Chapter 55: Meeting and News of Tier 2 Insects

Awakeners at Lv19 possess physical and mental attributes exceeding 140, with some reaching the cap of 150. They are significantly stronger than Lin Feng, who is at Lv14.

Reaching Lv19 requires killing at least 55 Black Spinal Bugs. Accomplishing such a feat in under a day of battle signifies immense bravery and strength.

Considering their ability to wield heavy weapons for large-scale bug extermination, these upgrading achievements are unsurprising.

Lin Feng realized that his appraisal skill could only determine biological levels and attribute evaluations from a distance. Identifying specific awakened abilities required closer interaction.

He wondered about the special abilities of these powerful new officers. If their strength was merely physical, their overall power might be slightly discounted.

As Qin Hu entered with his wife and daughter, scattered groups gathered to greet them with raised glasses.

The host on stage signaled:

"Let's welcome the hero who saved the Thirteenth Army and led us to victory, Major Qin Hu."

Wearing a uniform adorned with a Federation Warrior Medal, Qin Hu stepped into the hall's center, ascending the stage to a wave of applause.

Receiving the microphone, he addressed the crowd with a powerful voice:

"This victory is not solely my achievement but the result of our collective efforts. Without the state guard's frontline resistance, our comrades' relentless fighting, and your logistic support..."

"We wouldn't be here today."

Catching Lin Feng's eye in the crowd, Qin Hu continued:

"This blockade battle in Wu City will mark our first victory against the bugs on the frontlines!"

"Through the windows, you can see the grand constructions underway, which will be an insurmountable defense for the bugs!"

"It will protect our soldiers fighting bravely, safeguard the citizens of Wu City, and serve as the eastern gatekeeper for Jincheng's capital!"

"The Federation will win! Humanity will prevail!"

The impassioned speech ended to thunderous applause, echoing throughout the hall.

Qin Hu descended from the stage, reuniting with his family, adept at handling such grand occasions.

After exchanging pleasantries with dignitaries, Qin Hu led his wife and daughter to Lin Feng.

After a brief greeting, Han Yuxin joined Qin Hu's family for a chat, leaving the men to discuss serious matters.

Lin Feng looked at Qin Hu's daughter, aged thirteen or so:

"The frontline is dangerous; it's best to send your family back to the rear as soon as possible."

Qin Hu nodded:

"Definitely. We're here to celebrate and catch up, but they'll leave for a safe base in the rear tomorrow."

"By the way, do you have family or a partner to send away? I can arrange a spot for you through a green channel."

"Safe zone slots are scarce now."

"Joining this refugee wave later means facing long queues."

Lin Feng shook his head, declining the offer:

"My parents have left, and I have no relatives here. Now I can focus on killing bugs without worry."

Qin Hu nodded. Sending soldiers' families to the rear ensured they could fight without distraction, with compensation if the worst happened.

For "lone wolves" like Lin Feng, remaining was driven by a desire to grow stronger through bug extermination.

Such individuals were purer, yet more reckless.

Few dared capture live bugs, especially Black Spinal Bugs.

Killing and capturing are entirely different.

Thus, Qin Hu invited Lin Feng to assist with the celebrity event, ensuring safety.

"Come, let me introduce you to the Thirteenth Army's awakeners."

"We've formed a powerful reinforced battalion, following the research institute's advice, with about 500 members, including a special elite squad in the late first tier."

"Some of them will join you for the Black Spinal Bug capture mission the day after tomorrow."

Qin Hu led Lin Feng to a corner of the hall, where the previously arrived officers stood, mostly captains, with a few Lv19 majors like Qin Hu.

The Thirteenth Army valued and respected awakeners.

This wasn't just due to individual strength; becoming a strong awakener required killing many Black Spinal Bugs—a tangible achievement.

Qin Hu introduced Lin Feng:

"Everyone, this is Mr. Lin Feng, whom I mentioned during the rescue mission. He's now part of the Jiangnan management bureau, serving as a special soldier in the state guard."

"He's young, only 25, a recent university graduate with great potential."

The junior officers nodded, not looking down on Lin Feng's rank. They were newly promoted, understanding the importance of personal strength.

Awakeners' unique pride made them indifferent to rank.

Lin Feng, a powerful super bullet awakener, had combat prowess far beyond ordinary physical enhancement abilities.

Using super bullets with a squad, Lin Feng could suppress dozens of charging Black Spinal Bugs, while others faced dangerous close combat.

Lin Feng's ability far outmatched theirs in both function and effect.

After brief, polite exchanges, they discussed the upcoming Wu City battle and their plans for the next few days.

Some boasted about their bug-killing feats.

Lin Feng followed Qin Hu to familiarize himself with the group, achieving his initial goal.

This connection would make future interactions easier.

Compared to other civilian awakeners, Lin Feng's treatment would naturally differ.

Soon, Lin Feng overheard a new discovery.

The Lv16 awakeners were discussing secrets about advancing to the second tier and news of Tier 2 insects.

Some had reached Lv19, but killing more first-tier Black Spinal Bugs didn't enhance their physical or mental attributes, stuck at 150.

Lin Feng was unclear about advancing to the second tier, as it was still far for him, but he had recent intel on Tier 2 insects from Ding Chenghai.

Research institute files on mid-tier insects, between low-level soldiers and high-level queens, identified two types via drones.

One was the Tiger Spinal Bug, evolved from Black Spinal Bugs, three to four times larger, with a ten-meter width and distinctive golden stripes, extremely fierce.

The other was the Wind Wing Bug, an advanced version of the Green Wing Bug, captured only in blurry flight images before drones were destroyed.

It likely had long-range attack capabilities.

Experts deduced these Tier 2 insects were rare, elite guards for the queen, not wasted on the frontline.

If they appeared on the battlefield, it signaled the queen's proximity, ready to surface from underground.

Lacking confirmed reports, the news wasn't widely shared, and many frontline troops were unaware of Tier 2 insect types.

Lin Feng considered this, approaching the majors to share his knowledge.

They exchanged glances, one Lv19 major frowning:

"Is this information reliable?"

Lin Feng nodded, withholding the source, and they didn't press further.

"Thanks, this information is crucial."

"I'm Cheng Zhan. If you need help, contact us."

The major raised a glass in thanks.

Lin Feng returned the gesture with juice.

Sharing the information gained goodwill and allowed Lin Feng to verify its accuracy.

Preparation is key. Though Lin Feng was Lv14, he could soon max out with a few missions.

Given the chance, he aimed to reach Lv20 before the battle erupted.

Afterward, Lin Feng stepped outside the crowd as Qin Hu approached, unexpectedly grateful:

"Haha, I owe you another favor."

Lin Feng: ???