Chapter 86 – When the Roses Bloom (4)
◎ Leave as soon as possible ◎
“They are my people.”
A person leaped from the sniper position on the rooftop.
Wearing black military boots, camouflage pants, a hot vest, with a mobile artillery piece slung over the right shoulder, the left arm, however, was partially missing, only a stump remained above the elbow joint.
The newcomer had a slender figure, with brown skin and a crew cut, robust muscles, a resolute and powerful look in the eyes, exuding a rare leadership quality.
Irene.
Song Ke silently recited her name in her mind.
Surprisingly, it was the captain of the “Guns and Roses,” their opponents in the Throne Race. How could she appear here?
“The famous Western Street Fox, I heard you transferred to another district, why have you returned?”
“I guess no one wanted her there. Where else can you find a woman as tough as her?”
“Look, she doesn’t even have a hand now, she’s become a miserable cur, hahaha!”
The mercenaries recognized Irene. Initially, they laughed heartily, mocking her carelessly. However, faced with the densely packed muzzles and Irene’s expressionless face, their raucous laughter gradually weakened, disappeared, and finally, there was dead silence.
Hu Chao spoke slowly, “Fox, it’s been half a year since we heard from you. How have you been? Care to sit down and reminisce…”
Irene coldly interrupted, “Save your concern, and have your people withdraw.”
The false smile on Hu Chao’s face vanished, his voice suddenly rising, “Withdraw? These people killed Sang Bo, Lord Miao Lun’s private soldiers. By standing up for them, are you ready to make enemies of the entire Miao Lun family?”
Facing Hu Chao’s threats, Irene remained unmoved, “I’ll say it again, they are my people. Sang Bo brought it on himself. Hu Chao, you can report today’s events truthfully to your master and see how he reacts.”
Hu Chao choked up. Sang Bo’s death resulted from his own lust for Lin Youyou’s beauty and his desire to possess her alone. To put it bluntly, it was his disrespect and betrayal towards Lord Miao Lun, which, if escalated, would not end well, even if Sang Bo were still alive.
Seeing Hu Chao’s silence, Irene added, “What’s the matter? Can’t speak? Do you need me to help you report?”
Hu Chao’s heart trembled. Irene was threatening him. Everyone knew that Lord Miao Lun’s new favorite was from Western Street. If, under Irene’s insinuation, she whispered a few words in someone’s ear… Even he, as a bystander, might be implicated.
Hu Chao, though not as brave as Sang Bo or as skilled as Godanwei, considered himself someone who understood the situation and could survive better than most.
After contemplating for a while, he spoke in a solemn tone, “Nothing happened today. Unfortunately, Sang Bo and Para fell victim to the zombies.”
Para was the ‘Evil Eye’ user who possessed the field of silence.
“No, Sang Bo cannot die in vain!”
An agitated mercenary shouted at the top of his lungs, disregarding everything and drawing a particle gun from his waist.
“Boom, boom!”
Without a second thought, Irene fired three micro-missiles, creating deep craters near the shouting person’s feet. Shattered debris tore the mercenaries’ clothes, stones grazed their faces, rendering everyone speechless, afraid to act rashly. The particle gun, under the overwhelming suppression of absolute firepower, seemed almost comical, like a child’s toy.
This Irene seemed like a lunatic, especially after losing a hand!
“I believe we’ve come to an understanding, haven’t we?” Irene ignored the mercenaries, staring at Hu Chao.
“…” Hu Chao’s expression turned cold. It wasn’t an understanding, it was clearly this woman using force to coerce them. Irene was a B-level awakener, awakening an ability specializing in firearms, and today, she was determined to protect someone. Angering her might not end well.
“…Withdraw,” Hu Chao gritted his teeth.
“Hu Chao, they…” someone unwillingly interjected.
“If you don’t want to die, mind your own business!” Hu Chao left with his people, abandoning Sang Bo and Para on the ground. Only V587 and Irene remained at the scene.
Irene retracted her gun and glanced at V587, scanned through Zhuang Qingyan and the others, finally settling her gaze on Song Ke.
“If you’re hiding here because of Old Xiang’s pursuit, this isn’t a good choice. Find another place.”
“What pursuit?” Song Ke asked, confused.
“You don’t know?” Irene was surprised.
Song Ke shook her head. She was clueless.
Irene’s brow furrowed.
“Since it’s not because of pursuit, you, and you, the big star,” Irene disregarded the other men behind, pointing at Lin Youyou, who was trying to cover her face with sunglasses, “Why did you all come to Mu City?”
Lin Youyou’s identity was exposed, and she dryly smiled, “When did you recognize me?”
“I had suspicions before. During the top 16 competition, I couldn’t find you among them, so I confirmed it.”
