Apocalypse Gachapon

Overlapping Water Dead Zone?

The faces of many among the cosmic races changed color. They quickly searched for the location, and then were inwardly shocked.

Previously, they had only had an impression of this place, knowing it was rather unsuitable. They had glanced at it and moved on; after all, no one would be foolish enough to choose that place.

But now, upon closer inspection, they were truly astonished by the Star-Eye Clan’s boldness.

That place was surrounded on all sides by large hunting grounds, with paths leading to the Overlapping Water Dead Zone from every direction. They didn’t think the prey would not actively attack the camp, did they?

To foreign lifeforms, the prey on the planet would attack almost desperately.

Most races were shocked, while some large clans that had studied the Overlapping Water Dead Zone were more skeptical. They hadn’t glossed over it like the small and medium races; they had studied it meticulously. Many had been tempted but had given up because it was simply too dangerous. In their view, among all the myriad races, perhaps only a handful of super-large clans like the Huo’er Star People and the Reina Star People could hold that place.

Now, a small clan alliance led by the Star-Eye Clan choosing that place as their camp was indeed a perplexing event.

Zimu’s expression shifted slightly. As the host this time, he would naturally also be participating in the hunt.

Just as Ye Zhongming, Jie Su, and the others had guessed, Zimu’s ultimate purpose in coming here was to gain fame and prepare for the official announcement of his marriage to Yisewei.

This was not simply about showing his face; he also needed to lead the Huo’er Star People to outstanding results during the fifty-day hunt, and then use that momentum to make the announcement.

Although he was only the nominal commander of the Huo’er Star People’s forces, as long as the results were good, the credit would go to him, paving his way into the Sheke Star Clan.

As luck would have it, the Huo’er Star People’s preselected camp was precisely the Overlapping Water Dead Zone.

The object of his intended marriage was already entangled ambiguously with that White Robe, and now the very race that White Robe belonged to had ‘taken’ the place where he intended to make his mark. It would be strange if Zimu’s expression looked good.

He narrowed his eyes, looking down at the floor so that others could not discern his true feelings through the light screen.

“Are you certain? Once confirmed, it cannot be changed.”

When Zimu looked up again, his expression showed no visible fluctuation. He asked Lord Eye with a smile, though his peripheral vision kept glancing at that figure wearing the unique silver mask, his anger burning even brighter.

“We are certain.” Lord Eye immediately replied, his tone resolute.

Zimu nodded, promptly tapped on the map to make the mark, and then everyone saw on their terminals that the names of the Star-Eye Clan and the Dark Strip City small clan alliance now occupied the Overlapping Water Dead Zone.

“Next… please let the Su Clan choose.”

The selection of camps in the Planet Hunting Ground was based on the Novice Battlefield rankings. ‘Thanks to’ the Star-Eye Clan and Ye Zhongming’s substantial efforts back then, based on points, the Su Clan was ranked second, after all, individuals like He and Helsky had already been counted under Ye Zhongming’s name.

An image of the Su Clan spacecraft’s control room appeared on the screen, with Huo Zhi standing there, wearing a smile.

Many recognized this renowned elder of the Su Clan. Capable individuals commanded respect from all races. The fact that Huo Zhi had become an elder from a non-direct lineage, earned the right to study the Ten Great Formations, and had successfully learned three of them, demonstrated abilities that were truly beyond the ordinary.

Thus, seeing that the Su Clan had deployed this individual also showed how much importance they placed on this Planet Hunting Ground. Even Zimu respectfully bowed to Huo Zhi, addressing him as Elder Huo Zhi and greeting him with the courtesy of a junior.

“Mm.” When not angered, Huo Zhi gave everyone the impression of a spring breeze. He nodded to Zimu and then said softly: “The Su Clan… chooses the Overlapping Water Dead Zone.”

“The Su Clan chooses the Overlapping Water…” Zimu, initially captivated by Huo Zhi’s demeanor, wanted to go through the simple selection process as smoothly as possible. But as he repeated the Su Clan’s choice, he suddenly felt something was off. Why was it the same as the Star-Eye Clan’s choice? Although super-large clans and large clans had privileges in many aspects, on such a public occasion, and under ironclad rules that had been in place for countless years, it was absolutely not permissible to alter.

“Elder Huo Zhi, the Overlapping Water Dead Zone… was already chosen just now.” Zimu paused and reminded him in a not-too-loud voice.

At this moment, the possibility of another scenario had not yet crossed his mind, mainly because that other possibility seemed utterly absurd and ridiculous.

But facts often turned out that way.

