The Ultimate Evolution Volume 7 Chapter 19-20

Fall out! Ma.s.sacre!

After shopping, Reef and Mogensha left. Only Sheyan remained. His eyes flickered in tune to the direction lights. This awkward atmosphere persisted several seconds, before Sheyan smiled slightly and added on.

"I have something else that requires your help."

The RDA company worker was as smooth as a machine.

"Please tell. But I must inform you, your current battle contributions are insufficient for more purchases."

"That isn't important." The necklace across Sheyan's neck suddenly twinkled with a splendid dark golden radiance. His voice was calm as he proceeded.

"What I want, is completely unrelated to battle contributions! I only hope, the overall in charge RDA member in this valkyrie, to release that important na'vi clan member you guys captured……or…..an extremely exceptionally crucial item to the divine Eywa you acquired on this planet!"

As the words left Sheyan's mouth, the RDA worker's face instantly changed; stretching his hands towards his waist. But at this moment, an incomparably m.u.f.fled smack echoed into the still air; identical to the sound of a ma.s.sive airplane landing. Within a split second. Sheyan's welded steel knucklers smashed heavily against his face!

Caressing along his fist, was a ghastly green glow.

At this moment, Sheyan naturally utilized the ability of the 'Shrivelled Tangerine', smearing that awful lymphatic fluid onto his weapon; allowing his next three strikes to carry a corrosive elemental damage!!

Besides, after activating the ability 'Format' of his dark gold necklace 'Smith's Matrix-microchip', Sheyan's strength had already inflated to 49 points!!

It was a terrifying 49 points, only 1 point shy of the breakthrough boundary!

(TN refresher on ability: Format an order upon oneself, temporary converting 5 points of physique to 5 points of strength.)

His fist seemed to appear from a void, whistling as it propelled in and directly smashed out crus.h.i.+ng damages and a beat back effect!

Blood, rage and violence!

This RDA worker was wearing a circular protective helmet; but with introduction of a crackling fist, a clear dent emerged on the steel helmet. Sizzling corrosive bubbles appeared. The miserable wails of the worker throttled within his throat, as he was struck 2-3 metres away; completely unable to maintain his grip onto his weapon as it flew out, cras.h.i.+ng noisily and sliding over the floor. Armour and steel rubbed against the floor, releasing sparks and a piercing screech.

Sheyan advanced with huge strides, sparing no chance as he carried a ruthless viciousness! He silently charged towards the RDA worker, and swung his next punch!

In his desperation, the worker screamed loudly, a mouthful of blood spilled onto the ground along with teeth. During his deathbed struggle, he still managed to dodge forcefully, as Sheyan's fist pounded against the steel door frame by the side! Sparks scattered along with a piercing screech. Sheyan pinched against the frame! Immediately, a portion of the steel frame was forcibly torn out.

"Do you think you can run?" Sheyan's mouth curled into a cold sneer. He could already confirm this RDA worker didn't possess strong prowess, his only formidability laid in his status! As he gazed onto the fleeing figure of the RDA worker, Sheyan plucked out 'Ambition' in a flash; a spiralling smoke, a booming echo, and a bullet to the back. The RDA member froze.

When Sheyan neared in, the RDA worker woke up; sadly he woke up to Sheyan's blunt fist. He could only attempt to block with both arms! In the end, a distinct fracturing crack of both arms resounded. His face flushed with red as he spat out a mouth of fresh blood; his pupils seemingly about to pop out!

Then Sheyan raised his fist again! Aiming towards the RDA worker's chest as he drilled down!

This fist directly penetrated into his chest, deeply squas.h.i.+ng his rib, lungs and heart; before he retracted his hand out. Instantly, a ma.s.sive bowl sized, deep blood hole appeared on the RDA member's chest! Pshhh! Shattered eerie bone fragments, innards, blood sprayed out in a downpour.

Tranquility resumed once again.

Like a graveyard.

Sheyan then retracted himself, as he flicked his hands and flung off bits of flesh, innards and blood against the steel wall. The corpse didn't drop a single key, however, there was an unusual looking silver-white card pasted at his waist. His nightmare imprint announced.

"You discovered a special object: 'RDA worker identification card'. Do you wish to collect it?"

No doubt, this murder was for this piece of item. Sheyan walked over, using his blood drenched fingers to pick the card. Then, he nodded humbly.

"I see…….so it is like that."

