130: Dawn of the Demon Hunters

This Zombie Tide not only brought in a large amount of funds but also hundreds of thousands of zombie crystal cores! These crystals, with the exception of high-tier crystal cores (Tier 1, Tier 2) which will be used to extract potions to further enhance the strength of the Red Alert Legion's core Evolvers, will have a portion of their vast quantity of white, unranked crystal cores used by Jiang Xin to awaken Evolvers among the populace.

Jiang Xin finalized the plan at the command center meeting: low-priced crystal core exchanges would be opened to the public, but not indiscriminately. Only survivors who were proactive in their work, performed well, and had clean records would be eligible. Furthermore, it wouldn't be free—normally, a crystal core was worth 3000 points (equivalent to an average month's salary), but this time the price would be reduced to 300 points. Only by paying a price would they understand gratitude.

Soon, conspicuous announcements appeared in crowded places throughout the base—the cafeteria, the material application center, neighborhood offices, the central plaza, and so on:

——

Announcement

To enhance the overall strength of the base and meet the challenges of the apocalypse, the base leadership has decided after deliberation:

Effective immediately, survivors who meet the following conditions:

1. Have been proactive in their work this month, with no records of absenteeism, leave, or passive work.

2. Are friendly with colleagues and have no records of misconduct at their respective neighborhood offices.

3. Possess a recommendation letter signed and stamped by their work area manager.

May, with valid identification and the recommendation letter, proceed to the base's Material Application Center to exchange 300 points (one-tenth of the original price of 3000 points) for one zombie crystal core.

Exchange Notice

crystal cores must be consumed on the spot under the supervision of staff.

Successful Superpower awakeners must register at the Military Zone Government Affairs Hall within 24 hours to be cataloged and accept unified management (assigned to the Evolver Legion, Legion Commander: Zhang Lei).

Number of crystal cores available for exchange this time: 30,000.

First come, first served. This order is effective immediately!

—— Red Alert Legion Command Center

The announcement was like a giant stone thrown into a calm lake, instantly stirring up a huge wave among the survivors!

In front of the central plaza's bulletin board:

The crowd surrounded the bulletin board, making it impassable, with discussions, exclamations, and sounds of regret rising and falling.

"300 points?! My god!" A burly man with a full beard excitedly waved his fists, spittle flying. "Just three days' wages! This is practically free! I've been working full time every day this month, busting my butt! My chance has come!"

"Ah—!" A tall, thin man next to him suddenly slapped his thigh, letting out a cry of frustration. "I... I was late twice this month because I overslept! Just a few minutes! It's over, it's over!" He cried, his face a picture of despair, as if he had missed out on a priceless treasure.

"Hahaha! Old Li, I told you not to drag your feet! Now you've lost big, haven't you!" A co-worker next to the tall, thin man gloatingly patted his shoulder, a wide grin on his face. "I'm going to find the area manager for a signature and stamp right now! Brothers, what are you waiting for? Let's go! Let's get our proof!" He raised an arm, and immediately over a dozen people responded, excitedly rushing towards their respective workplaces. In everyone's eyes burned a desire for power and a yearning for the future.

Material Application Center:

The atmosphere here was even more fervent, with crowds bustling and long lines forming. The air was thick with tension, anticipation, and a hint of sweat. The staff were working tirelessly, verifying documents, registering information, and distributing crystal cores.

Zhu Lingyun tightly clutched the recommendation letter personally signed and stamped with a red seal by the steel factory director, his palms slightly sweaty. He once came from an affluent family and was a student at a prestigious university, but with the advent of the apocalypse, everything reset. Like his family, he could only rely on his own hands to sweat profusely in the steel factory in exchange for points and survival supplies. His professional knowledge seemed so pale and powerless in this wasteland. Becoming an Evolver was his only chance to change his fate and regain his dignity! He took a deep breath, his eyes fixed as he walked towards the exchange window.

"Documents complete, identity confirmed. Zhu Lingyun, here is your crystal core, 300 points deducted." The staff member swiftly handed over a thumb-sized, lustrous white crystal.

The moment he received the crystal core, Zhu Lingyun's heart pounded violently. He looked around and found an empty space designated as a temporary awakening area. Many people were already sitting there cross-legged, some closing their eyes in concentration, others unable to hide their excitement. He took a deep breath, no longer hesitating, sat down cross-legged, and suddenly shoved the crystal core, which carried all his hopes, into his mouth!

The crystal core melted instantly upon entry, and an indescribable, slightly stinging, icy energy current instantly surged into his limbs and bones! Zhu Lingyun grunted, his body involuntarily tensing. He could feel the energy rampaging within him, finally finding an outlet and erupting with a roar!

"Buzz—!"

A deep, scorching energy fluctuation, imbued with a destructive aura, suddenly spread out from Zhu Lingyun! Dense black mist appeared out of thin air around him, swirling and condensing, transforming in a breath into a hideous, full-body dark armor! On the surface of the armor, dim black demonic flames silently flickered and burned, emitting a terrifying high temperature and oppressive aura! At the same time, he virtually grasped his right hand, and a massive two-handed demonic sword, ancient and heavy in design, with a blade length of 1.3 meters and a handle length of 20 centimeters, condensed into form, entwined with demonic flames! The sword body was entirely black, with only the cutting edge flowing with dark red light, as if born from drinking blood!

