Chapter 49: Small Team

Early the next morning, Fang Heng rode his motorcycle toward the town.

Fang Heng had chosen to undertake this mission alone.

Liao Bufan had originally wanted to go along.

However, considering the danger of this mission and the fact that it might take a long time, Fang Heng decided to have Liao Bufan stay behind.

Liao Bufan needed to guard the prison and keep a constant watch on the movements of the Prisoner Snake group.

Five hours later, Fang Heng arrived at a farm warehouse controlled by the Federation.

The warehouse had been converted into a temporary Federation shelter.

The posts published on the official forums were highly mobilizing.

Many players in the vicinity were rushing here.

Currently, the Federation had no surplus food to distribute, but there was no telling when food distribution might begin.

After all, with the protection of the Federation, the hope for survival was always greater.

When the players saw Fang Heng riding up on his motorcycle, they all cast envious glances his way.

In the early stages, it was quite rare for a player to possess such a high-level vehicle.

Fang Heng stowed his vehicle and walked into the large warehouse.

The warehouse had been repurposed as a temporary Federation resource point.

The primary responsibility of these resource points was the collection of resources from the outside.

They would use real-world Federation coins to purchase various supplies from players and continuously transport these resources back to the security center the Federation was about to establish.

Fang Heng was certain that there was definitely a medium-sized Federation-built shelter beneath this warehouse.

There were many players in the warehouse, all maintaining good order.

The Federation staff wore identification badges, making them easy to recognize.

Fang Heng immediately spotted a prominent large sign.

"Collecting all types of basic materials. Generous prices. Instant payment."

Several service desks were set up near the warehouse entrance, providing services such as resource procurement, various inquiries, and survival guides.

Fang Heng walked up to a counter.

"Hello, how can I help you?"

"I'd like to see the procurement list."

Fang Heng took the list handed to him by the Federation staff member.

The list was densely packed.

At this stage, the Federation wanted almost everything.

A basic resource like a wooden plank could be sold for 30 Federation coins.

In Suzhou, 30 Federation coins was roughly the price of an ordinary takeout meal.

"The new server really is a money-maker," Fang Heng thought to himself, feeling a sudden sense of heavy pressure.

After all, this was the Federation; their financial power was immense. With this method of collection, they would soon be able to construct a powerful shelter.

Fang Heng put down the procurement list and scanned the warehouse a few more times.

Soon, he spotted his target.

A small, thin old man was sitting on a bench, flanked by two dark-skinned foreigners.

Additionally, a man and a woman were sitting on the benches beside him.

The thin old man noticed Fang Heng and raised a hand toward him.

Fang Heng walked toward them.

"Are you Old Black?"

"That's right, it's me. You're Fang Heng, right? I've seen your photo."

Old Black's face was covered in wrinkles, and his frame was extremely slight.

"It looks like everyone is here. This is the Fang Heng I just mentioned to you all."

Old Black rolled his neck, making a creaking sound.

"Fang Heng, let me introduce you. This is Hao Zhou, the leader for this mission."

"Hello, I am Hao Zhou."

Hao Zhou had a sturdy build. He wore a thin long-sleeved shirt, through which his thick muscles were visible.

"These two are the brothers Kunba and Kunka, and this is Sister Li."

Fang Heng looked around at the group.

Sister Li was tall, around thirty years old, and dressed in a more mature style.

The brothers, Kunka and Kunba, were both foreigners. They were similarly tall and thin, with high cheekbones, and their hands were wrapped in white bandages.

"Let's find somewhere else to talk."

Old Black led the group out of the warehouse to a large tree not far away, away from the crowd.

"This commissioned mission is very difficult. I need you all to help me enter the community hospital within the town, find the backup generator set located on the first floor, and completely destroy it."

As Old Black spoke, he pulled three explosive packs from his pocket and handed them to Hao Zhou.

[Item: Small Explosive Pack] Type: Consumable. Description: Produces a powerful explosion after a 5-minute timer. Deals massive damage to biological entities and structures within range. Please use with caution.

"Once you reach the room with the backup generator, remember to start recording. You must document the entire explosion process; this will serve as your proof of mission completion."

Fang Heng found it strange.

He wanted to blow up the backup generator in the hospital?

Why?

Before coming here, Fang Heng had assumed that Old Black, like himself, was looking for the T-virus serum.

Now it seemed Old Black had other motives.

Sister Li asked, "Aren't you coming in with us?"

"Hehehe, I'm old. I won't be a burden to you. The whole town is crawling with zombies right now; if I go in, I'll only slow you down."

Fang Heng curled his lip. He couldn't help but feel that the old man's gaze was somewhat sinister.

It was an uncomfortable feeling.

Fang Heng wasn't sure if his perception skill was acting up again, or if he simply had no good impression of Old Black to begin with.

"That is the general situation. I need you to complete the mission before dark today."

Hao Zhou put away the explosives and asked, "When do we get paid? What if we can't contact you after the mission is done?"

"That won't be an issue. I can pay the reward to the Federation in advance to have them notarize this commission."

"That way, even if I'm not around, you can claim the reward directly from the Federation notary using the video recording."

Old Black had prepared the answer in advance. He looked at the group.

"Any other questions?"

Everyone shook their heads.

"I have no objections."

Fang Heng also shook his head.

Just as he had planned, he decided to follow these people in to assess the situation.

With the town full of zombies, it would be very troublesome for Fang Heng to enter alone.

Unless he was given ample time.

In that case, he could slowly clear the area using his zombie clones without interference.

But even then, he would still have to watch out for the mutated zombies in the town.

Entering with this group was the most efficient plan.

As for whether Old Black's mission could actually be completed, that remained to be seen.

"To ensure the smooth completion of this mission, I propose that Hao Zhou serves as the mission leader."

Old Black paused before explaining to the group.

"Hao Zhou was once a squad commander in the Federation's Sixth District, and he has extensive experience executing missions and leading teams."

Fang Heng shifted his gaze to Hao Zhou.

Hao Zhou took a half-step forward.

"My name is Hao Zhou. I served in a Federation squad and was a squad commander. I am proficient with various firearms."

"My talent is Mental Shock, an A+ rank talent. It can deliver a single mental shock to an enemy, but the side effect is significant, meaning it cannot be used multiple times in a short period."

"Two years ago, I lost my right leg during a mission. Since then, I have replaced it with a mechanical prosthetic in the Wasteland Apocalypse game."

"The prosthetic has great limitations, so I couldn't return to the squad. I also refused to accept the clerical positions offered by the Federation, so I left."

"Now, I am a professional mercenary."

"I will serve as the commander for this mission. If anyone disagrees, you may speak up now."

*Quite professional,* Fang Heng muttered to himself.