Apocalypse Gachapon Chapter 1918: Changxu Water Race's crazy choice (2)

Previously on Apocalypse Gachapon...

The Novice camp brimmed with chaos as survivors, warriors, and allied clans like the Star-Eye, now numbering over thirty on the planet, flooded the area amid roars and clangs. Ye Zhongming, having secured the top individual and team scores through his clone's final efforts, sat calmly despite his injuries and the vast points at his disposal, evading Aslan's probing questions about his spending intentions. Aslan revealed that Gold Order Leader Cheng Liujin was en route, heightening tensions over Ye's future ties, while he sought out He of the Changxu Water Race, who had ranked in the top ten at the cost of a clansman. He confessed her deep optimism in Ye's bold plan, affirming the race's desperate gamble to align with it despite the slim odds.

"My clansmen and I can all pledge allegiance to you as our master."

That single statement caused Ye Zhongming's heart to pound with fierce intensity.

Regardless of Ye Zhongming's impressive feats during the Novice battlefield, he remained nothing more than a fresh arrival straight from Earth in the end.

Excluding the few humans from history who had ventured into outer space, visited space stations, or landed on the moon, he belonged to the initial group to actually step into the vast universe.

In front of cosmic races that had endured countless years amid the stars, a figure like him truly amounted to little.

One day in the future, Ye Zhongming might possess the assurance to rank himself and Earth's humans at the pinnacle among cosmic races, yet he couldn't ignore the humble position he and humanity held right now.

Whether in terms of power or sway, humanity found itself utterly overwhelmed.

Yet right then, one of these cosmic races abruptly sought to serve under him; how could such an offer fail to allure him?

Imagine a powerless commoner, unable to even truss a chicken, suddenly witnessing a supreme martial expert kneel in deference—there would surely be an initial surge of thrill and allure.

But in no time, Ye Zhongming regained his composure.

The more alluring the prospect, the steeper the cost it demanded.

As expected, before Ye Zhongming uttered a word, He stepped forward and declared, "But you must first agree to a few conditions for me."

Ye Zhongming motioned with his hand, signaling her to continue.

This felt far more typical! The Cloud Peak King now experienced a slight easing of the caution he harbored toward He.

"Our Changxu Water Race desires to play a central role in this scheme. Naturally, we also seek fitting rewards once the plan achieves its periodic triumphs."

In opposition to that demand stood the scheme's ultimate grand victory. However, given how unique and rudimentary this plan was—born hastily from a fleeting idea in Ji Ruiguang's thoughts amid the Novice battlefield phase—it remained quite crude and expansive at present. Countless specifics would undoubtedly be added later on.

Should they hold out until the plan fully developed and came to fruition, the wait would stretch on endlessly. The Changxu Water Race likely wouldn't last that long.

Ye Zhongming grasped this logic, so he comprehended He's plea right away. He consented without delay.

"I hope you'll utilize the prizes and points from this round to secure us a stable home and livelihood spot."

Huh? A flicker of bewilderment crossed Ye Zhongming's mind. What exactly did she imply?

He swept her hair back, her expression tinged with sorrow. "Thriving races typically control one or several cities across the seven Survivor Fortresses. Even the mightiest clans command entire city clusters. The weakest ones at least possess their own dwelling areas."

Ye Zhongming gave a nod. He had witnessed the Star-Eye Clan's domain. Though confined to underground realms and dubbed a castle or similar, it essentially formed a sprawling city.

"Ever since our Changxu Water Race forfeited Changxu City eons ago in cosmic time, we've been forced to lease temporary abodes on the three tiniest Survivor Fortresses over and over. As for lacking even steady rentals... the rent serves as yet another tool some employ to bend us to their will."

Ye Zhongming absorbed her words in silence, while He shared them in a subdued tone.

"Our clan's decline grows ever more pronounced, largely because we lack any enterprises or even a fixed residence. I wish for you to address this matter foremost. The spot needn't be vast, just ours alone. My kin and I grow weary of this nomadic existence. We long for any future escapees from bondage to find a definite haven, rather than drifting aimlessly like orphaned weeds on the water."

Acquiring territory and dwellings... Ye Zhongming rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

At any rate, this pursuit demanded immense funds. Though He spoke only of purchasing land without requesting aid for buildings, in a realm teeming with billions yet limited to seven Survivor Fortresses for habitation, land surely wasn't inexpensive—even if not worth its weight in gold. It remained uncertain if Ye Zhongming's present assets could claim a private domain.

Yet since He voiced this wish, and she knew the costs involved, she must believe Ye Zhongming's holdings were ample and overflowing.

Viewing it differently, even back on Earth, pledging loyalty and risking life for a cause made providing housing reasonable. Opting for a tiny plot or poor site would appear miserly.

Ye Zhongming inclined his head and replied, "No issue there. But we'll face various concerns afterward, such as placement and size. We can hash them out. Drawing on my capabilities, I'll strive to satisfy what you and your kin require."

This response pleased He greatly, as it lacked any hint of reluctance or hollow promises. The measured tone in Ye Zhongming's words instead demonstrated his genuine intent to honor He's desire.

"Moreover, our kin remain ensnared by numerous races. I hope that as we trail you henceforth, you'll assist in freeing these members whenever chances arise, allowing them to rejoin our core group."

The plea appeared straightforward, yet Ye Zhongming recognized its complexity.

What led the Changxu Water Race to their present plight? Wasn't it their unique talents and traits? They bolstered defenses for allies and crafted elixirs, making them the ultimate natural aides!

With others having seized them via diverse tactics, reclaiming them promised no simple task.

Absent brute force, they'd need to probe the captors first. Relying on gathered intel, they'd either flatter whims or apply pressure mixed with lures.

No matter the approach, it spelled hassle and hardship.

Ye Zhongming stayed prudent, furrowing his brow as he stated, "Like earlier: within my power, I'll make it happen. But you realize this ties into countless ties. We may desire it, yet success isn't assured."

To another, this might sound like rejection. But He knew Ye Zhongming well and saw he was safeguarding flexibility.

"I get it. At the start, it'll prove daunting for sure. We'll watch for openings initially. Should a promising one emerge, grasp it firmly. I believe that as you and we advance in strength each day, resolving this will grow simpler by the moment."

Ye Zhongming concurred on this front. In time, with their rising might, such issues would fade to irrelevance. It might even reverse, with captors eager to release Changxu Water Race individuals.

"The next one."

Ye Zhongming sensed that the Changxu Water Race, through He's representation, held more than just these two stipulations.

"This following request might trouble you deeply."

He uttered the words deliberately, as though reluctant to voice them, or perhaps granting Ye Zhongming a moment to reflect.

"Speak it. Without hearing it, how can I tell if it'll trouble me?"

He gazed intently at Ye Zhongming, parted her lips, and voiced a phrase that left him utterly stunned!