Apocalypse Gachapon Chapter 1845: Spurt

On this world, the pale light of dawn never preceded the sunrise; instead, there was only a slightly brighter, yet still suffocating gray gloom and isolation.

Helsky and his sole surviving companion kept their eyes on Ye Zhongming and his group. The latter ignored them entirely, waiting for their own discussion to reach a conclusion.

The focal point was whether He would stay or depart.

“I truly fail to understand. Looking at your current state, you are clearly unfit to operate on your own. Why do you persist in rejecting our offer to form a team?”

Jie Kui stared at the woman from the Changxu Water Tribe, his confusion absolute.

The reality was that He was already battered—not just from her prior encounters, but also from the fresh wounds sustained in the recent clash. Even during the skirmish with Helsky’s squad, the Evil Armor Star People had kept He as their primary target. Naturally, they had not spared her, and she had been wounded once more.

This had occurred even though Helsky knew He was the linchpin—if she perished, everything would fail—and had protected her diligently. Had he not, she likely would have been slain the moment the battle commenced.

With two sets of injuries and the threat of the Evil Armor Star People reappearing at any moment, Jie Kui could not fathom where this woman found the audacity to refuse Ye Zhongming’s team under these conditions.

Despite Jie Kui’s increasingly abrasive attitude, a smile remained fixed on He’s face.

“It is a personal matter.” She offered Ye Zhongming an apologetic look before continuing, “I am simply not joining your team, but that does not preclude cooperation. The second small cycle is nearing its end. I have already gathered a significant amount of materials here. I plan to use the remaining time to collect more information, and upon my return, I can concoct several potent medicines. At that time, I will sell them to you at a very low cost, and I promise to maintain this arrangement for every future cycle. Does this not demonstrate my sincerity and gratitude? Collaboration does not require us to be tethered together, does it?”

“But what is your plan if you run into the Evil Armor Star People again? Though they took heavy losses, they are still far beyond your ability to handle.”

Jie Kui was losing his patience.

Having reached this stage, every individual present was a prominent figure on their home planet or within their race. Even as commissioned warriors, they were viewed as beacons of hope and were highly esteemed.

Being rejected by a powerhouse was one thing, but being turned down by someone who clearly lacked the means for self-preservation? Anyone would feel a sting of resentment.

Furthermore, traveling with Ye Zhongming lately had completely revitalized Jie Kui’s perspective.

Previously, Jie Kui believed that simply surviving and exiting the novice battlefield would be a success. Matters like points or the glory of the Star-Eye Clan felt irrelevant to him.

However, after trekking with Ye Zhongming, Jie Kui realized that every goal was within reach, and they might even surpass their expectations. Naturally, he was unwilling to let this chance slip away.

He also understood that to progress further, no matter how formidable Ye Zhongming’s Qi or strength was, his energy had limits. He required allies, and this woman, He, was arguably the most vital potential addition.

Jie Kui’s eyes shifted as he glanced at Ye Zhongming. His intent was transparent: should they simply restrain this woman? Force her to serve their group?

Jie Kui harbored an even darker thought—if she truly refused, should they just kill her? If they couldn't have her, no one else should. Besides, they shouldn't let the points go to waste.

Yet, Ye Zhongming remained silent.

This silence placed immense pressure on He. She could easily discern that Ye Zhongming was the leader of this trio.

“My special ability allows me to evade detection by this number of Evil Armor Star People.”

He was lying. Even with their numbers reduced, she would be killed if they caught her. She simply had a profound desire not to join a team.

“The experience of living under the protection of others isn't very pleasant, is it? I suspect you have felt this deeply since you were a child, which is why you have such a visceral hatred for it, right?”

Helsky, who had been observing from the sidelines, suddenly spoke up, directing his words at He.

Everyone, Ye Zhongming included, immediately shifted their attention to him in surprise.

A moment later, a flicker of understanding crossed Ye Zhongming's face. When he looked at Helsky now, his gaze was no longer focused on points, but held a hint of respect.

He did not reply, but she shot him a piercing glare, a sharp departure from the calm demeanor she had maintained even during the heat of battle.

The others realized he had struck a nerve.

“The truth is often painful to hear, isn't it?” Helsky took a small step forward, ensuring he had their attention without appearing threatening.

“I honestly thought that those of us who have reached this level would be psychologically mature. Even if we have biases or are a bit crazed, we shouldn't be burdened by 'must-not' obsessions.”

“That doesn't align with the power we carry,” Helsky remarked with a slight chuckle. “Perhaps, if your Changxu Water Tribe's holy sigils reach a certain count, they simplify your evolution, leading to a fragile and stunted psyche?”

“Be quiet!” He’s voice turned frigid, and wisps of killing intent began to radiate from her.

“Be quiet? If you can guarantee your escape when the Evil Armor Star People find you, then I’ll be quiet! But can you? If you can promise you won't be hunted in the coming cycles, I’ll be quiet! But can you? If your points hit a certain threshold and you are still alone, can you be sure that in the final cycles, no one will treat you like a walking treasure chest of points? If you can guarantee that, I’ll be quiet!”

“Aside from your holy sigil strikes, what other major abilities do you possess? Let me be blunt: your strength is notable, but ask yourself—of all the people standing here right now, is there even one you could definitely defeat?”

“I truly don't understand races like yours that possess unique talents but also unique tempers. You are on the brink of extinction, yet you still act with such arrogance. Who gave you the right to be this proud? With that attitude, you deserve to be wiped out!”

“Back at the base, I saw Ye talking with you, likely about this. It made sense to refuse then because you were at full strength, had points to buy upgrades, the trial was new, and there were plenty of ways to earn points. Most wouldn't target a specialist who provides vital medicine. But what about later? Have you considered that? Staying solitary forever? Are you strong enough? The only ones who can survive this trial alone are monsters like Ye. You are not one of them!”

“Ye has been incredibly patient, using a diplomatic tone and inviting you repeatedly! If it were anyone else, do you know what would happen? They would force you to obey! If you refused? They’d beat you until you complied! Torture you until you submitted! Still refuse? They’d just kill you! And likely, before they killed you, they’d use you for their own entertainment! Many of them, at once! If it came to that, would you still insist on being alone?”

Helsky’s words hit He like a barrage of fire. Finally, he added with disdain, “Don't think so highly of yourself, don't overrate your power, and stop dreaming. Compared to the burden you carry of liberating your enslaved people, I think your first priority should be learning how to survive! You Changxu infant!”