Apocalypse Gachapon Chapter 1955: Secret Operation

~4 minute read · 1,069 words
Previously on Apocalypse Gachapon...
He, the clan leader of the Changxu Water Race, inspects a large batch of refined medicines ranging from one to four turns, mostly for healing, prepared for sale despite the clan's reluctance rooted in their traditions. Facing increasing pressure from other races, including captures and a death among their members, the Changxu Water Race has pledged allegiance to Ye Zhongming, who provides funds for materials, viewing this as a necessary mutual support for survival. To establish a strong reputation, He decides to feature a rare eight-turn medicine as their flagship product, shocking the clansmen who worry about the risks, though she believes it strikes the right balance without excessive envy and that Ye will manage the fallout, with temporary protection from four experts for half a cosmic year.

"Learned everything?"

Jikesu felt immense surprise at how quickly Ye Zhongming picked up the material. Over the course of three days, he had shared the compiled knowledge with this young man, and now the kid claimed to have mastered it all, inquiring if there was more to absorb.

"You can test me."

The Technology Chief gazed intently at Ye Zhongming for a moment before shaking his head and declaring, "No, I believe you've truly grasped it."

With his vast experience, Jikesu could easily discern if Ye Zhongming had actually comprehended the teachings or not.

"Has it aided your equipment crafting?"

Jikesu inquired further.

Ye Zhongming didn't respond right away; instead, he produced a piece of gear directly.

It was a shield.

Jikesu recognized immediately that this equipment differed greatly from Ye Zhongming's previous creations.

In the past, every item Ye Zhongming forged incorporated wheel technology. Visually, they appeared seamlessly unified, presenting a straightforward and intact form.

Yet this shield stood apart. It now displayed clear signs of artificial tech influences.

The shield wasn't big and could fully function as an arm-mounted guard. It featured two layers. The front section was somewhat broader, while the rear was roughly five centimeters narrower in diameter.

The inner layer formed an uneven curve. Apart from an adjustable fastener for gripping or slinging, various spots were evidently designed as foundations and triggers for the components nestled between the inner and outer layers.

By merely feeling the outer surface, Jikesu identified it as 'Wuzai Iron', though processed to overcome the material's brittleness, thereby boosting its frontward protection immensely.

The shield's core lay in that interlayer, of course.

Ye Zhongming showed Jikesu its operations. The interlayer boasted three primary capabilities.

First off, when required, a ring of metal about ten centimeters across could protrude from the interlayer, expanding the shield's protective coverage. Secondly, these protruding metal segments were cleverly assembled into compact curved blades. Extending just halfway turned them into a ring of energy-powered, smaller curved blades that spun on their own, delivering razor-sharp slicing harm.

The final power allowed these curved metal blades, once fully formed in a ring, to launch entirely at the enemy, transforming into concealed projectiles.

Even more impressive, Ye Zhongming had enhanced these metal blades with wind-attribute powers, which amplified their flying velocity and spinning rate.

To certain expert artisans, this shield might seem ordinary, but Jikesu astutely perceived it as a prototype, and in terms of features, it succeeded brilliantly. Should its strength and longevity hold up, it would surely rank as a top-tier item.

Crucially, this equipment showcased Ye Zhongming blending wheel technology with the cosmic races' fabrication methods, and it looked like he had discovered the right approach.

This path was widely acknowledged as the proper one among the cosmic races. Depending solely on wheel technology or their native methods brought numerous flaws and gaps. Merging the two represented the dominant trend.

Even the Taros Red Dwarves, famed for their exceptional crafting skills, pursued this route, evident in their fervent training of agents.

Their inherent tech was simply too superior, advanced enough to rival wheel technology and outshine other races proficient in making things.

Jikesu found himself daydreaming, sensing that the man in front of him could genuinely one day surpass the Taros Red Dwarves in craftsmanship.

Witnessing Ye Zhongming's display, Jikesu grew thrilled. Taking the shield as a case, he shared his long-gathered insights on equipment forging with Ye Zhongming. This brought a flash of sudden clarity to the newcomer in the field.

Earlier, such explanations from Jikesu would have baffled him, lacking any exposure to cosmic race knowledge. But now, armed with basics, Ye Zhongming discovered the lessons grew ever more beneficial as he absorbed them.

The pair conversed through the night. By morning, Ye Zhongming departed, enriched with a profound grasp of Jikesu's guidance.

Ye Zhongming needed to depart due to a scheduled commitment that day.

Assault Camp.

Seventy troops stood prepared, each harboring anxiety and tension.

Today marked their venture outside for a genuine task, a true operation.

Not mere drills!

Yet even now, the nature of this task remained unknown to them.

Shi Yong, chosen by Ye Zhongming as Assault Camp's commander, and Ou Chong, recently joined but already earning the group's trust as vice commander, were equally in the dark.

Ye Zhongming entered leisurely, clad in military garb.

Every heart raced.

The leader's attire signaled it; this was undoubtedly a combat-involved mission.

"Shi Yong, Ou Chong."

At the call of their names, the duo stepped up promptly.

"From this moment until midday, employ every tactic to exit the Star-Eye Clan, then slip away from Darkstrip City undetected. By dusk, assemble at this spot."

Ye Zhongming passed them a note bearing a location's name and a basic sketch map underneath.

"Got it memorized?" Ye Zhongming questioned.

They reviewed the note once more, nodding to confirm retention.

Ye Zhongming retrieved it and, before the assembly, ignited the paper to ashes.

"Keep this mission utterly secret. Conceal it not just from clan members but also from Darkstrip City's inhabitants. I emphasize, if clan folks spot you, activate the comms link and inform me at once. Use the training-set password. However, should other races in Darkstrip City detect you, abort the mission right away and return to base. Understood?"

The group felt even more puzzled, yet the recent drills proved effective. No one raised dissent; all shouted affirmatively that they comprehended.

"Excellent, I'll await your arrival there!" Ye Zhongming concluded.

………………………………

The two clan heads and Aslan's family of three gathered around the dining table for a meal. Such moments were uncommon. The clan leaders toiled relentlessly for the Star-Eye Clan and stayed swamped. Aslan focused on his drills, making these chances scarce.

Clan Leader Xing checked the hour briefly and remarked, "It ought to be starting soon, yes?"

Clan Leader Yan agreed with a nod, "Assuming no mishaps, it has commenced already."

Aslan stared at his parents in total bewilderment.

"My child, at times I wonder if Ye Zhongming's arrival spells salvation or doom for us."

Clan Leader Xing voiced this thought abruptly. After a brief silence, he continued: "Yet I realize that, regardless of the Star-Eye Clan's fate, this individual will rise as a dominant force."

"For he boldly pursues...Insane actions we wouldn't dare conceive."