Aurora adjusted the ledger in front of her...
"Everything’s in order..." Aurora muttered. The ink was still fresh from her morning notes.
As the leader of the Provision Division, she had the responsibility to ensure that they had enough food supplies, rationing, and farming experiments.
Her Plant Enthusiast Talent gave her an edge in identifying edible plants and nurturing sprouts, but her responsibilities stretched far beyond the soil.
The kitchen crew worked under her guidance, ensuring meals were prepared before missions and that survivors had the energy to fight.
Today, however, her focus was not on crops or rations. It was at the meeting that had gathered all division leaders in the central hall.
Around the table sat Irene from the Medic Division, Ralph and Claire representing the Assault Divisions Team A and Team B, Victor from Engineering, Wallace from Security, and Russel, who spoke for the Support Units that include drivers, scavengers, scouts, and trapsetters.
Aurora’s eyes focused as Russel finished recounting his memory.
"The herd of bulls... I still remember it," Russel said grimly. "They’re mutated and super strong. Most of them were inedible, like they were poisoned. It’s like the A.I. Army spread a virus to contaminate animals, to make sure humans wouldn’t have enough food."
Aurora tapped her pen against the ledger. "Yes. That’s consistent with what we’ve seen. Normal mutated bulls are toxic. But I heard that the Golden‑Horned Bull is different..."
"Well, the way they described it was like it transcends the corruption. Its horn became mystical, and its meat is not only edible... it enhances Gene development. Is that true?"
"More or less..." Ralph replied.
The room fell silent for a moment.
Victor then thought for a moment before he continued.
"If we capture one, it could help us a lot..."
Wallace knew this as well, but he had to remind them of something...
"But Kai’s orders are clear. The Modified Sentinels stay inside the shelter. They’re defensive assets only. We can’t risk them outside."
Aurora nodded. "Which means we’ll have to rely on manpower. Anyway, we have four Super Soldiers Kai brought from the Auction House. They’re disciplined, equipped, and capable. They should be capable tankers."
Ralph’s eye lit up as he recalled this.
Since the Super Soldiers were being used mostly for construction, he had almost forgotten about them.
"Good. My Team A will support them. Ten of my best, armed with revolvers and rifles. We’ll wear the Advanced Camouflage Gear Set and help them from the back...
Claire nodded. "I guess Team B will remain on standby. If things go wrong, we’ll hurry to your location."
Irene finally spoke. "Then it’s decided. The Super Soldiers will be mobilized. We’ll provide them with some medical kit...."
Later that afternoon, the preparations began.
The four Super Soldiers led by Castor left the armory...
Their heavy armor could deflect three or four shots of Plasma... They also had some other defensive items on them.
Well, they had fought before, but this mission was different.
Althea personally oversaw their outfitting.
First came the Heavy Swords, weapons purchased from the Auction House. Each blade was massive, designed to cut through steel.
The soldiers gripped them with ease, making the weapons feel natural.
Next was the Survival Gear Set. They were from the Superior Survival Gift Pack.
It was equipped with protective plates, utility belts stocked with essentials, and cloaks designed to resist weather.
Each soldier was also given a secondary weapon... an axe. They were compact, but in their hands, these axe were deadly.
Finally, Aurora handed them pouches filled with smoke bombs.
"If you need to escape, use these. Visibility will drop, and you’ll have a chance to retreat."
Draxen nodded. "Understood."
Korval tested the weight of his sword. "We’ll bring the bull down."
Aurora’s gaze lingered on them. They’re strong... but this mission will test them.
Ralph’s Team A assembled next.
Ten men and women, each armed with revolvers and rifles.
Their Advanced Camouflage Gear Set made them appear like shadows, black from head to toe. The gear absorbed light, blending it into the environment.
Ralph addressed his team.
"We’re supporting the Super Soldiers. Our job is to provide cover fire, distract the bull if needed, and ensure no one gets trampled. Stay vigilant... This isn’t a simple hunt."
The team nodded in unison.
By dusk, the hunting party departed.
The forest appeared ahead, and soon, they heard the distant cries of mutated beasts.
Thankfully, the ground was damp from recent rain, so they weren’t easily noticed by the beasts.
Still, the hunt began deep in the forest.
Russel’s scouts had reported sightings of the Golden‑Horned Bull near a clearing, grazing among vegetation. But it wasn’t alone.
A herd of mutated bulls surrounded it... They were also quite massive creatures with darkened hides and eyes wild with corruption.
