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The details of the dream were so vivid, the lingering sensory memories so intense. Zhou Meiling curled up in the blankets, still warm from the two of them, her body trembling slightly, her cheeks burning hot.
She stared at the ceiling, her eyes empty and lost.
After such a chaotic, shameful, and taboo-filled night, and after remembering such a dream... that made her underwear wet and her heart pounding wildly.
She no longer knew how to face Luo Jiajun.
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On a new day, Luo Jiajun woke up suddenly with a shiver during Achina's morning bite service.
On the soft, round bed, her body lay sprawled out, while everyone else remained asleep. After swallowing the essence with a "gulp," Achina wanted more. Just then, in the corner of the room, a military walkie-talkie, carelessly placed on a drawer and almost forgotten by Luo Jiajun, suddenly emitted a buzzing electrical noise.
Immediately afterwards, a calm and familiar voice came clearly from within:
"Calling Mr. Luo Jiajun, calling Mr. Luo Jiajun, this is Qin Feng from the Tenglong Special Task Force. Please respond. Repeat, this is Qin Feng from the Tenglong Special Task Force. Please respond." (The rest of the text appears to be gibberish and unrelated to the narrative.)
The sudden communication shattered the serene atmosphere of the early morning, and Mai Shiranui and the others who were sleeping in bed opened their eyes and woke up. Luo Jiajun frowned slightly, and the dazed look in his eyes quickly faded. Archina also stopped what she was doing, straightened up, and leaned her voluptuous body against Luo Jiajun's side, looking at the small box that had made the sound with great interest.
Luo Jiajun took a deep breath, got up, walked to the corner, reached for the walkie-talkie, and pressed the call button:
"Captain Qin, this is Luo Jiajun. How can I help you?"
His voice was still a little hoarse from just waking up, but his tone had returned to its usual calm.
"Mr. Luo, excuse me!" Qin Feng's voice was filled with obvious excitement. "Good news! Based on the information you provided earlier, we have successfully found a treasure chest in the underground warehouse of the abandoned 'Red Star Machinery Factory' in the west of the city and opened it!"
Luo Jiajun raised an eyebrow; the efficiency was much faster than he had expected.
"Congratulations, it seems you're in luck."
"This is all thanks to Mr. Luo's accurate intelligence!"
Qin Feng's tone was full of gratitude as he added, "The Beidu headquarters took the news very seriously, believing that the value of the Kun County area far exceeded expectations. They have decided to send additional personnel and equipment, including an engineering support team and a batch of heavy firepower, to assist our task force in further searching for and opening more treasure chests!"
Luo Jiajun listened quietly, understanding dawning on him.
The government's ability to act is indeed not to be underestimated; once the value is confirmed, the investment will increase rapidly.
Qin Feng's voice continued, with a hint of negotiation in it:
"Mr. Luo, your intelligence played a crucial role in the successful discovery of the treasure chest this time. The Beidu headquarters also specifically instructed that we cannot take advantage of you for nothing. When the transport plane arrives, we can bring you a batch of supplies as a reward. Is there anything you particularly need? Food, medicine, weapons and ammunition, or... other special equipment? As long as it is within reasonable limits, we will try our best to meet your needs."
Luo Jiajun acted almost without hesitation. He was well aware of the constraints and potential risks that could result from getting too involved with the authorities. He only wanted to maintain a relatively independent, mutually beneficial, but clearly defined cooperative relationship.
"Captain Qin, you're too kind," Luo Jiajun replied calmly. "I don't need anything special for the time being, so you can focus on your own matters."
"This……"
Qin Feng seemed somewhat surprised, not expecting Luo Jiajun to refuse so decisively.
He paused, seemingly considering his words, and then offered his suggestion:
“Mr. Luo, I see you seem to have a stable base? In these times, electricity is a scarce resource. Our reinforcement team happens to have a few spare small military silent generators, along with matching fuel. These things aren't big, but they're very practical and can ensure basic lighting and the operation of some equipment. Do you think... we need them?”
Military generators and fuel?
