A heart-palpitating blast echoed through the air.
The concrete wall crumbled inch by inch from the center of the kick, cracks spreading outward.
Several narrow fissures ran vertically through the wall.
If it had not been thick enough, a gap the size of a person might have collapsed entirely.
Under the terrified gazes of Scarface and several researchers behind her, Tang Shifu followed up with an elbow strike.
Boom!
This time, the 0.5-meter-thick concrete wall was easily shattered.
Tang Shifu took the lead and entered, followed closely by Mu Bai, who clutched the Glock she had obtained from the Military District while trotting on her short legs.
Mo Cha and Ye Yuan came next.
Once the researchers and Hela had entered, Scarface, who was guarding the rear, finally followed.
This fortification was a hollow, two-layered structure, likely designed to prevent damage from Variants.
Tang Shifu broke through another layer, and everyone followed her into the interior of the research base.
Based on the number of patrolling and standing guards, as well as the surface area of the base, the security forces were likely not many — certainly fewer than 100.
Of course, a force of dozens of soldiers was still impossible to confront head-on, so they only needed to deliver the “key figures” to the Underground Research Institute…
Inside the fortification, they crossed an open space.
After a journey of approximately 50 meters, they arrived in front of a building with the most unique appearance and the sturdiest materials.
Alarms blared incessantly.
Ye Yuan picked off several soldiers who suddenly appeared on the fortifications one after another.
Inside the other nearby buildings, moving silhouettes could be seen through the windows.
The group entered the building before more troops could be mobilized and shut the main door from the inside.
There wasn’t a soul in sight.
Moving through the corridor, they found an elevator bay at the very end.
But…
The elevator here was different from ordinary ones; it required authorization.
Mu Bai slapped her forehead, suddenly feeling a bit regretful.
‘We wanted to finish the mission before the other Players arrived to avoid being trapped by the Zombie Tide, but I didn’t expect this hurdle.’
If they had known, they would have waited for the other Level 2 Players to arrive.
Together, they could have wiped out the base’s surface forces and then figured out a way to send the group down.
Now, their retreat was blocked.
If they couldn’t get past this obstacle quickly, that iron door certainly wouldn’t stop the soldiers within the base.
Seeing the situation, Tang Shifu wanted to try crushing the elevator doors to check the descent distance.
If it wasn’t too high, they could lower the people down using ropes.
She raised her foot, about to repeat her kicking technique.
“Please stop.”
A voice with a bit of static, sounding like it came from a recorder, called out just in time.
Tang Shifu paused her movement.
Since there was a turn of events, she didn’t use such an extreme method.
Mu Bai followed the source of the sound and saw a camera.
Below the camera was a communication device that seemed to allow direct calls to the personnel underground.
“You have come uninvited and even killed the soldiers stationed at our research base. May I ask what your purpose is?”
The voice asked calmly, as if devoid of any emotion, treating it purely as a negotiation.
From the back of the group, Scarface said coldly, “How are we uninvited? These researchers were entrusted to us by the Military District to be escorted here. Now that the Military District has backstabbed us, we naturally want an explanation.”
The voice was silent for a moment before saying, “We have received no notice to accept any research personnel.”
“Regardless, we’ve delivered the people. If you don’t accept them, are you trying to toy with the Survivor Organization?”
Scarface’s tone carried a hint of deliberate annoyance.
He had to play the role to the end.
Moreover, he truly was furious — angry that he hadn’t realized the Military was playing them, blinded by profit to the point of nearly losing his life.
“Wait… what is that child’s name? Is she also a researcher you are escorting?” the other side suddenly exclaimed.
Scarface frowned when he saw the other party dodging the question.
Mu Bai stepped in at the right time.
“Her name is Hela. Like these researchers, she is a disposable pawn used by the Military District to plot against us. Why, do you know her?”
“Let these people into the elevator… however, you cannot come down. I will have the soldiers let you leave.”
“No,” Mu Bai said, shaking her head.
“Then what do you want? I cannot offer much compensation here, and outsiders are not permitted in the Research Institute.”
“Have your soldiers stay away from the building where this elevator is located. Don’t even think about blasting your way in. Allow us to stay in this building for a period of time, and I will let Hela go down with these people… If you want to see the elevator destroyed, you can try going back on your word,” Mu Bai said without hesitation.
Although the elevator was likely not the only path connecting the surface to the underground, the other party would certainly have a headache if it were truly destroyed.
As for the other party’s claim that the soldiers would let them leave…
She couldn’t trust a gamble on someone’s character at all.
If the mission was completed and the remaining number of Players had not yet met the requirements of the Train System, this place would actually be the safest spot.
However, this request was a bit difficult for the other party to understand.
“This… fine. I hope you keep your promise.”
As the words fell, the elevator opened.
Several researchers immediately boarded the elevator, fearing they would die at the hands of Mu Bai’s group or Scarface if they stayed a second longer.
Hela looked back at the four girls, her gaze lingering on Mu Bai for several seconds.
This girl, who was far too mature for her age, didn’t seem to understand Mu Bai’s actions.
Whether it was the persistence in escorting the people the Military had abandoned even after being backstabbed, or the negotiation demands, none of it made sense to her.
“What’s wrong? You don’t want to go in?”
Mu Bai asked, puzzled.
If she really didn’t want to go in, they would have to force her.
“No… anyway, thank you.”
Hela shook her head with a complex look in her eyes and turned to enter the elevator.
The elevator doors closed.
[Congratulations to all Players, the Collective Mission has been completed. Calculating rewards based on contribution…]
[Players Mu Bai (Level 3 Train), Ye Yuan (Level 3 Train), Tang Shifu (Level 2 Train), Mo Cha (Level 2 Train), and Li Ba (Level 2 Train) have performed exceptionally well. Issuing additional rewards — Perfect Zombie Serum. Once injected, it provides immunity to any source of zombification and enhances physical constitution.]
[Current remaining Players: 241/200. Once the clearance limit is met, every team will receive a Team Merge Card. Players can return to the Train by focusing their intent within 5 minutes!]
[May the lucky ones survive until the end and become the winners of the slaughter~]
The notification, which every Player could receive, surfaced in their minds.
At the same time, small pouches woven with silver threads fell into the hands of the surviving Players.
Inside were varying amounts of Train Coins.
For Mu Bai’s group and Scarface, in addition to the silver pouch, a golden gift box appeared out of thin air in front of them.
Inside the box was presumably the so-called Perfect Zombie Serum.
Scarface’s face showed no sign of relaxation.
He had already made his decision the moment he learned the number of Players had not yet reached the target.
He allowed the silver pouch and golden gift box to drop to the ground.
Wealth is found within danger!
There were only three mostly underage girls.
Even if the black-haired and pink-haired ones required extra caution, he believed a sneak attack would be foolproof.
Thinking of this, he raised his Assault Rifle with maximum speed.