"I call these monsters mutated mist demons." The base commander's voice carried a hint of heaviness and killing intent that was barely perceptible: "These are terrifying beings that we confirmed at a terrible cost."
"They can perfectly mimic human appearance, voice, and even some behavioral logic. In the early stages of the gray fog, communication was instantly cut off, and order collapsed. We received a large number of survivors. Among them were these things."
But at the time we knew nothing, which sowed the seeds of future problems within the team.
Her gaze swept over Xiao Jin, carrying a profound warning: "They wear human skin, mingle among terrified crowds, pass through our layers of checks, and can even recount their 'experiences' with tears in their eyes."
We once treated them as our own kind, until they suddenly ripped away their disguise and revealed their fangs when we were least on guard—perhaps when distributing food, arranging accommodations, or during a midnight shift.
The surveillance footage is frozen on a close-up of a torn, blood-stained "human skin," below which is a swirling mass of gray mist with a dark red glow at its core.
"Fortunately, their thinking is simple and their attack patterns are relatively simple, but the destructive power brought by their camouflage and surprise still caused heavy damage to the base."
This is why any new face is subject to the most rigorous scrutiny.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinci realized why the other party had opened fire without hesitation when he and Yin Hang arrived here.
"A mutated fog ghost?" Xiao Jin stared at the monitor with great interest.
It's quite interesting, but I haven't encountered it.
Seemingly noticing Xiao Jin's confusion, the base chief's expression turned somewhat grim: "They seem to have an innate sensitivity, able to clearly know who poses a greater threat to them."
They assume that ordinary people are easier to deceive, so they mostly target vulnerable groups.
Hearing this, Xiao Jin understood. So they were deliberately avoiding the players!
At that moment, the base commander pressed a button, and the image on the monitoring screen instantly changed.
She gestured for Xiao Jin to look over, and the screen showed a special cell isolated behind multiple layers of reinforced glass, where several mist demons of various shapes were being held.
There were ordinary humanoid fog demons, roaring and crashing into the wall; and there was a "special fog demon" that was larger, with more solid fog and arms that had mutated into scythes, quietly lurking in a corner.
There was another one whose body was covered with a thin, translucent, skin-like substance; this was the "Mutant Mist Ghost".
The base commander said in a somber tone: "One of the base's core tasks at present is to study them."
The ultimate goal is to find the weaknesses of the gray fog, analyze its evolutionary path, and ultimately find a way for humans to survive and even counter it in this environment!
The location of the 'nest' was crucial intelligence that the seventh exploration team obtained at the cost of seventeen lives.
"The base gates will open at 6:00 AM the day after tomorrow." The base commander looked at Xiao Jin with piercing eyes: "The main force is the military's elite assault team, responsible for fire support, clearing roads, and establishing temporary strongholds."
Meanwhile, ten to twelve 'special individuals,' including yourself, will participate in the core assault. Your mission is to break through the most dangerous area, find and destroy the core.
"So many people?" Xiao Jin raised an eyebrow.
She thought there would only be 5 or 6 at most, after all, this task was not easy, but she didn't expect there to be such stubborn people.
This also explains why the base chief was so stingy with the rewards for shapeshifting metal!
With so many players, she must have spent a fortune...
"Opportunities are always fleeting." The base commander's words had a hidden meaning: "To be as capable as you is probably not without its challenges."
Xiao Jin's lips curled up slightly: "You're right, the strong always have to pay a higher price."
“Very good.” The base commander suddenly stood up and extended his hand.
Her hands were dry and strong, covered with thin calluses: "The base will provide you with the necessary equipment and intelligence support. You will be informed of the specific details before the operation."
She paused, then added, "Please let me know immediately if there are any new discoveries regarding the mutated mist ghosts, especially whether they have higher-level forms or more complex organizations."
That will be one of the key variables in determining the success or failure of the operation.
Xiao Jin grasped that hand, cold yet firm: "Understood. It's a pleasure working with you, Base Chief."
…………………………
The lead-gray alloy door closed silently behind Xiao Jin, shutting out the cold air and the huge monitoring screen in the command center.
The one-eyed man was already waiting silently outside the door. He glanced at her with his remaining right eye, said nothing, and turned to lead the way.
As Xiao Jin walked through the passageway filled with the noise of the massive construction project once again, his gaze swept over the ordinary people toiling away beneath the steel framework.
It's already 9 p.m., but they still haven't rested. Their numb faces are full of exhaustion, and sweat mixed with dust has etched muddy grooves on their necks.
Some people were struggling to carry heavy steel bars, their backs bent under the weight; others were pushing heavy carts that were almost out of control, their arm muscles bulging, veins standing out, and suppressed hoarse sounds coming from their throats.
Further away, a group of people were clearing a collapsed pipe. The sound of shovels hitting the rubble was monotonous and desperate. Dust filled the air, making it almost impossible to see their faces.
This is the price of "protection".
They trade their blood, sweat, and even lives for a mere foothold in this doomed steel fortress.
The elevator stopped in a relatively quiet rest area near the ground entrance. One-Eyed Dragon tossed Xiao Jin a magnetic card and a metal tag with the room number written on it.
"Your temporary accommodation is upstairs, and your food rations will be delivered. Don't wander off."
The base commander will meet with you at 5:00 AM the day after tomorrow. Just swipe your card as usual. If anything happens, press the bell on the wall, and someone will come to handle it.
After saying that, he turned and disappeared around the corner of another passage, like a silent shadow.
Xiao Jin held the cold magnetic card, and after a while, she found her room—306.
Moreover, this row of houses mostly consisted of individual huts. Staring at the other large doors not far away, Xiao Jin keenly sensed the presence behind them.
If I'm not mistaken, these people should be her teammates the day after tomorrow.
"Heh~" Suddenly, Xiao Jin chuckled softly.
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