|
.png)
After the frenzied assault by the mutated beasts, the number of casualties in the S City Base was significantly higher than before.
Previously, a single A-level mutated beast had nearly rendered humans incapable of killing it.
Although human capabilities had greatly improved during this period, they were still far from being able to truly defeat so many S-level mutants.
With the outbreak of war, the once orderly streets of S City were now littered with shattered bricks and tiles.
While people continuously cleared the debris blocking the roads, the half-collapsed buildings had no chance of being restored.
Aside from the initially attacked beach embankment, the S City Base and the research institute were among the most severely damaged areas.
Especially the research institute, where most of the precision instruments inside the building were destroyed by boulders and leaving it in ruins.
Therefore, a large open space beside the research institute was filled with densely packed makeshift tents. The injured were being treated and protected here, but many more had not survived the initial assault or had died from severe injuries.
Qin Chu removed the earpiece from her ear and revealed tightly pursed red lips beneath the blue medical mask.
She brushed the strand of hair falling over her forehead behind her ear and stepped back to make way, then watched as the nurses carried another heavily injured and deceased evolver out of the tent, heading towards a large white sheet-covered area to the east.
That place… was filled with bodies awaiting cremation.
With such a large number of casualties, even Qin Chu couldn't treat every injured person. Her pale and thin cheeks these days hinted at the overuse of her abilities and the relentless day-and-night medical support.
"This is the 28th one… today."
Watching the evolver, who had lost an arm, disappear from her sight, Qin Chu unconsciously opened her mouth and murmured.
Her hands were stuffed into the wide pockets of her white coat, and the cool breeze from behind made her figure appear even more desolate.
"Doctor Qin, there's someone who was just dug out from the ruins. The blood vessels in their right leg have been crushed by a boulder, and they're on the verge of death. Please come quickly and see how to handle this!"
A female nurse hurriedly ran over, and in no time, Qin Chu turned and ran with her towards a small tent in the distance.
There was no time for rest, let alone for sorrow and reflection.
The scorching sun showed no sign of weakening as it continued to shine down on this devastated land.
The first cremation was carried out in the evening to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in this hot and humid weather.
Such events had already become commonplace in many places.
Ji Chuancheng personally lit the first flame, and soon a massive fire engulfed the bodies of dozens of people.
The towering flames, accompanied by a pungent smell, vanished into the world, leaving only gray-white ashes and a few bone fragments.
A cool breeze later, the ashes scattered with the wind, and the sky gradually darkened.
Jing Xia and Ji Chuancheng walked silently down the deserted dormitory hallway, deep into the night.
Both walked forward in silence, and only the overlapping hands conveying warmth and carrying out a wordless exchange.
After a while, Jing Xia couldn't help but sigh softly, "Ah Chuan, today I saw Sister Qin faint again from overusing her abilities. This should be… the fifth time since that day, right?"
Aside from her top-notch medical skills, Qin Chu's healing abilities were her most unique asset.
When some critically injured patients who were almost beyond saving were brought into the medical area, she would always use her abilities to buy time and save lives.
This excessive use of her abilities had caused her to grow increasingly thin and frail.
Ji Chuancheng slightly turned his head to calmly look at Jing Xia.
The young man's brows were slightly furrowed, as if deep in thought. After a while, he nodded, "Yes. The number of injured these days has been increasing, and this situation will likely worsen in the future."
Jing Xia lowered his head and remained silent.
As the number of injured increased, the number of survivors was gradually declining.
Even though he had specifically reminded them to reinforce the embankments, the S City Base had suffered a more severe blow than the third beast tide he had experienced in his previous life.
This loss and gain made him question himself: Was this right or wrong?
If he hadn't reminded Qi Yang to check the situation of the mutated beasts at the bottom of the Huangpu River, perhaps the course of history wouldn't have been altered, and such a massive disaster wouldn't have occurred.
Initially, it seemed like he had saved many lives, but now, it had led to more people facing misfortune.
"You're not wrong." Seemingly sensing Jing Xia's wavering emotions, Ji Chuancheng's deep, dark gaze fixed intently on him. His eyes were soft and with a hint of a helpless smile at the corner of his lips. "This beast tide is absolutely abnormal. The mutated beasts detection and defense against STAB-1, the true strength of these mutated beasts—these are all valuable data we've obtained."
Just as they reached the corner of the stairs, the bright, clear moonlight shone through the half-meter-high window, illuminating Ji Chuancheng's handsome face.
The high bridge of his nose cast a small shadow on one side of his cheek, making his features appear even more three-dimensional.
Ji Chuancheng explained, "If it weren't for your earlier reminder, we wouldn't have discovered S1, nor would we have developed STAB-1. Having something that can directly threaten the mutated beasts is something no city could trade for, as far as humanity is concerned."
Although Jing Xia understood that this was partly to comfort him, he also knew the significance of STAB-1 for humanity.
Moreover, Qi Yang and the surviving Professor Qi were already working on developing new weapons in the STAB series.
The two walked slowly to the quiet door.
Ji Chuancheng opened it while softly saying, "Actually, what you've changed might not be limited to just this. Today, we received news from B City that they have successfully withstood the second beast tide and emerged victorious."
Jing Xia, who was about to push the door open and enter, suddenly paused in surprise then exclaiming, "B City won?!"
Ji Chuancheng wrapped his arm around Jing Xia's slender waist and led him inside then use his heel to close the door behind them.
The room wasn't lit, but it wasn't dark either.
The bright moonlight shone through the window and faintly outlining the room's decor.
"Yes." Ji Chuancheng affirmed in a low voice, continuing, "Aside from Yu Kai, Qin Chu, Qi Yang, and me, the rest of the forbidden zone personnel went to B City with some advanced equipment and weapons. Aside from being caught off guard during the first beast tide, they were fully prepared this time and achieved a great victory."
Hearing this, Jing Xia's body, which had been tense for days, finally relaxed.
He let out a soft breath and leaned back against the cool wall, with only a thin layer of fabric separating his back from the rough wallpaper, causing his sweat to dampen the wall.
"Finally… some good news." Jing Xia nodded slightly, saying, "What B City needs to be wary of are the mutated beasts from the Taihang Mountains and the Yanshan Mountains, while S City needs to guard against the entire ocean. The number of creatures in the ocean is several times that on land, so dealing with them is indeed much more difficult than dealing with land creatures."
"If I hadn't made changes and everything remained the same as in my previous life, then aside from you and Qin Chu, the entire forbidden zone personnel would have been wiped out."
In the narrow and cramped foyer, Ji Chuancheng's dark pupils appeared particularly bright as he gazed at Jing Xia with a smile on his lips. "Although I hate to admit it, I did save Qi Yang's life."
Jing Xia was momentarily stunned, "Why do you hate to admit it?"
Ji Chuancheng lowered his eyes. "Isn't it because you have a good impression on him?"
"…" After a moment of silence, Jing Xia punched Ji Chuancheng's solid and broad chest, "What nonsense are you spouting again??!!"