Irene paused, “I don’t understand. What do you want from Ferrara? Why suffer by coming here?”
“We’re searching for a Level 3 crystal,” Song Ke explained seriously.
Upon hearing this, Irene turned to her, “Even though Level 3 crystals are rare, there’s no need to specifically come to Mu City to find one.”
“Oh, we want to participate in the Hero Banquet hosted by Mu Qin.”
Irene’s grip on the artillery tightened, her expression suddenly turning cold, “So, you also want to be the warlord’s dogs?”
“No, no, no, it’s not like that! I… we…” Song Ke repeatedly waved her hands, trying to explain. However, Irene’s stance was still uncertain, and he couldn’t directly say, ‘In fact, we’re here to assassinate the general.’ Her nervousness led to an incomprehensible explanation.
“Looks like it’s a bit complicated. Won’t you step in?” Lu Xiaoyu asked. Diplomacy was usually Zhuang Qingyan’s responsibility in the past.
“It’s not suitable for me to step in. Let the ladies handle it themselves,” Zhuang Qingyan leaned back in his wheelchair, supporting his chin with a smile.
Irene obviously didn’t appreciate them and only spoke to Song Ke and Lin Youyou. If he intervened now, he wouldn’t get a good reception.
“Let me speak,” Lin Youyou patted Song Ke on the back. “Irene, we came to Mu City for a specific purpose. Although we can’t tell you what it is right now, attending the Hero Banquet is the best opportunity for us. But rest assured, our position is fundamentally at odds with the warlords, and we absolutely won’t be their ‘dogs.'”
“Thank you for helping us just now,” Lin Youyou genuinely thanked her.
Irene carefully observed Lin Youyou’s expression to judge the truth in her words. Song Ke vigorously nodded on the side, hoping to increase their credibility.
After a while, Irene nodded slightly, “Do as you wish.”
She lifted the artillery with one hand. Before leaving, she hesitated for a moment, then, facing away from Lin Youyou, she murmured softly, “Let me remind you, Mu City isn’t suitable for you. Finish your business and leave as soon as possible.”
Lin Youyou was briefly stunned. Irene’s words were directed specifically at “you,” evidently meant for her.
A few zombies jumped out from the ruins. Irene calmly retreated, set up the artillery, and blasted them before taking out a terminal to take a photo and record.
“Huh? She’s acting as a clearer, for a mission?” Song Ke exclaimed in surprise.
Lu Xiaoyu’s ice-blue eyes flickered, “Irene, 27 years old, biological ID: MUD3220875, registered in Mu City, a freelance mercenary. According to current laws, her admission period has expired. To enter the city, she must complete clearer missions. Currently, her progress is at 15%.”
“How do you know so much?” Song Ke’s eyes widened.
Lu Xiaoyu replied, “When she took a photo just now, I hacked into her terminal.”
Song Ke: “…Can’t you leave people with some privacy?”
Lu Xiaoyu looked at Song Ke’s speechless expression. His social barriers gave off the wrong signal, making him think that Song Ke also wanted to grasp that skill.
“In fact, it’s simple, you can use supernatural abilities. The first step is to release your mental energy…”
“No, I don’t want to know,” Song Ke waved her hand, feeling mentally exhausted.
“I have an idea,” Lin Youyou suddenly spoke up. “Mu City’s hierarchy is complex, even within the mercenary community, there are various hidden rules. Right now, our only choice is to participate in the Hero Banquet. But if we can get help from locals, could there be another way?”
“Are you thinking of asking for Irene’s help?” Zhuang Qingyan asked.
“Irene’s personality might make it a bit difficult to ask for help… What about discussing a trade with her? I’ll ask her about her needs,” Lin Youyou recalled the unique and peculiar merchant, Cheng Yi, from Sin City and her eyes lit up. “Do you think that’s feasible?”
“We can try,” Zhuang Qingyan said, “Based on her recent attitude, even if she doesn’t align with us, at least she won’t be an enemy.”
“If we help her do the clearer missions, it might be quicker,” Song Ke reminded.
V587’s goal was Level 3 zombies, which didn’t conflict with Irene’s mission. They could help her along the way.
Fang Zhixu and Xu Xing didn’t mind, nodding in agreement.
“Alright, I’ll go talk to her.” Lin Youyou jogged over, catching up with Irene.
After a few minutes of conversation, Irene and Lin Youyou returned together.
“What trade do you want to make?” Irene asked.
“We’ll talk about that slowly. First, we’ll help you with the mission,” Lin Youyou replied.
“Okay, at the latest by tomorrow, I need to enter the city.”
“No problem,” Song Ke nodded.
Irene temporarily joined the group, and they proceeded towards the Xiangang Center, clearing out zombies as they advanced.
