Cosmic Demon

Chapter 259 A Rookie Soldier of King-Level Skills, the Boss Takes Over His Employee for Free!

"Samples were taken to confirm the level of contamination. The area has exceeded the warning level, and we recommend returning to the area."

In the reconnaissance team, Lu Yao, the only woman, bent over, opened her leather-gloved palm, and pressed it against the collapsed and sinking ground, which resembled ruins.

Her specialty is "extraction," which allows her to separate the desired substances from a variety of complex gaseous and liquid substances.

Because there is an upper limit to the level of intervention, it is not possible to be too precise, resulting in a relatively general potential assessment.

"Unbelievable! Is he really a recruit? The Spider-Man's Retinue, whose calamity range is at the second level, was easily crushed by him."

Could he be a third-level being?

The reconnaissance battalion, belonging to the First Battalion of the Poplar Fortress, was specifically responsible for penetrating deep into the contaminated area to collect and observe the movements of the front lines.

In other words, they were the group that dealt with the most dependent creatures within the entire first defensive system of the western front.

The reconnaissance squad, having cleaned up the battlefield and continued their mission, discussed Qin Shi among themselves.

Aside from the captain, the highest-ranking middle-aged man spoke up:
"How is that possible? First of all, a third-level energy level cultivator wouldn't be a new recruit in the training camp. Secondly, his vitality hasn't reached the critical value to achieve a significant breakthrough."

But I think that's the most terrifying thing. If he was only at the second level, how could he instantly kill a human-faced spider of the same level...?

His eyes were icy blue, unlike the typical appearance of people from Dongxia. He had a high nose bridge and a resolute face, clearly indicating that he was of mixed race.

The reconnaissance battalion is typically composed of eight to twelve people, divided into three combat teams of three to four people each, to facilitate tactical coordination.

The one who issues the orders is undoubtedly the sergeant, and then the deputy.

The middle-aged man's name was "Jin Chuan". He had served for more than a couple of years. If he hadn't failed the "political review", he should have been promoted to sergeant long ago, or even taken up a position in the battalion headquarters.

He rubbed the crushed sand into granules with his fingertips; it crumbled into powder at the slightest touch. He then remarked with a sigh:

"The power of that punch, even the residual shockwave, is still terrifying."

No wonder it was reduced to ashes.

Jin Chuan carefully examined the "battlefield" and became increasingly alarmed. His specialty was the relatively common "perception system," which allowed him to project his mental energy outward, simulate scenarios, and rewind time.

Even with his eyes closed and meticulous attention to detail, he was unable to recreate it.

Because the destructive range of the entire battle exceeds one kilometer, there are too many and too complicated details to capture.

Jin Chuan could only roughly sketch out the final punch that ended the fight.

Like a finishing move in a fighting game, its power is terrifying and unavoidable, instantly depleting the health bar of the Spider-Man's retinue.

boom!
Jin Chuan's mind went blank for a moment, and he quickly withdrew from his mental perception. He almost went black and staggered.

"Second-level energy, dealing massive damage equivalent to a third-level energy? Xiao Yao, have you ever heard of such a monstrous talent?"

Lu Yao breathed a sigh of relief after collecting all the contaminated samples and carefully removed her gloves:
"I haven't seen it, but I've heard of it. The four major national junior programs are full of freaks."

My brother told me that their cultivation and leveling up were as easy as eating and drinking; they could even feel their breathing improving.

Jin Chuan chuckled to himself, thinking to himself:
"How could a super genius who came from one of the four national junior high schools possibly end up in Poplar Fortress City?"

Such a promising future star, even among the rising stars of Hengzhou, there might not be many like him…

As the thought flashed through his mind, perhaps triggered by the keyword "scorching sun," another young face appeared in Jin Chuan's mind.

"That student Qin seems to be undergoing special training in the rear."

If he could appear on the Western Front, it might give everyone a much-needed boost of morale.

Jin Chuan and Lu Yao left the collapsed outpost. Due to severe injuries, Corporal Zhu Wei ordered the other two members to cover their retreat to the nearest medical facility.

In the vast wilderness, only that diverse group of new recruits remained.

The black moon hanging overhead gradually disappeared, the fluctuations of the energy tide weakened significantly, and a touch of white appeared on the horizon.

Jin Chuan watched from afar as the young recruit suddenly appeared and blasted the human-faced spider apart.

The other party has a more capable and efficient demeanor, with a sharp and assertive personality. Their appearance is also more rugged and masculine, which is completely different from the young prodigy that Hengzhou is vigorously promoting.

"Too."

Jin Chuan shook his head, shaking off the inexplicable and bizarre idea.

"The 'Proud Sun' class refers to strategic talents nurtured by a wealth of educational resources provided by the central government."

How could we just casually send them to the front lines? If something goes wrong, the losses would be comparable to the annihilation of the entire battalion headquarters.