"It’s here..." Russel whispered, pointing.
At the center of the herd was the Golden‑Horned Bull.
The creature was enormous, its horns were glowing faintly with a golden sheen even in the fading light.
Unlike the corrupted herd, its flesh looked clean, its movements seemed calm... It was as if it was not worrying about any threats...
Castor soon raised his hand, signaling silence.
The Super Soldiers remained low, gripping their heavy swords tightly.
Ralph’s Team A spread out and soon, their rifles aimed at the herd...
But as they were about to begin their operation, the Golden Bull lifted its head with nostrils flaring. It sensed them.
Perhaps, it could sense their killing intent!
"Now," Castor whispered.
Just like that, the Super Soldiers charged.
Their heavy swords swung in arcs, aiming first at the corrupted bulls to clear a path.
Roooarrrr!
The herd exploded in chaos.
The corrupted bulls charged forward with their horns aiming to stab at the humans!
The Golden Bull also roared!
It was so powerful that it created a blast.
Still, they were strong enough to endure this attack!
One of the Super Soldier’s axe struck one of the corrupted beasts, splitting its flank.
Another’s blade then cut across a bull’s shoulder and soon, blood and flesh sprayed into the air. Castor then hurled a smoke bomb, obscuring the battlefield in thick haze.
Soon, Ralph’s team opened fire!
Two corrupted bulls were immediately peppered as they collapsed under the barrage...
However, more of them pressed forward with their hooves, smashing the ground with thunderous force!
Thud! Thud! Thud!
The battle was brutal.
The herd’s strength was immense as its horns were capable of shattering trees.
But the Super Soldiers held their ground. They had obtained this name for a reason! They were humans enhanced with a special Gene!
Castor leapt forward, and soon, his heavy sword pierced the neck of one corrupted bull. The creature collapsed and thrashed violently before going still.
"Focus on the Golden One!" Ralph shouted as he saw the opening...
The Golden Bull roared, charging through the smoke. Its horns glowed brighter as if it was gathering strength!
As they thought that it would just charge with the same speed, something unexpected happened!
The Golden Bull suddenly arrived in front of a Super Soldier!
It happened so quickly that he failed to dodge!
Bam!
Just like that, it smashed into him, sending him sprawling to the ground!
"W-what? Is that a Gene Skill?"
"It can actually use skills like that?"
"Ugh... No one mentioned this!"
"The previous hunt didn’t give the Golden Bull a chance to use its skill."
"Just overwhelm that thing!"
Finally, one of the Super Soldiers intercepted, his axe biting into the beast’s flank.
Castor then swung his sword, and it met the bull’s horn!
Clank!
Ralph’s team then shifted fire, targeting the Golden Bull.
Soon, bullets struck its hide, slowing it, but the creature pressed forward, enraged!
"Push harder!" Ralph shouted.
They didn’t bring Plasma Rifles since they were planning to eat the Bull. Because of that, they had to make some extra efforts to kill it!
The Super Soldiers regrouped.
Soon, the downed Super Soldier drank one of the Stimulants and charged forward once again...
"You’re not going to hit me again!" The Super Soldier shouted.
As soon as he realized that the bull was locked on Castor and that the riflemen weakened the target, he no longer hesitated and stabbed his sword into the Golden Bull’s chest.
Ssaakkk!
The beast cried in pain as golden light erupted from its horns.
It seemed like it was planning to do one last move! However, they wouldn’t let that happen!
The corrupted herd was already in shambles. Most of them had already died, and their roars were also weakening as their leader staggered. No one could stop the Super Soldiers anymore!
"Let’s end this!"
Finally, with a coordinated strike of axes, swords, and gunfire, the Golden‑Horned Bull collapsed. Its golden horns glinted faintly as its life faded! As soon as the Golden Bull died, its herd scattered into the forest.
"It’s done!" Ralph shouted in joy as he asked Renji, one of the temporary members of his team, to use his Appraisal and confirm their hunt.
"Appraisal..." Renji said as he soon got the notification.
[ You have discovered Golden‑Horned Bull Carcass! ]
[ Grade: Rare Resource ]
[ Description: A resilient creature. Flesh is pure and safe for consumption, rich in nutrients. Hide is durable, suitable for crafting protective gear, and the horns contain condensed spiritual energy. ]
[ Note: Meat provides high nutritional value. Horns may be harvested for spiritual enhancement or crafting. ]
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