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墨書 Inktalez
The cargo ship had been sailing for two hours, during which they could still see the ancient warships of the Free Federation patrolling nearby. Although many islands appeared dilapidated, signs of life remained, with fishing boats and cargo ships bustling about.
However, once the cargo ship left these recovery zones, the Old Captain ordered a reduction in speed. This was to minimize the noise of the engine, as they were now in the Fallen Zone. Here, the formidable sea beasts reigned supreme, and the islands they passed were increasingly desolate, with few signs of human presence.
Lu Fei Fan spotted a large island looming in the distance. It obstructed the view of the port, which appeared irregular, yet soldiers armed with weapons patrolled its perimeter.
"We've arrived." The horse team was the first to disembark, each member grabbing their backpacks as they stepped onto the dock.
The others followed suit, exiting the pier and boarding a truck. The vehicle was not only filled with their team but also with members of other Special Operations Teams, though no one exchanged words.
"Hey, back to this dump again. Ugh, what a drag," grumbled a bald man as he wiped sweat from his shiny head. It seemed that as the truck drove further, the heat became stifling and oppressive.
"This isn't anything new for Liushadao. Lao Liu, quit complaining or Captain Xin will kick your ass," one of his teammates reminded him.
Inside the truck, Lu Fei Fan felt the vehicle jolt as it kicked up clouds of dust behind them.
Suddenly, without warning, the truck came to a screeching halt. Those standing or sitting inside nearly toppled over, and those with short tempers kicked the vehicle and cursed loudly.
"What the hell? Are you trying to kill me?"
"Can’t you drive properly? Damn it."
The horse team wore serious expressions as they sensed something was off. The leader decisively ordered his team, "Something's not right; everyone prepare for combat!"
All members of the Fei Hu Battle Team, including Lu Fei Fan, quickly readied their hot weapons and loaded ammunition. Fully armed and alert for battle, they understood that from this moment on, relaxation was not an option.
Inside the truck, the others observed the tense demeanor of the Fei Hu Battle Team, some following suit while others laughed.
"What are you so nervous about? Ha! A bunch of rookies."
"Don't panic, I'll go take a look first."
With that, two of them pulled back the tarpaulin and jumped out to assess the situation outside.
"Ah!"
"This is bad!"
Bang! Bang! Bang—
A scream pierced the air, followed by several gunshots.
The cavalry signaled to Jiu Ye, who raised a Heavy Machine Gun and pulled back the tarpaulin, unleashing a barrage in the opposite direction. Following him, Da Fu Ge and Fu Qinqin jumped out of the truck, the sound of gunfire echoing around them!
Once a firing support point was established and secured, Ma Dui called for everyone else to get out quickly.
Ma Dui was the first to jump down, followed closely by Da Biao, Lu Fei Fan, and Cai Bi.
Lu Fei Fan jumped out of the vehicle and rolled to the side, raising his weapon. However, apart from the swirling dust and desolation, there were no enemies in sight.
The people from the truck followed suit, no longer daring to be careless, each of them holding their weapons at the ready.
Around the vehicle, several bodies lay sprawled on the ground. They were human, but with dark skin and scant clothing. Unfortunately, they had all been shot dead, and the pool of drying red beneath them was a testament to the earth reclaiming life.
“Damn it, it’s those Sand Raiders again. I can’t stand these talentless fools,” one bald man spat before climbing back into the truck.
The cavalry scanned their surroundings before heading to check on Da Fu Ge up front. They found that both drivers had been shot!
They must have been ambushed by the Savages while they were coming over.
Da Fu Ge and the cavalry dragged the bodies out of the vehicle and tossed them onto the ground. Suddenly, with a loud bang, a massive yellow-brown Sand Scorpion appeared before them, its two large pincers raised high.
“Sand Scorpion!” someone shouted in alarm.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Countless Energy Bullets soared into the air, striking the yellow-brown Sand Scorpion. Its tough Carapace deflected the incoming bullets, sending plumes of dirt flying into the air.
"Everyone, get back!" a man as solid as an Iron Tower appeared, shouldering a Rocket Launcher.
After taking aim, he fired with a loud bang, sending an Energy Rocket streaking towards the Sand Scorpion!
Boom!
The violent explosion knocked everyone around the truck off balance, but thankfully, the Sand Scorpion was finally taken down.
The man with the Rocket Launcher approached the fallen Sand Scorpion, which lay with most of its body on the ground. He kicked at its two massive pincers, then drew his sidearm and fired several shots into the creature to confirm it was dead before stepping back.
"This Sand Scorpion must have been brought here by that group of Sand Raiders," one of the team members analyzed.
Da Biao and Cai Bi went over to saw off the Sand Scorpion's two large pincers and loaded them onto the truck.
"Let's go. It's getting late, and we need to reach the temporary base as soon as possible. This road is becoming increasingly unsafe," Da Fu Ge said, scanning the surroundings. The barren desert terrain was a hallmark of Shazhou Island.
Everyone climbed into the truck, which roared back to life.
Half an hour later, they arrived at their destination—the Wilderness Base!
