Apocalypse Gachapon Chapter 1904: Surprising helper

"Eat it?"

Ji Ruiguang passed a vibrant crimson fruit to him. Ye Zhongming knew exactly what it was—a typical item among the cosmic races that stimulated saliva, satisfied thirst, and offered a minor boost to endurance.

Though the cosmic races had fallen into dire straits after once dominating endless inhabited planets, they now barely survived across just seven Survivor Fortresses.

Yet those seven Survivor Fortresses spanned vast expanses, hosting numerous cities and, of course, zones dedicated to farming; without that, how could all those folks sustain themselves?

Ye Zhongming accepted the fruit, slipped it between his lips, and bit down gradually, feeling the subtle energy flow amid the tangy sweetness.

"Guess the crowd that's amassed nearby. Those green dots exceed three hundred at least."

This figure, despite Ji Ruiguang's vast experience and ironclad mental fortitude, sent chills down his spine, wiping away every shred of his assurance.

Those more than three hundred green indicators signified over three hundred seasoned fighters. Relying on his personal power, he could barely manage a single seasoned fighter, much less a horde of over three hundred.

Even counting White Robe, Jie Su, and the rest in their group now, along with the energy array, it appeared improbable they'd fend off such a massive force, didn't it?

Ye Zhongming grasped what Ji Ruiguang implied. The green dots solely marked seasoned fighters, yet trailing each of those fighters might lurk several times as many beginners.

Facing such overwhelming numbers, even if they simply swarmed with sheer bodies, they could crush Ye Zhongming's tiny team under the weight.

"We've got no alternative route left."

Ye Zhongming uttered those words with deep resignation, yet with events at this juncture, their sole option was to hold firm.

Someone approached.

The observers who'd been tracking the scene abruptly saw the green dots from one side surge forward rapidly toward their position. The whole group rose to their feet, including little Lady Yisewei from Sheke Star.

However, it didn't take long for them to realize the newcomer was none other than a blood-soaked warrior from the Star-Eye Clan.

Earlier, White Robe had been blocked and instructed the other two to seek out Ye Zhongming, but those two faced assaults too—one perished, the other vanished. White Robe had figured there was slim chance of reunion before the Novice battlefield wrapped up. Astonishingly, this fellow from his clan tracked them down and somehow pierced the dense blockade to reunite with the others.

That wasn't the real shock, though. What left Ye Zhongming and Ji Ruiguang mildly doubtful was the pair trailing this warrior. Ji Ruiguang recognized one, while Ye Zhongming... recognized them both.

The one they shared knowledge of was Mu Hanyi!

The Glory Army's leader had actually stormed in, heading straight into doom. What was behind this? His ties with Ji Ruiguang were passable, nothing exceptional, and with Ye Zhongming, outright hostility lingered. So why rush to join them voluntarily?!

"Strange?" Jie Su allowed Mu Hanyi entry after the Star-Eye Clan warrior assured him there was no issue. Then he turned to Ye Zhongming and Ji Ruiguang with the question.

"Very strange," Ji Ruiguang answered straightforwardly.

Ye Zhongming stayed silent, though inwardly, he shared the bewilderment.

This man had zero motive to show up. Was he some kind of glutton for punishment, craving endless torment?

"This fellow, even if he clashes with me, remains the top figure in the nation regardless. Here on the Novice battlefield, he's still the leading light. It's not merely his own glory—it's the nation's too. I can't stand by and see him crumble right at the end! Our folks won't falter like that!"

This allusion would probably only click for those from the nation.

Ye Zhongming felt a mix of amusement and irritation. As Mu Hanyi spoke, he avoided eye contact with him entirely, but every word circled back to him.

Though Cloud Peak and the Glory Army stood as fierce rivals, locked in numerous clashes—some on a grand scale—Mu Hanyi's move here earned Ye Zhongming's respect for the man.

Regardless of how bitter the nation's internal strife ran, when facing outsiders, they could shelve it for the moment.

If that were all, Ye Zhongming wouldn't dwell on it. Patriotism burned deep in most of their hearts. In pivotal times, that instinct would inevitably surge.

But right now, Ye Zhongming and his companions stared down inescapable doom. For someone to step forward boldly, fully aware of probable death, marked him as exceptional.

Whatever the past held, at this instant, Ye Zhongming felt true thanks toward him. Ultimately, should they emerge from this crisis, he'd stand to gain the most.

"I refuse to perish beside someone whose face I can't stand, so..." At last, Mu Hanyi met Ye Zhongming's gaze, "You better survive."

Ye Zhongming chuckled and replied, "You'll make it too."

"That'd be ideal."

The exchange between the Cloud Peak King and Mu Hanyi paused for now. His eyes shifted to the other arrival, a total surprise.

"Kid, what brings you here?"

Ye Zhongming rubbed his chin as he inquired.

The man paused briefly before responding, "Stop calling me kid. Sure, my mind's a bit off, but I've got my pride."

The Cloud Peak King grinned and gestured dismissively, "Fine, my bad. Still, you dodged my question. Why dive into this death trap? Mechanical Genius!"

This was the Mechanical Genius who'd vied with Ye Zhongming for the Mountain King Crown back then!

"No particular reason," Mechanical Genius stated flatly. Truth be told, the energy array they occupied intrigued him far more, but he realized a response was needed now, reliable or not.

"Truth is... I figure you could die."

The words even puzzled Ye Zhongming somewhat. He wondered, do all those with mental quirks act this way?

Once Mechanical Genius got going, he dropped any further hesitation.

"The encirclement around you is just too vast. Despite all these allies at your side, chances are you'll still perish."

Mechanical Genius perched in his compact humanoid mech, his tone growing softer and softer until solely Ye Zhongming caught the words.

"That's my assessment. So I decided to stick close to you. Worst case, if you fall, I could pull through since you're their main mark, not me. I can always bolt when the moment hits."

Ye Zhongming's forehead creased deeper. He grew more baffled by this individual's intent. If the babble kept up, the Cloud Peak King pondered giving him a thrashing first.

"What I'm getting at is this: if you go down, might the Mountain King Crown slip away due to your absence? It could happen, or it might pick a fresh bearer. Being right here with you, wouldn't that give me a shot?"

Ye Zhongming eyed the Mechanical Genius intently, impressed that this nutcase harbored such a scheme and even showed up to gamble on it.

"Clever thinking," Ye Zhongming slapped the shoulder of Mechanical Genius's ride. "But here's the thing—you've got zero shot."