Origin Player.

Chapter 767 Guanzhuang Town Operation: A Surprise Attack on the Hospital.

Night falls.

The new 233rd squad advanced through the wilderness.

Jiang He carried a searchlight, the beam of light shining through the grass and terraced fields, undoubtedly revealing his location.

Fisher and Bell felt the same way; the former couldn't help but complain, "Is there any chance of survival? We're like lanternfish in the sea..."

The words have not yet fallen.

boom!
The ground cracked open, spraying out dark brown soil.

A five-meter-tall alien creature burst forth from the ground, its base resembling a tank, its densely packed centipede legs trembling back and forth, its arms resembling the heavy lances of knights from the old days, and spinning at high speed like an oversized electric drill.

—The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, the War Horsemen.

Even before the War Knight burst out of the ground, Jiang He had already sensed the other party with the help of [Bat Gene]. When the War Knight began to awaken, he decisively shielded Fisher and Bell in front of him, leaped backward, and flew back five or six meters to lie down.

"Fire!" shouted the Lynx squad leader.

Bang bang bang!
The medic and the communications officer fired simultaneously, two chains of fire attacking the War Knight's eyes. In the instant his vision was impaired, the Lynx sergeant removed the black cloth from his left arm, revealing the dark muzzle of a cannon. He was a genetically modified human.

A precious source energy cannonball shot out, its extraordinary fuel, refined from the alien species Fire Ant, burning fiercely at this moment. The kinetic energy propelled the cannonball to accelerate, striking the War Knight in the chest.

boom!
As the explosion rose, its massive body tilted backward, and the vanguard vice-squad leader rushed forward, his Source Sword flowing with silver light, severing the War Knight's head.

The battle began abruptly and ended just as quickly.

Of the three cannon fodder, Jiang He was unharmed, while Fisher, in the critical moment, rushed towards the base of the War Knight. If the battle could not be ended in one round, he would almost certainly die.

Two people survived, but Bell, being a native, was killed by an electric drill from below as the war knight broke through the ground, splitting him in two and leaving no trace of his body.

Fisher, still shaken, glanced at the number of players.

Final Battlefield: 976 people.

Battlefield of All Beings: 982 people.

Dusk Battlefield: 932 people.

Originating from the battlefield: 91 people.

In a very rare occurrence, the casualty rate at Dusk exceeded that of the other three battlefields for the first time.

Fisher cursed under his breath, "Damn it!"

The most fatal factor in this battle for the world was not the king, but the extremely harsh environment. Heroes who have been high above others for too long are easily killed by dangers they once disregarded when they fall to earth.

Click!

The squad leader closest to the two men drew his pistol.

Jiang He felt four or five slight stinging sensations on his body, and a sense of impending danger arose within him; he was being targeted by multiple projectiles.

The lynx squad leader smiled and said, "Aren't you scared?"

Jiang He calmly said, "The vanguard drawing his gun is just a precaution."

The deputy squad leader grinned.

The lynx's smile faded, and he said seriously, "Your perception is off. You took precautions before the War Knight even showed himself."

It's not about asking or guessing, but about judging: the observational skills of the grassroots soldiers in the special forces brigade are closely related to their survival rate.

Jiang He frankly stated, "My innate talent is echolocation, with an effective range of 30 meters, allowing me to detect targets in advance."

The medic and the communications officer narrowed their eyes slightly. This was extremely important. With this cannon fodder around, Squad 233 could avoid the threat of ordinary Apocalypse Knights, which was of great significance.

Over the communication channel, the commander said, "The special forces team needs a Source user who specializes in perception."

The lynx squad leader said coldly, "Why didn't you tell me before?"

"You might not believe it."

"Who says I won't believe it?"

Jiang He remained silent. This was his judgment. Given the haste of their departure, the lynx wouldn't believe the "lies" told by the cannon fodder in order to survive. If he got angry about it, or if he was planning to use it to establish his authority, he would only cause unnecessary trouble.

In the event of a conflict, he would wipe out the entire 233rd Platoon, making it difficult for him to remain and plot to seize the position of Special Operations Platoon Leader.

It's good as it is now.

The only difference is the death of the bell.

