219: yearning for freedom

It was only during this encirclement of Crazy Zoo, with the assistance of the super mech army, that Milosh had the opportunity to come into contact with a ninth-tier Awakened Beast.

Thinking of this, his eyes burned as he looked at the powerful Silver Fox.

If he could contract such a powerful Awakened Beast, his strength would not only skyrocket, but his status would also rise significantly.

For some reason,

Milosh even started to look forward to it.

He hoped the Silver Fox would rather die than surrender, so he could get the chance to contract it.

If he could successfully contract it, perhaps he could also contract the Tiger King, who was also a ninth-tier Awakened Beast.

At that time, with the Tiger King's immense strength, he might have a chance to inherit Tiger King Farm and become a Lord of a city.

As he gained more power, Milosh's desires began to expand incessantly.

However, whether he would possess enough strength to support his desires remained to be seen.

Just as Milosh was lost in his dreams, the battle on the periphery was nearing its end.

Just as these Awakened Beasts had feared from the beginning, they were indeed no match for the massive mechs before them.

However, bound by the Silver Fox's command, they dared not resist, even knowing it was futile.

They could only involuntarily launch attacks against these mechs.

Finally, after the mech unit suffered the loss of less than thirty mechs, they ended the battle.

The remaining mechs, led by Frank, once again launched an attack on Crazy Zoo.

In this battle, America would completely flatten this human forbidden zone located within their territory.

They would declare America's mighty power to the entire Blue Star.

A mighty power capable of destroying everything!

At the core of Crazy Zoo.

The Silver Fox's perception was far more powerful than anyone imagined.

The moment its subordinates fell, it had already received the news.

Chirp, chirp, chirp.

The Silver Fox issued another command.

Although only Awakened Tiger and the Alpha Wolf remained as its subordinates, the Silver Fox was not flustered in the slightest.

Or rather, breaking up into smaller units was its best option now.

Since these terrifying upright apes had already demonstrated formidable strength.

Strength sufficient to destroy Crazy Zoo.

Then staying here any longer would only be digging its own grave.

Unless it possessed the ability to sweep everything away.

However, it clearly did not have such an ability.

Otherwise, it wouldn't have been breached by the mech unit, which was now rushing directly towards the core.

Experience from before the world mutated had taught the Silver Fox never to underestimate the capabilities of these upright apes.

This was also why it had always remained hidden behind the scenes.

This time, if it weren't absolutely necessary, it would never have revealed its existence.

And now that it had been exposed, it meant it was no longer safe.

It was time to leave!

With a light leap, the Silver Fox once again jumped onto the Awakened Tiger's head.

Although the Awakened Tiger's body was massive and inconvenient for hiding, it was very convenient as a means of transport to leave this place.

Just then, the Alpha Wolf let out a low whimper.

The Silver Fox seemed to have no intention of taking it with her.

Far from feeling lucky, the Alpha Wolf became incredibly terrified.

Without the Silver Fox's protection, it was nothing more than a lamb to the slaughter in front of the terrifying upright apes.

However, the Silver Fox paid it no mind. She controlled the Awakened Tiger, sending it sprinting into the distance at an extremely fast speed.

Are you kidding?

Once a sufficient distance was covered, even the Awakened Tiger was expendable.

How could she possibly take this troublesome Alpha Wolf with her?

These seemingly powerful Awakened Beasts were originally just tools the Silver Fox used to protect herself.

Once a tool loses its value, there is only one possibility: abandonment.

This was also why the Silver Fox did not evolve into a massive size.

Sometimes, a smaller body was more convenient for hiding oneself.

Then, by finding a few more puppets to control, she could once again live comfortably.

The Silver Fox's actions undoubtedly caught the attention of the three.

Hudson reminded, "Etna, the Silver Fox seems to be preparing to escape. Should we arrange troops to intercept it?"

"If these powerful Awakened Beasts are determined to escape, we might not have any way to restrict them."

"Especially since the Silver Fox is relatively small, if it really wants to hide, it will be very difficult to find."

Etna shook his head and said, "Escape? It has no chance to escape at all."

"The moment it exposed itself, it was already ours for the taking."

No sooner had he spoken than a mech unit appeared in the three men's field of vision, as if to corroborate Etna's words.

Although there were only fifty of them, they formed a massive encirclement, perfectly trapping the Silver Fox within.

Seeing this, Etna laughed heartily and said, "You still lack experience."

"We in America never fight a battle we're not confident about."

