Chapter 133: Chapter 133: Acquiring the Chainsaw Sword, Slaying the Pulse Scorpion
There's no such thing as a free lunch. Qin Hu's offer of the chainsaw sword must have come with strings attached.
Lin Feng raised an eyebrow, suspecting as much.
But he was unsure what Qin Hu would demand, given the limited number of new Tier 2 insects. Encountering them didn't guarantee capturing them all.
Qin Hu cleared his throat. He knew his earlier words to Lin Feng were somewhat exaggerated, but they were necessary to boost morale.
He understood that if his team of Tier 2 awakeners had undergone gene modification to become Tier 2 gene warriors, combined with their armor and the Tiger Tooth Chainsaw Sword, they would be unstoppable in the depths of an insect nest.
Even against new Tier 2 insects with long-range attack capabilities, Qin Hu felt confident they could be slain and brought back to the research institute.
The current problem, however, was that aside from himself and three existing Tier 1 gene warriors, the remaining ten members were only ordinary physically-enhanced awakeners.
They could assist the gene warriors but not handle multiple Tier 2 insects independently.
Thus, to successfully complete the sampling mission, Lin Feng's participation was crucial.
Especially given the aura emanating from Lin Feng and his companion, both of whom had reached Tier 2 awakening.
Lin Feng appeared even more formidable than during the pursuit of Cheng Zhan. Despite Qin Hu enhancing his physique to over 600 points using gene fluid, he still felt overshadowed by Lin Feng.
Considering recent reports, Qin Hu estimated Lin Feng had likely reached late Tier 2. Coupled with his synthesis ability and equipment, slaying Tier 2 insects was as easy as slaughtering chickens.
With Lin Feng's help, the success rate soared.
The companion following Lin Feng, though fully armored and displaying insect-like features, seemed vaguely familiar to Qin Hu. As a fellow gene-modified individual, Qin Hu detected a familiar scent, assuming the companion was also a gene warrior.
And a Tier 2 warrior at that.
Knowing Lin Feng had connections with the research institute, Qin Hu assumed their modifications were part of a deal through Lin Feng's contacts.
He didn't suspect it was an innate ability.
Though Lin Feng's companion seemed slightly weaker, Tier 2 awakeners were exponentially stronger than Qin Hu's team of a dozen. Together, they could handle over a dozen Tier 2 insects.
If they were willing to assist...
They might capture all new Tier 2 insects.
When Lin Feng asked about the cost of obtaining a chainsaw sword, Qin Hu didn't hesitate, showing three fingers and stating:
"The capital research institute's initial findings suggest three types of new Tier 2 insects: the Pulse Scorpion, the Tank Flame Armor, and the most mysterious—a humanoid insect warrior only three meters tall."
"These are special insects the queen developed using human awakeners' bodies to combat our defenses. They possess high combat intelligence, can wield various weapons, and inherit awakener abilities, making them deadly against awakeners. We've dubbed them Hunter Warriors."
Concluding his pitch, Qin Hu continued:
"We only need the bodies of two new Tier 2 insects; the rest are yours."
Lin Feng frowned. He knew about the first two from Ding Chenghai's intel but found the Hunter Warrior alarming—akin to human gene warriors, a fusion of superior genetic traits.
Hunter Warriors, like gene warriors, were formidable foes.
Their smaller size meant greater speed and agility, making them hard to target with ranged weapons.
A squad of Hunter Warriors infiltrating human defenses could massacre awakeners and evolve faster than other Tier 2 insects.
This might be the high-tier queen's countermeasure.
Thinking of Jia City's Ling Yi, Lin Feng frowned further, knowing he must be prepared for future encounters.
Having filled the knowledge gaps from Ding Chenghai's disrupted transmissions, Lin Feng refocused on Qin Hu's offer.
Two insect bodies for a chainsaw sword seemed unfair, given the new insects' higher fusion value compared to mass-produced chainsaw swords.
Lin Feng shook his head:
"One body at most."
Qin Hu glanced at Shen Jie:
"I can offer you two swords."
Lin Feng shrugged. Shen Jie didn't need one; his extended arm blades in assimilation mode hindered flexibility, just barely allowing him to wield a shotgun.
Moreover, in Winged Tiger Berserk mode, Shen Jie's heavy blades rivaled the Tiger Tooth Chainsaw Sword.
"One for one. You still profit. Whoever claims the kill gets it. We can go our separate ways; the nest is vast."
Seeing Lin Feng unmoved and eager to rid himself of burdensome teammates, Qin Hu reluctantly agreed:
"Fine. I know you need parts for synthesis, but can we photograph and sample them before you take them?"
