Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 110: Chaos

Immediately for people who had just returned from a specific settlement in Y City, Yu Jin followed Shu Jun’s request and gathered the remaining inhabitants to a large settlement east of the city. Those who had established underground strongholds in the settlements went into underground shelters.

Settlements had never been an easy crowd to persuade, and no one was willing to listen to Yu Jin’s empty words. It was only when members of the Old Fourth stepped forward that this matter was presented as such—for some unknown reason, several senior cadres from the Old Fourth remained outside the city and showed no intention of returning.

The settlements were close to the erosion zone, and the fog was dense. People across the entire Y City couldn’t see Sigma’s appearance. However, there was one change that was particularly noticeable. The number of mutant beasts that used to roam only near the boundaries of the erosion zone increased, and they frequently harassed the settlements.

Considering that many synthetic humans remained in the settlements, humans had weapons to suppress them. Several cadres from the Old Fourth remained, and the supplies brought by the caravan were sufficient, so the situation had been relatively good. Yu Jin wasn’t too concerned about the future of Y City; he and the others hid in the depths of the fog, hoping for everything to end soon.

Since Sigma approached, communication with Y City had been cut off. As the number of Erosion Swamps increased, the surroundings became increasingly dark and damp, with no trace of sunlight. Without clocks, no one could distinguish between day and night.

Yu Jin borrowed the influence of the Old Fourth and was promoted as the manager of this large temporary settlement. As someone who knew about the relationship between Shu Jun and Zhu Yanchen, he had some understanding. Even so, faced with the increasingly dense fog and the groups of mutant beasts, he couldn’t help but have the illusion that “perhaps he had already died and was suffering in hell.”

What was terrifying wasn’t Sigma’s proximity but the complete loss of communication. People outside Y City were trapped on an invisible island, hoarding limited food and waiting for an uncertain outcome.

As usual, Yu Jin led the team on patrol outside the town. Unlike before, the fiercely determined mutant beasts weren’t easily driven away this time. They stubbornly remained in place, unwilling to leave.

The cold and damp wind swept through the fog, carrying an indistinct stench. Yu Jin’s hair instinctively stood on end, and the chilling omen choked his throat. Sure enough, in the next second, countless Corpse Parasites scurried over the land, heading toward the temporary settlement.

Where there were Corpse Parasites, there must be Erosion Swamps following behind.

Did Shu Jun lose? Has Sigma already occupied Y City? Yu Jin’s head buzzed. Seeing the Corpse Parasites getting closer and closer, he abruptly clenched his thigh. “Retreat! Retreat back! Raise the purification wall and don’t charge blindly!”

Several young people who had obtained new weapons were eager to show off their skills, but upon hearing this, they reluctantly withdrew.

Yu Jin didn’t even advance a single step. After the patrol team started the engine of the mudsled, they quickly returned to the temporary settlement and reported the situation to everyone capable of fighting.

“Don’t try to be a hero. We’re not in the city where we can afford to lose a single pill of anti-erosion medicine. Life is the most precious. Unless absolutely necessary, no one should launch an attack on their own.” Yu Jin rambled on, “Self-preservation is the priority. Do you understand?”

This temporary settlement was originally the largest settlement east of the city, and naturally had underground bunkers, but unfortunately, they couldn’t accommodate everyone. Yu Jin and several skilled combat synthetics discussed it and decided that half of the people would enter the underground bunkers, guarded by the synthetics and young humans. The other half would try to reach high-rise buildings, while those with combat abilities would guard the lower floors.

The residents gathered the purifiers they had dismantled in one place. Although they couldn’t compare to military equipment and couldn’t drive away the Corpse Parasites and the Erosion Swamps that followed, they could at least disperse the erosion to some extent.

After several days of rolling fog, it cleared somewhat, revealing a horde of Corpse Parasites moving forward. They covered the ground densely, like a carpet with a peculiar pattern. Behind them was an endless swamp of Erosion Swamps. They slid like slugs, heading straight towards the temporary settlement.

