Chapter 232 - 135: F-6 Area

Chapter 232: Chapter 135: F-6 Area

Xu Mo was more concerned with why these fish had suddenly attacked. Was it the sound of their conversation that attracted them? Or were they inherently aggressive, actively attacking any creature that got close to the riverbank?

"There’s something wrong with these fish." Zhang Yun walked over, squatted down, and used her bayonet to carefully examine the fish carcass, her brow furrowed. "Their teeth are too dense, and their digestive tracts seem severely atrophied... as if they evolved specifically for killing."

"The water’s not safe anymore either." The sturdy man on the opposite bank looked at the river’s surface with lingering fear, taking another two steps back. "On future patrols, we really can’t get too close to the water."

The tall guy nodded repeatedly, his gaze on Xu Mo growing more and more fervent. "Bro, where’d you learn that Sword Skill? It’s incredible! Can you teach me a thing or two?"

"I practiced on my own. It’s just a matter of practice makes perfect," Xu Mo replied nonchalantly, changing the subject. "It’s not safe here. Let’s get away from the riverbank. You two be careful as well."

"Right, right, let’s back away!" The tall guy and the sturdy man nodded hastily and shouted more words of admiration and thanks to Xu Mo from across the river—after all, Xu Mo had indirectly warned them of the danger in the water.

The two parties didn’t chat any further. Each with their own thoughts, they quickly moved away from the riverbank and continued on their respective patrol routes.

For the rest of the journey, Zhang Yun was much quieter. She followed behind Xu Mo, her gaze frequently landing on his upright back and the Mountain-Cutting Saber at his waist. Her expression was complex, a mixture of inquiry, curiosity, and a hint of admiration so faint that she herself might not have been aware of it.

In the apocalypse, overwhelming strength was the ultimate truth and the greatest charm.

What Xu Mo had just displayed wasn’t just strength, but a reliability that could turn the tide in a desperate situation. For Zhang Yun, who had just lost her entire squad and was struggling to survive alone, the impact was especially profound.

Xu Mo could feel the change in the gaze behind him, but he paid it no mind. His thoughts were still on the matter of those mutated fish. ’The creatures in the river are also mutating at an accelerated rate, becoming more aggressive, more bizarre. The monsters in the G-2 area, the strange fish in the F-6 river... it seems like every corner of this world is breeding new dangers.

’Did the officials transfer us out of G-2 because the problem was really solved? Or does it mean the problem there has already exceeded the scope of conventional handling and requires a more covert approach?’

The patrol ended in the afternoon, and the return trip to the rendezvous point was uneventful. When they returned their equipment and registered the mission as complete, the officer on duty glanced at them, then at the records, and said nothing more, simply logging their Contribution Points as usual.

As they walked out of the rendezvous point, Zhang Yun called out to Xu Mo.

"Xu Mo," her voice was a little softer than usual, "thank you for today. If you hadn’t reacted so quickly, we might have been in trouble."

"We’re partners. It’s what we do," Xu Mo said calmly.

Zhang Yun looked at him, seemingly wanting to say more, but in the end, she just nodded. "So tomorrow... same time?"

"Same time."

The two parted ways again. Xu Mo could feel that the way Zhang Yun looked at him was different from yesterday. There was something new in her gaze, something akin to trust and reliance.

Back in his small courtyard, he closed the door. Xu Mo didn’t immediately begin his training. Instead, he sat in the yard, reflecting on everything that had happened that day.

’The open fields seemed safe, yet they concealed sudden attacks from beneath the water. It’s a reminder that in the apocalypse, threats are everywhere, and their forms are constantly changing.

’There’s no further news from Major Li of the Special Operations Division, and the situation in the G-2 area is unclear, but the transfer itself is a strong signal.

’How is Wang Jing doing now? Did the medical center find anything?

’And then there’s my new partner. She’s skilled and mentally tough. Perhaps she could be of some help. At the very least, during future patrols and any potential incidents, having a reliable companion is better than being alone.’

As these thoughts ran through his mind, Xu Mo stood up, walked inside, and began his routine of weapon maintenance and training.

’No matter what undercurrents stir in the outside world, improving my own strength will always be the number one priority for dealing with anything and everything.’

The qi and blood of the Iron Bone Realm surged within his body like an ever-flowing river. Xu Mo closed his eyes and focused his mind, feeling his power grow, sliver by sliver.