Chapter Twenty-Seven: A New Mission

“Gene Ecological Chain detects host encountering a random event. Generating a random task for the host according to its importance…”

“Random task generation in progress…”

Random Task: [Acquire the new weapon—Super Energy Cutter: Composite Titanium Blade]

Reward upon completion: 1,000 gene points and an upgrade to cold weapon proficiency talent.

Consequence of failure: Host will lose the ability to use cold weapons.

Task Description: Crafted from special charging materials, this cutting blade is one of the most precise cold weapons from the Old Era. Such a formidable weapon—why not keep it for yourself? According to the Gene Ecological Chain database, this composite titanium blade rates as a Class A cold weapon.

Note: Weapon grades are C, B, A, S, and Super S.

Listening to the voice in my mind, I fell into deep thought. Losing the ability to use cold weapons if I fail? The price is far too steep; the Gene Ecological Chain is forcing my hand. Though I don’t know exactly how it’ll strip me of the skill, given its usual trickery, it will surely deliver. This thing never acts according to reason.

But it only says “acquire.” Can I steal it, or just snatch it?

“Reminder: The host should obtain the Class A weapon through proper channels. Otherwise, the Ecological Chain will deem the task incomplete.”

Fine, so I must participate in this so-called scavenger captain selection?

Forget it, I’ll just play along—the goal is to obtain the blade. What’s the point of being captain? If I don’t want to lead, can they force me?

Shen Dong’s gaze was full of challenge as he stared at me, perhaps unimpressed by my hesitation.

Clearly, he knows nothing of how I declined Huo Tian’s earlier arrangements.

I smiled at Shen Dong and stepped forward, meeting his gaze with mockery.

“Alright! Let’s proceed to the next stage. Tomorrow, you two each lead a team to search for supplies. Whoever brings back the most valuable goods is the winner. You may now select your team members.” Huo Tian grinned at Shen Dong and me.

Old fox!

This Huo Tian is anything but straightforward. He’s obviously setting a trap for me. Does he value me so highly? Or is there more beneath the surface?

I glanced sideways at Shen Dong, who remained arrogantly aloof, not even acknowledging Huo Tian.

A ripple ran through the scavenger ranks. They looked at me, then at one another, and finally, all hesitantly gathered behind Shen Dong.

How amusing. Truly amusing. “Select your team members” he says, but who would come if I called?

Huo Bing approached me with a stoic face, standing at my other side.

“Xiao Bing!” Shen Dong’s expression darkened, blurting out her name.

“I’m a scavenger, too. Brother Cao saved my life, so of course I’ll stand with him. Unlike some people, I don’t forget my debts.” Huo Bing shot Shen Dong a cold smile. His face changed, and he snorted before leaving with the rest of the team.

The place emptied.

Now, only three people, a dog, and the Huo family remained; almost everyone else had been sent away.

Huo Tian smiled at me. “Brother Cao, I’ll leave things to you. We’re all clever here, so I won’t elaborate further.”

Huo Bing crossed her arms, muttering, “I wonder who said they’d never be scavenger captain?”

“Xiao Bing!”

“Hmph…”

I lightly touched the composite titanium blade. Instantly, a blue glow flared. I sensed that if I foolishly pressed the edge now, my finger would be sliced off in an instant.

No wonder the system calls it “Super Energy Cutter.” If I’d used this against those synthetic corpses the other day, I could have sliced them clean in two, unlike my broken Tang sword which took several tries just to pierce them.

“Honestly, I just want this blade. It’s a fine knife. Still, I don’t care to be captain, but as payment for the blade, I’ll help Brother Huo settle some troubles.” I fixed Huo Tian with a meaningful gaze.

Whatever Shen Dong’s methods, he and Huo Tian have reached a point of no return. Shen Dong’s arrogance shows he respects no one, not even Huo Tian. The latter probably wants to remove him, or at least strip him of power and reputation.

I am not surprised by such sordid affairs in this rotten valley—on the wasteland, anything can happen, especially in populous, restless zones.

“Good, good. With your promise, Brother Cao, I’m at ease. Well then, I’ll head back. Let Xiao Bing show you around; all expenses are on me.” Huo Tian tossed the case to his aide and left with his entourage.

“Here, take this—it’ll help you keep time.” Huo Bing rummaged in her pocket and handed me an Old Era wristwatch without another word.

One glance told me it was high-end, surely worth a lot back then. I accepted it—it’s much handier than the little clock I keep in my bag.

An hour later.

After stocking up on necessities and food in the public zone, I returned to Room 66.

It’s worth noting that chickens and eggs are plentiful in the settlement—easy to raise, quick to breed. Hatch an egg, get a chick; then the endless cycle of chicken and egg continues. Still, for people of the lower tier, a meal of chicken is a rare luxury, perhaps once a month, given their contribution points.

Han Shuqing settled right in, tidying up efficiently. Her life here is much better than in the lower sector, though restrictions mean boiled food is all we have. Fried dishes and the like are out of reach, not even Huo Tian in Room 01 can enjoy such meals.

“I want to speak with you privately.” Once inside, Huo Bing suddenly grabbed my hand and whispered.

I looked at the girl—at eighteen or nineteen, she was still, in my eyes, just a young maiden.

“Let’s talk here.”

“It’s not convenient.”

“Alright, let’s go to the side room.”

I led Huo Bing in and asked right away, “You’re really going to recklessly join me for this mission? I’m surprised your father didn’t stop you. He always says you’re his only daughter, his pride.”

Huo Bing stood barely a foot away. “We discussed it beforehand—he opposed, but it didn’t matter. I believe nothing will go wrong with you. You brought me back safely from that perilous city.”

I sneered, “Don’t assume I’ll save you again. I have no obligation to bring you home next time. If you die out there, I won’t be responsible.”

“Still, I’m your only teammate. Even if that’s how you really feel, you don’t have to say it outright—it stings.” She glared at me, annoyed, as we leaned against the table together.

I chuckled. “I prefer to work alone because no one interferes with my actions—it makes everything easier. If…”

“I’m not a useless teammate! I can drive, kill corpses, and carry your stuff. Besides, the task is to bring back the most valuable supplies. You can’t do it alone—a helper is better.” Huo Bing looked at me earnestly.

I didn’t argue—she was right. This time, I did need help.