Apocalypse Gachapon Chapter 1840: Changxu Water Clan

Aboard the Star-Eye Clan's vessel, Aslan gripped her fist tightly as she watched the numerical values on the racial points leaderboard fluctuate rapidly.

From any perspective, she had every reason to be pleased.

The primary reason was that Shi Kangbu had successfully linked up with Ye Zhongming and Jie Kui. This meant that, with the exception of Bu Lanuo, the elite warriors nurtured by the Star-Eye Clan had finally united.

For other races, such a development might seem trivial. Typically, any individual daring to operate solo would likely be eliminated by their own peers. However, the situation was different for the Star-Eye Clan; their authority over entrusted warriors was notoriously weak.

Bu Lanuo's previous demise had secretly devastated Aslan. Regardless of whether Shi Kangbu and Bu Lanuo were obedient, their points in this novice battlefield would have contributed to the Star-Eye Clan's total as long as they remained alive.

But death signaled the end. At that moment, the Star-Eye Clan's collective ranking had plummeted significantly.

The second point of relief was that after Bu Lanuo fell, Shi Kangbu would have surely met his end sooner or later if he continued to act alone. By joining forces with Ye Zhongming and Jie Kui, he wasn't just increasing his chances of survival; the Star-Eye Clan’s strength had finally consolidated, allowing them to potentially unleash much greater power.

This theory was already proving to be a reality. Following the conclusion of the first day of the second small cycle, Ye Zhongming’s personal ranking had climbed to an unprecedented 612th place with 333 points. Jie Kui had also managed to break into the top thousand with 230 points. While Shi Kangbu’s score remained relatively low at just over a hundred, leaving him further down the list.

Nevertheless, the Star-Eye Clan’s cumulative points were approaching seven hundred, pushing their overall rank into the top four hundred.

"If this momentum continues, there is a strong possibility we could break into the top three hundred by the end of this cycle!"

While this rank alone wouldn't grant the Star-Eye Clan 'redemption' or guarantee they would avoid elimination, the prospects of reaching the top fifty had improved immensely! As the trio of Ye Zhongming and his companions grew more formidable, this goal shifted from a mere pipe dream to a very tangible expectation.

"Indeed, their most recent hunt was particularly impressive; it was captured on surveillance. Simply brilliant. I am certain that even the Silver Mask possesses only this level of strength."

"I have a strong suspicion our clan has discovered another Pao Bai!"

"No, I believe he will surpass Commander Pao Bai. He possesses a remarkable calmness that is quite surprising. He maintains this composure whether he is confronting enemies stronger or weaker than himself. As for Commander Pao Bai… please forgive my bluntness, I don't intend to disrespect him; he is, in fact, my idol. However, my idol is far too impulsive and reckless. I often worry that I’ll wake up to tragic news. Conversely, this fellow Ye Zhongming provides a constant sense of security."

"Yes, that's exactly it! That is the perfect description. He is incredibly steady! Even when he is clearly performing tasks as dangerous as walking on a blade's edge, he maintains an aura of absolute stability."

"Look, his score just shifted again. He must have taken down another powerful lifeform; his points just jumped by twelve!"

The crew behind her spoke without pause, caught in a wave of collective excitement. Their eyes reflected nothing but optimism for what was to come.

However, Aslan, positioned at the front, quickly transitioned from her initial joy into a state of quiet contemplation.

"Is something bothering you?" An elder of the Star-Eye Clan noticed her change in mood and inquired. He served as the pilot of the aircraft and held the position of deputy commander for the Star-Eye Clan’s flight division, reporting directly to the Gold Mask.

At this moment, he was the only person present with the status to speak to Aslan as an equal.

"Have any of you been paying attention to these individuals?"

Aslan pulled up the earlier surveillance records, bringing Hawkins and his group into the view of everyone on the ship for the first time.

"They were present in the Vengeful Mist Rainforest. When Ye Zhongming traveled to the Sea of Ten Thousand Islands, they followed. Now, at the onset of the second cycle, they remain in the same vicinity as Ye Zhongming, Jie Kui, and Shi Kangbu."

"Tell me, can such a thing really be a coincidence?"

"Are you suggesting they are the ones from Gold-Silver Island who previously targeted Ye Zhongming?"

Earlier, when Ye Zhongming's combat effectiveness had suddenly plummeted, it was concluded that he had been ambushed. After he eliminated Kuma and the others, Aslan had conducted a specific investigation which revealed the involvement of Gold-Silver Island. Although Ye Zhongming’s points and strength later recovered, leading most to believe the threat had passed, Aslan had detected something suspicious.

The atmosphere in the room shifted instantly from jubilation to deep concern.

"Could it truly just be a fluke? Look, even though they are in the same region, they don't appear to be actively trailing Ye Zhongming."

Indeed, upon reviewing the continuous surveillance footage since the start of the second cycle, it appeared they were hunting in a different maritime sector rather than stalking or attacking Ye Zhongming’s group.

"I hope that is the case," Aslan whispered.

There was another source of anxiety she kept to herself. While many believed Ye Zhongming’s potential matched or exceeded Commander Pao Bai’s, she was troubled by a key difference: Pao Bai was a full member of the Star-Eye Clan, whereas Ye Zhongming was merely an entrusted spokesperson warrior. If he achieved legendary success, would his loyalty waver? Would the Star-Eye Clan be able to retain him?

The parting words of her parents echoed in her mind: If this man manages to pull the Star-Eye Clan out of its current crisis, what happens next? Will he be the catalyst for the clan's rebirth... or will he become a dangerous variable?

…………………………………………

She slowly ground the pill between her teeth, allowing the medicine to be absorbed into her system more rapidly. Her right hand was pressed against the left side of her chest, where a shattered rune had been replaced by a jagged, deep laceration.

Those cursed people from the Evil Armor Star had actually pursued her this far!

A wave of profound doubt washed over her.

This novice battlefield seemed to be overflowing with an unusual number of entrusted warriors.

However, she couldn't afford to dwell on that now. Her sole priority was surviving this small cycle.

The Water Transformation ability, the pride of her clan, was currently unusable due to the broken rune. She was forced to flee in her natural form, moving without a moment's rest. The Evil Armor Star hunters were using secret techniques to track her relentlessly. The gap between them had closed to less than a kilometer—a distance that, for all intents and purposes, meant they were right on her heels.

Just as she prepared to exert her remaining strength in a desperate sprint to lose her pursuers, she caught sight of a flickering light on a nearby island.

As a member of the Changxu Water Clan, she normally detested fire. But in this moment, for the very first time, she found the glow of the flames beautiful.

Sounds of pursuit echoed from behind; her enemies had spotted her. Abandoning any attempt at stealth, she swam with all her might toward the small island.