Luo Jiajun's heart skipped a beat. Although there was a generator in the mall, the fuel was almost gone. Besides, how could a civilian generator compare to a military one?
After a moment's hesitation, Luo Jiajun finally relented, "Yes, Captain Qin is very thoughtful. The generator and fuel are indeed very useful. Thank you for your help. I appreciate your kind gesture."
"That's great!" Qin Feng's voice was noticeably more relaxed and cheerful. "Mr. Luo is so agreeable! Don't worry, once the transport plane arrives, we'll deliver the goods to your designated safe location as soon as possible. Keep in touch!"
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On the western edge of the city.
Under a gray sky, a ruggedly designed, camouflaged armed transport plane was cruising at altitude over the ruins of a dilapidated industrial area.
Inside the cabin, Qin Feng had just finished a call with Luo Jiajun and put down the communicator in a good mood.
Just then, the driver suddenly reported urgently: "Team Leader Qin! There's something unusual on the ground at 11 o'clock! A survivor has been found! He's being chased by something! At a very high speed!"
Qin Feng immediately went to the porthole, picked up a high-powered telescope, and looked down.
Below, on an abandoned side road, a woman dressed in tattered clothes, thin and with dry, unkempt hair, was stumbling and running frantically. Her movements were stiff and strange, as if each step was accompanied by immense pain, yet she moved with incredible speed, exuding a desperate, explosive force.
The sight that was chasing right behind her made Qin Feng's pupils shrink suddenly, and a chill instantly crept up his spine!
Those were not the various mutated plants they were familiar with!
Instead, they were enormous centipedes of terrifying size! Each one was over a meter long, and its dark brown carapace gleamed with an oily and cold sheen in the dim light. Countless pairs of slender, sharp legs moved at high speed, making them crawl at an astonishing pace!
These centipedes gathered into a nauseating swarm, chasing after the tiny figure ahead. Wherever they passed, even the mutated plants with their claws outstretched seemed to shrink their branches and leaves in fear!
"My God... what the hell is that?!" The soldier in the passenger seat couldn't help but gasp when he saw it.
Qin Feng's expression turned incredibly grave, his knuckles whitening slightly from gripping the binoculars. His shock far surpassed that of his team members. Mutated plants were already enough to overturn understanding, but now, such enormous, such aggressive…mutated poisonous insects had appeared?!
How many unknown horrors are still hidden in this apocalypse?
"Attention all!"
Qin Feng's voice was resolute, instantly suppressing all surprise and doubt, filled with an unquestionable commanding tone:
"Survivor spotted, being pursued by a swarm of unidentified giant arthropods! Critical situation! Initiate rescue immediately! Descend altitude, fire support teams prepare to suppress the swarm! Assault teams prepare to rappel and rescue! Repeat, objective: rescue the female survivor! Move out!"
Under Qin Feng's command, the engines of the armed transport plane roared, and the nose of the plane dropped slightly, like an eagle spotting its prey, as it swooped down towards the desperate figures and swarming insects on the ground!
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Qin Feng didn't mention the details of how the Tenglong Task Force acquired the [high-value item], or what they actually got after opening the box, and Luo Jiajun didn't bother to ask.
Only one day had passed since defeating the Mimic to summon Zhou Meiling and opening the box to obtain the Poké Ball. However, the message from Qin Feng inexplicably filled Luo Jiajun, who had just returned, with enthusiasm, making him eager to go out again immediately.
However, with the addition of Zhou Meiling as a new member, and even Ye Yibu, who could essentially be considered a new member, Luo Jiajun decided to take a two-day break. Of course, these two days weren't for simple enjoyment, but for training!
Zhou Meiling's inherent ability stemming from her "Scientist" bond grants her the core equipment "Frost Impact Gun." However, possessing a weapon doesn't automatically make Zhou Meiling a competent combatant. At least compared to the rest of the team, she's still far from adequate.
Luo Jiajun certainly wouldn't look down on Zhou Meiling for this, after all, the girl was a researcher, not a soldier. But now it was the apocalypse, and Zhou Meiling's combat abilities needed to be improved. Therefore, Luo Jiajun made arrangements for 2B to specifically train Zhou Meiling.