Song Ke and Su Cha, along with Lu Xiaoyu in his six-claw mode, were responsible for drawing monsters, leading the zombies within a few kilometers together. Lin Youyou sang, causing the monsters to slow down, Xu Xing froze them with frost, and then Irene, positioned on the roof, adjusted her angle and launched a micro-missile.
“Boom, boom.”
Destructive smoke rose into the air, and most of the zombies were blown to bits, while the remaining few were quickly dealt with by the trio who had drawn them in, leaving the ground shimmering with crystal shards.
Zhuang Qingyan and Fang Zhixu cleared the battlefield. Fang Zhixu maneuvered through the pile of monsters, striking with remarkable precision. Each strike was clean and precise, hardly causing the zombies’ brain fluid to spill. He swiftly detached whole crystal shards, wiped them clean with a cloth, and stowed them in his bag. Most of this round was comprised of white Level 1 crystals, with only a few Level 2 crystals occasionally found.
Irene jumped down from the rooftop, the military boots hitting the ground. She took out her terminal for counting and photographs. With V587’s assistance, the progress indeed sped up significantly. Half a day had passed, and they had already reached 85%, but unfortunately, Level 3 zombies were still nowhere to be found.
As darkness gradually enveloped the area, visibility became difficult. Zhuang Qingyan suggested, “Let’s find a place to spend the night and continue tomorrow.”
Irene glanced around and said, “Follow me.”
She led Song Ke and the others through the ruins of Xiangang and finally arrived at a tall building. This seemed to be a base, with quite stringent defense measures. Occasionally, one could see traces of supernatural fire rings. Irene used the base of her artillery to tap the copper bell at the camp’s entrance.
“Who’s there?!” From a distance of several tens of meters, lights turned on, followed by a thunderous voice questioning with caution.
Song Ke keenly detected an unfamiliar mental presence; the speaker was a awakener.
The next moment, there was a faint sound of mechanical movement above the camp, targeting them unseen.
“Western Street, Irene.” Irene raised her hand, signaling Song Ke to remain calm.
“So it’s the Fox, long time no see,” came the reply from the other side in a deep tone.
“Samuel, eight people, we’re seeking a place to stay for the night,” Irene stated.
The gate slowly opened a crack, but the people inside remained hidden. The resonant voice echoed from a distance, “Turn left to the first floor, make yourselves at home. Fox, it’s because of your face that I’m allowing your people in. But if they cross the line, they’ll face the consequences.”
“Thank you.”
The group smoothly entered the camp. The ground floor had a few temporary accommodations resembling bunk beds. Irene pointed out two of them, “Conditions are basic, but it’ll do for the night. This is the base for the Western Street mercenaries and relatively safe.”
Men and women separated into different rooms. Song Ke and Zhuang Qingyan bid farewell at the door, following Irene to the room on the left.
Lin Youyou picked a relatively clean bed and sat down, asking, “I heard that person call you ‘Fox’.”
“Just a nickname,” Irene replied indifferently.
Lin Youyou didn’t beat around the bush, asking directly, “Irene, we want to know about the information regarding freelance mercenaries.”
Irene unloaded her artillery and placed it within easy reach, saying, “The freelance mercenaries in Mu City mainly gather in the South District and Western Street. They’re divided into two major factions. The South District has a larger influence and more people. However, in recent years, some have covertly allied with warlords, like Hu Chao. The members are a mixed bunch, making it hard to distinguish. The mercenaries in the Western Street are constantly in life-or-death situations. They are all daredevil types, not abiding by many rules, and even the ‘house dogs’ won’t provoke them.”
The three lay side by side on the bed, and a silence enveloped the room.
Song Ke turned over and quietly glanced at the silhouette of the person beside her, “Irene, why did you participate in the Throne Race Competition?”
Irene remained motionless, “I don’t know how you managed to get in, but Mu City’s admission restrictions are very strict. You’re aware of that, right?”
In the darkness, Song Ke and Lin Youyou nodded.
“Even stricter than the admission restrictions are the procedures for changing citizenship.”
“Do you want to leave Mu City?” Song Ke sat up in surprise.
Irene fell silent for a moment, “Sort of.”
“But you don’t need to participate in the competition…,” Lin Youyou whispered, “You’re a B-level awakener, you just have to apply, and I’m not sure about other C-level cities, but at least Ferrara would definitely accept you.”
Irene, with one hand behind her head, gazed with determined eyes at the pitch-black ceiling, her amputated arm resting alone on the bed frame.
“You don’t understand Mu City.”
“I can leave, but some people, even if they sacrifice their lives, can only be trapped here.”
“I have to get them out.”
**TN
Finally done with Cannon Fodder Husband, if you want something slow-life and slice-of-life, give it a try. 🙂
TYYY for the chapter!!!!