C13 Conspiracy

"What's your name?"

The band of sturdy men were particularly protective of the young Jiao Yuanju. The more aware they became of the wilderness's perils, the more they resisted the idea of a youngster like Jiao Yuanju braving such dangers.

"Jiao Yuanju."

Pei Xiaobo, with a smile, inquired, "Are you still attending school?"

"I'm at the Azure Academy."

Jiao Yuanju's response was measured, yet it elicited surprise from Pei Xiaobo and the rest.

One of them chuckled, "Boss, talk about serendipity. You're heading to the Azure Academy in a couple of days to scout for the Krukshire First Unit. This kid's got potential!"

Pei Xiaobo remained silent.

Jiao Yuanju caught the implication immediately. What was happening? Was this man before him connected to Krukshire's military?

Without a word, Jiao Yuanju committed this to memory.

Before they knew it, they had ventured deep into the forest. Though termed a forest, each tree soared dozens of meters high. They craned their necks, yet the treetops seemed beyond reach. Radiation had altered not just animals, but flora too. Genetic evolution had spurred these beings to ascend to greater heights.

As they trekked, Jiao Yuanju commanded the system, "Extract the enhancing fluid!"

"Confirm extraction?"

The system's voice resonated with a deep, otherworldly quality.

"Extract!"

No sooner had Jiao Yuanju spoken than a small vial materialized in his grasp. The blue fluid within was the same that had facilitated Eoldrai's previous evolution. Frankly, Jiao Yuanju was eager to witness Eoldrai's transformation post-evolution.

Turning away from the group, Jiao Yuanju swiftly administered the enhancing fluid to Eoldrai cradled in his arms. The creature seemed irresistibly drawn to it, rapidly consuming the entire contents.

Afterward, Jiao Yuanju discreetly trailed the group, anticipating Eoldrai's metamorphosis.

"Hold up!"

Pei Xiaobo came to an abrupt halt, his expression etched with caution. They stood upon a hillock, and the night enveloped them in an eerie stillness.

"Boss, there's nothing here," a team member remarked, confounded.

Pei Xiaobo shook his head, his tone grave, "It's too silent here! Remember, in the wild, the night brings more activity, especially from Mutant Beasts. Let's not lose sight of our mission!"

Every heart was shaken. Their mission?

The Puwhary Alliance had united the last five or six nations of the Land of the Rising Sun, with humanity's habitable cities dwindling to just eighteen. Two days prior, Krukshire had been besieged by a horde of Mutant Beasts from both east and west. Several units, along with a multitude of mechas and Combat Pet Masters, had been dispatched to the front lines. To be cautious, they ventured to the northwest to inspect this deserted wilderness corridor, a place rarely troubled by beast tides and thus largely ignored by the military.

Pei Xiaobo surveyed his surroundings with an icy gaze. His Blue Wolf, in sync with his movements, turned its attention in the same direction.

Suddenly, a lion emerged, fixing Pei Xiaobo with a frosty stare.

"An elite-level Crazy Lion!"

The group's eyelids twitched in response. Despite Combat Pet Masters being the most esteemed profession within the Puwhary Alliance, the reality was that most were quite ordinary. Powerful combat pets were notoriously difficult to tame, and cultivating equally formidable Combat Pet Masters was an even rarer feat.

Many were not strong enough on their own, and as their combat pets grew in power, the bonds that held them together weakened. This imbalance could lead to a combat pet turning on its master—a fatal outcome.

Facing an elite-level Mutant Beast was a formidable challenge indeed!

Their squad's captain was the only elite-level Combat Pet Master present, which should have been sufficient.

But their relief was short-lived. A man in a black robe emerged slowly from the underbrush, positioning himself behind the Crazy Lion. His cloak enveloped him, though the outline of a middle-aged man with a stern expression was discernible beneath.

"Who are you?" demanded Pei Xiaobo.

Jiao Yuanju, no fool, discreetly stepped back, gauging the group's reaction while plotting his escape.

The man in black smiled. "A group of prey, right here? Perfect timing—I'm weary. A few kills should provide some relaxation. Perhaps I can even trade your heads for a bounty."

Jiao Yuanju shuddered at the man's ruthless words. Who was this person?

Pei Xiaobo stepped back and asked coldly, "What are you doing here?"

With a relaxed tone, the black-robed man replied, "Rumor has it there's a rare Beast King in these parts. I'm not sure of its kind, but I've drawn them here. I wonder, will the people in your city remain as untroubled as they are now?"

The crowd felt a shiver run down their spines upon hearing that someone could actually entice and manipulate Mutant Beasts. It was a dark plot against Krukshire!

"All units, on my command—capture him!"

Pei Xiaobo instantly issued the order, charging ahead with Eoldrai, the Green Wolf, at his side!

The rest of the team drew their daggers and firearms, surging forward in a wave of determination!

The figure in the black robe let out a mocking laugh, "Crazy Lion, devour them!"

The lion's eyes glinted with a savage, bloodthirsty chill as it leaped into action in the blink of an eye!

Gripping the prism spike firmly, Pei Xiaobo aimed for the Crazy Lion's head with a swift, decisive thrust!