11 Mutated Giant Eel

Yang Xiao thought for a moment and said, "Instead of sitting here waiting to die, why not take a risk? The water monster is in the water while we're on shore. As long as we don't go in the water and just dig taro along the shore, there shouldn't be an issue. Plus, I think we can collect some water from the pond to bring back. We don't need to boil water on site, just use bottles to transport it back and boil it before drinking. After all, the water I have is limited."

Hearing Yang Xiao's words, everyone felt there was no better option.

Huang Wen looked at Yang Xiao and said, "We're all girls, so we're timid. You're the boss now, so we'll listen to you."

With just that one sentence, the responsibility was pushed onto Yang Xiao.

He was stunned for a few seconds. According to yesterday's agreement, he had no obligation to lead everyone on this risky endeavor. However, seeing the pitiful gazes of the thirty girls, he really could not bear to refuse.

Yang Xiao thought about it and decided to be a saint this time. He said, "I can take you there, but you must follow my orders. Otherwise, if anything happens, I will leave immediately without hesitation."

"Alright, we'll listen to you. You're our leader after all!" said Chen Fei as the others chimed in. This time, Yang Xiao realized being the leader was not so easy.

"Okay, I need to select people first. Those who still feel able to move and have some strength, stand up. Those too hungry and weak to move, sit on the ground, and don't exert yourself."

Huang Wen and the others glanced around. Over ten girls stood up.

Yang Xiao looked them over and said, "Good, just you girls. I have a few requests first. One, collect as many empty mineral water bottles as possible. We'll need those to transport water. Two, each person should prepare an iron rod, and it'd be best to find some shovels too for digging up taro. Three, everyone should wear long pants and sleeves, jeans ideally, with pant legs rolled up and sleeves buttoned. Go get prepared now and meet back here in half an hour."

Huang Wen, Chen Fei, Chen Lu, and the others immediately sprang into action. They had collected empty bottles yesterday, dozens of varying sizes. They already had iron rods on hand for self-defense. As for clothes, some girls had cropped pants or skirts they swapped with those not joining the trip.

After a busy half hour, everyone was ready.

Huang Wen's group had even borrowed three shovels from other teams nearby.

Seeing they were properly equipped, Yang Xiao led the group out.

Not knowing the way, Yang Xiao let Huang Wen and the senior students lead. After over ten minutes they arrived on the mountain path to Jade Cloud Mountain.

Yang Xiao had them stop. "Boss, what is it?" asked Huang Wen.

Yang Xiao smiled and took out a pack of soda crackers from his backpack. "Eat these biscuits to gain some strength for later."

Huang Wen and the others looked at Yang Xiao, moved by his kindness to these strangers. After the disaster, they had seen much cruelty, yet this man showed genuine care.

Huang Wen nodded, choking up. They realized having a man as boss could be a great thing. No wonder girls joined other teams, even sacrificing their bodies.

"I'll brief you as you eat," said Yang Xiao. "The situation on the mountain may be worse than we expect. This is an adventure, not a suicide mission. Be careful when walking. Don't go off alone. If you see mutated creatures, kill them with your tools..."

Yang Xiao worried the mountain insects, rats, and snakes were mutating in great numbers, posing unimaginable threats.

Though timid originally, with their boss Yang Xiao, and food energizing them, the girls' courage returned. They would follow their boss to survive somehow! Once lively, the atmosphere became exciting.

Yang Xiao thought to himself these were crafty women. He would need to be careful not to fall into their trap.

Wielding iron rods, they watched out for each other as they walked toward the pond.

"Look everyone, that spider on the tree is the size of a palm!"

"Those mosquitos are as thick as thumbs now. Terrifying!"

"Even the butterflies are fan-sized. This world is too scary. Old man Gurbo was right. All creatures are mutating."

...

Along the way they discovered many mutated animals, feeling increasing dread. Fortunately, the creatures did not attack, and Yang Xiao's firm leadership kept them going courageously forward.

After another ten-plus minutes, they finally reached the pond's edge and stood back warily.

Due to yesterday's attack of the monster in the pond, no one else had come except Yang Xiao's team. Scattered about they saw abandoned pots, bottles, and more, some filled with water already.

Chen Lu pointed to the shore saying, "Look everyone, taro leaves."

Densely growing along the shore for at least 20 meters, both in and along the water's edge, were many taros.

"Huang Wen, take nine others in groups of three. Stand farther back from the shore and only dig taro on land. One digs while two watch for dangers like mutated insects in the grass."

Huang Wen nodded. As long as they were not asked to go in the water, they were not too worried. She took her group to start digging.

Yang Xiao took a large metal bucket and said to the others, "You all stand on shore and be ready to collect water. I'll bring it up from the edge."

They readily agreed it was safest on shore.

Yang Xiao first handed the bucket to a girl and had her follow him. Holding a steel pipe in both hands, he went to a small dock to survey the scene.

The pond water was fairly clear. He could see bottom vegetation and sediment. Any monster likely would not be hiding along the shore.

Yang Xiao stuck the pipe into the bank and said, "Give me the bucket."

He filled the bucket and then quickly carried it up the grassy slope to the waiting girls who poured some into their bottles.

On Yang Xiao's third bucketful, a thick snakelike arm suddenly shot out from below. A monster leapt from the water flying right at him!

Senses sharper than normal people, Yang Xiao was alerted as soon as it surfaced. He hurriedly spun around to dash for the shore.

The girls shrieked seeing the attack on Yang Xiao.

Huang Wen's group digging taro heard the screams and came running back in fear.

Fortunately, Yang Xiao reacted swiftly. The monster missed him and slammed onto the grass with a thud.

In panic, Yang Xiao pulled two one-foot-long watermelon knives from his pack and turned to face the creature. Looking closely, he saw it was not a snake but a giant mutated eel!

D*mn, even eels had become so enormous!