Chapter 33: Distraction Mission, Black Spinal Bug Scout Team

Lin Feng's status as a superpower bullet awakener was only registered at the recruitment office two hours ago, known to few beyond the security bureau staff.

The recruited enhancers and awakeners had waited long, harboring hostility towards Lin Feng's tardy group.

Fortunately, before tensions rose, Han Yuxin intervened:

"This insect swarm crisis surrounding the army was discovered by Mr. Lin Feng. He not only escaped the swarm but also relayed critical information, allowing us to prepare."

"After a brief rest, Mr. Lin has joined our distraction and cover mission."

"Moreover, Mr. Lin is a powerful awakener with a rare superpower bullet ability!"

"With him, our mission is not only achievable but can also minimize casualties."

Her words shifted many participants' discontent, changing their views towards Lin Feng.

The crowd's resentment dissipated.

Lin Feng glanced at Han Yuxin at the door, appreciating her adept conflict resolution, transforming him from a tardy liability to a savior.

However, Lin Feng wasn't interested in the accolades.

Not everyone was swayed.

Five leading awakeners in the crowd, after a glance at Lin Feng, urged:

"Alright, everyone's here, right? Let's hear the plan so we can get moving."

Han Yuxin nodded, taking the task details from a colleague, and explained:

"Our role is to harass the flank. The new Empress is weaker, with only over ten thousand Black Spinal Bug subordinates, marching north to cut off the Thirteenth Army's retreat from Haicheng, aiming for encirclement."

"Rescue is the Guard's job; we focus on distraction at the swarm's edge, eliminating scout teams to disrupt the Empress's decisions."

"Here, we're tasked with the final stretch of the Jianghai Highway, lasting seven to eight hours. If small swarms persist, retreat immediately."

"Positions are based on task completion and individual performance."

"Lieutenant Qin will direct detailed strategies."

Han Yuxin handed the task book to Qin Hu emerging from the motel.

Lin Feng was surprised Qin Hu hadn't rejoined his unit but stayed behind.

Likely a reward for completing rescue operations, sparing him frontline combat for a secondary task.

Indeed, Qin Hu received the task book, announced departure in fifteen minutes, and glanced at Lin Feng before boarding a military jeep.

The crowd dispersed, returning to their vehicles.

Following Qin Hu, Lin Feng approached the jeep, leaning on the passenger window, offering Hu Fei's gifted cigarettes:

"Smoke?"

Recognizing Lin Feng, a fellow escapee, Qin Hu accepted, lighting up and taking a deep drag before speaking:

"Why join this mess instead of resting?"

"With your superpower, you don't need this. Stay behind our lines and shoot; we'll handle the rest."

"Your ability is more than it seems. The frontline researchers would be interested. They can help you grow stronger, unlock your full potential."

Lin Feng shook his head, valuing freedom:

"I'm used to leisure, can't stand strict rules. Know what I was doing the day before the apocalypse?"

"Battling my company for severance to quit and relax at home."

"By the way, thanks for helping us escape Haicheng. Found two packs of good cigarettes during the search, but I don't smoke—take them."

Lin Feng pulled two more packs from his pocket, tossing them into the jeep.

All were zero-cost villa acquisitions.

"Hope this mission goes smoothly."

Qin Hu nodded at Lin Feng:

"Just follow my lead."

After pleasantries, Lin Feng left Qin Hu, heading back to his car.

Passing the office, Han Yuxin called him over, distributing entry rewards to him and Liu Yueqi, along with two night vision tactical helmets.

"These are for drivers; every car gets one. You might need two."

Lin Feng thanked her, taking the gear. The right eye displayed thermal imaging on a grayish screen.

The entry rewards included 120 cans, four 25-liter gasoline drums—two sets.

Lin Feng only took the fuel, storing the cans, as the camper's tank was full thanks to Hu Fei, with the extra fuel serving another purpose.

Liu Yueqi's rewards followed Lin Feng's plan; she bid her aunt farewell before departure.

As family, Liu Ruojiao and Zhang Xuan could stay, enjoying convenience.

Before leaving, Liu Ruojiao repeatedly cautioned and sought Lin Feng:

"Mr. Lin, please watch over Yueqi; she tends to overreach."

Lin Feng assured her with a smile:

"Don't worry; we're just skirmishing, not clashing with the swarm. She'll handle stragglers at most."

"Alright, Ms. Liu. Hungry? Ask the staff for my name; they'll assist."