"As long as we make a move, we are absolutely fully prepared, and we will not rest until we deliver a thunderous blow and completely eliminate the enemy."

"The Silver Fox's defeat is already sealed; we just need to watch the show."

Etna was truly boastful.

His so-called absolute confidence was merely burying his head in the sand.

Every plan targeting Lin Tianwei had ultimately ended in failure.

And it was a very tragic failure.

However, by selectively ignoring these failures, it could barely be considered having absolute confidence.

This was also very consistent with the American character.

—

Trapped in the encirclement, the Silver Fox's pupils instantly constricted.

It never expected that it would be encircled by a mech unit.

And an encirclement of fifty mechs at that; this was definitely super VIP treatment.

Mental Power activated again, it attempted to break through these giant mechs with this invisible attack.

It could sense fragile life within these mechs.

If it could strike directly at the heart, this matter would be much simpler.

However, as an important tool to contend with Lin Tianwei, protection against mental shock was also a key focus of these mechs.

Mental Shield!

Under the protection of this special material, the Silver Fox's mental shock had no effect whatsoever on the pilots.

It could only watch helplessly as the mech unit continuously tightened the encirclement.

Trapping it and the Awakened Tiger it controlled within.

"Surrender."

"You will have a better life than now, and you won't need to live in fear anymore."

Etna's voice came through the loudspeaker carried by the mech.

Although it was American, Etna believed the Silver Fox could understand.

Even if it didn't understand, he had backup methods.

After plan b had been executed for so long, if they couldn't even communicate with an Awakened Beast, then it would be too much of a failure.

Clearly, as a Silver Fox with extremely high intelligence, it could understand Etna's words.

Because its expression clearly changed after hearing Etna's words.

This also made Etna relax considerably.

Being able to understand and possessing intelligence meant there was room for negotiation in this battle.

There was a high probability that the Silver Fox might accept his surrender.

Given the powerful combat strength displayed by the Silver Fox, even with fifty mechs, it would be impossible to achieve victory without casualties.

For America, which was in a critical period, every bit of resources was precious, so unnecessary internal friction was naturally to be avoided.

Etna's idea was very good; indeed, the smarter a creature, the more it fears death.

But he still underestimated the Silver Fox's intelligence.

The Silver Fox understood that falling into the hands of these terrifying upright apes would lead to a fate more tragic than death.

Unable to live, unable to die!

It had to go all out, it had to fight with everything it had!

If it couldn't break through, even if it chose suicide, the Silver Fox would not choose to fall into the hands of the terrifying upright apes.

Thinking of this, the Silver Fox's eyes also became resolute.

Mental Power began to erupt, and it started to control the Awakened Tiger's body, launching its final counterattack.

A counterattack that would determine its life or death.

Facing mechs less than twenty meters tall, the Awakened Tiger's massive body possessed a natural advantage.

What's more, it also enjoyed the enhancement of the Silver Fox's Mental Power.

Mechs, as human creations, possessed powerful physiques and could even use specialized custom weapons.

However, they had a fatal flaw: the moment they were built, their strength was already fixed.

Furthermore, there was absolutely no possibility of using abilities.

The pilot's abilities might allow the mech's performance to be better utilized.

But it could never exceed the mech's upper limit.

Overuse, putting aside other things, the mech itself would collapse from being unable to withstand it.

Therefore, building larger, stronger mechs was the ultimate goal of Plan M.

These seemingly massive, tens-of-meters-tall mechs were merely low-end research achievements.

The ultimate result of Plan M, tianqing no., still lay in some corner of America.

It awaited being filled with Mental Shield before it could display its true power.

Otherwise, when encountering a Mental Power-type Awakened Beast like the Silver Fox.

No matter how powerful the physique, without sufficient matching Mental Defense, it would be useless.

The Silver Fox, as expected of a fox, was incredibly cunning.

She appeared to be pondering how to respond to Etna's offer, but in reality, she was looking for an opportunity to strike.

Finally, she found a suitable moment and, controlling the Awakened Tiger's body, unleashed her fiercest blow against the mech beside her.

Bang.

It was an incredibly terrifying collision sound.

In this type of one-against-many combat, sharp claws were not as effective as a tiger's paw.

Not only would they wear down, but even with full power, they might not inflict fatal damage on these mechs.

After all, traditionally fatal wounds were no longer quite applicable in the new world.

The Silver Fox's strategy was undoubtedly very correct.

Even with specialized shock absorption devices, facing the Awakened Tiger's paw strike, which approached a hundred tons of force, it could only bitterly accept defeat.