"Hmph, step into the perimeter." The Lynx squad leader beckoned. "Let that cannon fodder take the lead. Your name?"

Fisher was completely stunned.

Why is there such a big difference between him and this guy? Anyone can see that the Lynx squad leader is preparing to cultivate his own loyal members.

“Dijiang,” Jiang He said.

The name Dijiang is relatively difficult to pronounce in the common language of the Night World. He originally intended to use the name "Xin", but no one had asked him before. If the Origin player thinks of "Dijiang", his true form in the present world can follow the cause and effect to pay him a visit.

After all, the real name of [Dijiang] was in his hands.

This time, Jiang He will no longer allow Origin players to slack off.

"Strange fellow," muttered the Lynx squad leader, then added, "Keep going!"

Fisher walked alone, carrying a searchlight and clearing the way, his face filled with confusion.

"There is a knight underground 30 meters ahead."

"Listen to him, take the detour."

Perhaps because of the searchlights, the group felt a sense of security in the darkness. The sergeant, Lynx, chuckled and put his arm around Jiang He's shoulder, saying earnestly, "Don't mess with us. One or two knights won't wipe out the special operations squad. When we get back, I'll write your application for official membership and say that you've already survived three times."

In theory, Jiang He did have the potential to lure the special operations squad into the Knight's Sleeping Ground, thereby causing them to suffer heavy losses.

Therefore, it is necessary to promise some benefits.

"Thank you," Jiang He replied.

The night was as dark as ink.

The 233rd Special Operations Platoon hiked five kilometers to reach the outskirts of Guanzhuang Town, without encountering any more Apocalypse Knights along the way.

Strictly speaking, Guanzhuang Town is a small to medium-sized refuge, home to tens of thousands of people. Due to its geographical location, it actually exists as a gray area. Many old buildings remain in the town, and low-level vampires often appear there.

In the dense forest on the hillside.

"Cannon fodder, turn off your searchlights and get out of here!" the medic yelled.

Fisher's eyes revealed a hint of grievance, but he had no choice but to walk away with his head down. He would repay the humiliation he had suffered today tenfold when he returned as a hero.

The sergeant, Lynx, took out a map from his tactical uniform pocket, scanned the core members, and said, "Let me repeat the mission: our 233 squad needs to work with the other two squads to design a triangular ambush zone around Guanzhuang Middle School."

"In order to find out the cause of the vampire riot under the overpass yesterday, the Hound Squad directly under the First Battalion Commander will attack Guanzhuang Middle School and capture the black market merchant Corend. He has been doing business with the Blood Nobles and may know some information."

"We only need to hold off the armed militia, allow free fire, and the capture mission will be handled by the hound squad."

Jiang He asked, "How do we evacuate?"

Commander Night Fox said over the communicator: "The battalion headquarters has notified us that an armored convoy of troops from the Agushe Village garrison will be there to pick you up for your evacuation. The specific location for the ambush will be chosen by Squad Leader Lynx. I trust the expertise of professionals."

The medic and the communications officer exchanged a glance; this commander was the more normal and mild-mannered type.

"Then let's talk about the hospital southeast of the middle school. It's now a pharmaceutical processing plant. Heh, what kind of medicine can a small-to-medium-sized shelter produce? Maybe we can plunder it," said the Lynx squad leader.

Jiang He's eyes flickered slightly.

At the F-level, the creature genes he chose tended towards survivability, with the tardigrade gene being a good choice, suitable for succeeding in the current situation.

Tardigrades are among the most resilient creatures in nature, possessing a mythical ability to survive. They can withstand temperatures close to absolute zero and temperatures as high as 150°C, as well as the immense pressure of 6000 atmospheres in the deep sea, and can even survive in the vacuum of space.

Its tolerance to radiation is hundreds of times that of humans, and it still has the potential to recover even after losing 99% of its water. As for toxins, they can be basically ignored, and its life activities are almost suspended in a state of apparent death.

Meanwhile, tardigrades are widely distributed in humid environments, and can be found in moss, soil, freshwater, etc. The simplest way to find them is through tap water. "The only problem is that we need to find a microscope first, otherwise I can't pinpoint the target for gene extraction. Since the lynx has decided to be stationed at the hospital, we might as well determine the gene of the second creature here."

