Chapter 145: The Mutated Man-Eating Beast
"Don't be foolish."
Hu Sanhan let out a scoffing laugh.
"Do you think everyone can wield power like my boss?"
Hearing this, George was taken aback.
"Why not? We're all human. Even if he’s exceptionally gifted, it doesn’t mean we’re inferior."
"Wrong. Absolutely wrong."
Hu Sanhan laughed again.
"My boss’s extraordinary ability comes from possessing the Ant gene. The power of this gene is incredible. Who can compare to him? Think about it."
"Ant gene?"
Those words left George and the others dumbfounded.
Having other kinds of genetic power would indeed make someone far stronger than ordinary people.
But even so, was there no chance for them to acquire such power by some twist of fate?
For a moment, a complicated feeling stirred among them, and they exchanged uneasy glances.
Just as their nerves began to fray, Chen Yi spoke up once more.
"Enough. Why waste time talking about this? Right now, survival is what matters most. What you’re thinking about has nothing to do with what we must do."
"That's true."
Hu Sanhan patted his head, feeling embarrassed.
"Boss, we've known each other for so long, and yet I never considered this dimension of things—I was just clowning around."
"Enough. Let’s leave it at that."
Chen Yi didn’t blame Hu Sanhan for mentioning his abilities in front of others. After all, none of the newcomers’ true intentions were known, and Hu Sanhan likely only wanted them to understand his formidable strength, making it clear he wouldn’t be outwitted by their schemes.
Therefore, Chen Yi offered no harsh rebuke, instead fixing a stern gaze on George and his group.
"Now, I want to know exactly how these fire bugs appeared, and besides that monster on land, what else is out there?"
"Besides the fire bugs, there are man-eating beasts. These beasts possess powerful crystalline energy cores."
George’s tone darkened as he spoke.
"But so far, only a handful have managed to kill these beasts. We’ve sent many to try to take them down, but none have returned safely."
"Man-eating beasts?"
Chen Yi was unaware such creatures existed in this apocalyptic world.
In his previous life, he had only encountered zombies and some mutated creatures, but these carnivorous monsters had escaped his notice. His eyes sharpened.
"Tell me, what else is special about these beasts? Explain it clearly—I promise this will be dealt with."
With Chen Yi’s assurance, George began to elaborate.
The man-eating beasts were as large as yaks but incredibly swift, capable of devouring many people within seconds.
They preferred to hunt at night and were rarely seen during the day, making them creatures of darkness.
Chen Yi fell silent for a moment, then looked again at George.
"Is there a way to lure one out?"
"Boss."
George grew anxious.
"Isn’t that too risky? I’m not sure it’s safe."
"No worries."
Chen Yi spoke firmly.
"Since these beasts have appeared here, we must act. We can’t just stand by and let them wipe out humanity."
The others froze, stepping back, clearly doubting Chen Yi’s words and reluctant to join in.
Chen Yi paid no mind to their cowardice. Instead, he turned to his own companions.
"Who among you is willing to fight alongside me?"
"Of course."
Sun Dawei, Hu Sanhan, and several others who had followed Chen Yi readily beat their chests in affirmation.
"This kind of thing calls for us to stand by our boss. We can’t let him face this alone. Besides, with him here, what do we have to fear?"
Those from George’s group stared dumbfounded at their boldness.
"Aren’t you afraid of death?"
"What’s there to fear?"
Hu Sanhan and the others cast a disdainful glance at George’s people and shook their heads.
"What we fear most is a fate worse than death."
Chen Yi didn’t continue to argue; instead, he looked back at George.
"If you want to be like those cowards, I won’t stop you."
"Don’t blame me."
George placed his hands on his hips.
"Boss, since I’ve decided to follow you, I’m ready to face the danger too. But I wonder, do you have another plan this time?"
"Give the man-eating beast what it likes most. I’ll be the bait."
"You’re crazy."
Hu Sanhan gasped sharply.
"I know you’re strong, but using yourself as bait is too dangerous. I don’t agree."
"I don’t agree either!"
George nodded vigorously. He didn’t want his newfound allies to sacrifice themselves because of his reckless impulsiveness.
So he hurriedly addressed Chen Yi.
"Boss, you need to think carefully. We all believe in your strength, but the situation now is different. You must face reality."
"I know."
Chen Yi nodded.
"But reality is something I can face."
His words left the group somewhat frustrated. Chen Yi’s resolve was clear: he would press on no matter what. The threat posed by the man-eating beasts was too grave for anyone to move lightly.
Hu Sanhan pondered deeply, a thought creeping into his mind.
"Maybe we should ask my sister-in-law. Perhaps she—"
"Why would we ask your sister-in-law?"
Chen Yi gave a sharp glance and snorted.
"Don’t badmouth my wife. Right now, she’s working hard to keep the new squad alive."
Hu Sanhan’s face fell completely.
"My boss, you—"
"Watch out!"
Chen Yi swung his twin blades just as a massive tentacle pierced Hu Sanhan’s chest, severing it in time.
Staring at the writhing tentacle on the ground, Hu Sanhan’s heart nearly stopped.
"That was a close call with the Grim Reaper. Boss, you saved me again."
At that moment, countless red zombies surged from all directions, followed by tentacled monsters. George and the others shuddered instantly.
"Why are man-eating beasts out during the day?"
Chen Yi frowned sharply at the tentacled creatures.
"I’m afraid these beasts have fundamentally changed long ago. It’s just that you fools never noticed!"