As Jin Chuan's thoughts wandered, Lu Yao walked over confidently and took out a standard combat uniform from her backpack.

"Here, wear this. It has some anti-pollution properties. Looks like you're planning to go deeper? The pollution concentration ahead has exceeded the warning peak, and the purity of life forms isn't high enough. I suggest you don't go any further."

Qin Shi took the combat uniform, which was as light as silk, and put it on in front of him.

His original clothes were damaged during the battle, leaving him with only tattered half-trousers.

"The exploration mission I accepted ends at the administrative building area, so I plan to go and take a look."

However, Xiao Gao and Xiao Zhao, you two can head back early and wait for me at the edge of the contaminated area.

Qin Shi changed into his combat uniform, donned a dark green robe, and wore brand-new military boots, looking just like a combat operative from a reconnaissance regiment.

"Brother Qin, are you alone?"

After this exploration mission, Gao Pao and Zhao Su realized that Brother Qin, from a powerful family in the central city, was indeed an incredibly powerful figure.

They wanted to hug each other tightly so they could accumulate points and avoid being eliminated from the Yellow Springs Training Camp.

These "win-winners" who inexplicably appear in the newbie pool are practically godfathers!
"I have a backup team, and besides, I'm just exploring the edge of the administration building to collect a few dangerous samples with high concentrations of contamination."

This way, the task completion score will be higher.

Qin Shi felt a little regretful. He had activated the [Insight] achievement, but this time he only collected gold and purple pollution samples. He hadn't even touched the most valuable "big red" sample yet.

Leaving now would inevitably be unsatisfying.

"Xiao Gao and Xiao Zhao are still new recruits, and their return journey might not be safe. We would appreciate it if you two officers could give them a ride."

Qin Shi looked at Jin Chuan and Lu Yao, who came out of the reconnaissance battalion. The former had a strong ability to observe and was trying to lock onto his aura.

However, thanks to the little tricks taught by Lao Liang, when not in combat, he poured all his life force into the Perfect Core, which was able to suppress it by about two-thirds.

Even with the use of testing equipment, it is difficult to determine the true combat strength of the Qin Dynasty.

"It's not hard."

"It should be..."

Jin Chuan and Lu Yao were in a good mood.

Their reconnaissance team was incredibly lucky to survive the attacks of the high-ranking relatives of the second-level disaster victims, with only one person injured.

Surviving a challenge comparable to a speed bump on a national highway during the Universiade is something you can brag about for a long time afterward.

"By the way, new recruit, do you know your name? Killing a second-level disaster-related creature is already a third-class merit."

I will report this truthfully to the highest-ranking official of Fortified City…

Jin Chuan asked tentatively.

"Qin Shi, the Qin in Qin Shuai, and the Shi in Shi Qu."

Qin Shi answered frankly that he didn't actually have a strong desire to hide. With the [Celestial Being] watching him, he couldn't wait for those cultists to come and give him points.

Furthermore, since both the top officials in the central city and the Tai'an region agree with this approach, they have chosen to disguise themselves and come to the front line.

They will definitely provide cover, there's no need to worry unnecessarily.

"Qin Shi".

When Jin Chuan heard that Qin Shi also shared the surname "Qin," his heart skipped a beat. However, seeing that Qin Shi was extremely open and didn't try to hide anything, he silently memorized the name, deciding to inquire about it later when he was about to report his achievements, specifically about when a new recruit of elite soldier caliber had emerged from the Yellow Springs Training Camp.

"Fu Lei really got a good card this time."

Jin Chuan gritted his teeth. It would be a waste to leave such a promising talent, who was clearly outstanding, in the Yellow Springs Training Camp. If he could join the reconnaissance corps, it wouldn't be impossible for him to become a "corps commander" directly.

To accumulate merits, one still needs to participate in large-scale battles.

Playing solo, even if you work yourself to the bone, might not be as effective as a successful raid.

Therefore, any new recruit who aspires to go further on the path of military service is eager to gain "command authority".

"Qin Shi".

Lu Yao savored the name and smiled:
"I think the sound of the poplar fortress will soon resound throughout the first line of defense."

"Rookies of elite rank, once they mature, will shine with dazzling brilliance."

Jin Chuan stood there, watching Qin Shi walk further and further away, and suddenly sighed:

"He shouldn't have come to Baiyang. Its strategic value is that of the worst fortified city in the first defensive system of the western front."

Lu Yao remained silent, then shook her head and said:

"The duty of soldiers in the fortified city is to defend and protect."

If everyone had a choice, no one would willingly come here.

Brother Jin, don't you think so?

Jin Chuan smiled but did not answer. He then waved for the two new recruits from the Yellow Springs Training Camp to follow him, before turning and leading his team into the vast wilderness.

……

……

"Boss, this deal of yours is a bit risky."

The short-haired woman whispered:

"Could you raise the price a bit?"

