Apocalypse Gachapon

Everyone turned to see an excessively youthful face beneath a white fur hat—still practically a teenager.

Old Man’s squad was stunned because Old Man’s real name was Wang Zhiling!

But soon, their shock turned to joy.

Because apart from them, no one in Stink Nest knew that name—except for Black Dragon City’s contact!

Back then, Old Man had given his real name to them.

This stranger calling out “Wang Zhiling” could only be from Black Dragon City.

Recalling Old Man’s earlier words about Black Dragon City needing guides, these four must be the ones.

Yet, after the initial excitement, the squad couldn’t hide their panic and frustration.

They were willing to work for Black Dragon City—they were all countrymen, bound by blood and heritage, even in the apocalypse.

Even after five or ten years here, they hadn’t forgotten who they were or where they came from.

But that didn’t mean they wanted their connection to Black Dragon City exposed.

They still had to survive here. If these foreigners learned they were “collaborating with the enemy,” their lives wouldn’t just get harder—they’d be over.

They’d be driven out of Stink Nest—no, killed.

Sure enough, Tarokov and the Roaring Ice Bears erupted before Old Man could answer.

“Who are these people? From the East?”

“Never seen them before. Where’d they come from?”

“Damn yellow monkeys! Are they their allies? What are they plotting? We should tell Ivan—kill them all!”

“Spies! They must be spies!”

Tarokov sneered, pointing at Old Man. “Now you’ll all be exiled. Your property confiscated. You’ll be thrown out of Stink Nest with nothing!”

This wasn’t mercy. On the icy plains, without gear, Old Man’s squad wouldn’t survive, let alone naked. It was a death sentence.

Even evolved couldn’t endure these temperatures unprotected.

Old Man and the others paled. There was no explanation—four countrymen stood there, undeniable proof.

Teams from hundreds of meters away began closing in as the commotion grew. The squad’s faces turned ghostly white.

They could already see their fate.

“What are they saying? Do you know Wang Zhiling or not? Is this Stink Nest?”

The young man who’d spoken first—Xiao Xuan, sent by Ye Zhongming to find the guide Old An recommended—frowned. He could tell these foreigners weren’t being friendly.

After contributing little in the recent level-nine battle, the Youth Army had been itching to prove themselves.

They knew that fight was beyond them, but as passionate youths, they burned to advance, to stand beside the man who’d given them power and purpose.

While all of Cloud Peak admired Ye Zhongming, none idolized him more than the young.

Like starstruck fans in peaceful times, these teens needed a hero, and the top evolved in the nation fit perfectly.

Now, their idol had entrusted them with a mission. Xiao Xuan and his three comrades were determined to succeed—not for rewards, but for his approval.

Seeing obstacles arise, the boys bristled with aggression.

“I—I’m Wang Zhiling. Sigh. You’re from Black Dragon City, right? You… sigh…”

Old Man looked at these boys, young enough to be his sons, and didn’t know what to say. Kids these days had no tact. Who just showed up in broad daylight like this?

“Oh, it’s you. Hello.” Xiao Xuan remained polite. “Since you’re Wang Zhiling, come with us. Our boss is waiting for you to guide him.”

The icy plains were endless, monotonous, and easy to get lost in. Though Ye Zhongming had icebirds and Yangos to scout from above, they were too conspicuous in unfamiliar territory, risking unwanted attention. What if they attracted another level-nine?

Without his second life, Ye Zhongming was playing it safe.

Even with scouts, they needed directions. Guessing could lead them astray.

Talking Lady was very important such that he brought Cloud Peak’s strong forces to assist. But it didn’t mean that he would give up on his safety and risk the lives of other Cloud Peak members.

If he found out something bad from the guide, he would choose to leave without any hesitation.

So he’d sent Xiao Xuan to fetch the guide—preferably without drawing attention.

Ye Zhongming didn’t think it was tough, so he didn’t send the big squad.

Xiao Xuan was urgent. Old Man’s squad was bewildered. The Roaring Ice Bears and growing crowd grew hostile.

Tarokov wouldn’t let these Easterners take charge. Though he didn’t understand Xiao Xuan’s words, he guessed they meant to take Old Man away—unacceptable.

Riling up the crowd, he leveraged their numbers and strength to pressure the squad.

In the apocalypse, everyone sensed danger instantly. The moment hostility flashed, Xiao Xuan’s group acted.