Yu Jin had been working with the synthetic combat team for many years. He rarely ate pork, and the pigs only appeared every few days*. Judging by the scale, this group of Erosion Swamps wasn’t here for “food”; they were clearly being directed by something to come and exterminate humans.

*This is referring to the idiom: Haven’t eaten pork but seen pigs run (没吃过猪肉，也见过猪跑). It refers to one having not experienced or personally participated in something, but still having knowledge or understanding of it through observation or indirect exposure. || In this context, Yu Jin hasn’t fought directly against an Erosion Swamp, but only seen others do it (and now many are right in front of him).

It seemed that Y City was still intact, so Yu Jin breathed a sigh of relief.

If Sigma had already captured Y City, they wouldn’t need to bother much with this group of “inferior specimens”. They had no equipment reserves, let alone military firepower, and they couldn’t sustain themselves for long without food. If they were left alone, after ten days or half a month, they would end up killing themselves.

Since they were specifically targeted, rather than just being eradicated as a threat, this behavior seemed more like a “threat” itself. As for the target of the threat, it was either Zhu Yanchen or Shu Jun.

In that case, things were easier, Yu Jin thought bitterly—they had to hold onto this land; if that deadly couple won, these Erosion Swamps would naturally retreat. If Shu Jun and Zhu Yanchen lost… Well, it seemed they didn’t have a choice but to take each day as it came. Only a fool would go out on their own when surrounded by the Corpse Parasites.

“Stay put.” He lowered his voice. “I’ve communicated with the high-ranking members of Old Fourth. This situation is quite normal. Don’t worry. Wait a few days, and they will leave on their own!”

Yu Jin lied fluently.

Most of the settlement residents were unaware of Sigma’s situation or the details of the synthetics’ rebellion; they only knew that there were suddenly many Erosion Swamps surrounding them. As long as the Old Fourth vouched for it, stabilizing the situation temporarily wouldn’t be a problem.

After explaining a few more things, Yu Jin hung up the microphone, picked up his weapon for suppression, and couldn’t describe the feeling in his heart.

…He really didn’t like this kind of choice where there was no other option.

The people guarding the ventilation ducts and those guarding the lower floors became the first wave of victims in the assault.

Most of these people were young residents of the settlement, with only a few synthetics among them. Dealing with the Corpse Parasites was a delicate task. As long as the slightest flaw was revealed, they could crawl into the protective suits and bite through muscles and tendons. Once people lost their mobility, the Corpse Parasite would impersonate their muscles and control them to walk into the Erosion Swamp, drowning them in erosion substance.

The suppression weapons may be effective, but they couldn’t act on their own. Recharging, resting, even a moment of instability, or a seam in a piece of fabric, could lead to irreversible consequences.

Two hours passed, and thirty-four people perished to the Erosion Swamps.

“…Speed up the rotation. No one should stay outside for more than an hour. When outside, mental focus must be highly concentrated,” Yu Jin said, his eyes burning. “Before going out, protective suits must be inspected by at least two people. If we continue like this…”

Continuing like this wasn’t an option. Having walked in the erosion zone for many years, Yu Jin knew better than anyone. Faced with this situation, sacrifices were unavoidable.

“Don’t worry.” Someone from the Old Fourth raised their hand. They wore a regular face mask, and Yu Jin couldn’t tell their “rank”. “I have a suggestion.”

“What?”

“Operating the suppression weapons is straightforward, and for now, we don’t need to attack while guarding our position. I suggest expanding the selection range of defense personnel.”

“…” Yu Jin frowned.

“Not everyone might like this idea. To put it bluntly, it’s not entirely fair and square—I’ll be frank. Young people with combat capabilities are the most valuable fighting resources. Although this situation isn’t unexpected, we don’t have a clear sense of how long we can hold on. Supplies and medications are limited. I hope these people, including synthetic individuals, can be kept until the end.”

The young people not on duty exchanged glances, while the elderly residents in the settlement understood the implications of the cadre’s words. “What? Taking advantage of the situation, you want us, the half-buried ones, to go first?”