Immediately, it was like a tattered rag doll, its entire body dented from the impact.

The terrifying vibration also traveled from the mech's body to the cockpit.

Although it didn't instantly kill the pilot, it did render him unconscious.

Along with the dilapidated mech, it completely lost its combat capability.

It seemed like an ordinary outcome for the Silver Fox, but this was only the beginning of the battle, and the outcome was still unknown!

"Since you've chosen to fight, don't blame us for being merciless."

"If you don't cherish the chance to surrender, you're seeking your own death."

Etna's cold voice came through the loudspeaker.

He felt that this Silver Fox was truly ungrateful.

Yet he completely failed to consider that they were the ones actively provoking the Silver Fox.

They even had to feign a compassionate demeanor.

Once an attack is launched, no mercy can be shown.

The Silver Fox understood this very well.

So, after launching its first attack, it initiated a second one in a short period.

Even with preparations, due to the extremely close proximity, one mech was still defeated by the Silver Fox and lost its combat capability.

However, just as it was about to repeat its tactic, it found itself facing a massive Wind Gold Dagger.

These mechs finally reacted to its sneak attack, launching a counter-attack immediately.

It wasn't just the Wind Gold Dagger.

There were even mechs in the distance wielding longbows and special firearms.

They had already aimed their sights at the rapidly moving Silver Fox.

Given the chance, they would launch a fatal attack on the Silver Fox without hesitation.

Meanwhile, the battle between the Silver Fox and the melee mechs fell into a stalemate.

Both sides exchanged blows, with no clear winner, but neither could completely destroy the other in a short time.

Whoosh!

Finally, a ranged mech wielding a longbow found an opportunity to attack.

He released his right hand, and a huge arrow shot towards the Silver Fox's position.

To catch the bandit, first catch the king.

Humans understood this principle better than any other creature, so they didn't care about the Awakened Tiger at all.

All attacks were consistently directed at the Silver Fox.

The Silver Fox's ears twitched slightly; it had clearly detected the arrow speeding towards it.

However, even though it had detected the arrow the moment the opponent launched the attack, this arrow was still something it couldn't evade.

Under the cover of the melee mechs, this poised arrow, at an incredibly tricky angle, launched a unavoidable fatal attack towards the Silver Fox.

Bang!

What followed was a sound like a cracking eggshell.

Although the arrow hit in the direction of the Silver Fox, it was blocked by a terrifying Mental Shield.

However, this time, even the Mental Shield, exerted with the Silver Fox's full power, shattered and completely disintegrated under the arrow!

Moreover, releasing the Mental Shield caused it to slightly loosen its control over the Awakened Tiger.

This led to it being caught in the frantic assault of the melee mechs.

Furthermore, distant ranged mechs were still lurking, looking for an opportunity to attack.

A dead end.

The Silver Fox was already fated to have no chance of escape.

Like a constantly rolling snowball, the mech forces' advantage grew larger and larger.

Once it reached a tipping point, it would completely crush the Silver Fox.

Although the Silver Fox was helpless, it could not prevent this from happening, and eventually could only watch as the melee mechs devoured it bit by bit.

Roar ~

The Awakened Tiger instinctively let out a mournful cry.

That was a Wind Gold Saber striking its body.

Even with the Silver Fox's protection, an unavoidable deep wound, visible to the bone, appeared on its body.

A wound severe enough to affect its Flexibility.

Facing the heavily wounded Awakened Tiger, the Silver Fox was incredibly decisive.

Without the slightest hesitation, its body transformed into a silver lightning bolt and shot out quickly.

It ran through the gaps between the mechs with incredible Flexibility.

It actually used a simpler method, attempting to escape the encirclement of these melee mechs.

However, it was still a bit too naive.

Since Etna was preparing to hunt this powerful Lord of the Forbidden Zone, how could he not have a complete plan?

As an excellent data analyst, he was best at finding the best solutions through data analysis.

This situation had already been anticipated when the Silver Fox's true form was seen.

This was also why this mech unit had so many ranged mechs.

The Silver Fox's speed was fast.

But the speed of arrows and cannonballs was even faster.

Even if it frantically used Mental Power to accelerate itself and leap rapidly, the Silver Fox could not avoid all ranged attacks.

Crack.

Again, the sound of an egg cracking.

That was an arrow once again hitting in the direction of the Silver Fox, blocked by the Mental Shield.

The Silver Fox even used the propulsion of this arrow to dart a greater distance.

However, more attacks were already ambushing it on its path forward.

That was a terrifying cannonball.

