Fantasy Game: Infinite City

While Han Zu was observing the environment, the Dark Raven Squad had already climbed to the bottom of the pit. The bottom of the pit was the location of the previous underground experimental base. The roof of the base had collapsed, rubble and debris were scattered everywhere, and black markings covered the entire area like a tide. The residual energy fluctuations were even more intense here, carrying a strong corrosive quality. After landing, the captain immediately signaled for the team to spread out and conduct a comprehensive survey of the surrounding area, while also vigilantly scanning their surroundings to prevent any surprise attacks from mutants.

“Captain, there is a large amount of residual energy here. After analysis, it is consistent with the energy fluctuations detected before, belonging to an unknown type of violent energy.” A team member squatted down and touched the black marks on the ground with his finger. The detector in the nano-armor quickly collected data. “These black marks are highly polluting and can corrode the bodies of organisms and modify their genetic structure. Those mutants should have been formed after being polluted by these marks.”

The captain's gaze fell on the data transmitted from the other party on the virtual screen, his tone grave: "Have you found any remnants of the energy source's core? Or weapon fragments?"

"Detecting," the team member replied, a stream of data scrolling across the virtual screen beneath his mask. "The energy residue is too chaotic and needs time to sort out. However, I detected a faint energy fluctuation of a disintegration field in the rubble over there, which may be a trace left by some kind of special weapon."

"Disintegration force field energy?" A glint of light flashed in the captain's eyes. "Go check it out immediately, and make sure you find the weapon fragments!"

The two team members immediately stood up and walked towards the pile of rubble indicated by their teammate, their weapons scanning the surroundings warily for any fragments. Han Zu, watching from his office building, felt a pang of anxiety—they had indeed discovered remnants of the disintegrating force field ray device. If they found the weapon fragments, with the technology of the Ferdinand family and the technology they had acquired from the Infinite Corporation, they might be able to conduct research and develop similar weapons.

Han Zu did not wish for the Ferdinand family to grow stronger, so he had to stop them. Han Zu made his decision. He slowly extended his hand through the window crack, his internal energy transforming into an extremely faint thread, like a candle flickering in the wind, spreading towards the black mark at the bottom of the pit. This thread of energy was extremely concealed, neither detectable by the Dark Raven Squad's detectors nor deviating too precisely from the energy nodes within the black mark.

Han Zu's control over energy had long since reached a level of consummate skill. The energy threads, like nimble snakes, traversed the patterns of the black mark, precisely connecting with several energy nodes. He slightly activated the energy within his body, and those energy nodes instantly lit up with a faint glow. The black mark, as if activated, began to writhe wildly, and the polluting energy it emitted instantly intensified.

The Dark Raven Squad members at the bottom of the pit immediately noticed the anomaly. "Captain, the energy fluctuations of the black mark have suddenly intensified, and its contamination is also increasing!" one member exclaimed, immediately taking a step back to avoid the writhing black mark on the ground. "Moreover, the surrounding energy residue has become more chaotic, interfering with the normal operation of the detectors!"

The captain's expression instantly turned serious, his eyes scanning the surroundings warily: "What's going on? Is it a natural energy fluctuation, or is someone interfering with us?"

"I don't know," the team member replied. The detector's screen was filled with garbled text, making it impossible to display data properly. "The energy interference is too strong, the detector has malfunctioned, and we cannot determine the cause of the increased energy fluctuations."

The captain's eyes sharpened; he could vaguely sense that this was no coincidence. The energy fluctuations of the black mark had suddenly intensified, and it happened precisely when the team was about to find the weapon fragments—it was too much of a coincidence. "Someone is interfering with us from the shadows!" he shouted, waving to his team. "Immediately go on alert! Spread out and search the surrounding area to find the source of the interference! Remember, the source of the interference may be very powerful, so be extremely careful. Once you spot the target, do not act rashly; report immediately!"

"Yes!" the nine team members responded in unison, immediately spreading out and aiming their energy weapons at their surroundings, carefully searching. Their movements were extremely cautious, their auras highly concentrated, each step taken very slowly, leaving no corner unchecked. Han Zu, watching this from his office building, secretly admired them—this captain was indeed alert, not just a figurehead; he had immediately detected and analyzed the possibility of interference, and reacted so quickly.

He immediately withdrew his energy threads, completely concealing his aura, remaining motionless like a cold stone. At the same time, his gaze was fixed on the Dark Raven Squad members below, ready to respond to any unexpected situation. If discovered, he must launch a surprise attack instantly, eliminating the approaching members first, then taking the opportunity to retreat. Han Zu did not intend to expose himself, so he absolutely could not engage in a prolonged fight until he was certain the enemy could not send out a distress signal.

A member of the Dark Raven Squad walked towards the office building where Han Zu was hiding. His steps were extremely light. Although the detectors in his nano-armor were malfunctioning, he relied on his keen intuition to constantly scan the surrounding buildings. His gaze landed on the window of the office building where Han Zu was hiding, and he paused slightly, as if he had sensed something unusual. The energy within Han Zu's body quietly circulated, ready to be unleashed.

Just at this critical moment, a violent tremor suddenly came from the other side of the pit, accompanied by the ferocious roars of the mutants. Han Zu and the members of the Dark Raven Squad instinctively looked in the direction from which the tremor came, and saw more than a dozen huge mutants charging towards the bottom of the pit. Their bodies glowed with a pale blue light, and their roars were full of strong aggression, clearly attracted by the energy fluctuations of the black mark.

"Mutants! Lots of them, and they're incredibly strong!" a team member exclaimed, immediately raising his weapon and aiming at the charging mutants. The captain's face darkened further; he hadn't expected so many mutants to rush in at this crucial moment. "Everyone, abandon the search immediately! Concentrate your firepower to defend against the mutants!" he ordered sharply. "Don't let the mutants get close! Hold the detection area!"