With a wave, he bid farewell.

Qin Hu checked his tactical watch, leading the group out of the service area, using the emergency lane back to the combat zone.

Chen Yanyan floored the gas, joining the convoy.

"Counted them—26 cars, 56 participants, making 60 with us and Lieutenant Qin."

"But they're all rugged SUVs; we're the only camper..."

Lin Feng nodded, looking ahead:

"What's wrong with a camper? This beast's potential is far from realized."

Night had fallen, favoring the insect swarm. Humans, with impaired vision, found firearms less effective, risking close combat.

Thus, Han Yuxin provided an extra night vision helmet to maximize superpower support.

Yet, as an awakener, Lin Feng's Eagle Eye allowed him to see hundreds of meters in moonlight, rendering the helmet unnecessary and hindering his shield form.

So, Lin Feng handed the helmet to Liu Yueqi in the back, who needed it more.

"Thanks, Lin..."

Taking the helmet, Liu Yueqi hesitated.

Lin Feng waved it off:

"Don't call me uncle—I'm not much older. Call me brother or captain; we're a small team of three."

Liu Yueqi donned the helmet, nodding:

"Alright, Captain Lin."

The convoy soon left the traffic behind, hitting the open highway, accelerating. Fifty kilometers ahead, they'd exit into Haicheng's outskirts.

There, the new Empress was slowly consuming territory, driving the Black Spinal Bug army towards the northern suburbs to encircle the Thirteenth Army.

The state armed guard engaged the swarm head-on while civilian forces like Lin Feng's handled edge skirmishes, preventing inland infiltration.

Half an hour later, they reached the toll booth.

Beyond lay the suburban area Lin Feng passed, near the eco-park.

Only 20 kilometers from the Empress, within the Black Spinal Bug's range.

Qin Hu gathered six awakeners, including Lin Feng, and ten others with six enhancements, outlining tasks.

"After exiting, three main roads diverge. We need three vehicles to scout, eliminate stray Red Armored Beetles, and if encountering Black Spinal Bugs..."

He added:

"Within the Empress's reach, the Black Spinal Bugs form scout teams of at least three, patrolling the perimeter."

"If encountered, turn and shoot a few rounds, then retreat, drawing them here for a concentrated attack."

"Eliminate two or three scout teams, and the Empress will divert hundreds of bugs, achieving our distraction goal—then retreat."

"Understood?"

Qin Hu surveyed them; they nodded before asking:

"Who volunteers for the three vehicles probing the warzone, or should I assign?"

The leaders hesitated, exchanging glances.

Volunteering as bait was risky; encountering multiple scouts or six Black Spinal Bugs at night, one driving mistake meant no survivors.

A near-suicidal task.

Qin Hu upped the stakes:

"Volunteers get 20% of the rewards, plus equal shares of the rest."

The promised rewards included four management positions in the bureau and second-class soldier ranks.

Material rewards were less enticing; higher ranks meant higher survival and comfort.

Qin Hu's offer meant whoever first lured a scout team secured a managerial role.

Between promotion and risk, the strongest awakeners hesitated.

Lin Feng stood at the back, uninterested, as Hu Fei's rewards were better. Tapping into elite circles meant effortless advancement.

He eyed the second-class soldier rank.

Officers and NCOs were the military's dual paths: officers led strategy, NCOs handled tasks and frontline fighting.

Now open to awakeners, it suited Lin Feng.

Strong individual skills aligned with the NCO path.

In time, NCOs might surpass civilian generals in esteem.

But promotion required merit.

Contemplating, Lin Feng met Qin Hu's gaze.

Guessing Lin Feng's thoughts, Qin Hu subtly discouraged him, not wanting a rare, powerful awakener to risk it.

Silence reigned when a front-row awakener spoke after glances with peers, addressing the back:

"As Han said, if Mr. Lin's so capable, he should lead!"

"With him as an example, we'll have confidence in the task, right?"

"Exactly! If Mr. Lin won't go, why should we risk the swarm? Are our lives less valuable?"

Others chimed in.

Qin Hu eyed them. As fellow awakeners, they weren't intimidated by a lieutenant's scrutiny.

"Alright, I'll take the lead."

"I'll lure the Black Spinal Bug scout team!"

Unexpectedly, Lin Feng agreed.

He stepped forward, pointing northeast:

"The Empress heads north; I'll take this route, relieving pressure for us all."