However, the moment they stormed the base, it was filled with pustules like blisters, each one bursting open.

Countless hairless monsters with cone-shaped, deformed heads, tentacles, and mouths full of sharp teeth crawled out, their bodies covered in eerie red lines.

These monsters varied in size, some as tall as five or six meters, others as small as a palm.

These monsters were called Kazami. In their juvenile stage, they possessed strong parasitic abilities, capable of controlling the flesh of living creatures and absorbing the host's genes to further mutate.

Fully mature Kazami could reach five to six meters in height, evolving into Type I mutants, known for their swift movements and tenacious lifeforce.

Kazami that successfully absorbed special genes could evolve into various forms of Type II mutants.

One Kazami after another pounced on Qiancheng Xue like madmen.

Qiancheng Xue wielded her alloy blade, slicing the onrushing Kazami into pieces as if cutting vegetables.

Behind her, the mecha squad spread out, raised their guns, and unleashed a fierce barrage, creating an impenetrable web of fire to halt the monsters.

Immediately afterward, heavy tanks crashed in, clearing the way.

A large number of elite players followed, charging in.

Just as the tide seemed to turn in their favor, puppet soldiers emerged from all directions, armed with individual rocket launchers and light machine guns, surrounding them and launching an attack.

*Shui shui*

A dense rain of bullets descended!

"Everyone, take cover behind the heavy weaponry! Clear out those monsters!"

Qiancheng Xue commanded the battle while cutting down monsters.

"Understood!"

The responses of various squad leaders echoed through the communication channel.

The elite players, facing the sudden encirclement, didn't panic. Instead, they used the available cover to launch precise counterattacks.

One puppet soldier after another was struck down.

However, the next second, the fallen soldiers swayed and rose again.

"What's going on? They can't be killed."

"I killed one, and it got back up."

...

"Don't panic! Use high-caliber weapons! If you can't kill them in one shot, shoot them twice! Sixth Mecha Squad, provide fire support!"

Sun Li issued orders to the troops.

"Understood!"

Immediately, the players switched their weapons, some to grenade launchers, some pulled out grenades, and others switched to rocket launchers.

At the same time, ten mechas changed their attack direction, coordinating with the players below to attack the puppet soldiers.

*Shui shui*

An even fiercer barrage rained down on the puppet soldiers.

*Rumble*

One puppet soldier after another was torn to pieces or blasted into a bloody mess.

As the puppet soldiers' bodies completely disintegrated, juvenile Kazami emerged and scurried into the shadows.

They circled around, approaching the elite players. They were small, but moved with incredible speed, much like rats.

"Take out the juveniles! Don't let them get close!"

Qiancheng Xue glanced over and immediately noticed the approaching danger.

But just as she finished her warning, beams of red light swept across the area, instantly striking several mechas and tanks.

*Rumble*

A huge explosion disrupted their formation.

Many of the juvenile Kazami seized the opportunity to rush forward, leaping onto the players and frantically burrowing into their mouths and exposed skin.

"Ah!"

Several players who couldn't dodge in time were infected.

However, their companions didn't panic. They drew sharp daggers and stabbed the creatures.

Those who were hopelessly infected moved away from the group and detonated grenades, committing suicide.

Qiancheng Xue's expression grew colder. She coldly observed the strange Type II Kazami that had appeared on the surrounding buildings. Their bodies were covered in eerie red lines that converged at their chests, forming a single red eye.

"Commander, the enemy numbers are higher than expected, and they're still increasing. Should we retreat temporarily?"

Lin Xiaojia's voice came through the communication channel.

Sun Li strongly disagreed, saying, "If we pull back now, it'll be even harder to get back in."

Her elite squad had already suffered casualties. Retreating now would be a waste of everything.

"Withdraw! Regroup and come back!"

Qiancheng Xue gave the order with unusual calm. It wasn't that she was afraid, but the situation wasn't good. The juvenile monsters were like turds in the punchbowl, having already infiltrated her ranks, and they would undoubtedly cause chaos.

"Understood!"

Upon hearing Qiancheng Xue's words, Sun Li and the others immediately abandoned their own opinions and carried out her orders without question.

As Qiancheng Xue piloted her mecha to retreat, she glanced coldly at the giant, blister-like pustule in the distance.

That was the real threat.

...

-------------------

When Su Mo returned to his apartment, it was already dark.

He opened the door and stepped inside, then paused, slightly stunned.

Zi Qing and the others were gathered around a computer, browsing something and discussing it heatedly.

"You're back?"

"Yeah."

Zi Qing and the others responded absently, not turning around, still focused on the computer screen.

"What are you doing?"

Su Mo asked curiously.

"Watching the news. The situation's been a bit turbulent lately," Zi Qing replied simply.

"What happened?"

Su Mo asked, feeling that something was off on his way home.

"What else could it be? It's all about Xinghuan."

Han Na got up and walked to the refrigerator, took out a bottle of ice-cold beer, popped the cap, and took a sip, looking worried.

Hearing the name Xinghuan, Su Mo became interested.

"How does this involve Xinghuan?"

"Hey, don't tell me you never go online? Don't you know what's going on?"

Han Na looked at Su Mo incredulously. Seeing his blank expression, she explained, "You know how difficult Xinghuan is, right? Many of the players who log in die within five minutes. Those players who die can't play, so they're ranting and complaining online, even filing complaints about the game."

"Isn't that normal?"

"Yeah, it's pretty normal, but you know that Xinghuan doesn't accept complaints. And that wouldn't be a big deal, but then a bunch of parents popped up, posting everywhere online and complaining that the game is too bloody and violent, and that it has a negative impact on people's mental health."

Han Na took a big gulp of beer and said helplessly.

"Yeah, that's normal."

Su Mo responded indifferently. Violence and gore are generally prohibited, and Xinghuan had definitely crossed the line.