Apocalypse Gachapon

Even after being screwed over by Ye Zhongming, Great America still possessed enough combat strength to overcome challenges of moderate difficulty.

The Cannibal Chain’s guardian beasts were low-level and barely upgraded. Once the battle began, Great America’s deep reserves became evident.

After securing victory, Spade promptly replaced the guardian beast here. It didn’t take a genius to guess he’d choose the most powerful option available—likely maxing out its upgrades!

This way, when Cloud Peak eventually arrived, whether through challenge or toll payment, the Difficulty Surge Card’s effects would be maximized.

Following Great America, it was Gyanendra’s turn.

Truth be told, no one paid much attention to him now. With the fewest stars and having rushed ahead, the West Asian Saint was essentially out of the competition, just waiting to exit safely.

But in reality, no faction that had come this far wanted or was willing to bow out.

Least of all Gyanendra, who had traveled all the way from distant West Asia.

“Since everyone’s in such high spirits, I’ll join in too.”

Sometimes, the person you least expect becomes the one who tips the scales.

After six years in the apocalypse, everyone had experienced this firsthand. So when Gyanendra spoke, all eyes locked onto him.

The West Asian Saint produced a card.

“Gyanendra uses the Tax Card!”

“Designated area: Bright Stars No. 10 to No. 19.”

“Any faction passing through this zone must pay 20% additional equivalents, which will be transferred to the card user.”

The moment this card was revealed, many gasped at the perfect synergy with Great America’s Difficulty Surge Card.

Imagine Ye Zhongming struggling through the nebula, forced to pay double the tolls at others’ stars—now with an extra 20% markup. It was downright brutal.

With Great America ahead, they’d spare no expense to ramp up difficulty by purchasing powerful guardian beasts. Cloud Peak would either pay astronomical sums (bankrupting any faction) or fight endlessly (and lose people).

“Old bastard, we’ll kill you when this is over!”

Many in Cloud Peak—especially the Youth Army—shouted threats, regardless of whether they’d be heard. Their confidence stemmed from being part of Cloud Peak; some even believed a small team could eliminate this West Asian Saint within a year.

Initially, they hadn’t thought much about the Mountain King Crown’s challenge format—some even found it “fun.”

But now, they felt a deep sense of crisis.

They didn’t doubt their leader’s wealth, yet no one understood the expenditures better than them. In their eyes, Ye Zhongming’s funds were nearly depleted. Continuously paying tolls over these ten stars seemed impossible.

If they didn’t pay, they’d have to fight repeatedly. And that meant casualties.

Who would die? Most likely Youth Army members or their Female Guard sisters. Neither outcome was acceptable.

Gyanendra’s adding insult to injury ignited the youths’ fury and hatred.

But… it changed nothing.

The reality was set. They could only watch as Gyanendra struck the Soaring Crystal onto Star No. 24—Cloud Peak’s territory.

“Gyanendra likely has four unique cards; the others don’t. He’s used two now.”

Unlike the furious youths, Cloud Peak’s leadership remained composed.

In such battles, obstacles were mutual. Getting angry over this would’ve killed them long ago.

Xiao Min analyzed calmly based on prior events.

Ye Zhongming nodded. Gyanendra’s hope for victory probably hinged on those four cards. With two still unused, they posed a concern.

This Tax Card alone could cripple any faction trapped in its zone.

Worse, it had no time limit—it would persist indefinitely, benefiting Gyanendra whenever anyone passed through.

Cloud Peak, Cannibal Chain, Women Guard, Mechanical Genius, even Great America—none could avoid it.

Star No. 24 belonged to Cloud Peak. Having spent heavily on Star No. 7, Gyanendra was nearly broke and had no choice but to challenge.

He also played an Angel Card.

Post-victory, Gyanendra was grateful for this decision. The battle on Star No. 24 was grueling—his team’s diminished strength and the strong guardian beast cost him more members.

His forces, already small, had relied heavily on mechanical equipment. With each depletion, Gyanendra’s faction became the weakest among the survivors.

The sole silver lining: his angel survived and leveled up.

Now it was Cloud Peak’s turn.

Targeted by both Great America and Gyanendra, they were the bullseye. Every faction watched where they’d land next.

Currently on Star No. 11, Cloud Peak faced the nebula covering Stars No. 12 to No. 20.

Rules dictated they could advance at most two stars, only reaching No. 13 (Great America’s territory, where Spade had prepared a “gift”).

Obviously, Cloud Peak wouldn’t go there.

That left one option: Star No. 12, held by ally Cannibal Chain.

Ye Zhongming chose this path.

He paid the toll—double, plus 20%.

Gyanendra chuckled upon receiving the payment, noting the Cannibal Chain had placed a decent guardian beast there.

Next, the Women Guard—still on Star No. 6—struck forcefully. The Soaring Crystal traversed the nebula, bypassing the death trap of Star No. 7, landing on Star No. 9 (their own territory).

Cheers erupted. They’d dodged Star No. 7 and reclaimed one of their stars.

But luck wasn’t universal.

The Mechanical Genius?

His Soaring Crystal landed squarely on Star No. 7.