The members of the Dark Raven Squad immediately huddled together, forming a defensive formation. They unleashed a barrage of energy bullets at the mutants, a torrential downpour of bullets. The bullets struck the mutants, producing loud bangs and splattering black blood. However, these mutants possessed far superior defenses compared to their predecessors; they were merely wounded, not brought down. Instead, they became even more ferocious, roaring and accelerating their charge.

Han Zu seized the opportunity, letting out a slow sigh of relief, and slightly restrained the energy that had been building up within him. The appearance of the mutant had temporarily alleviated his crisis and interrupted the Dark Raven Squad's search. He continued to lie in wait, his eyes fixed on the battle at the bottom of the pit, observing the Dark Raven Squad's tactics and strength.

The Dark Raven Squad's combat strength was indeed extremely formidable; even against a dozen powerful mutants, they held their own. Their teamwork was exceptionally seamless, with clear division of labor: some were responsible for frontal attacks, others for flank containment, and still others for rear support. Every movement was precise and efficient. The captain, wielding a specially crafted plasma blade, charged at the forefront. With each swing of the blade, sharp energy blades slashed out, each blade capable of slaying a mutant with swift and decisive movements.

However, the number of mutants was increasing, constantly surging in from around the pit. They seemed endless, and even if one was killed, a new mutant would replenish the ranks. Moreover, these mutants seemed to have become more intelligent; they no longer charged blindly but began to cooperate, with some drawing fire and others launching sneak attacks, causing considerable trouble for the Dark Raven Squad.

"Captain, there are too many mutants! Our energy is running out quickly. If this continues, we might not be able to hold out for much longer!" a team member shouted to his captain while firing, his voice filled with anxiety. Although they were elites, they felt immense pressure facing the endless stream of mutants.

The captain frowned, his gaze sweeping over the surging mutants around him. He quickly made a decision. "We can't stay here any longer, retreat immediately!" he commanded. "Three of you stay behind to cover our retreat. The rest of you, follow me and escape from the top of the pit! Remember, take the data we've already collected. Don't linger!"

"Yes!" the team members responded in unison. Three team members immediately stopped and turned to launch a fierce attack on the mutant, trying to stop its charge and buy time for the other team members to retreat. The captain led the remaining eight team members and quickly climbed towards the top of the pit, moving extremely fast and reaching the edge of the pit in just a few steps.

Han Zu watched their retreating figures, a flicker of hesitation crossing his eyes. Should he seize the opportunity to launch an attack and stop their escape? But he quickly abandoned the idea. Although the Dark Raven Squad was at a disadvantage, their strength remained formidable, and their leader was extremely vigilant. A successful sneak attack without revealing himself due to energy fluctuations would be incredibly difficult. More importantly, his objective was to monitor their movements and ascertain their ultimate goal, not to completely annihilate them. Attacking now would likely expose his presence immediately, making it counterproductive.

Just as the team was about to retreat from the top of the pit, a rapid communicator ring suddenly sounded. The captain immediately answered, his expression instantly turning serious. Sebastian's cold voice came from the other end of the communicator, tinged with displeasure: "How's the situation? Have you found any remnants of the energy source?"

"Sir, we have reached the bottom of the pit and collected some residual energy data, but we were attacked by a large number of mutants. The detectors were malfunctioning due to energy interference, and we did not find any weapon fragments. We are now evacuating." The captain reported respectfully, with a hint of guilt in his tone, "Sir, we failed to complete the mission."

“Sorry is proof of incompetence.” Sebastian’s voice remained calm, but it contained a strong, suppressed anger. “Stay in Pljevlja and continue the search. The remaining traces of the energy source and the weapon fragments must be found; this is crucial to the future of the Ferdinand family.”

"Understood, sir. We will immediately adjust our plans, remain in the city, and continue searching for any remaining traces of the energy source and weapon fragments. We will not let you down!"

After hanging up the communication, the captain's face turned extremely grim. He knew Sebastian's temper well; the consequences of failing the mission and disappointing him would be unimaginable. "Everyone, immediately evacuate to the nearby safe area, regroup, and prepare for another search," he said to his team in a deep voice. "This time, no matter what happens, we must complete the mission!"

"Yes!" the team members responded in unison, quickly moving towards an abandoned building in the distance and soon disappearing from Han Zu's sight. The mutants, however, did not continue the pursuit, but instead lingered at the bottom of the pit, their roars gradually subsiding.

Han Zu walked out of the office building, his gaze fixed on the direction where the Dark Raven Squad had disappeared, a deep glint in his eyes. He had overheard everything Sebastian said through the contractor's intercepting equipment—Sebastian seemed to know the secrets hidden behind the disintegrating force field ray device, and that he valued this weapon immensely, even linking it to the development of the Ferdinand family.

"It seems Sebastian knows more than I thought," Han Zu muttered to himself. "What exactly does he want from this weapon?"

Countless questions swirled in his mind again. But he knew very well that now was not the time to dwell on these questions. The Raven Squad hadn't left Pljevlja; they were continuing their search. He had to remain hidden and closely monitor their movements. At the same time, he needed to get to the abandoned factory where Christina was as soon as possible to meet her and discuss their next course of action.

Han Zu took a deep breath, his internal energy surging once more. His body transformed into a blur, hurtling towards the abandoned factory on the outskirts of the city. His figure weaved through the ruins like a ghost, quickly disappearing into the darkness of the night. Meanwhile, the polluted city of Pljevlja remained shrouded in darkness and chaos, concealing countless secrets and dangers. An even more intense storm was quietly brewing.