Chapter 94: Qin Hu's Decision and Upgrading Items

Lin Feng was taken aback. The first part of the news was expected, but what Qin Hu said last was a complete surprise.

Cheng Zhan is back? How did he manage that!?

Even Lin Feng, who was cautious around the Tiger Bugs, couldn't fathom how a regular awakened individual with enhanced physical abilities like Cheng Zhan could navigate the perilous insect hive so freely.

"This... it's impossible..." Lin Feng responded, shocked.

But Qin Hu reaffirmed, "He's back, and he's now the only Tier 2 awakener in the Thirteenth Division."

"Cheng Zhan not only returned but also mapped out the insect hive's layout and even spotted the elusive queen."

"These invaluable insights and his success in defeating multiple Tiger Bugs mean..."

"He's likely to replace me..."

"As the commander of the awakener camp."

Lin Feng's brow furrowed, still puzzled. "But you're also a Tier 2 awakener and have saved many recruits on the front lines. How can they just replace a Federation hero like that?"

Qin Hu laughed self-deprecatingly, "I can't even defeat a Tier 1 awakener now. How can I claim to be a Tier 2?"

"As for being a hero, have you ever seen a hero with a missing leg, needing help to escape on the battlefield?"

"Besides, heroes are just tools of power. When needed, they can easily be replaced."

Hearing the disheartened reply, Lin Feng changed the subject, asking, "So, you're sure about participating in the institute's genetic modification plan?"

There was a moment of silence on the other end:

"Yes."

"If I want to stay on the front lines and continue fighting, it's my only chance."

Lin Feng took a deep breath, "But you have a wife and daughter. They're waiting for you. You were injured in battle, not a deserter; the Federation can't be that cold-hearted, can they?"

Qin Hu's voice grew more somber, "No... it's my choice to stay."

"My parents died in the north, under the jaws of alien insects. I want to wipe them out..."

"As for my wife and daughter, they're settled in a safe zone. If the northwest safe zone falls, it means humanity is doomed, with nowhere left to run."

"My mind is made up. No need to persuade me."

Lin Feng sighed softly, then said, "I know people at the institute, understand the genetic modification details. They'll inject you with insect genes. While regeneration is straightforward for insects, you'll also be altered, both physically and mentally."

"You might even feel an instinct to retreat when facing the queen, unable to fight."

"Only those with immense willpower can endure such mental and physical torment."

"I hope you're ready."

After a pause, Qin Hu's voice came through, "Understood. Thank you."

"There's something else I should tell you..."

"Remember, the battle for Wu City won't last long. Even if we can halt the insect expansion, Jincheng will face invasions from the north and south within a fortnight."

"The Thirteenth Division's mission is to delay for a week, then retreat with the main forces to Huizhou."

"The fall of Jiangnan is inevitable."

"Don't hold out too much hope. When it's time to run, run."

"Lin Feng, the following is for your ears only."

"With the loss of these coastal states, the Federation's logistics are on the brink. Even expedited production lines barely meet the northern states' needs."

"The higher-ups seem ready to abandon the south."

"Once logistics fail, large-scale resistance like the Thirteenth Division will be unsustainable, and Huizhou and Yuzhang, with their terrain, won't hold for long..."

"That will be the true onset of chaos!"

"Small groups of hundreds or thousands will dominate the front lines, confronting insects spread across vast lands."

"In times of chaos, it's every man for himself. This is your moment to rise quickly; seize the opportunity..."

As the call ended, Lin Feng pondered deeply.

It seemed Qin Hu understood his ambitions well, or rather, most capable individuals harbored similar thoughts. The Federation's authority hinged on logistics; without long-term supply, armies like the Thirteenth Division would retreat to the rear, engaging only in occasional skirmishes.

There would be no more large-scale battles like Wu City's.

Qin Hu's participation in the modification plan, beyond Cheng Zhan's unexpected return, also stemmed from the Federation's forced abandonment of the southern states.

In the impending chaos, personal strength is paramount for survival.

If the surgery succeeds, granting complete Tier 2 awakening powers, Qin Hu could handle insect swarms with ease.

While Lin Feng saw many drawbacks to genetic modification, someone like Qin Hu had few options. Given a chance to soar, he'd naturally seize it.

After contemplating, Lin Feng informed Chen Yanyan of his plans, then briefed Shen Jie and the others about the incoming recruits.

Now all awakeners, Shen Jie and his team were capable of leading small squads, sparing Lin Feng the trouble of handpicking leaders.

Afterward, Lin Feng handed over ten live Black Spinal Bugs from the trunk to a truck arranged by Hu Fei. He had plans for the remaining ten.

Spending some time crafting eight Lv9 Red Armor Shields, using forty shells each, Lin Feng was grateful for Qin Hu's earlier supplies and Shen Jie's team's collection efforts. Hundreds of shells had been gathered, filling a hotel room.

Now they were put to use, becoming Lv9 Red Armor Shields with 45 defense points, capable of withstanding any Red Beetle attack. Even if a Black Spinal Bug attacked, they'd likely survive with injuries.

Lin Feng also reserved some shells for shield maintenance before distributing them to Shen Jie and his team.

Seeing the new defensive gear, the team was thrilled. On the battlefield, survival tools were more precious than weapons. Guns could kill enemies but couldn't prevent accidents.

Pressing a button at their waist, the back armor transformed into full-body shield mode. They exchanged excited, curious glances, some testing upgraded daggers on the armor, leaving only shallow marks.

Lin Feng explained:

"This is basic Red Armor, made from Red Beetle shells. The research lab has developed it, and soon the Thirteenth Division will be equipped with it."

"But yours is the highest-grade Red Armor, able to withstand heavy machine gun fire. Even against Black Spinal Bug attacks, it greatly reduces harm."

"Of course, this isn't the top-tier armor."

"Armor made from Black Spinal Bugs or the wing armor I used on the front lines can be yours if you work hard enough!"

As he spoke, Lin Feng transformed his arm guard into the Flying Tiger Armor, covering his body. Its menacing appearance far surpassed the two-tier lower Red Armor, exuding a strong sense of pressure even from the exterior.

Seeing this, the eight were ecstatic, their joy at receiving Red Armor turning into anticipation for what Lin Feng described.

With his point made, Lin Feng dispersed the group.

He then spent time placing hidden explosives along the retreat path from the service area and converting the steel plates Han Yuxin had delivered into Lv9 divine pistols.

After a night's hard work, military trucks arrived the next morning, led by Li Ran, bringing nearly a hundred new recruits.....to garrison the service area

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