacked for at most 5 times. ]
[ Description: The medium of communication between the king of viperwolves and mother nature. After cutting off, it would naturally contain exceedingly unusual potential. If one can find a suitable horcrux, it can morph to greater formidability. ]
Upon glimpsing this equipment, Reef involuntarily exclaimed.
This is a quality summoner’s item! The damage produced by summoned creatures would be counted as damage dealt by the summoner, which can similarly trigger that special effect. Moreover, the summoned viperwolf spirit would also receive all the enhancing buff abilities of the summoner.
Sheyan pondered for a moment before speaking.
This equipment would be fairly good in the hands of a gunman as well. Normally, the rapid fire of gunmen also holds relatively decent chances of sparking out viperwolf spirits. More importantly, with an additional 3 meat shields that can lower the enemy’s movement speed, wouldn’t its significance be tremendous to gunmen who fears enemies from approaching closely. If this necklace can be merely considered as brocade to a summoner, then to a gunmen, it would be an intrinsic disparity of having zero summoned helpers, to possessing the immaculate aid of summoned creatures!
Brother Black drew back his thick lips and chuckled.
I fully support boss’s standpoint.
Hence, this necklace naturally belonged to Brother Black. During actual combat, he discovered that he could trigger that ability after approximately 10 shots. Moreover, the viperwolf spirit would be summoned directly around the surroundings of his target, gnawing its prey with utmost subservience. Brother Black instantly fell in love as he regretted not meeting it earlier. Thus, he made it his determined resolution to upgrade it to a Silver Storyline grade equipment.
Following that, the trio organized themselves without any attempts at creativity. Once again, they slew several elite tier viperwolves and raked in numerous benefits. Against the underground AOE ambushes of the terrifying lurkers, the flooding tides of viperwolves virtually landed themselves into a grotesque genocide; their sacrifices in vain.
At this point, successive multitudes of drones were transported through the Nydus Worm. Majority of these drones started engaging in frenzied harvesting, with a minor portion directly assimilating out various defensive organ structures over the ‘Creep’ carpet.
At present, the ‘Creep’ carpet had already acquired sufficient blood and flesh supplies, and had swiftly extended to a vast region of a square kilometre. Due to the fact the constructed defensive installations were not only exceedingly faultless, the drones situated them to guard various strategic locations. Furthermore, they ensured a vividly distinctive plan for future expansion of this base.
To arachnids who engaged in internal strifes frequently, they were seasoned in employing warfare of exorbitant magnitudes. With Pandora’s Mother Nature Eywa mobilizing such extensive beast hordes to invade this base; in the face of such a colossal skirmish, contestants like Sheyan could only smile quietly and renounce this battle. Yet to warmongers like the Blackthorn Overmind, he was exceptionally adept at dealing with such widescale war, deploying various defensive mechanism as though fiddling with its fingers.
At this moment, Sheyan’s previously upgraded class ‘II’ base had finally begun upgrading to a class ‘III’ one. Evidently, it was preparing for the migration of the Mother Nest. Meanwhile, Jenny had already arrived through the Nydus Worm as well. This Queen-zerg had evidently been successful in evolving a level as well. Although her body remained tiny, her flying velocity was upgraded and even learned a new flash displacement ability.
(TN: Jenny was the very first queen-zerg that met Sheyan and Mogensha, and finally led them to the blackthorn tribe for the first time)
As the final viperwolf fell in mournful demise, the majority of the area affected by the magnetic storm had already absorbed adequate nourishment, with the extensive ‘Creep’ carpet covering over it. Several tens of organ structures were in the midst of speedy incubation, with large amounts of Spore Colonies and ground spikes holding fort awe-inspiringly. An enormous base was tentatively taking shape.
At this point, Eywa’s second wave of onslaught arrived. Seemingly analogous to Sheyan’s previous mission of guarding the ‘valkyrie’, it remained primarily composed of viperwolves. Instead, with the addition of Mountain Banshees soaring through the skies.
Noteworthily, before the battle even commenced, a perplexing phenomenon of several brightly glittering floccules came wafting in from the skies. These objects were roughly the size of a palm, yet were roughly identical to dandelion seeds. Some resembled drifting jellyfishes in the ocean, as they floated in from midair; carrying an abnormal leisurely elegance. It appeared like a melancholic bereavement of ritual money notes fluttering in commemoration of the dead, inside a cemetery.
This is?
Sheyan immediately recalled.
The seed of the Tree of Souls, but why is this thing floating here for?
Very quickly, Sheyan was enlightened of its effects. Swooping down from high up the air, the Mountain Banshees seemed to have stunningly developed eyes, and could accurately perceive the concealed borrowed locations of the lurkers! They bluntly dove towards the ground, tearing through mud and clay, before seizing several lurkers and pinching them to death!
The seeds of the Tree of Souls could actually detect invisible units!
Undoubtedly, 7-8 units of mutalisks immediately lunged in attempt to eradicate these seeds of the Tree of Souls. However, the outcome was completely out of their expectations. The seeds instead duplicated from 1 to 2, and 2 to 4 upon being struck……multiplying in increasing fashion and even exuberating flares of dying radiance.
Although the offensive prowess of the lurkers were extremely valiant, they still belonged to a class of expensive but frail units. Once their bodies were revealed, they wouldn’t be able to withstand the incessant onslaughts of comrades replacing fallen comrades. Yet more critically, the presence of those masculine aerial Mountain Banshee bullies, boasted of easily excavating them out from underground. Hence, under the command of the Blackthorn Overmind, every lurker was entirely withdrawn and returned to the proximity of the Spore Colonies; causing the defense line to be pulled backwards.
