[TN: Updates on word usage for skill and ability. Ability tends to be more supernatural, and skill inclines toward the proficiency side (shooting skill).]
After the threat of the advanced zombies was neutralized, a wave of high morale boosted the spirits of all the mercenaries
The first to switch from defense to offense was none other than the 2nd Team Captain, Wu Yan, right at the forefront.
Holding a large shield, he had always used it as a defensive weapon.
But when he activated the power device behind the shield, this massive shield essentially became a battering ram, fiercely thrusting forward.
His attack struck all zombies in his path, breaking their bones.
Of course, the brief moment when the shield was not in hand also gave zombies the opportunity to attack Wu Yan.
But a sudden, earthy-yellow glow enveloped Wu Yan. His bulging muscles became as hard as a rock, allowing him to directly withstand those attacks.
It seemed Wu Yan had activated a defensive ability that offered solid protection.
Of course, Wu Yan wasn’t just going to take hits. He immediately pulled back the massive shield he had thrust out, allowing the power device to recharge, readying for the next strike.
If Wu Yan was known for his versatility in both offense and defense, then the Third Captain, Xu Haisui, was something special.
What made him stand out was his skill.
After activating his ability, Xu Haishui not only became taller and stronger, but his body also sprouted black hair.
Even the facial features would change, giving him the appearance of a wolf.
At this time, Lin Xinghai finally understood why those eyes were like wild wolves.
It turned out that Xu Haishui’s power was to turn into a werewolf.
After transforming into a werewolf, Xu Haisui experienced a significant enhancement in all aspects of his physical abilities.
Moreover, his weapon was also quite extraordinary: a pair of electrically charged claws. Any zombie that got struck by the claws would convulse violently. The next moment, with a swipe, their heads would be sent flying.
“Abilities can really work wonders!” Lin Xinghai couldn’t help but blurt out. He grew even more excited, eager to discover what his own ability would be.
At this time, Qing Yang, who was in the driver’s seat, chimed in, “Exactly! If you develop an ability, you could become a team captain.”
“Huh! So awakening a special ability is enough to become a team captain? Aren’t there other requirements, like reaching a certain level of strength?” Lin Xinghai was a little curious.
“No need, after awakening an ability, your combat power would significantly increase. Besides, the mercenary group would provide more resources, ensuring your combat capabilities would rise steadily.”
“Just like Xu Haishui, his genetic enhancement degree is only 50%. There are many elite members who are stronger than him.”
“But he’s lucky! He awakened an ability, and it’s a very rare transformative one at that — Lycanthropy, the ability to turn into a werewolf.”
“After transforming into a werewolf, his combat power is close to that of an elite with a genetic enhancement degree of 80%.” Qing Yang said with envy.
Upon hearing this, a trace of surprise appeared on Lin Xinghai’s face, but that was all about it.
In fact, he didn’t have a specific idea about rare ability.
“What about Wu Yan? What are his powers?” Lin Xinghai asked.
“Captain Wu Yan’s ability is [Stoneskin]. Once he activates it, his skin becomes as hard as rock, so much so that even intermediate zombies can’t breach his defense.”
“However, the leader has mentioned that this ability has a fixed increase in defense. It’s effective in the early stages, but it doesn’t grow with increased attributes. If this ability can’t be further enhanced, it might become somewhat useless later.” Qing Yang explained.
“Oh, you can actually enhance your abilities?” Lin Xinghai asked, slightly surprised.
“Yeah!” Qing Yang nodded and said, “You have chances of awakening abilities when your genetic enhancement degree reaches 30%, 60%, 90%, and 100%. Those who awaken abilities also have a certain probability of enhancing them. So, the earlier you awaken your abilities, the better.”
After hearing this, Lin Xinghai had a wild idea. When his genetic enhancement degree reached 30%, he could choose to awaken an ability through the “system”.
Then presumably when his genetic enhancement reached 60%, he could likewise choose to enhance his abilities, rather than relying on luck and playing the odds like everyone else.
This realization brought him a mix of excitement and melancholy because, knowing the system’s nature, the amount of Blood Essence required wouldn’t be little at all.
After a brief conversation, the two quickly turned their attention back to the battlefield and fired in support.
At this point, the battlefront had become quite stable. With no advanced zombies posing a threat, and the mercenaries collectively unleashing their full force, the tide of battle was nearly turning.
While the other mercenaries might not be as powerful in combat as these two captains, they were definitely not weak, especially considering they had the advantage of superior equipment.
The melee weapons of this era were not simply made of steel; they all contained some technological elements to varying degrees.
The most common enhancements included high-frequency vibration or electric shock features, significantly increasing the weapons’ effectiveness.
Even with fewer numbers, their overall combat power enabled them to engage the horde fiercely, making it a fair battle.
Additionally, with Lin Xinghai and his team sniping from behind to assist, the battlefront not only stabilized but also turned into a relentless reaper, continuously harvesting the lives of countless zombies.
At this time, the zombie horde had no chance of making a comeback. Even if they did not retreat, the outcome would likely be annihilated.
Because of this, Lin Xinghai’s attention shifted from here to the distant battlefield.
The battle there was earth-shattering. Wherever the battle went, streets were torn apart and buildings collapsed.
The Sky Fracture Mecha, piloted by Fang Tianhe, was equipped with a massive shock blade. It continuously engaged in a fierce head-on battle with the armored zombie.
The Sky Frost Mecha Shen Han piloted held an electromagnetic railgun. She continuously sought opportunities from behind to open fire, applying firepower suppression on the armored zombie.
At this time, the steel-like keratin layer on the armored zombie’s body already had many cracks. There were penetrating wounds in several spots on its body.
Even its aura had weakened considerably, no longer possessing the initial bloodthirsty brutality. It even seemed somewhat hesitant and timid in its attacks.
“Tsk! Their battle is much smoother than here. I reckon it’ll take at most a minute to defeat the mutant zombie.” Lin Xinghai sighed.
In that case, even if Lin Xinghai hadn’t found a way to deal with the advanced zombies, as long as these mercenaries fought desperately, they could hold on until the two captains returned for reinforcement.
“Defeating the armored zombie shouldn’t take more than a minute. Look at Sky Frost Mecha, Vice Leader Shen Han, is about to unleash her ability.” Qing Yang said.
Lin Xinghai looked over and saw that Sky Frost Mecha once again raised the electromagnetic railgun in her hand to aim.
The only difference from before was that aside from the electric currents swirling around the electromagnetic railgun, the entire barrel was shrouded in a layer of cold air. There were even signs of frost forming.
“What is this?” Lin Xinghai asked.
“Vice Leader Shen Han’s special ability ‘Sky Frost’ can freeze enemies at a distance. With the augmentation of the mecha, the power of her ability has reached a whole new level.” Qing Yang replied.
As Qing Yang finished speaking, Sky Frost Mecha fired.
Under normal circumstances, the trajectory of the electromagnetic railgun bullet could not be captured by the naked eye. However, at this moment, there was a white trace in the air as the bullet passed through.
Lin Xinghai looked over in amazement, only to discover with some astonishment that the so-called white trace was actually formed by the bullet freezing the moisture in the air as it passed through.