Chapter 97: Growth of New Recruits, Wu City Battle Erupts!

With Lin Feng's decisive action, the fifty-plus Black Spinal Bugs threatening the recruits were instantly gravely wounded, many on the brink of death. These insects, typically an extra reward for the capturing subordinates, would now also involve the recruits.

While the recruits weren't tasked with finishing off the Black Spinal Bugs, as only those above Lv7 could awaken early, the premature awakening wasn't particularly beneficial. Lower-level enhancements couldn't trigger an awakening, but they could skip several levels, such as jumping from early Lv1 to mid Lv4.

However, Lin Feng wasn't ready to be so generous. Each Black Spinal Bug represented a valuable superpower awakening opportunity and was too precious to waste during the enhancement phase. Only if a recruit reached Lv9 through diligence would Lin Feng reward them with a Black Spinal Bug to set an example and motivate others.

Currently, after a few rounds of hunting, the fastest had reached Lv5, still far from Lv9. Therefore, the Black Spinal Bugs, except for seven or eight near death given to Shen Jie and his team, had their limbs and stingers removed, bound like bundles, and stored in the Flying Wing Vehicle's trunk.

Including the ten from before, Lin Feng now had fifty-six live Black Spinal Bugs. This wealth could elevate a regular Lv9 enhancer to a full Tier 1 awakener. Transporting them to the rear could trade for a massive granary or arm an entire battalion!

Yet, with war looming, Lin Feng prioritized cultivating his subordinates.

While collecting and dissecting the insects, they noticed shadows darting across the distant sky. The queen had noticed the loss and sent Blue Wing Bugs to investigate.

Lin Feng instructed Shen Jie to have the recruits lie low to avoid attacks while he and Chen Yanyan moved to engage. Operating the Flying Wing Vehicle, Chen Yanyan utilized ground-effect flight to traverse the shattered highway, controlling ten heavy machine guns to secure the airspace.

Under her assault, the Blue Wing Bugs were forced to lower altitude and scatter. Lin Feng capitalized, using Metal Storm to shoot along their retreat path. With their speed comparable to helicopters, the machine gun barrage quickly damaged their bodies, causing them to crash.

In the vehicle's high-speed chase, they captured all six Blue Wing Bugs, though only three survived the crash impacts. Lin Feng promptly had Chen Yanyan finish the three and harvest their wings before returning to the highway.

Seeing the vehicle return safely, the recruits sighed in relief. Not out of fear for their sergeant major's safety—Lin Feng seemed invincible to them now—but assured that his presence meant any Black Spinal Bug army could be obliterated.

Lin Feng noted their change in demeanor, satisfied that his goal was achieved. He ordered Shen Jie to lead the recruits back to the edge of the insect expansion for a frontline rest.

It was past noon, and the recruits, having experienced their first battle, needed food and rest. Stationing them at the front not only sped up their slow enhancement progress but also honed their vigilance. Keeping watch and monitoring the Red Beetles emerging was crucial.

Field training was the best way to build combat capabilities. Shen Jie had reached Lv9 by camping at the front, and now he aimed to replicate that feat.

While the recruits rested, Shen Jie selected those who remained calm during the Black Spinal Bug attack to join him near the insect holes, scattering the rotting meat from the truck.

The stronger scent of decay attracted the Red Beetles even more, soon drawing a new swarm from the depths of the burrows. Once set up for the afternoon battle, Shen Jie led them back.

Back at camp, the recruits had finished their rations and were resting. However, their will was lacking; many slept deeply, snoring loudly, and those on watch were drowsy, struggling to stay alert. Others cleaned and loaded their rifles, preparing for the afternoon skirmish.

An hour later, their break ended. Reassembled, some were groggy from deep sleep, while others were slightly tired but eager to enhance their combat skills.

Especially after witnessing Lin Feng's prowess...

Their anticipation for superpower awakening reached an all-time high.

The afternoon battles continued.

Sensing Lin Feng's presence, the queen refrained from deploying Blue Wing Bugs or sending more Black Spinal Bugs... Upon seeing the Flying Wing Vehicle, they quickly retreated.

Lin Feng pursued and eliminated them from a kilometer away, bringing back dozens of mandibles and twenty live Black Spinal Bugs. Venturing deeper into insect territory, Lin Feng didn't risk bringing Shen Jie and his team; without vehicles for protection, encirclement by a swarm was nearly certain death.

However, they couldn't waste dying Black Spinal Bugs...

Chen Yanyan efficiently dispatched the dying insects, completing her final upgrade to become an Lv19 mental awakener.

"Chen Yanyan, Lv19/19"

"Health 150, Constitution 149, Spirit 150"

"Significantly enhanced Mechanical Pioneer"

Post-awakening, she piloted the Flying Wing Vehicle, finding that with 150 spirit attribute points, she could adeptly handle the vehicle's ground-effect flight mode...

Adapting to speeds of 300 km/h!

This capability would be invaluable for future battlefield extractions.

With Chen Yanyan now a skilled pilot, the afternoon battle wound down.

By 3 PM, they took a second break. The third round began at 4 PM.

This time, no Black Spinal Bugs arrived, and Red Beetle numbers dwindled.

Using the vehicle's life radar, Lin Feng detected large numbers of Red Beetles digging tunnels 200-300 meters underground, refusing to surface.

To prevent rear tunnel breaches and with night approaching, Lin Feng ended the day's training at 6 PM.

By then, the recruits' enhancement levels averaged above Lv3, with all reaching mid-enhancement, and several at Lv7 or higher.

However, the chance of early awakening was low, so no superpowers emerged.

Three Lv9 recruits stood out.

At the evening debrief, Lin Feng personally retrieved three live Black Spinal Bugs from the trunk, awarding them to the standout recruits amid envious glances, allowing them to upgrade and awaken.

They were then assigned to the hotel for a hearty meal before entering awakening.

The following day, the new awakeners were appointed deputy leaders, assisting Shen Jie in guiding the recruits in battle.

The new recruits brought by Han Yuxin were also trained. They were to become employees for the live insect trade and needed combat experience.

By the second day's end, over half of the Lv9 recruits had reached 47.

That night, Lin Feng kept his promise, granting each a Black Spinal Bug to aid their awakening.

Han Yuxin returned from her second transaction, though her awakening was just normal physical enhancement.

After taking the enhanced recruits and ten of the remaining twenty live insects, she hurriedly left the front lines at Lin Feng's urging.

Outside the outpost, insect shadows were visible in the distance.

The battle was imminent.

Hu Fei sent people to retrieve the remaining insects and called, urging Lin Feng to leave. After all, preserving strength was paramount.

Lin Feng, however, was resolute. Beyond leading the 201st Company through the crucible of war, his true aim was the potential appearance of Tier 2 insects on the battlefield!

Politely declining, he ended the call...

Lin Feng canceled the third day's training, allowing the now-experienced young soldiers a day of rest.

To be in peak condition for the fourth day,

For the impending battle!

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