Jiang He thought to himself that there were actually quite a few choices, but there was no need to hesitate once he had the chance. He was more looking forward to the concept gene that was likely related to space. As long as he collected four life genes, he could activate it, and his power would be greatly enhanced.

"Let's go!" said the Lynx squad leader.

……

Guanzhuang Town was rather quiet under the cover of night.

It is common knowledge among the natives of this world that one should not go out when it is dark. Just as students become restless when the power goes out in a classroom, malice can breed wildly in the absence of light.

Fisher was still walking in front.

Jiang He retrieved the Dawn sniper rifle, with twelve ordinary bullets lying quietly in the magazine. Three magazines hung from his waist on his tactical uniform. This ammunition was allocated by the special forces squad, as urban warfare required the cooperation of those who could sense source power.

Fifteen minutes later, the seven people arrived at Guanzhuang Hospital.

This old-fashioned hospital has only four floors, with broken glass and walls covered with dark green ivy.

There are seventeen people inside, none of whom are Source Power users.

"The basement level is the production line, guarded by four armed men..."

Jiang He relayed the information one by one: when bat genes become extraordinary abilities, their powerful penetrating properties can, to a certain extent, ignore the obstacles of buildings.

Commander Night Fox commented: "Tactical-level ability, important enough to rank in the top 100. The original talent can basically be improved with the life level. When it reaches D level, even ace squads like the Hound will come to compete for it."

An eye on the battlefield, but still young.

In the tactical realm, the value of intelligence is self-evident.

Lynx's smile was slightly bitter. The ace squad was streamlined, directly under the command of senior officers, and was equivalent to private bodyguards and decapitation assassins. The standard for measuring "ace" was that all members were D-level. Within the clans and families, they were not elite forces that could be used at will.

"When that day comes, I won't hold him back."

Lynx made tactical arrangements, and when Jiang He asked to participate in the operation, he hesitated for a moment before finally agreeing.

……

The hospital's fourth floor, a pitch-black corridor.

Jiang He walked silently on the mottled floor.

He just lied.

In the End Lands, a production line is equivalent to wealth. Among the guards here are two F-level Source Users, both staying in the finance office on the fourth floor. The Lynx Squad Leader should have some suspicions, but after he also applied for action, he chose to remain on the sidelines.

"No need to respond, lest you expose your actions."

Commander Night Fox said, "The building is not in the satellite monitoring area. I lied just now. The higher-ups ordered three special forces squads to provide cover, not an armored convoy. There is a motorcycle in the backyard of a shop 700 meters southeast of the hospital. You can try to escape using it."

"That's all I have to say. I won't admit it if anyone asks, because it involves confidentiality regulations. You'll probably be investigated afterward, but it's better than losing your life."

"If you survive, remember to repay my favor."

Jiang He squinted.

The command team assessed that the battle was so fierce that there was no need to arrange a retreat. At the same time, his value was recognized, and the number of people on the motorcycle eliminated the possibility that he would inform the Lynx squad leader, thus affecting the operation.

At the entrance of the finance office.

Jiang He braced himself against the center of the door with one hand. As he stepped out with his right foot, power surged from the sole of his foot to his waist. With a twist of his waist and a thrust of his hips, all the power in his body was concentrated, circulating from his shoulders and chest, flowing through his right arm, and finally escaping through his wrist.

boom!
The door frame shattered, and the entire iron door flew out horizontally, the loud noise echoing and overlapping in the corridor, deafeningly loud.

Inside the finance office, a man and a woman were filled with horror.

The heavy iron gate slammed the woman against the wall. She screamed in pain, coughed up blood, and her chest bones cracked.

"court death!"

The man, who appeared to be around thirty years old, rose from his seat, which was surrounded by surveillance screens. He drew a long sword hanging on the back of his chair, and dark yellow energy flowed between its blades.

Whoosh!
The dark figure had already rushed forward from the doorway, with the force of a mountain.