Although the channel towards the upper floor of the valkyrie was locked, Reef and Mogensha who had left earlier were currently keeping watch at the door. Naturally, they were spying for possible reinforcements to warn Sheyan. At this moment, both of them couldn't help but recall Sheyan's earlier words.

"I don't know if you guys have realized, but it seems like there are many discrepancies and illogical areas that have surfaced after we entered this world."

"We risk our lives to fight for this RDA company, but the rewards we gain from killing those beasts are battle contributions. From previous experiences, it should've been reputation shouldn't it? This no doubt states that the RDA workers completely doesn't treat us as equals. Instead, their att.i.tude towards us are like how the Romans treated their gladiator slaves. If we won, they'd throw money at us, if we lost, then we die. From the start, we haven't earned a single ounce of respect from them!"

"a.n.a.lyzing from the perspective of the intensity rate of consecutive waves of battle, we can primarily deduce – there is no reason for those beasts to fanatically launch attacks against us for no reason whatsoever. Although the initial two waves of beasts can be explained due to the valkyrie invading their territory, or destroying their nest; while the ones after could be explained by the allure of reeking blood because of our initial slaughters……."

"But! The most noticeable deviation, is that Sturmbeests are herbivores! Although we can eliminate the possibility of them feasting on flesh if they were famished…….but, just look at the abundant vegetation around us. There must be another reason that incited these enormously powerful herbivores to turn aggressive, risking all with no thoughts of personal safety!"

"According to my understanding and inference; although Pandora is strange, mysterious and oddly, there are only two groups that possess the ability to instigate so many beasts to initiate a charging death wish."

"The smaller possibility points to the na'vi clan's extremely extremely powerful Tsahìk*; as for the personal strength of this Tsahìk, it should be even stronger than the movie's Omaticaya na'vi clan's Tsahìk! The other and also most possible conjuncture, should be the actual ruler of this planet. Even in the movies, there hadn't been an appearance of the true body of the divine Eywa!"

(TN:* A Tsahik is the spiritual leader of a na’vi clan)

"I dare not confirm that the RDA company has offended the latter, but there's one thing I can confirm. There must be something worthy of interest onboard this valkyrie to them! If they cannot acquire it, then the beast horde wouldn't cease. These insanely barbaric wild beasts would continue flooding in without sparing a single cost! As for us, there is completely no way to contend against this planet. The said mission of 3 days to establish our footing, is just a dead end!"

"To put it clearer, these RDA workers are harbouring a certain hope, and are treating us as cannon fodder to drag time! Once the real beast horde arrives that can threaten their lives, they would try and escape; or surrender, and handover the item the beast seeks."

"Also, don't just think that those 'AMP suits' can pull off an unstoppable riot. It seems that can display an immense explosive firepower within a short duration, and crush the beasts like dregs. However, I wonder if you guys noticed the mission's hints beforehand?"

"The details were – 'When the transport shuttle Valkyrie landed, it had startled several native wild races. Therefore, within a short time, the enemies you will face includes wild beasts and aboriginal inhabitants. Of course…..including your own kind"

"Please note, the term 'aboriginal inhabitants'. This signifies that once the beast wave turns nastier, the battle may involve the na'vis……these freaks with venomous blue skin, and a bowmans.h.i.+p accuracy of a hundred hits in hundred shots! Even the words provided by the realm indicated 'your own kind'…….hmph hmph, do you still not understand?"

"So what? You're harping on those supreme rewards exchangeable with battle contributions?! Actually, those are merely bait strung by the RDA company to entice contestants! According to the incremental intensity and strength of the beast waves; if one doesn't purchase any battle add-ons, to ama.s.s and save up 20,000 battle contributions is simply a minute possibility!!! This undoubtedly allows me to confirm, the first resurrection tool that had been purchased, would most likely be masterminded by the RDA workers; this is all to stimulate and arouse us to engage in spending on it!"

"However, once you purchase a battle add-on, then undoubtedly you will sink into a vicious cycle of repeated spending. Buying the 'AMP suit' would mean purchasing its weapons, and would mean purchasing ammunition! Purchasing armour would mean needing constant repairs. Even though with this equipment, one can continue ma.s.sacring the beasts like chopping firewood. However, once the strength and intensity of the beast hordes increased, it will ultimately lead to further investments in weapons and protection, until the battle concludes! As for these items, the RDA company should've been given to us for free, because we are actually using our lives to shelter them. Just 20,000 battle contributions, that resurrection tool displayed in our faces. Yet in actual fact, to most contestants, it will become like a stringed carrot attached to a wearable stick extended from your head. Totally incapable of reaching it forever!"

