Chapter 36: The Monster in the Dense Forest

"What?" Richard, utterly unaware of the imminent danger, looked up in confusion at Zhang Fan, who had just warned him. Before he could react, a dark shadow pounced and pinned him to the ground.

There was no time to waste! The situation was dire, and a second's delay could mean Richard's life. Without hesitation, Zhang Fan raised his gun and fired six bullets in rapid succession at the shadow attacking Richard.

The bullets hit their mark, and the shadow, in pain, immediately abandoned its hold on Richard. It was only then that everyone got a clear view of the enemy. Astonishingly, it was a large gorilla with green skin – at least, it resembled a gorilla. Its massive fangs and bloodthirsty gaze were profoundly terrifying.

Zhang Fan instantly recognized it as a product of the T-virus, far from a mere wild beast. The green skin was cracked and bleeding, and the creature's eyes shone with a sinister, crimson light, as if it were ready to devour everyone in sight.

"Fire at will! Everyone, open fire!" Captain Enrico understood they were living a nightmare. If they didn't kill this creature quickly, the entire Bravo team might be wiped out.

Following the captain's command, the entire team unleashed a barrage of gunfire. Even Rebecca, the medic, raised her P5 pistol and fired continuously, perhaps hoping to alleviate her own fear.

Poor Richard, lying close to the green-skinned beast, had to curl up and protect his head from stray bullets. It would be a tragic irony if he were to be accidentally shot in such a situation.

"Is it dead?" After emptying their magazines, the gunfire ceased. Was the monstrous creature dead? Everyone watched intently.

Seizing the moment, Zhang Fan quickly reloaded his weapon. He sensed that the creature had not been defeated. The air was thick with an evil, ominous presence. His palms were sweaty as he gripped his gun, not daring to relax for a second.

Suddenly, the creature let out a monstrous roar. To everyone's shock, the creature, riddled with bullet wounds, began to heal instantaneously. The cracks in its skin sealed up, replaced by scales, and its limbs sprouted sharp, massive claws. Its stature grew significantly, reaching at least three meters in height.

Zhang Fan was taken aback. Clearly, this creature was not to be trifled with. Had it evolved from the bullet wounds? It seemed too outlandish to be true. Nevertheless, he continued firing, leading the team in a relentless assault.

The creature appeared formidable, enduring numerous bullet wounds without falling. However, in its final moment, it lunged toward Zhang Fan, who was closest. Was it seeking a final revenge?

Zhang Fan reacted instantly. Discarding his P5K, he charged towards Rebecca, who was close by. What was he planning to do?

"Rebecca!" With a roar, Zhang Fan summoned all his strength and unleashed a powerful blow, the Poyu Fist, directly at the creature's head.

In that instant, the creature's head exploded like a burst balloon. It staggered and finally fell to the ground, truly dead this time.

Exhausted from the effort, Zhang Fan caught his breath. His attack had been effective, leaving the team, including Captain Enrico, utterly dumbfounded. Who could have imagined that Zhang Fan, with his seemingly frail body, could unleash such tremendous power, enough to obliterate the creature's head?

"Rebecca, are you alright?" Zhang Fan immediately turned to check on Rebecca, who seemed to have just come to her senses. She had narrowly escaped death – an experience no one would wish to endure.

"Zhang Fan!" Overcome with emotion, Rebecca threw herself into Zhang Fan's arms. She had been terrified, and despite her belief in her own bravery, in that moment, she felt as vulnerable as any other girl. Thankfully, she managed to hold back her tears, though her eyes were red.

"Huh, a hero saving the damsel in distress. Impressive, our young man from China," Forrest commented teasingly. "What was that move? Some legendary Chinese martial art? Seems like I need to travel to China to find a master and learn it myself."

"Ah... sorry, Zhang Fan!" Realizing the awkwardness of her action, especially after hearing Forrest's teasing, Rebecca quickly pushed Zhang Fan away and apologized, her face flushed with embarrassment.