As the blade came hurtling towards him, Jiang He's gaze was like that of a hawk. He paid no attention to the sharp glint of the blade, but instead focused on the enemy's joints, knees, wrists, and the subtle shifts in his center of gravity.

Swish!
The blade missed by a hair's breadth.

Fragments were slashed off the shoulder fabric of Jiang He's nighttime tactical uniform.

The man's pupils dilated in shock. He quickly changed his move, forcefully pulling the long sword with his wrist, intending to slash at the enemy's neck. But Jiang He was already close at hand, his right hand curling back four fingers as if striking with a heavy axe.

boom!
A strong wind slashed at his face, and a piece suddenly protruded from the back of the man's neck. This was a fatal injury caused by a shattered cervical bone, almost bursting through flesh and blood.

All the wails were suppressed in the broken throat.

The man's eyes dimmed, and Jiang He remained expressionless. She casually pressed down on the enemy's head, followed by a sharp knee strike.

clang!
A loud, shattering sound, like a watermelon exploding, rang out.

The man's jaw suddenly plunged into his nasal cavity, his eyeballs burst out, and blood flowed from his seven orifices. His face was now completely unrecognizable as human. This was an absolute skill that could not be destroyed even when seeing a god, and it even completely destroyed his brain.

Boom!
The body and the iron gate fell to the ground at the same time.

The woman broke free from the suppression, and in the blink of an eye, the finance office was left with only her.

The temperature was rising, and the woman's eyes were blazing with anger.

A dark blue fireball gathered in front of her, her innate fire attribute talent being infused with source power, igniting into a raging inferno.

call!
A fireball erupted.

Jiang He's eyes were calm.

The next moment, a gale swirled around him, and his remaining source power was released, resembling strands of steel wire enveloping the surroundings.

If the extraordinary power that killed the male Source Force user came from Ming Jin, then the self-carved defense was undoubtedly Gang Jin.

boom!
It looked like several hand grenades had detonated indoors.

A raging wind, carrying flames, swept everywhere. Although it was only generated by his current body, only a small part of the energy threads were destroyed. Jiang He rushed out of the flames, leaped forward like a tiger, and clasped his hands together to form a fist and strike down. The enemy's position was always within his perception, without any doubt.

boom!
The heavy punch landed on the woman's head.

There was no time for astonishment or fear; the intruders' fighting rhythm was like a surging tide, fierce and overwhelming.

A head fell into her chest cavity, and the cracking sound of the neck bone rubbing against the spine could be faintly heard. The head, which was mostly sunken, was stuck on the pelvis, making the woman's death look like a headless monster.

Jiang He unfastened the tactical short knife from his forearm. This thing was probably a product of dealing with a situation; it was only sturdy and sharp, the kind that you wouldn't feel too bad if you lost it.

Tactical daggers pierced the hearts of the two men one after the other.

As the essence of fresh blood flowed into his body, Jiang He controlled the Divine Imperishable Technique and distributed this nourishment.

[Hint: Constitution: F+ → E-]
Normally, without the perfect utilization of the sin of gluttony and the blood essence to strengthen oneself, it would take three or four E-ranks to advance one's physique level.

However, at the battlefield ruins of the overpass, Jiang He absorbed the remaining nutrients and strengthened himself to the limit of F-level, only a hair's breadth away. Of course, his overall level was still only that of an F-level source power user.

His bones cracked and his blood surged. Jiang He stretched his muscles and bones, quite satisfied with this improvement. It was worth lying and eating alone earlier. At the same time, the energy in his body also changed, transforming from gaseous to liquid, though not completely.

"Dijiang, what's the situation on your end?"

"This is Lynx, please reply immediately!"

Jiang He picked up some documents, walked out of the finance office, and casually replied, "Target achieved."

The document contained the factory's production report. Jiang He frowned slightly as he looked at the ingredients of the "nutritional paste," then immediately turned around and went back to find two samples for inspection.

"This is... the smell of blood. It's of the same quality but not as good as the vampires I've encountered before; it's a diluted version."

Jiang He pondered. The ability of vampires to create blood servants is one of their most fundamental abilities. If the nutritional paste they consume daily contains vampire blood, the danger level in Guanzhuang Town might be even greater than expected.

(End of this chapter)