Chapter 254: Gathering Intelligence and the Eradication Plan

Chapter 254: Chapter 254: Gathering Intelligence and the Eradication Plan

Philip Jensen nodded at Forrest Sterling’s words.

A faint aura of cold air swirled around him.

It made him seem to merge with the extreme cold and raging blizzard outside.

Far from weakening him, this extreme weather greatly amplified Philip Jensen’s Frozen Talent, making him feel completely in his element.

Their mission this time had two objectives. The first was to rescue as many survivors from Kaelen as possible.

The second, more important objective was to investigate the terrifying Rabbitfiends that had destroyed Kaelen’s safe zone and assess the threat they posed to Vorlag City.

Seeing Philip Jensen agree, Forrest Sterling immediately focused his mind. He cupped his hands, and a white dove made of pure Energy instantly materialized between them.

The white dove flapped its wings and shot like an arrow into the depths of the ruins, sent to deliver a message and guide the way.

Before long, they found Forrest Sterling’s friend, Aaron Webb, at the entrance to a half-collapsed underground shelter.

Aaron Webb looked even more haggard than before, his face a mixture of frostbite, exhaustion, and the lingering terror of a survivor.

Upon seeing Forrest Sterling and the uniformed Philip Jensen, the man who had struggled for so long in this desperate situation finally broke down.

He threw his arms around Forrest Sterling and wailed, as if trying to release all his fear and grief at once.

Philip Jensen didn’t rush him. He just stood quietly to the side, waiting for Aaron Webb to compose himself slightly before handing him a thermos of clean water and a high-energy food packet.

He spoke in a steady, reassuring voice, "It’s okay. You’re safe now. We’re from the Vorlag City safe zone. Can you tell us what the situation is in there? Those rabbit monsters..."

At the mention of the rabbit monsters, Aaron Webb’s body trembled visibly, but he forcibly suppressed his fear as a flame of hatred ignited in his eyes.

He wiped his face roughly and said in a hoarse but clear voice:

"Captain Jensen, those monsters... there are too many of them. You can’t kill them—the more you fight, the more they multiply! After they destroyed the safe zone, it seems they engaged in a massive... feeding. Based on my observations and the sounds I heard before, they’re likely in a post-’feeding’ digestive or dormant state right now, which is why there’s been less activity. But it’s definitely temporary!"

Aaron Webb looked up, his gaze urgent as he stared at Philip Jensen.

"We have to find a way to deal with them while they’re relatively ’quiet’! Otherwise, once they’ve finished digesting and need more food... their next target will probably be Vorlag City, the closest one!"

Hearing this, Philip Jensen’s brow furrowed, his expression turning grave.

This intelligence was crucial, but it also implied immense risk and a difficult choice.

’Launch a preemptive strike to annihilate an unknown species of monster capable of destroying a safe zone?’

’It would require mobilizing immense power, and the outcome would be uncertain.’

"I understand how you feel, and I thank you for the information."

Philip Jensen said grimly, "But a military operation of this magnitude isn’t something I can decide on my own. I have to report this to Captain Justin Brooks and the higher-ups in the safe zone. The decision must be made by the command headquarters."

"I understand!"

Aaron Webb nodded forcefully, then quickly added with a flicker of hope in his eyes, "Oh, right, Captain Jensen! When Kaelen was destroyed, a few of my friends managed to escape, just like me. They’re scattered in different locations, and none of them are weak! If we can find them and unite, we might be able to form a force to fight those monsters and help defend Vorlag City!"

As he spoke, his face was filled with a deep-seated hatred for the Rabbitfiends and a burning desire to avenge his home and loved ones.

Philip Jensen’s heart stirred as he looked at the burning hatred in Aaron Webb’s eyes.

’These survivors who clawed their way back from the brink of hell... their knowledge of the monsters and their will for revenge might be exactly what Vorlag City needs right now.’

"Alright! Let’s talk as we walk. Tell me all the characteristics you know about the monsters, and I’ll have Forrest send the message to the Vorlag City safe zone. Also, give me the details on the possible locations and descriptions of your friends."

Philip Jensen made his decision decisively.

’I have to get this intelligence back as soon as possible. We might not have much time left.’

But with Forrest Sterling around, transmitting intelligence was much faster and more timely.

...

Seraphina Sullivan’s life seemed to have returned to normal for the time being, but her mindset had completely changed.

She was now more focused on gathering information and increasing her own Power.

Sean Chandler, meanwhile, continued to handle their trade of supplies. He headed to the safe zone’s Player trading area with a stash of items they had accumulated from various dungeons—things they didn’t need but might be useful to other Players.

This time, Seraphina Sullivan went with him.

For one, she wanted to get some fresh air; staying cooped up in her Space or the RV was becoming suffocating.

For another, she wanted to see if she could overhear any new information in the safe zone.

The trading area was still bustling with people, but the atmosphere seemed a bit more somber than before.

Seraphina’s gaze swept across the area, and she noticed that the always-lively Forrest Sterling was not at his stall.

Only his older brother, River Sterling, was sitting there alone, his brow deeply furrowed and his expression more serious than she had ever seen it.

Even the A4 sheets of paper in front of him, covered with various intelligence headlines, seemed to have lost their usual luster.

Seraphina thought for a moment, then simply spread a cloth on the empty spot next to River Sterling and set up her own small stall.

The items she laid out were different from Sean Chandler’s, consisting mostly of lifestyle-oriented goods collected from dungeons.

For example, some exotic, long-lasting spices, fabrics with unique textures, or peculiar trinkets with unknown uses.

Seraphina didn’t expect to trade these for many resources.

Right now, this was more a way for her to blend into the environment and observe the situation.

Once her stall was set up, Seraphina broke the silence, speaking in a casual tone, "What’s wrong, Mr. Sterling? Why the long face today? And where’s Forrest?"

River Sterling looked up at the sound of her voice. Seeing it was Seraphina, he sighed and didn’t hide anything. "Who else but that kid, Forrest Sterling! He’s got some serious nerve, following Captain Philip Jensen out to Kaelen to investigate."

Seraphina’s heart skipped a beat. She immediately thought of the destruction of Kaelen, an incident that had previously caused widespread panic.

’The real-world crisis isn’t over. In fact, it’s getting closer.’

"You guys are always well-informed. What’s the situation over there now?" Seraphina asked, lowering her voice.

River Sterling glanced around to make sure no one was paying special attention to them before whispering, "This probably can’t be kept secret for long anyway. Everyone will find out soon enough."

"According to the intel we’ve gotten back so far, the monster... or rather, the horde of monsters in Kaelen just had a big ’meal,’ so now they’re in a state of digestion and recovery. Their activity has decreased."

But this is definitely the calm before the storm!

Once they’ve recovered and need a new food source, we in Vorlag City, being the closest, will be in grave danger."

Seraphina immediately understood the implication.

She asked tentatively, "So, the safe zone’s leadership is planning to... strike while the iron is hot? Launch a preemptive attack to eliminate the threat while they’re recovering?"