First-mover advantage

"Finally, and also what I want to inform you, please scroll through your nightmare imprints again. Carefully examine our mission content – 3 days, protect the core engine of this valkyrie from being destroyed! It is not 'protect the RDA worker's lives within the 3 days', and it is also not 'preventing the beast from invading the shuttle'! As long as we return the item the beasts wants; would those beasts really want their teeth, claws and blood to be wasted on this giant, unfeeling, icy cold piece of metal? This is the only f***** way of accomplis.h.i.+ng this mission!"

"………….."
"………….."

Upon recalling Sheyan's words, Reef and Mogensha couldn't help but sense a cold shudder surge through their backs. At present, they couldn't help but repeatedly recall the notification of their nightmare imprint – 'In a short while, you will face wild beasts, aboriginal inhabitants…..of course including your own kind'.

Beforehand, the two viewed 'your own kind' as referring to contestants. But now, it seemed like their understanding was a mistake.

Before the first mission concluded; due to the uneven distribution of benefits amongst contestants, mutual conflicts was definitely a possibility. However, it was also a fact that the harsh standards of the enemy was no exaggeration. Under the immense pressure of the boundless beast horde, virtually no one would harbour devious thoughts against each other as of now.

Thus, this mission was hinting at another target; and shockingly, it should be the RDA workers of this shuttle!

At this moment; Sheyan marched over with a menacing countenance, carrying faint blood footprints beneath him, that stretched far into the darkness. Within Sheyan's hands, was a silver-white card soaked in blood!

Right now, the low-key sh.e.l.l that Sheyan had been wearing the whole time was utterly shattered. Now, the feeling he emitted was that of brutal ferocity and valiantry. Also, a cruel untamed air of displaying his might!

But just when Sheyan had brushed the card against the ident.i.ty verification slot, his face suddenly changed drastically. He fiercely forced the card into Reef's hands, and issued a low tone into the party channel.

"Do exactly as I say."

After speaking, Sheyan then retreated half step back and stood behind Reef, hanging down his brows and retracting his gaze. The shadow managed to cover his face, it was as if his entire aura had strange transformed; now, only his robust body frame and tightly clenched fists could be seen. In a flash, Reef was now the main lead of their party.

Within a short span of 10 seconds, a group of people walked in from the shuttle's channel pathway.

This group appeared rather exhausted, their bodies were covered in speckles of bloodstains. However, they had an undivided loftiness when they congregated together, it was as if the air was shrinking in retreat to their every step.

An upright lady with long hair fluttering against the wind led the front; though one couldn't see her features clearly, they could sense a unique aura emanated! Lovely, charming like a blade; Capable, experienced like a blade; Floating like a blade!

Her every advance was as though the clouds stirred, advancing like thunder and moving like the wind! Contestants surrounded and protected around her, seemingly representative of her razor-sharp claws that would claw away any obstructions!

Observing this lady, Sheyan couldn't help but recall the Metals Professor. A prejudiced, tenacious lady, yet with a tinge of ludicrous stubbornness! During the winged-keys stage of that 'Metals digestive system', Sheyan had personally witnessed a beautiful woman reduced to stunning bones in a flas.h.!.+ However, after he had heard of news of the Metals professor possibly reviving, Sheyan could sense a deep profound threat stabbing against his back; like an immense pressure.

To the former Sheyan, the Metals Professor's formidability degree was even stronger than Zi. Yet now, it seemed like their positions had to be swapped in current regard.

Zi!!

At this very moment, that woman Zi was actually leading the Illume-union's core members and several ordinary members, as they arrived here!

Obviously, the Illume-union had more people infiltrating this shuttle than Sheyan; hence, to hide away from everyone's notice, the difficulty of covert infiltration was much larger! Therefore strictly speaking, Zi's deliberations and judgment was in no way inferior to Sheyan; it was merely that her party's scale was enormous, and required more time to operate.

However, the time difference was enough result in her being shy of the first mover's advantage. Just a tiny step, was enough to determine success or failure in many things. For example, Zi's party was definitely overwhelmingly superior to Sheyan's current strength. Yet beneath their overwhelming might and the difference in party scale, they became one step too late.

Facing the hastily arriving Illume-union core members, Reef suddenly stretched a step forward; directly stepping into the middle aisle from the darkness! His step was long, and ma.s.sively heavy; sending clear s.h.i.+vers across the ground when his solid foot sole trampled onto the steel floor.