“That’s right. Our Su Clan chose the Overlapping Water Dead Zone. What you said about it being chosen already, that was the Star-Eye Clan’s choice, right? This time, our two sides have decided to form a joint force.”

Elder Huo Zhi’s calm words caused everyone watching this scene among the cosmic races to freeze suddenly.

Form a joint force… with the Star-Eye Clan?!

This was too absurd, wasn’t it?!

Although the Su Clan had declined somewhat in recent years, they were still a super-large clan, one of the leading races of the three major factions. Their status among the seven survivor fortresses was definitely among the highest echelon.

Based on past experience, the Su Clan took the Planet Hunting Ground very seriously and often sent large forces to participate, as it was one of the places most conducive to the use of formations. Their gains each time were also very substantial.

For such a super-large clan to now form a joint force with the Star-Eye Clan and the Dark Strip City small clan alliance… what did this mean?

Others would naturally not think of a cooperative relationship, nor would they imagine that a tiny clan like the Star-Eye Clan had brought countless benefits to the Su Clan. After thinking it over, many concluded that these small clans from Dark Strip City had probably thrown themselves into the Su Clan’s embrace, intending to join the Su Clan’s faction.

Previously, the Su Clan had rarely accepted other races into their faction. What had changed now?

After a moment of confusion, many felt this was likely related to the Su Clan’s recent changes. They had started selling formation plates and offering paid formation services. Since they were making such moves, it seemed plausible that they would also start accepting small clans.

But why was the Su Clan making these changes?

Many were puzzled, speculating that perhaps something had happened within the Su Clan, or perhaps the current leader, Yaohan Su, was known to be a progressive individual, and he was exerting influence on the entire Su Clan.

Yet some from other super-large clans, after their initial surprise, suddenly realized: could this be a signal of the Su Clan’s expansion? Were they no longer content to be the ‘nice guys’ among the cosmic races and instead wanted to contend with the other two alliances?

Zimu thought the same. His gaze towards Huo Zhi shifted slightly. If that were the case, conflicts between the Su Clan and the other two major factions would likely increase soon, and their current state of coexistence would change.

“Very well, then. I will add the Su Clan’s name.” Zimu adjusted his composure and promptly said.

The first two races to choose had already created such a big stir. The other races were somewhat excited, wondering if there would be other surprising developments.

However, the subsequent process proved rather uneventful.

Each race chose their locations based on actual conditions, with very few engaging in risky behavior.

One thing was noticeable, though: the races that had made appointments with the Su Clan for formation arrangements chose slightly more dangerous locations. Clearly, they intended to use formations to compensate for their lack of strength.

Because there were so many races, even though each race’s choice was settled in just a few words, the process still took a long time. It was three hours later when all races had finished selecting.

“The choices of all races have been finalized. Now, everyone, hurry and prepare. We will make a synchronized landing on this planet in five hours. Please arrive in outer space above your chosen locations ahead of time and await orders.”

As Zimu spoke, he finalized the complete marking of each camp and then sent it to every participating race.

“I remind you again: the topography, landforms, and environment of this planet are very complex, so you must be cautious. If you detect any anomalies, promptly notify all races. This is not mere formality; it is because our understanding of this planet is far from complete, and omissions are inevitable. We do this for safety.”

“Also, fifty cosmic days from now, this planet will experience its annual global storm, which will cause significant interference with signals and spacecraft. If you fail to evacuate in time, you will be trapped here for at least one hundred and five cosmic days, which is extremely dangerous. Therefore, do remember to leave on time.”

Having said this, Zimu clapped his hands and concluded: “Finally, I wish everyone a bountiful hunt.”

The collective communication of the myriad races was terminated, and each returned to their relatively enclosed state. Countless spacecraft and troop transports moved towards the outer space above their respective chosen camps, preparing for the direct landing.

The Star-Eye Clan and the Su Clan also headed together to their predetermined location. After an hour, they had essentially arrived. Then, a communication request from the Su Clan came through immediately.

“After we enter the atmosphere, until we reach the camp, you should follow within the Su Clan’s warship formation. We will be responsible for protecting you. Based on experience, we are likely to encounter attacks from some flying lifeforms.”

Huo Zhi’s image said on the light screen. “Once we are above the Overlapping Water Dead Zone, we will need to conduct a landing battle. This is the first battle of the Planet Hunting Ground and one of the most critical. Whether we can successfully occupy the Overlapping Water Dead Zone and do so in the shortest possible time is closely tied to the final gains. Therefore, we need to formulate a specific plan in advance.”

“The Strategy Department has prepared a preliminary plan and sent it to you. Take a look, everyone. If you have any objections, feel free to raise them.”