Qin Shi looked at him strangely and said calmly:

"You were a cheerleader the whole time, and you still have the nerve to ask for extra money?"

These women have pretty thick skin!

"Boss, you really like challenging yourself. I checked, the administration building is located within the lair of a third-level disaster. Even if I and Ama were tied together, we couldn't beat it!"

The short-haired woman looked down and poked her fingertips.

Ama, who had a watermelon head next to her, couldn't stand it anymore. The boss, a senior expert of P9 at Xuyang Heavy Industry, was actually using such a shameful trick of acting cute.

"So all you need to do is be cheerleaders and provide supplies while you're at it."

Qin Shi completed his first evolution at the professional level, his entire body was greatly depleted. As he moved forward, he said:
"You guys should have those space backpacks, right? How much energy fluid do you have left? Is it enough for me to fight another battle?"

Are you ignoring my good looks?
How cold-hearted!

The short-haired woman's lips twitched, and then she said:
"Nine-slot backpack, five supply runs remaining."

The most standard equipment for a support team, aside from various firepower weapons and vehicles, is the "space backpack".

That was the core technology of the Holy Blood Clan, one of the great civilizations, which used the continuous mining of "Sky Radiance Crystals" from polluted areas to create spatial products that tore through dimensions.

"Your equipment is really top-notch."

Qin Shi was somewhat surprised and raised an eyebrow.

A nine-compartment backpack requires at least ninety Sky Radiance Crystals.

This is quite expensive, almost equivalent to the cost of a third of a warship.

"Xuyang Heavy Industry is very wealthy and powerful."

The short-haired woman chuckled, appearing nonchalant on the surface, but in reality, she was extremely distressed.

Any exchange of resources by military industrial enterprises comes at a corresponding price.

Even the CEO cannot abuse power or violate regulations; they must be subject to oversight by the board of directors.

“I heard from Yinghuang that large companies are under a lot of pressure to perform. Your support team is small in number but has exceptionally luxurious equipment, which means you are clearly taking the elite route.”

Qin Shi asked Ama, who had the watermelon head, for a supply, gulped down the energy liquid, and then said:

"But the risks of your team are also obvious. If there are casualties or the operation fails, the losses will be infinitely greater."

Considering the performance pressure at Xuyang Heavy Industry, and the annual staff reduction quotas, you guys must be having a tough time.”

Qin Shi then changed the subject, focusing on the short-haired woman.

"Boss, you seem to know quite a bit about the grueling life in our big company."

Upon hearing the words "performance" and "optimization," the short-haired woman's temples throbbed with veins, as if her blood pressure had spiked. She forced a smile.
"In the end, we're just making a living off others, there's not much we can do about it."

Qin Shi stopped and said:

"Xuyang Heavy Industry is a top-tier military industrial enterprise in Dongxia, with a relatively clear path for promotion."

If you can achieve exceptional performance before the age of thirty-five, such as completing several highly rated mercenary missions or even participating in Warband campaigns.

Actually, you could get preferential treatment from the company's resources, open your own studio, and escape this shackles, right?

The short-haired woman felt a chill run down her spine, sensing a strong undercurrent of conspiracy in Qin Shi's words.

But then she thought again, what did she have that made this incredibly capable young boss so interested in her?

"Boss, what exactly are you trying to say?"

Qin Shi progressed very quickly, completing his first evolution and unifying the resonance of his muscles, bones, skin, and membranes, almost doubling his stats again.

His muscles writhed, his skin twitched, and his breathing moved in unison, like an incredibly precise machine.

Every ounce of vitality was pushed to its limit, resulting in terrifying physical strength and speed.

Even without using any movement techniques, just moving on foot was enough to leave the two employees of Xuyang Heavy Industry breathless and somewhat unable to keep up.

In this situation, Qin Shi's voice came from the night sky, intermittently, and was blown by the airflow into the ears of the short-haired woman.

"What I'm trying to say is that you two have done a good job. If you're willing to remove Yinghuang's employment contract and accept my unilateral cooperation, providing me with supplies and battlefield assistance."

The watermelon-headed Ama felt a heavy pressure on his chest, and every rapid step he took made him feel uncomfortable.

"Boss, are you ready to place an order for us? Can I ask about the price?"

Qin Shi's lips curled up, as if in a light laugh:
"I'm just a new recruit who hasn't graduated from the Yellow Springs Training Camp yet, where would I get extra money?"

What I mean is, we can cooperate. I'll provide the manpower, and you can provide the labor.

The intensity of the next major expansion will inevitably increase, and the western front will also be mobilized.

I need a lot of supplies, fire support, and even the safety of my combat operators.

My personal support team alone is far from enough.

The short-haired woman was running so hard her lungs felt like they were about to explode. Looking at Qin Shi, who stood tall and walked with an air of nonchalance, she almost laughed in exasperation. One sentence popped into her head—

Is the boss trying to get something for nothing from us?

(End of this chapter)