Chapter 54: Mutant Beast?

Ju Ling maintained an unchanged expression, as expected of a seasoned Soldier. She could endure the stench of a foul place for days without displaying any emotions. The other Soldiers mirrored her composure.

Their primary concern was the source of the putrid odor.

"Over there, I see blood... it appears to have dried up long ago." A Soldier rushed over and wiped the floor with his hand.

Not only in this spot, but they also discovered numerous dried bloodstains along the passage. Curiously, there were no bodies to be found, as if these bloodstains materialized out of thin air.

The passage was relatively short, only about two hundred meters, and a metal door awaited them at the end.

Gunshots echoed as the metal door swung open. Two Red Alert Soldiers emerged, their guns aimed in all directions, prepared to shoot at the first sign of trouble.

Yet, silence prevailed, and nothing out of the ordinary came into view.

Ju Ling and the other Soldiers cautiously ventured forward. They found themselves in what appeared to be a cafeteria. Spread across thousands of square meters were commonplace tables and chairs typically found in cafeterias. A few food-serving windows could be spotted as well.

Ju Ling, with her keen eyesight, immediately noticed the remnants of rotten and spoiled food still clinging to those windows.

Of course, after all this time, the dishes had become unrecognizable.

"Search the area thoroughly for any signs," Ju Ling instructed.

Ten Red Alert Soldiers proceeded silently, meticulously scouring every corner of the cafeteria. Meanwhile, Ju Ling made her way to the kitchen situated behind the dining area.

As soon as she entered, Ju Ling's eyes widened with surprise. She could sense a living presence in the kitchen!

Even if this creature had suppressed its breath to the lowest possible level, as a super unit, Ju Ling could not be deceived.

"In an abandoned underground research facility that seems to have been left untouched for decades, there resides a living creature—a Mutant Beast?" Ju Ling mused, uncertain.

She did not detect any extraordinary power emanating from this creature. However, it was inconceivable for an ordinary animal to have survived in such an environment for decades.

Ju Ling feigned ignorance and stepped into the kitchen. As she approached a cabinet filled with bowls and dishes, a black blur darted by, lunging at Ju Ling.

A cold smile crept across Ju Ling's face. Despite being a long-range combatant as a super unit, she was more than capable of holding her own in close quarters against an average Soldier.

With her right hand extended, Ju Ling seized the black blur. In that instant, she caught sight of the creature's true form—it was a rat!

"Is this the Mutant Beast?" Ju Ling pondered. While she had encountered numerous Mutant Beasts and slain them, this particular rat represented a new breed.

The primary distinction lay in the fact that Mutant Beasts possessed discernible levels of strength. However, this rat appeared even weaker than a first-order Mutant Beast. Were there Mutant Beasts of lower ranks in existence?

No one would believe such a claim.

After thoroughly examining the surroundings, only this peculiar rat stood out. No other abnormalities were detected.

Thus, Ju Ling immobilized the rat by breaking its limbs, secured it, and placed it in her backpack.

Since there were no other passages branching off from the cafeteria, Ju Ling led her team back to the main hall. However, one team had yet to return.

"Which passage did they take?" Ju Ling furrowed her brows. Given the circumstances, the possibility of the team being wiped out had to be considered.

"Vice Commander, they took that passage," a Soldier responded.

"Everyone, follow me," Ju Ling commanded, waving her hand as she made her way toward the designated passage.

Upon entering, Ju Ling felt an unsettling sensation—a cold presence lurking in the darkness, fixating its gaze upon her. Her vigilance heightened in response.

Nevertheless, Ju Ling pressed forward, ignoring the discomfort.

The passage resembled its predecessor, bearing numerous dried bloodstains. Ju Ling spotted marks left by the missing team, indicating their passage through this route.

She reached the end of the passage, where an open metal door stood, obscuring their view of what lay beyond.

Ju Ling leaned forward, straining her ears for any sound, but the absence of noise troubled her. This was far from normal.

Even if the Red Alert Soldiers moved forward stealthily, their movements would still be audible to Ju Ling. However, this time, she heard nothing.

Ju Ling made a few hand signals, prompting the metal door to open. Without hesitation, she charged in, her weapon at the ready, prepared to fire at the slightest hint of danger.

Yet, tranquility reigned, and the surroundings remained eerily silent.

Ju Ling surveyed her surroundings, exclaiming, "Is this... a laboratory?" As a research facility, it contained a variety of equipment and transparent glass enclosures, all of which were now empty.

Ju Ling gestured to her comrades, instructing them to advance cautiously, guns poised for action.

The absence of the other team meant that something untoward had transpired.

Ju Ling's expression turned grim, her Soul Slayer primed. She would strike down any foe that crossed her path.

Suddenly, a faint sound reached Ju Ling's ears. Swiftly redirecting her weapon, she prepared to fire. However, upon realizing that it was a dying Red Alert Soldier emitting the sound, she rushed to his side.

"What happened?" Ju Ling observed a sizable bullet hole in the soldier's abdomen, realizing he was on the brink of death.

"En...e...mies..." The Red Alert Soldier's strength waned, allowing him to utter those three words before drawing his last breath.

Ju Ling clenched her teeth, issuing a swift order: "Everyone, open fire!"

If the enemy refused to reveal themselves, she would force their hand.

Sixty soldiers unleashed a volley of gunfire, filling the laboratory with a cacophony of shattering glass.

Provoked by this act, the enraged enemy roared.

Simultaneously, a shadow lunged at the soldier closest to it. Ju Ling sensed the imminent threat.

"Die!"

Her Soul Slayer discharged, its special bullet striking the assailant at a speed imperceptible to the naked eye.

Splat!

The bullet connected, but the enemy appeared unfazed, continuing its charge toward the soldier.