Apocalypse Gachapon

While everyone marveled at how Ye Zhongming could have so much equipment, they also realized one thing.

Whether he was buying loyalty or genuinely felt apologetic, it demonstrated that his resources were absolutely top-tier—far surpassing any single small clan, or even the entire small clan alliance.

By now, it was not only the victorious Second Regiment that envied the First Regiment; the Third and Fourth Regiments were also extremely envious.

With similar strength, those who had equipment and money could hunt higher-level prey, earn greater rewards, and continue to advance rapidly, feeding back into their personal power. It was a mutually reinforcing cycle. Those not in the First Regiment would soon be left behind.

This disparity was palpable. Morale in the other regiments was noticeably low. Duoduo, Leona, and even Lord Star came to Ye Zhongming, half-jokingly accusing him of being unfair—that his wealth was stealing their thunder.

Ye Zhongming just laughed and gave them gifts—equipment and such—and they left happily.

There were no hard feelings. They understood that Ye Zhongming gave because he had the means. Though they had not directly profited, their clansmen in the First Regiment had—many of them. Duoduo's son, for example, had not only received a Little Black Shield, a bow, and ten arrows, but also several pieces of equipment. He showed them off to his father. Duoduo cursed him verbally, but inwardly, he was pleased.

The First and Second Regiments had returned, so it was the Third and Fourth Regiments' turn to go hunting. But after only one day, they all came back.

Ye Zhongming, who had been observing the demon caves, received the news and returned to the base. There, he learned that large numbers of mutated lifeforms were gathering in three directions around the camp.

This was not like the last time, when only a few groups gathered. This was a large-scale mobilization, likely a full-scale assault on the base.

Everyone was cautious, but not surprised. This was a common occurrence in almost every Planet Hunting Ground hunt.

The native lifeforms of a planet never took kindly to invaders.

"According to observations, large numbers of mutated lifeforms are appearing in all directions on the Long River Alluvial Plain. Within fifty kilometers of us, their numbers may exceed one million."

Strictly speaking, the mutated lifeforms' harassment of the camp had never ceased. But with the four regiments rotating hunting expeditions, they had been able to clear the surrounding area even while traveling, so ground harassment had not been severe. The main threat came from the air.

In the past, this would have been a constant concern. At least one-fifth of the camp's personnel would have to remain behind to deal with aerial threats. But this time, thanks to the Kepaisi Sky Cover, the air threat required no intervention—the composite equipment handled it entirely. Thus, everyone at the Overlapping Water Dead Zone could focus on hunting. Those who remained at camp could rest and prepare in peace, which greatly helped preserve combat strength.

"This is likely the inevitable beast tide. We must be fully prepared and strive for victory with minimal losses. Of course, with the help of the Kepaisi Sky Cover and the many formations set up by the Su Clan, we should be able to withstand the attack relatively safely. However, the number of mutated lifeforms around our chosen location is extremely high. The battle will certainly be very difficult."

Lord Star spoke while scanning the room, not wanting to discourage anyone with the grimness of the coming battle, but also not wanting them to become overconfident or complacent due to their many advantages.

He then began assigning specific tasks. For instance, the Third and Fourth Regiments had just returned, so the First and Second Regiments would handle the initial defense. Based on ability ranges, certain personnel would be allocated as reserves, responsible for ranged attacks and suppression of airborne lifeforms and those charging up the paths. The Third and Fourth Regiments would concentrate in the Star-Eye Clan's base area, and so on.

"Zhongming, White Robe, how are things at the demon caves?"

After finishing the defensive assignments, Lord Star asked with concern.

She had heard about what was happening there. At least a hundred people had gone missing, seemingly vanishing into thin air.

Though the number was small—insignificant compared to hunting losses—the fact that they had disappeared without even seeing the enemy was troubling.

Now, with mutated lifeforms gathering outside for an attack, if something also happened at the Half-Abyss Demon Cave, the small clan alliance would face immense pressure, on par with the Su Clan's, but their overall strength was far inferior.

Ye Zhongming and White Robe could not answer this question immediately. They themselves were unsure how to deal with the demon caves.

Finally, the Cloud Peak King spoke. "We probably have a few hours before the external mutated lifeforms attack."

Everyone nodded. There was a process from the formation of a beast tide to the actual attack. During this time, the tide would select its leaders—one, several, or perhaps a particular group. Once they had subdued the other lifeforms, the attack would begin.

This process could be short or long, but generally not too long, as strength could often be sensed without a fight.

"I see three possible approaches," Ye Zhongming said.

"The first: maintain the status quo. Continue monitoring with a small force, but cease exploration during the beast tide."

"The advantage of this approach is that we wait and see what happens before responding. We won't overreact or be caught off guard."

Everyone nodded in agreement. With some preparations, it was indeed a moderate approach.

After a few seconds of silence, Ye Zhongming continued. "The second: launch a large-scale assault and detonate this time bomb."

The word "detonate" made everyone's hearts skip.

"The advantage of this approach is that we no longer have to worry about what might happen. We solve the problem once and for all—because it has already happened, and we just have to deal with it. The disadvantage is that there might be no danger in the Half-Abyss Demon Cave, and our actions could draw out danger, consuming much of our strength. This would thin out our overall defenses, increase losses, and even risk total collapse."

Ye Zhongming spoke quickly, needing everyone to decide as soon as possible.

"The third: completely evacuate the caves and… seal them all shut!"

This suggestion caught everyone off guard. Seal them all shut?

"The advantage is that this would not divert our attention or manpower for defense. Even if something were to emerge from within suddenly, it would have to break through the sealed openings first, giving us enough time to redeploy forces. If nothing happens, even better. The disadvantage is that the sealing process itself might draw out danger, leading us back to the second scenario."

Ye Zhongming finished and looked around. "These are my three approaches. Which one do you think is most suitable?"

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