Almost as soon as he completed his transformation, several other energy fluctuations, varying in strength but all attention-grabbing, erupted from other directions in the open space! Someone's body was instantly covered in rock-like grayish-white skin (Petrified Skin), someone condensed a burning flame longbow in their hand, and someone else manifested a Healing Staff radiating soft green light... "Good boy! Quite a commotion!" A staff member responsible for registration quickly walked over, looking at Zhu Lingyun, who was covered in demonic armor and flames, holding a giant sword, like a warrior emerged from the abyss, his eyes full of envy (the crystal core he himself consumed only slightly increased his physique and strength). He took out his registration board: "Congratulations on awakening! What's your name? What ability did you awaken? I'll make a preliminary record here, and remember to report officially to the Government Affairs Hall as soon as possible!"

Zhu Lingyun felt the surging power within him, and the sense of blood connection brought by the demonic sword and armor, an unprecedented heroic spirit filling his chest. He dispelled part of his faceplate, revealing a young yet resolute face, his voice hoarse with excitement: "Thank you! My name... just call me 'Blackflame Demonic Swordsman'!" He was finally no longer that ordinary person toiling away in the workshop with a bleak future! Even if he couldn't compare to a pillar like Zhang Lei, he was confident he could join the ranks of renowned powerhouses in the base like Chen Xiao and Flame Fist!

However, Zhu Lingyun did not immediately go to the Government Affairs Hall. He suppressed the excitement in his heart, held the demonic sword, and stood quietly in a corner of the material center, his gaze sharply scanning the newly awakened Evolvers whose faces still showed surprise and bewilderment. A long-brewing plan formed in his mind—he wanted to establish a special team!

Waiting was long, but also full of opportunities. Zhu Lingyun, relying on his powerful aura and clear articulation during his awakening, took the initiative to invite those awakeners with good potential and complementary abilities. He articulated his vision: to form a civilian Demon Hunting Squad, self-sufficient, not relying on base support, to venture deep into the rural wilderness, and take the initiative to attack!

"The base's power is strong, but it cannot cover every corner! Countless zombies still wander the countryside, and compatriots struggle in the ruins! We have gained power, so we should take the initiative to bear the responsibility!" Zhu Lingyun's voice carried an infectious power, and he brandished his demonic sword, its tip spitting demonic flames. "Hunt zombies, collect precious metals (gold and silver) desperately needed by the base to exchange for points, and rescue survivors! Risks and opportunities coexist, but freedom and glory will also belong to us!"

His words and the strength he displayed successfully moved several companions who were equally unwilling to be ordinary and longed for adventure. A few hours later, a nascent team of eight newly awakened Evolvers gathered around Zhu Lingyun:

1. Zhu Lingyun (Captain): Blackflame Demonic Swordsman - Black demonic armor covers his entire body, demonic flames flicker, holding a 1.5-meter giant sword, combining offense and defense. Demonic flames can attack from a distance, and he possesses multiple innate skills: Dark Demonic Flames, Charged Slash, Waltz Blade, Sweep Through Armies, and Blackflame Bodyguard.

2. Wang Kai (Vice Captain): Petrified Skin - His skin can transform into grayish-white rock, his muscles knotting like granite, possessing immense strength and astonishing defense. He is the team's tank and meat shield.

3. Yan Xin (Female): Blazing Longbow - Her slender hand can conjure a magnificent longbow made of pure flame energy. When the bowstring is drawn, fiery arrows automatically condense, radiating scorching flame energy. She is an excellent ranged archer, with innate skills Fire Rain Split Arrow and Blazing Armor-Piercing Arrow.

4. Li Yiyi (Female): Healing Staff - She can conjure a wooden staff with a jade-green gem embedded in its tip. Waving it scatters specks of vibrant green light, capable of healing injuries. She is the team's healer.

5. Ma Tianfeng: Gale Warhorse Summoner - The Summoner is an exceptionally divine, wind-attributed warhorse covered in azure flowing light! The warhorse neighs, and whirlwinds entwine its four hooves. The Gale Warhorse possesses the Gale Trample skill.

6. Zhao Dun: Light Shield Warrior - Can conjure a massive, diamond-shaped shield made of pure condensed light, incredibly sturdy; and a single-handed battle saber flowing with light. Capable of both offense and defense.

7. Niu Jinshui: Berserk Water Buffalo Summoner - Can summon a massive, muscular, red-eyed, water-attributed berserk water buffalo surrounded by steam! Innate skill: Ramming Bull Charge.

8. Miao Lili (Female): Magic Fruit - Can condense wood-attribute energy fruits that quickly restore stamina and Superpower, and slightly amplify Superpower intensity.

Looking at these seven companions with diverse forms and complementary abilities, feeling their surging fighting spirit and newfound strength, Zhu Lingyun's heart swelled with heroic pride. He raised his giant sword, burning with demonic flames, his voice loud and full of hope:

"From today onwards, we are—the Dawns First Light Demon Hunting Squad!"

The eight figures converged at the entrance of the material center, different lights of ability flowing around them, raw yet full of sharp ambition and infinite possibilities for the future. This civilian force, born in the fervor of crystal core awakening, was about to embark on their journey.