At this instant, Reef's appearance was like an abrupt, resounding mountain smacking into the Illume-union's face. This mountain was not at all steep, but gave off a majestic sensation of spanning a thousand miles; as though it wouldn't collapse even at the ends of the world! His abrupt appearance caused the Illume-union to suddenly halt their footsteps, with a sour taste welling in their mouth; as though they just complacently walked into an invisible wall!

"It's you?" Zi couldn't contain her surprise. The 3 rhombus glows around her started revolving rapidly, displaying her unstable emotions.

Humbly hanging his head down, Reef suddenly raised his palm. That blood soaked silver-white card shockingly lodged between his fingers.

"I know what you are thinking, Zi! And I know what you seek! It's too bad you've arrived too late, this is the only key that allows entry into the upper floor of this valkyrie! Do you want to try seeing if I would snap this card into two first, or whether you can kill me and seize this card first?"

Archeaphill advanced forward with a huge stride, scoffing disdainfully.

"Reef, since your luck isn't bad and you managed to sustain your tiny life when your party was obliterated, then you should cherish it and not rush to court death!"

Instead, Reef ignored him, as he continued negotiating with Zi.

"Think very carefully, the upper floor RDA workers can at anytime alter the scope of authority of this identification card, and reduce it to trash. Every delay of a second, is undoubtedly increasing the immensity of risks involved!"

Zi sighed deeply, and very frankly responded.

"What do you want?"

Reef snapped back.

"Obviously to cooperate."

Zi gently replied.

"Cooperate? Sure! Then hand the card over, or you can just open the door right now."

Reef stared coldly into Zi's eyes.

"If you still think making a joke here is fine, then I wouldn't mind delaying here with you guys as well. My conditions are – Party alliance for 3 days! The alliance scope must include the clause of no mutual harming; the fees will be paid by you, and any loots acquired will be split 50-50 within the alliance!"

Zi remained silent. Instead, Sable stepped forward from the back as he fumed angrily.

"In your dreams!"

But when Sable's words vanished, Zi very straightforwardly replied.

"Fine! Your new party's name!?"

Sable was stunned as he looked back and urgently cried out.

"Zi!"

Zi gently shook her head, faintly sighing.

"We were one step too late. Besides, time waits for no man, we don't have a choice now. I definitely wouldn't allow emotions to affect my decision, or that mere 20,000 utility points to play with everyone's lives!"

From the darkness, the observing Sheyan couldn't help but feel moved by Zi's decisiveness. Such a woman who conducted her affairs without sloppiness. She may be willing to forgo smaller matters, but would become extremely very blunt and courageous with regards to bigger matters. Such a behavioral style was just like her force controlling energy; sharp and decisive, yet without form as it pressed against one's body!

Nearly 10 seconds later, Sheyan and Mogensha both received notification from the nightmare imprint.

"Your party has formed a temporary alliance contract (advanced) with the Illume-union (party). Duration of 72 hours; during the phase of this alliance, allied forces are unable to have mutual conflict."

After the allied contract was formed and officiated by the nightmare realm, everyone let loose a little. Reef gripped that silver-white identification card, as he slid it into the computer slot ahead! Clunk! The card was swallowed in.

Closely following, a spiralling set of steel stairs descended down. Demondream of the Illume-union core then astonis.h.i.+ngly transformed into a mist as she sped forward; her speed didn't seem outstanding, but in reality, she had already floated forth in a flash. She had even stole first place from the nearest advancing Reef.

However, Demondream immediately halted at the stair's only entrance, because the computer generated voice warned:

「 This is a forbidden zone; if you insist on entering, all your battle contributions will be deducted by the RDA company, and all s.h.i.+p-based weapons will turn hostile. 」

Before reaching her current stage, Demondream had already cleared up all her RDA battle contributions. Instead, the last sentence inevitably caused her to shrink back!

"All s.h.i.+p-based weapons will turn hostile!"

At this moment, Sheyan had already scrambled forward, scoffing disdainfully and confidently into his party channel.

"The valkyrie shuttle is designed for interstellar transportation, and not for combat. Besides, what era is it now, don't tell me that huge naval s.h.i.+ps still fought in close proximity in this era? Even a wars.h.i.+p wouldn't install that many machine weapons internally; perhaps its exterior would be equipped with weapon systems, but internally, there surely wouldn't be many s.h.i.+p-based weapons. Most crucially, if this is really a forbidden zone, clips and bursts of gunfire would've been unloaded already, why would they care to bulls.h.i.+t so much?"