As a highly intelligent bionic robot born for combat, 2b can develop a suitable training program for Zhou Meiling and execute it efficiently.
Luo Jiajun himself also summoned Yeebu from its Poké Ball and began riding it around the mall's first-floor lobby, practicing his riding skills.
Luo Jiajun took the lead in practicing, and Zhou Meiling, as a new member, was also training hard and had no objections to Luo Jiajun's arrangements.
As a result, even those with lustful minds who only wanted to exploit Luo Jiajun, such as Achina and Delaire, were too embarrassed to stay idle, so they all started training in their own ways.
Rinko Akiyama actively exchanged sword techniques with Leta, while Draiel shared his spellcasting insights with Zyra. Archina even dragged Mai Shiranui out for a practical sparring session. The two didn't go too far, just causing trouble for some mutated plants nearby—one "cutting grass," the other "burning trees"—showing absolutely no regard for nature. In peacetime, they would undoubtedly face countless condemnations!
Time flies by so quickly.
Two days later, Luo Jiajun was already preparing to organize a team to go out "treasure hunting" again.
Unexpectedly, Qin Feng sent another message.
This time, however, the tone coming from the walkie-talkie was no longer one of excitement or negotiation.
Qin Feng's signature calm voice was unusually tinged with urgency and seriousness, and one could even faintly hear the roar of engines and the sound of wind in the background.
"Mr. Luo! Emergency! This is Qin Feng, please respond!"
Qin Feng's voice came through the radio waves, carrying an undeniable sense of urgency.
Luo Jiajun picked up the walkie-talkie, his brow furrowing: "Captain Qin, I'm listening. What happened?"
"The government's western camp is under massive attack!"
Qin Feng spoke incredibly fast, each word like a hammer blow: "Not plants! Insects! An enormous number of giant centipedes and millipedes!"
Luo Jiajun's eyes sharpened.
Giant centipedes and giant millipedes? He immediately thought of his previous experience at Shui Jing Wan Park.
At this moment, Qin Feng's voice continued, bringing even worse news:
"That's not the worst of it! According to the last few fragmented communications desperately transmitted from the camp, there seem to be something even more terrifying mixed in with the swarm! Some insects that look like humanoids! They move extremely fast, are incredibly strong, and have hard exoskeletons! And they seem to possess intelligence! They can command the swarm!"
Insectoids? And they possess intelligence?
Luo Jiajun's heart sank. The legend of the Crimson Corruption instantly flashed through his mind, leading him to think of the Corruption's Kin. In the setting of "Elden Ring," the most devout followers of the Crimson Corruption are a group of insect-like beings resembling centipedes and millipedes, known as the Corruption's Kin.
"and……"
Qin Feng's voice continued, filled with frustration and disbelief:
"The collapse of the camp... seems to have started from within! Two days ago, when we were returning to camp, we rescued a woman. She was in very poor condition, covered in strange festering sores, but she was still conscious, so we took her back to the camp's medical station for observation... We never expected it! We never expected that woman to be a monster!"
Qin Feng's tone was filled with deep fear and anger:
"According to the last communications from the camp, that woman seems to have undergone some kind of terrifying mutation! She caused massive destruction and chaos directly within the camp! The camp's defenses were breached from the inside after her mutation, allowing the swarm of insects to pour in on a large scale! Now... now the entire western camp is completely out of contact, and communications have been completely cut off! We are rushing back at full speed."
"Wait! Captain Qin, you mean you're not at the camp right now?" Luo Jiajun immediately grasped the key point. As for the woman Qin Feng mentioned, Luo Jiajun knew without a doubt that it was Ma Xiaolian.
Qin Feng's helpless voice continued through the walkie-talkie: "Our Tenglong Special Task Force is currently conducting a new round of 'treasure hunting operations.' If we had been in the camp when the disaster occurred, the situation might have been brought under control."
No... if you were here, you would all be dead by now.
Luo Jiajun really wanted to tell Qin Feng this.