Lin Feng nodded, finding no issue and even supportive.
After agreeing, Qin Hu handed Chen Shu's chainsaw sword to Lin Feng, patting Chen Shu's shoulder with instructions:
"Head back with three awakeners. Ensure the glowing fungus reaches the institute safely..."
"They'll find it valuable and reward you well."
Chen Shu nodded:
"Don't worry, Captain. I'll get a good deal."
Qin Hu grumbled, then assigned three weary awakeners to escort Chen Shu from the nest.
As a gene-modified warrior, Chen Shu could protect himself. Sending three along reduced the group's burden, allowing quicker movement without distractions. Successfully extracting four members meant the Thirteenth Division retained four Tier 2 awakeners to resist the insects.
Before leaving, Chen Shu handed Lin Feng his backpack.
It contained spare fuel tanks and replacement teeth, each weighing ten kilograms, totaling fifty teeth at five hundred kilograms.
Lin Feng hefted the heavy pack, connecting the fuel hose to the chainsaw sword's grip.
He watched Chen Shu and his escorts retreat along their path.
With his subordinates gone, Qin Hu took a deep breath, rallying the remaining nine members with him to form a strong defense at the twenty-meter-wide tunnel entrance. With Lin Feng and his companion, the team was even stronger.
They prepared to explore further for new Tier 2 insects.
Lin Feng admired the chainsaw sword, eyes gleaming:
"Tiger Tooth Chainsaw Sword lv23/29, Orange Quality"
"Upgrade Points 2/10, Durability: 8/10, Single Tooth Damage 300"
"Note: Chainsaw damage 1500 per second, reduces durability by 1 every 10 seconds, damage decreases with durability, replacing teeth restores durability"
"Note: Can be bound as the third equipment"
Each chainsaw sword's grade varied; Qin Hu's seemed strongest, likely tied to the Tiger Bug's tier used in its creation.
Early, mid, and late Tier 2 mandible toughness increased sequentially.
Binding it as equipment would allow upgrades through combat, covering Lin Feng's melee weakness.
Lin Feng bound it without hesitation.
In the dim cavern, a faint orange glow flickered from the Tiger Tooth Chainsaw Sword, restoring its worn teeth.
Detailed data appeared before Lin Feng:
"Tiger Tooth Chainsaw Sword lv23/29, Orange Quality"
"Upgrade Points 2/10, Durability: 10/10, Base Damage 300"
"Extra Attribute: Hyper Speed Cutting (Rotates teeth five times per second, dealing five times base damage)"
The chainsaw operated at 3000 RPM, explaining its rapid damage output.
Even a Tank Flame Armor couldn't withstand more than a few seconds before being halved.
Ideal against high-armor targets.
The queen's psychic power remained a formidable threat; even late-stage Tier 2 awakeners struggled against it. Close combat with a chainsaw sword was unfeasible.
However, while others couldn't, Lin Feng could. With a spirit attribute at the threshold of third-stage awakening...
Slaying more psychic insects or borrowing an avatar from Ling Yi's queen to boost his spirit further would allow Lin Feng to withstand a queen's psychic pressure.
Then, an lv29 Tiger Tooth Chainsaw Sword could deliver a devastating blow to the queen's head, dealing massive critical damage!
"Hey!"
Qin Hu's reminder snapped Lin Feng from his reverie. Surveying the dim, oppressive tunnel, he grasped his lv29 railgun in one hand and the lv23 Tiger Tooth Chainsaw Sword in the other, ready to move.
The recently explored Level 3 nest was merely a standard insect barracks, devoid of new Tier 2 insects. Further searching was necessary.
Qin Hu led the way, discussing with Lin Feng:
"The institute used signal markers to map the insect nests, akin to ant or termite structures, divided into three levels. Level 3 nests are the topmost, about 100 meters deep and spanning three to four square kilometers, serving as barracks or assembly grounds."
"We checked; reinforced with sticky insect saliva, it's robust, resisting small blasts."
"Level 2 nests, 200 meters underground, cover ten square kilometers, housing egg hatcheries and larvae growth areas."
"The lowest Level 1, 500 to 1000 meters down, likely holds the queen's lair."
"It may be where Tier 1 Black Spinal and Cyan Wing Bugs evolve into Tier 2."
"Deeper means more danger. Penetrating further risks encirclement by the Level 3 nest's hordes. New Tier 2 insects, as ranged units, likely hide in Level 3 nests."
"Heading west, near the second line, more searches should reveal Pulse Scorpions and Tank Flame Armors responsible for recent attacks."