The cadre from the Old Fourth remained calm. “Including those who were already seriously ill and beyond treatment,” they said matter-of-factly.

“What are you saying?! The United Government treats us as disposable pawns, and you dare to play this game here?” The pressure was already making people irritable, and upon hearing these words, Yu Jin nearly exploded.

“It’s not compulsory.” The Old Fourth cadre ignored him. “For those who voluntarily come forward, I guarantee it in the name of the Old Fourth—once this storm passes, we’ll bear all the medical expenses for your loved ones. Of course, if no one comes forward, we’ll follow Yu Ge’s plan. I’m a businessman, and I’m not interested in preaching morality and righteousness to you. The previous batch of guards will be back for rest soon, and we still need at least fifty people for this building. Is anyone willing to make this deal?”

“Who’s willing to sacrifice their lives?” Yu Jin gritted his teeth. “Alright, you hurry—”

An old person took trembling steps forward.

“I’ll go in place of my son,” he said calmly. “Even though my son isn’t here… Will this method be extended to other hiding places?”

“Of course.”

“Old man, you—”

“The tumor in my belly is growing as fast as a fist, and I only have a few months left anyway. Xiao Yu, why are you in such a hurry? People are going to die anyway. If us old folks die, we can still earn a few more benefits. Isn’t that good too?”

Yu Jin’s face turned dark like the bottom of a pot. “But this is different…”

“Is it any different from the United Government? You’re splitting hairs here. Listen, I choose to sacrifice myself. Being forced to sacrifice by others is a completely different matter.” The old man waved his hand. “Don’t underestimate me, young one. Back in my day, I did the same job as you. Bring me the weapons. Let me have a look.”

One person stepped forward, quickly followed by a second and a third. Half an hour later, this peculiar group formed a complete formation.

There were elderly people and even young ones with terrifying deformities, and there were a few pale-faced teenagers. They had several things in common: they didn’t have much time left, they were physically capable, and their messages were similar.

“Take care of my family.” They registered their identities and then left behind the names and photos of their loved ones.

Yu Jin remained silent. A few minutes later, he slung his suppression weapon over his back and stood among the rotating team. The cadre from the Old Fourth raised an eyebrow at him through his mask.

“I brought these people, so I need to keep a close eye on them,” Yu Jin said with a grim expression. “They lack experience, and we need someone who understands the situation. I don’t want to hide like a coward.”

Then he took a deep breath. “If everyone survives, you will also be responsible for the expenses of their relatives. Got it?”

“Deal.”

Compared to the large settlement, the situation in the center of Y City was much worse. But the leader had a similar idea.

“I’ll lead the team in the forefront.” Yi Ning put an end to the command group’s argument with a single sentence.

“What did you say?!”

“No one here has combat experience with the Erosion Swamp.” For some reason, Yi Ning’s voice became cold. “Even if we discuss it on paper, I have more experience than any of you.”

“You’re going to your death—”

“Yes.” Yi Ning didn’t deny it. “Otherwise, what else? What can you discuss? …Wake up, there are no more synthetic humans!”

The once noisy command group fell silent, looking at him in confusion.

“This is not a competition for synthetic humans, and we are not spectators. We’re not fighting for some fucking points!”

Yi Ning, who had always been gentle and cultured, cursed for the first time.

“The reality is reality. We are completely helpless against what’s outside, and we don’t even know when Zhu Yanchen will arrive. All I know is that if we keep going like this, the outside soldiers will be drained dry sooner or later!”

“We need to discuss…” The person who tried to refute him lacked confidence. Yi Ning was stating the truth, but no one wanted to admit their own incompetence.

“Discuss? Discuss letting the enemy into the city center? After relying on synths for so long, have you all forgotten the definition of war? …We don’t get to choose the timing, and we can’t leisurely discuss some useless ‘self-preservation plan’. We lack experience, so we must try and pay the price for our laziness of the past two hundred years. No one has a choice; that’s what war is!”

No one spoke. The reality was too distressing. As long as they didn’t admit it, the heavy initiative seemed to still be within their grasp.