According to Qin Feng's description, Ma Xiaolian most likely "bloomed" in the official camp in the west of the city, releasing the crimson corruption within her body.
Fortunately, Ma Xiaolian isn't Marlene, the demigod from "The Elden Ring," whose "flowering" caused an entire province to be contaminated with scarlet corruption. In comparison, the impact of Ma Xiaolian's "flowering" is much smaller; at least Luo Jiajun, who lives in the same county, hasn't noticed anything unusual yet.
...Qin Feng didn't finish speaking. He quickly took a deep breath and said earnestly into the walkie-talkie:
"Mr. Luo! I know this request is very presumptuous, and I know you have your own plans and concerns! But there are still a large number of survivors in the West City Camp! I, Qin Feng, on behalf of the Tenglong Task Force and all the survivors in the West City Camp, earnestly request your help!"
Luo Jiajun: "..."
Well, when Qin Feng mentioned the attack on the official camp in the west of the city, Luo Jiajun had already guessed that his message was probably for help.
However, Luo Jiajun had already given important information, such as the location of the [high-value item], out of consideration for the fact that everyone is a descendant of the Yellow Emperor and a compatriot.
Now you, Qin Feng, want me to help you with just a few words, and even to deal with this hot potato of "scarlet corruption"?
What a joke!
“I’m sorry, Captain Qin… I have to think about my own team,” Luo Jiajun said slowly.
As soon as Luo Jiajun said this, Qin Feng on the other end of the walkie-talkie fell into a brief silence.
After a while, the soldier seemed to have made up his mind and said to Luo Jiajun, "Mr. Luo, as long as you agree to help, we can give you the items we obtained from opening the treasure chest last time! And you can just take our helicopter to the airspace above the camp to see the situation first, and then decide whether or not to help!"
Upon hearing this, Luo Jiajun raised an eyebrow and said leisurely, "Then I think perhaps Captain Qin should first explain in detail what exactly you found when you opened the box." (The rest of the text appears to be unrelated and possibly machine-generated gibberish.)
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"Perhaps Captain Qin should first tell us more specifically what exactly you found when you opened the boxes?"
Luo Jiajun raised objections to Qin Feng's proposed deal, unwilling to risk everything for an unknown "high-value item." (The remaining text appears to be gibberish and unrelated to the initial question.)
Having reached this point in their conversation, Qin Feng had nothing more to hide. His energetic voice came through the walkie-talkie as he described the [high-value item] he was about to offer for trade.
Initially, Qin Feng described it as follows:
[An object resembling an old-fashioned mechanical watch, but consisting only of the main body, without a "strap".]
At this point, Luo Jiajun still didn't realize what this thing was.
But what Qin Feng said next surprised Luo Jiajun, his eyes widening in astonishment:
"Although I didn't know what it was, when I took it out of the box, I seemed to know some information naturally."
"In short, sealed within that object is a powerful... well, elf-like... lady, whose official name is—Digimon Rosemon."
"The first person to summon the Rose Beast will be considered its master by default. That's why I didn't choose to summon it. The support force that is on its way from Beidu includes the 'Druid' I mentioned before. I wonder if Mr. Luo remembers him?"
...Druid?
Luo Jiajun thought about it and realized that there was indeed such a thing.
Although the location information of the high-value items in the western half of Kuncheng was provided to the Tenglong Task Force by him, the authorities had already discovered the existence of the "treasure chest" before that.
Luo Jiajun remembered that when they first met, Qin Feng had mentioned that a soldier in Beidu had obtained an item by opening a treasure chest and used that item to become a druid.
"So you originally planned to have that druid become the master of the Rose Beast after he arrived in Kun County?" Luo Jiajun said, seemingly questioning but actually affirming.
"Yes." Qin Feng also gave an affirmative answer over the walkie-talkie. "A strong alliance might produce a 1+1>2 effect. Most importantly, if that druid comrade takes over, he should be more confident in ensuring that the item for summoning the Rose Beast is not lost."
"Hmm... So the support troops from Beidu, including that druid, haven't arrived in Kun County yet? Captain Qin, how long do you estimate it will take for them to arrive?"