Lin Feng nodded, seeing Qin Hu was well-prepared, unlike the impulsive pursuit of Cheng Zhan.
Advancing through the tunnels westward, they eventually reached another Level 3 nest after winding 800 meters through convoluted passages.
Qin Hu switched on his headlamp, emitting a Tiger Bug aura to repel curious Black Spinal Bugs.
Lin Feng released the Flying Tiger Armor's presence, causing low-tier insects to scatter.
That's the benefit of gene warriors.
Avoiding low-tier insect swarms spared hassle and resources, focusing strength and gear on tier-matched insects.
When Qin Hu led the charge into the nest, Black Spinal Bugs retreated, clearing a 20-meter diameter circle.
The team activated high-power spotlights, illuminating a 100-meter range, searching for new Tier 2 insects.
"Don't worry, Pulse Scorpions and Tank Flame Armors won't attack recklessly; they'd harm their kin."
Qin Hu reassured the team while searching.
Lin Feng shook his head, doubting the queen's mercy, especially when insect bodies were recyclable. Capturing gene warriors justified sacrificing hundreds of Black Spinal Bugs.
Even Tier 2 Tiger Bugs were expendable.
However, Tank Flame Armors likely wouldn't attack inside nests, as their devastating molten assaults would destroy everything.
Thus, only Pulse Scorpions and elusive Hunter Warriors were concerns.
As Lin Feng assessed the situation, distant raspy roars erupted!
Qin Hu's demeanor shifted, shouting for battle readiness.
He gripped his Tiger Tooth Chainsaw Sword, eyeing the front with tension.
As nearby Black Spinal Bugs scattered, several Tiger Bugs charged from 50 meters away, mandibles swinging.
Battle loomed.
Tier 2 Qin Hu and Lin Feng led, facing four Tiger Bugs. Weaker teammates relied on agility to evade and counter.
Lin Feng instructed Shen Jie to support with his shotgun before using Black Warrior form arm blades to finish foes.
In Black Warrior form, Shen Jie's physique surpassed early Tier 2 awakeners. Amid chaos, he darted across the field, shotgun wounding Tiger Bugs before dispatching them beneath, as with the Jia City Tiger Bug.
Joining the fray, Lin Feng and Shen Jie turned the tide, suppressing the Tiger Bug swarm.
Minutes later...
Pulling his chainsaw sword from a late-stage Tiger Bug's shattered head, Lin Feng wiped ichor from his visor, scanning ahead.
Behind the swarm, Shen Jie's arm blades felled early-stage Tiger Bugs.
Of the eighteen Tiger Bug swarm, Lin Feng killed six, Shen Jie four, Qin Hu three, and the remaining ten teammates managed only one.
Lin Feng and Shen Jie accounted for half.
Yet no new Tier 2 insects were found in this nest.
Qin Hu sighed, ordering teeth replacements on worn chainsaw swords to maintain weapon efficacy.
Then Lin Feng frowned.
Having regained focus post-battle, he tasked Shen Jie with watch duty while swapping teeth on his lv23 chainsaw sword, now with 8/10 upgrade points, and activated telepathy.
Despite the tunnel's enclosed range of one kilometer, it exceeded Qin Hu's spotlights.
Suddenly, telepathy revealed bright signals racing from their entrance.
Judging by speed, they were likely Tiger Bugs summoned from other nests—not new Tier 2 insects.
But the queen knew their presence, using this as a probe of gene warriors' capabilities. Now aware of their strength...
The queen decided to close the trap!
As Lin Feng turned, he spotted intense lights ahead.
An ambush!
Brighter than regular Tiger Bugs, but not a Tier 3 queen.
Lin Feng suspected the elusive new Tier 2 insects—likely Pulse Scorpions—hid in the nest's depths.
With abdominal plasma compression, this high-energy substance naturally shone brighter in telepathy.
Lin Feng didn't hesitate, raising his lv29 railgun to fire magnetic burst rounds preemptively.
Utilizing telepathy's full map view, he aimed and unleashed a volley of magnetic bursts.
The bursts, like spherical lightning, electrocuted the Black Spinal Bugs along their path...
Detonating a kilometer away.
The explosion created a 100-meter-wide high-voltage zone, with thousands of volts radiating 500 meters.
Five blasts annihilated the insects, leaving charred trails and a 500-meter-dead zone.
After the explosion, Lin Feng received kill confirmations:
"Successfully killed lv24 Pulse Scorpion!"
"Successfully killed lv25 Pulse Scorpion!"
Yet amid the team's shock, a similar blue electric orb...
Suddenly attacked from afar!
A surviving new Tier 2 insect!
The Pulse Scorpion launched its counterattack!
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