Even if it was a nonexistent pride, it could at least provide some peace of mind… However, everyone knew that if they continued like this, they would be no different from ostriches burying their heads in the sand.

Yi Ning didn’t erupt in anger again. He turned around and resolutely stepped out of the tent.

“We are the military,” he said. “Soldiers do not choose to abandon civilians.”

The strange monsters outside and the floating spheres approached closer and closer. Yi Ning took a deep breath and began to give orders—

In the instant his words fell, he could almost see the mountains of corpses and rivers of blood piled up before his eyes. As he looked at the formation waiting for orders, Yi Ning felt a tightness in his chest.

“…I’m sorry.” After giving the command, he said those words last.

The soldiers looked at each other in astonishment.

“We have almost zero experience dealing with the Erosion Swamp.” Yi Ning lowered his head. “I’m sorry, but we can only… keep trying. I can only guarantee that I will command to the best of my abilities and fight alongside all of you.”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t promise more than that.”

No one spoke up, no one applauded or cheered. People stood silently for a while, and then, as if they hadn’t seen him, they began to act according to Yi Ning’s instructions. Yi Ning himself shouldered his weapon and joined the front lines.

The monster emerged from the mist, and the city center of Y City was just behind them.

Yi Ning closed his eyes and then opened them again. He firmly grasped his suppression weapon, listening to the real-time reports from the observers while advancing with the rest of the troops.

The mountains of corpses and rivers of blood that were detached from his mind gradually became reality. One soldier after another fell, as quietly as pieces of paper blown to the ground by the wind. The repeated shocks pierced through Yi Ning’s mind, gradually numbing him.

Only two voices remained in his world—the battlefield reports from the observers in his ears and his own hoarse voice giving orders.

How many people had died? He didn’t have time to think about their names. Lives turned into data, churning in his mind. Yi Ning adjusted tactics on the fly, feeling something floating and slowly revealing itself in his mind, like a wisp of bloody smoke.

The battlefield transformed into a sand table, and people became data. The sand table seemed to materialize before him, and fallen soldiers were marked on it. The deaths became guides, and Yi Ning seemed to gradually grasp the rhythm of this war.

Adjust, order, assess the situation, adjust again, order again.

“Team A1, ignite the mudsled and divert the attention of the pursuing floating spheres. Try to make them collide with unmanned mudsleds. Team B3, set up tent cloth and signboards on the vehicles, and clear the other floating spheres! Team B6, follow me, and move forward. Don’t let the group of monsters interfere with Team A1’s operation. Team A2…”

Suddenly, the voice stopped.

“Marshal Zhu…” the observer almost cried out. “Marshal Zhu and the others have returned! Everyone is here! There are no reinforcements from the monsters in the rear…”

“Good.” Yi Ning’s voice was hoarse. “How far are the first group of monsters from the city center? Have we held our ground?”

“We… We’ve held our ground.”

“…Good,” Yi Ning repeated. “Now, Team A3—”

“Take a rest.” Zhu Yanchen’s voice came through the earpiece. “I’ll take command from here.”

“I’ve figured out some tactics. I can still assist you.”

“No.” Zhu Yanchen’s voice remained as cold as ever. “You need treatment, now, immediately.”

“I…” Yi Ning finally shifted his attention away from the sand table in his mind.

He noticed something peculiar in front of him—his left hand held the suppression weapon and continued to fire mechanically. His right arm was a void; only the shoulder that had been blown to a bloody mess remained, accompanied by excruciating pain.

The sense of distance disappeared. Yi Ning tried closing his left eye, and his world plunged into complete darkness.

‘…So, this is it,’ he thought.

“Yes, sir,” he said softly. “We have thirty percent of our forces remaining, and all the vehicles are destroyed. The specific situation will be relayed to you by the observer… I entrust it to you now, Marshal Zhu.”

The world spun around him, and this time, he didn’t need to close his eyes. The world in front of him dimmed once again.

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Kinky Thoughts:

What? Did Yi Ning die? I actually like him.

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