The Wilderness Base was composed of abandoned structures in the desert, surrounded by defensive positions. Trenches piled high with Human Sandbags were fortified at each corner with Viewing Towers, where snipers kept watch. Even more reassuring were the automated Energy Cannons installed on every side of the base's fortifications!
These weapons could reduce any foe below General rank to rubble, making them more than sufficient for dealing with beasts that might attack their stronghold.
In the center of this temporary base stood a lighthouse, about thirty to forty meters tall. This was the most fundamental assurance for the establishment of the base, providing energy protection. Although it was merely a low-grade lighthouse in terms of height, it was invaluable for an island fraught with dangers in the Fallen Zone.
Thanks to this lighthouse, the Pioneering Legion that initially arrived on Fallen Island relied on it to establish fortifications and subsequently built a Safe Base where humans could seek refuge and rest.
"Listen, if you encounter extreme weather on any island and lose your way, remember these lighthouses! They might save your life. Of course, if you are at our Safe Base, the lighthouse will always shine through extreme conditions, whether in darkness or snowstorms, guiding us home," Lao Jiu explained to Lu Fei Fan with rare earnestness.
Lu Fei Fan took note of this and surveyed the base. It spanned nearly a thousand square meters and featured several buildings alongside rows of military tents. People were coming and going, a diverse mix of individuals. The soldiers maintaining this base were from the Free Federation, but their uniforms differed significantly from those of the soldiers within the safe zone, indicating they were likely from different units.
"Don't be fooled; these are all part of the Expeditionary Force. You think this base is open to us for free? We have to pay to rest here," Da Biao reminded Lu Fei Fan.
"Taxes?" Lu Fei Fan suspected that such good fortune was too good to be true.
"Usually, yes. You should know that the Expeditionary Force receives limited military funding from the Free Federation each year. To maintain their large military expenses, relying solely on federal allocations is far from sufficient. Therefore, they engage in many gray industries here, such as taxing temporary bases and protecting certain industrial groups or wealthy families conducting business in the Fallen Zone—mining, oil refining, smuggling, and even military manufacturing," Da Fu Ge interjected with a nod.
"Doesn't anyone up top care?" Lu Fei Fan casually asked.
"Care?" Da Biao scoffed. "The higher-ups are far removed from reality. Plus, the Expeditionary Force has a notorious reputation for being corrupt. They've practically become private armies for those generals; they're no different from warlords at this point—who still cares about the Free Federation?"
"Alright, enough of that; we should head inside," Da Fu Ge reminded them as a patrol team of five soldiers approached. Naturally, these soldiers belonged to the Expeditionary Force and cast cold glances at Lu Fei Fan and his companions.
"Remember not to provoke them while in this base; they are notoriously protective of their own unless you’re strong enough!" Cai Bi warned from behind Lu Fei Fan. "I don't want to get involved with these fellows."
"Okay, okay, I know you have some unpleasant history with them. Let's just go inside," Da Fu Ge cut in.
The cavalry had already completed the necessary procedures with the Young Officer at the entrance. The tax collector, with a cigarette dangling from his mouth and another wedged behind his ear, casually grabbed a stamp from the table and slammed it down on the Intermediate Hunting Area Pass belonging to the cavalry. With that, he pulled a bunch of keys from a drawer and tossed them to the cavalry, waving his hand to signal that they could enter. After all, there were still more people arriving behind the Fei Hu Battle Team, and the sound of engines in the parking lot had not ceased.
The cavalry led Lu Fei Fan and others inside, following the numbered area indicated on the key to find their assigned Camp.
As they traversed the base, Lu Fei Fan noticed that there were actually four or five Anti-Air Missile Vehicles stationed in various corners of the base. It was unclear whether they were meant to deal with flying beasts or had other purposes. However, if they were intended for combating airborne threats, they would undoubtedly be formidable weapons.
The temporary base provided military tents as resting places for these Special Operations Teams. After settling Lu Fei Fan and his group, the cavalry took a batch of people to the camp cafeteria for meals, while another group waited for Da Fu Ge to lead them in after Lu Fei Fan's group finished eating.
Although fighting and conflicts were prohibited in this base, there was no one responsible for guarding weapons and equipment. Experienced members of the Special Operations Teams often left their weapons and gear unattended in the Camp before heading off to eat.
The temporary base also housed many concrete buildings. According to the captain and Da Fu Ge, those were designated for officers and soldiers of the Expeditionary Force. Some vacant buildings were reserved for arms dealers, repair shops, and temporary hospitals. Naturally, General-level powerhouses would be assigned to the best accommodations for rest.
It was crucial to note that if this base did not have one or two Generals stationed there, it would be vulnerable to an attack from a formidable Lord-Level Beast. Therefore, whether dispatched by the Expeditionary Force or hired externally, strong individuals would always be present at this base.
The captain allowed the team members to rest for two hours but instructed Ma Dui to have Fu Qinqin brief Lu Fei Fan on some precautions regarding the wilderness of the island before resting.
"Let me tell you a few points," Fu Qinqin said with a stern face, somewhat reluctant. "First..."
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