Apocalypse Gachapon Chapter 1848: Bump into again

From Ye Zhongming’s perspective, the Spiral Fish looked essentially like a shark with a pointed snout and three additional heads. Their frames were significantly larger than those of standard sharks, featuring streamlined bodies with fin structures on both the left and right sides in addition to the dorsal fin.

These creatures should not be underestimated despite appearing soft and flabby while drifting in the water. Once a Spiral Fish was provoked into an attack, it would begin to rotate, causing those fins to instantly transform into razor-sharp blades that shredded any life in their vicinity. These fins served as lethal weapons second only to the creature's four pointed heads.

As a parasite, this entity provided high point rewards and possessed immense physical power that far exceeded that of a level nine mutated lifeform.

Because the group was well-acquainted with the creature's habitat and had spent over an hour performing reconnaissance, the fundamental situation was understood. The few members gathered to settle on a final plan of attack.

“It is confirmed that the Spiral Fish is accompanied by four offspring. Two have recently reached adulthood, while the remaining two are still juveniles but remain capable of combat,” Ye Zhongming informed those around him in a level voice.

“Fighting in the water will naturally diminish our combat strength to a degree. However, the mark will help mitigate this disadvantage. Even so, pay close attention: you must follow my orders and execute every step precisely. Let me be clear from the start: as long as you obey commands, I will heal everyone even if you are gravely wounded. But if you disregard my instructions and jeopardize the hunt, be prepared to be turned into points yourselves.”

The gaze of the Cloud Peak King shifted across the faces of the group. Though his tone was not overtly aggressive, the aura he projected ensured that no one dared to challenge him.

Currently, the medicines crafted by He—specifically the External Water and Progress Pills—had been purchased by Ye Zhongming. The price was naturally low, as it was set basically at cost after accounting for materials. As the leader of the team, this was a firm decision made by Ye Zhongming.

He would not permit He to suffer a financial loss. After all, she would have refined and sold these medicines even without Ye Zhongming’s presence, so they could not be distributed for free as they were back at Cloud Peak. However, since Ye Zhongming and the others were currently assisting her in earning points, the price of the medicine was kept low, serving as a custom arrangement.

Similarly, to maintain team unity and ensure they reached the end, Ye Zhongming took charge of these resources, distributing them to team members as rewards at the appropriate moments.

Jie Kui had previously bought three Progress Pills at the discounted rate. Shi Kangbu had also purchased one, though his price was slightly higher than Jie Kui’s. As for Helsky and Yang Tuo, they had no right to make purchases until they had made significant contributions.

Naturally, all the points mentioned would be recorded and settled once they returned to the camp at the conclusion of the small cycle.

“Now, I will assign your roles.” Ye Zhongming’s finger tapped against the crude map sketched on the ground.

……………………………………

Aimusi finished the last bit of dried meat and glanced toward a companion.

The companion gave a nod, signaling that everything was ready.

Their squad had been hunting within the Sea of Ten Thousand Islands for nearly three days, all leading up to this moment. They had even feared discovery by Ye Zhongming, prompting the team to hunt in the Vengeful Mist Rainforest on the second day. For the remainder of the time, they stayed hidden at the periphery of this region.

Following the desperate life-and-death struggle of the previous small cycle, they all respected Ye Zhongming’s power. This time, they eschewed a direct assault, planning instead to concentrate their strength into a single sneak attack to settle the matter once and for all.

This strategy was also more acceptable to the team. Their plan involved launching the strike only in the final hours of the small cycle, allowing the preceding time to be spent accumulating points.

“His position was just updated, but you were correct; he is very slippery. The location I’ve detected is different from the one that just refreshed. As usual, he moves rapidly as soon as his location is revealed.”

After speaking, the individual produced the map previously provided by Hawkins, first marking Ye Zhongming’s position at the time of the refresh before marking his current spot.

The group stayed patient. After a few minutes of waiting, the person tapped the map once more.

Hawkins and the others watched the movements intently.

“Even though the remaining time is short, no newcomer is going to quit. Ye Zhongming and his group are no exception. Without us actively hunting them, they will surely keep farming points. Look, their score has already passed seven hundred. They have killed nearly ten people.”

Wade’s words were laced with obvious spite, though he was secretly quite enticed.

Killing Ye Zhongming would yield over two hundred points, a bounty that made them all extremely greedy.

At present, Aimusi held the most points in the group. Because Hawkins took very few, her total was nearly five hundred. Simply by eliminating Ye Zhongming, one could nearly match her entire score.

Hawkins looked over at Wade. “Judging by his current path, there are three types of prey in this region that might interest him: the Brute Force Beast on this island, the Spiral Fish that rules this sea area, and the Purple Fern Algae Worms over here.”

“I suspect his targets are the first two. Ye Zhongming’s team is too small. Hunting a swarm of mutated life with low individual point values wouldn't be worth the effort,” Aimusi analyzed, having regained her composure.

“The Spiral Fish,” Yaka suddenly interjected.

“Why do you say that?”

The group was torn between the Brute Force Beast and the Spiral Fish. Most favored the former because the Brute Force Beast was a land creature, making the hunt more straightforward. If it were up to them, they would choose it over the Spiral Fish, which necessitated a battle in the ocean.

“More points.”

Yaka’s reasoning was blunt. She then added, “Didn’t you mention he might have abilities suited for the sea? If that’s the case, there isn't much difference for him between land and water. Why wouldn't he go for the higher reward? Neither the Brute Force Beast nor the Spiral Fish are solitary; they both travel in groups of four or five. The point difference is over fifty. Since both options carry risk, why not select the one with the higher payout?”

Everyone found her logic to be sound.

“We head for the Spiral Fish. If we find them there, great. If not, we pivot to the Brute Force Beast.”

Aimusi made the final call.

………………………………………………

Helsky and Yang Tuo traded looks before quickly swimming backward in unison. Their objective was complete. They would not act again until the final stage of the harvest.

The pair broke the surface of the water together. The lead Spiral Fish they had lured sensed the trap and had already turned to provide backup, but it was likely too late.

The operation was now halfway to success. With the points nearly in their grasp, neither could hide their thrill.

However, as they prepared to rejoin the fight, they suddenly sensed something. Turning around simultaneously, they saw a team on a nearby small island leap onto the water, boarding a mechanical speedboat and racing toward them at a frantic speed!