Chapter 68: Polite Refusal, Cover, TNT Yellow Explosive
Glancing at the tense woman behind him, Lin Feng shook his head at Cheng Zhan, apologizing slightly:
"I'll pass. I didn't want to be involved in this from the start. It was Qin Hu who insisted I provide remote fire support from the rear."
"I've just reached the late first-tier and need to kill several more Black Spinal Bugs to reach the peak."
"This adventure isn't for me."
"If you succeed, just remember to include me next time..."
Lin Feng's face showed a mix of longing and regret.
Cheng Zhan laughed heartily, not upset by Lin Feng's refusal. Lin Feng was an outsider to the plan anyway, and Cheng Zhan's invitation was more of a sudden impulse upon seeing Lin Feng's progress.
Being turned down was expected.
The mission was perilous and voluntary.
Cheng Zhan didn't want anyone backing out halfway and jeopardizing the team.
Even veteran teammates from the awakened camp had refused him, but Cheng Zhan wasn't bothered.
The cautious young man intrigued Cheng Zhan, but he had a favor to ask:
"It's alright, you're young, and there's plenty of time ahead. No rush."
"Unlike us, bound by our uniforms."
"By the way, if you're not joining us, there's something I'd like your help with."
Lin Feng needed the vital intel they could bring back, so he agreed:
"Sure, if I can help, just ask."
Cheng Zhan nodded, speaking softly:
"We're going in directly, which risks detection and encirclement by the insects. We could end up trapped."
"So, I need you to cover us, like you did with the distraction task before. Just attract the Empress's attention to buy us some safe operating time."
Lin Feng frowned slightly. The task was straightforward yet delicate.
Balancing it was crucial.
If hundreds of Black Spinal Bugs were drawn, it was manageable, but if thousands, even Lin Feng couldn't handle it alone.
The Red Beetles had pushed their tunnels to within three or four kilometers of the insect's actual territory, so it was possible for Lin Feng to be harvesting bugs deeper inside when suddenly swarmed by Black Spinal Bugs from the rear.
A pincer attack with no escape.
That's why Lin Feng only captured high-value live insects and didn't bother with dead ones' mandibles, which he could have attached to the camper's roof.
Caution dictated not lingering in the insects' heartland too long. Though it meant leveling up once every one or two days, it greatly enhanced safety.
The insects weren't fools, and the Empress was likely smarter than humans, with ever-faster Black Spinal Bug reinforcements.
This could work a few times, but Lin Feng feared getting caught in the future.
Cheng Zhan wanted Lin Feng to remain at the front longer, providing him cover.
While less dangerous than entering the Empress's lair, it wasn't something just anyone could do.
Cheng Zhan likely knew Lin Feng had previously succeeded in a distraction task and hoped for a repeat.
Seeing Lin Feng's hesitation, Cheng Zhan patted his shoulder:
"Don't worry, just bring that star back. Let the others distract the insects."
"Don't linger too long. Once you've heavily injured a hundred or so Black Spinal Bugs, just retreat."
"That number will surely prompt the Empress to send thousands of Black Spinal Bugs your way."
"That'll give us a chance to get closer to the lair and find the elusive second-tier Tiger Spinal Bugs."
After much thought and hesitation, Lin Feng nodded in agreement.
This mission, initially a show, had little to do with the star and was more about probing the insect lair.
Seeing Lin Feng's agreement, Cheng Zhan beamed, half his body reentering the vehicle:
"Great, no time to waste. Make your final preparations; we're leaving in fifteen minutes."
As the two jeeps drove away, loaded with heavy weapons, including four autocannons and two 100mm mortars under camo nets, Lin Feng knew they were well-equipped for a Black Spinal Bug pursuit.
They weren't acting alone; someone was supporting them.
With that in mind, Lin Feng shook his head and turned to the luxury camper, where the star looked on anxiously. He spoke:
"You see the situation. Their main task isn't capturing live bugs. Whether the filming and your awakening succeed depends on my mood."
Jiang Yuner showed a flash of anger, reaching for her phone to complain.
Lin Feng shook his head:
"Don't bother. You have no real evidence, and they're Thirteenth Army elite, late-stage or even perfect first-tier awakeners, beyond top-level control."
"Both the leadership and the research institute prioritize probing the lair over this show."
Jiang Yuner, unconvinced, made several calls, only to hear standard responses, leaving her despondent:
"Can't they send another team?"
"Is the Thirteenth Army out of people?"
"Can we refuse to go?"
Lin Feng shrugged, holding up two fingers:
"The mission might not be reported to the upper levels, so it must remain hidden until completed."
"Plus, you have no choice but to go."
With that, Lin Feng spread his hands:
"Fourteen minutes left. Get your people ready if you want to complete your awakening."
"Remember, don't just ride the coattails. The Thirteenth Army isn't your base; aside from top brass saving face, no one cares about your life or death."
"Oh, except Qin Hu."
"If he hadn't insisted on my involvement, your safety would be nearly zero."
"So those tens of thousands worth of earrings were well-spent. Don't fret."
Jiang Yuner wanted to plead for Lin Feng's help in awakening, but he walked away without looking back.
Back at the camper under the tarp, Lin Feng donned his gear and briefed Chen Yanyan on the situation.
Chen Yanyan, already prepared, sat ready at the wheel. Hearing about the distraction mission, she frowned:
"Should we bring some of the explosives Hu Fei sent, a hundred kilos worth?"
"That C4 clay explosive is powerful; he said a block could collapse a five-story building."
Lin Feng's previous success in injuring over a hundred Black Spinal Bugs came from the terrifying power of gasoline bombs.
Now, with high-energy explosives, he could create a safer and more stable massive explosion.
Chen Yanyan's suggestion made Lin Feng pause.
Hu Fei's explosives were limited, and restocking was uncertain. Plus, such one-time items couldn't be upgraded.
Once detonated, nothing would remain.
The hundred kilos of explosives were meant for a contingency near the service area. If Wu City couldn't hold, they could clear a path through the insect swarm for escape.
The explosives were stored in the repair shop basement. Lin Feng wouldn't risk carrying them on the camper; even a spark could obliterate the Lv19 vehicle.
But for this cover mission, explosives could significantly ease the task.
Particularly when intercepting the Black Spinal Bugs, explosives' instant firepower was unmatched.
They could even collapse tunnels if placed strategically.
After consideration, Lin Feng nodded, retrieving ten blocks of yellow TNT from the basement.
Ten kilos of TNT, though weaker than the same amount of C4, could handle hundreds of Black Spinal Bugs easily.
If this opportunity yielded enough upgrade points, Lin Feng's Lv17 grenade launcher and Lv13 armed camper would leap forward again.
Exchanging ten kilos of TNT for a wealth of upgrade points was a worthy trade.
Moreover, Cheng Zhan's threat would likely draw more of the Empress's attention, reducing Lin Feng's front-line pressure.
A battle near the rear lair would mean fewer bugs swarming him.
Their mutual distraction was reciprocal.
Determined to seize this crucial opportunity, Lin Feng was ready to take a calculated risk.
Besides, his true goal wasn't just upgrade points; the star in the luxury camper was also a target.
Returning to the camper, Lin Feng heard the honking outside and said:
"Let's go, time to show these bugs the power of the armed camper!"
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