Pilgrimage

After some contemplation, Su Wenhao reluctantly agreed to Su Chen's condition, and the convoy swiftly retreated under his command, wasting no time.

As they turned onto the next street, they were greeted by a terrifying sight. Black scale monsters and elongated ghosts were running rampant along the road.

Su Wenhao and his soldiers immediately tensed up, readying their weapons for a confrontation. However, to their surprise, the monsters seemed oblivious to their presence, their attention solely focused on the Yuncheng store in the distance.

More and more monsters emerged from all directions, converging on a single destination. It was as if they had received some kind of divine inspiration, abandoning all other targets along the way and making a beeline towards the store, where the blood-colored cracks glowed with increasing intensity.

Despite the chaos unfolding, Su Wenhao took the initiative to guide his team to a nearby corner, seeking shelter from the monsters and ensuring they wouldn't be caught off guard by the colossal giants.

The entire Midtown seemed to be swarming with monsters, all converging on the same location.

Professor Chen, seated in the leading bus, peered back at the direction from which the monsters had disappeared and muttered to himself, "They have lost sight of us. I fear those monsters will take our place as sacrifices... Once the ritual commences, there's no stopping it...

"And the other monsters that gathered, they are there to pilgrimage, worship, and stand guard...

"Is it an inexplicable deity or science masquerading as one?"

These frenzied and disordered monsters resembled the most devout zealots. On their pilgrimage, even if humans were within reach, they would not halt their advance.

Su Wenhao took the risk of reorganizing tasks within the convoy, calming the survivors, and strategizing their next moves.

Leaning against the military vehicle, Su Chen surveyed the scene, his gaze sweeping over the horde of almost manic monsters passing by the alley, sending shivers down his spine.

Thousands of monsters were amassing, and although Su Chen desired to put a halt to their plans, he lacked the power to do so. He realized that he alone could not prevent the impending sacrifice; instead, he felt the weight of his own mortality pressing upon him.

Even a single slow step outside would result in certain death.

But it wasn't a day of complete despair. They had caught a glimpse of the puppeteers behind these monsters.

That skeletal figure... what was it?

Su Wenhao, who was checking on the condition of the scientific researchers aboard the leading bus, couldn't help but question, "Why didn't they capture us?"

Professor Chen sighed and shook his head. "The skeletal figure likely possesses limited control over the monsters. Once we left its range, it assumed control of the sacrifice, leaving no time to deal with us. In other words, the gathering of monsters in Midtown should be semi-autonomous.

"The only silver lining is that we managed to escape in time.

"Now that the sacrificial ceremony is underway, they won't bother with us.

"The zealous fanatics won't budge an inch from their altar.

"This may be a blessing in disguise."

Su Wenhao opened his mouth but found himself at a loss for words. He proceeded to double-check their ammunition and contact other troops repeatedly, seeking any form of assistance.

After a moment of tense silence, a young soldier nervously spoke up, "Will their deities manifest themselves?"

Professor Chen shook his head solemnly. "We don't even know what their gods are. But based on the energy and spatial effects we've witnessed, it's unlikely that the peak of the sacrificial ritual will surpass the cataclysmic event from that fateful day. Their gods couldn't come through then, and it's possible they won't be able to now... or perhaps something else entirely has arrived..."

Su Wenhao raised his head, joining the conversation. "What other possibilities are there?"

But Professor Chen simply shook his head, refusing to divulge further information.

Gradually, the number of monsters outside decreased, allowing the team to cautiously resume their movements. The monsters had all hurried to the altar, leaving the desolate streets eerily empty.

Su Chen returned to the military vehicle, deep in thought.

Su Wenhao also emerged from the leading bus, clutching a set of maps as he gestured with his hands.

After a moment of contemplation, Su Chen asked, "Will the military deploy troops?"

"Perhaps, I don't know," Su Wenhao replied with a worried expression. Unspoken was the fact that the military's resources were stretched thin, and the rescue efforts were already overwhelmed across a wide area. Moreover, Midtown was deeply situated, making it difficult to mobilize troops...

Su Chen seemed to have a grasp of the situation and fell silent.

As the completion of the monsters' sacrificial rituals drew near, the city would become increasingly perilous. Yet, Su Chen's heart remained surprisingly calm and composed. Perhaps his previous experiences had instilled in him a sense of urgency, urging him to hasten his pace and advance to the second level, encountering even more formidable adversaries.

A person consumed by fear would forever be crippled by cowardice, but a person fortified by courage might perish on their journey forward, yet they would do so with dignity.

Su Chen desired to live, but he would not choose to flee. Step by step, he would traverse the path he believed to be right.

The Anowal ring, his armor, and the surging energy within his body became his unwavering confidence.

Though he might be limited to combating monsters for now, no one could stand in his way, but he yearned to accomplish even more.

However...

Su Chen held steadfast belief.

One day, even in the face of thousands of monsters, he would vanquish them all.

Even their gods.

He was prepared to fight.

...

Su Chen and the convoy had traveled nearly two kilometers when they halted to seek refuge and make repairs. From the direction of the Yuncheng store, they heard a thunderous rumble, accompanied by the echoing roars of countless monsters, audible even from several kilometers away.

The sky in that direction grew increasingly luminous.

Under the guidance of the military, a group of survivors cautiously entered the foul-smelling fresh food market for a brief period of reorganization. The interior was dimly lit, infested with flies buzzing about, and a solitary, elongated specter lurked in a corner. Fang swiftly dispatched it, putting an end to its eerie presence.

True to his word, Su Wenhao promptly handed over what Su Chen had requested. However, their repeated battles had depleted a considerable amount of ammunition. While they did provide Su Chen with a 60mm-caliber "Crack" rocket launcher, they could only spare two rockets. The grenades and pistol ammunition were in stock, but the five chemical grenades consisted solely of smoke bombs. According to Su Wenhao's explanation, their supply of incendiary bombs had been exhausted. Given their superior efficacy against the elongated specters, they had been utilized more frequently.

Observing the transfer of weapons, Su Wenhao's facial muscles twitched slightly, a pang of anguish evident on his face. He couldn't help but wonder if Su Chen's abilities were somehow related to this peculiar phenomenon. It might explain the inexplicable aspects of Su Chen's character, being equipped with formidable gear yet remaining taciturn. Nevertheless, he quickly refocused on his duties.

Su Chen seemed unperturbed by Su Wenhao's expression as he impassively handed over the equipment. He carried the hefty "Crack" rocket launcher on his back, appearing as if he were shouldering a tremendous burden. The other fighters accompanying them couldn't help but feel a tinge of envy. Talent had its perks, granting superhuman physique without the need for rigorous training.

At this moment, Su Wenhao spoke up, "My team will assist you in managing the survivors. I believe you're also injured, so take this opportunity to tend to your wounds. We will remain here for a maximum of two hours. I will establish contact with other troops and the commanding officers to gather information and plan our route meticulously. Although Professor Chen suggested that it might be relatively safe for now, it remains a one-sided inference. The current situation is too bizarre. Let us observe it cautiously to avoid falling into any potential traps."

He continued, his voice tinged with determination, "Furthermore, we bear the responsibility of monitoring the situation to a certain extent. We need to relay updates on the sacrifices to the troops promptly. As for Professor Chen... I believe he would like to have a conversation with you."

As they distanced themselves from the Yuncheng store, their signal gradually regained strength. Contact with other allied forces became feasible once again.