Even before it exploded, there was already lightning and thunder.

This was a terrifying plasma bomb.

The moment it exploded, it would form an incredibly destructive plasma zone, destroying all living creatures within its range.

Of course, Etna wasn't naive enough to think a plasma bomb could kill the Silver Fox.

If it were that powerful, he wouldn't even use such a potent weapon.

After all, his goal was to capture the Silver Fox alive, not to kill it directly.

The death penalty can be avoided, but the living punishment cannot be escaped!

Facing such a terrifying plasma bomb, even if the Silver Fox wouldn't die, it would definitely be severely wounded.

Coupled with the potential paralysis effect, it was the best method to capture the Silver Fox.

However, the highly anticipated strike failed.

The powerful Mental Shield once again showed its might, allowing the Silver Fox to evade the fatal blow.

However, from its gradually heavier breathing, it was clear that using the Mental Shield was also extremely draining for it.

If it couldn't escape the humans' encirclement before its Mental Power was completely exhausted.

Only one path awaited the Silver Fox: capture.

Looking at the distant and unknown path, the Silver Fox was filled with regret at this moment.

It regretted being too unrestrained in this city, which led to the high-rise buildings that should have served as the best obstacles being flattened.

Only ruins remained.

With the cover of the high-rise buildings, it might have truly had a glimmer of hope for escape.

Despair!

Despair gradually engulfed the Silver Fox's eyes.

With the dual exhaustion of physical strength and Mental Power, the mechs were getting closer and closer to its position.

It knew it had no hope of escape.

Give me liberty, or give me death!

Even if it meant death, it would never fall into the hands of these bipedal apes!

A fierce glint flashed in its eyes, and the Silver Fox made a difficult decision.

This time, facing the arrows and cannonballs attacking it, it actually chose to meet them head-on.

Its speed suddenly dropped.

The Silver Fox's body was instantly pierced by two arrows.

They pinned its not-so-large body directly to the ground, completely ending any hope of escape.

Not only that, but two plasma cannonballs followed closely, directly hitting the Silver Fox's body.

Instantly, plasma covered the entire area where the Silver Fox's body lay, beginning to fatally corrode its body.

However, even facing the plasma's corrosion, the Silver Fox didn't make a sound.

Instead, it showed a relieved expression, just staring blankly at the sky.

Calmly embracing its own death.

Death was never the most terrifying thing.

The Silver Fox's sharp teeth exerted force, instantly biting off its tongue.

Not only that, but terrifying Mental Power followed closely, erupting instantly.

However, the target of the attack was not these massive mechs, but the Silver Fox's own not-so-large body.

With everyone caught off guard, the Silver Fox actually chose self-destruction.

Under the terrifying Mental Power attack, even the Silver Fox, a Mental Power Awakened Beast, spat out blood.

Its eyes widened, instantly losing their luster, on the verge of losing its life.

"Damn it, you really are damned!"

"You actually didn't follow my Plan."

"Wouldn't it be better to just surrender obediently?"

"As long as you're obedient, we will definitely take good care of you."

"You'll never have to worry about food or drink again."

This sudden change made Etna let out a roar.

The expression of having everything under control finally faded from his face, replaced by a face full of anger.

If the capture of the Silver Fox failed, although this operation successfully destroyed the Crazy Zoo.

However, compared to America's losses, it could only be described as a failure.

Those massive mechs were incredibly expensive, far from something that could be compared to the bodies of these Awakened Beasts.

Etna had considered many possibilities, but he had never imagined that the Silver Fox would actively seek death.

Indeed.

How could his arrogant self understand how important freedom was to these souls yearning for freedom?

In the eyes of the Silver Fox, a creature originally kept in a Zoo, freedom was more precious than anything else in this world.

It was even more important than its life, worth sacrificing everything for.

That's why it chose suicide at this critical moment.

Even in death, it did not want to return to the hands of these bipedal apes.

To become an existence whose life they could toy with at will.

Etna was furious, roaring loudly: "Save, quickly go save this Silver Fox."

"It absolutely cannot be allowed to die that simply!"

"Without my command, it has no right to choose death."

The chilling coldness in Etna's simple words revealed his extreme ruthlessness.

He wanted to completely strip the Silver Fox of its right to die.

To make it understand that in the face of power, even death became a luxury.

As long as he was strong enough, he was an existence capable of completely dominating the lives of other creatures.

Etna's ruthless command was quickly carried out.

The mech closest to the Silver Fox, disregarding damage to its own body, burst forth with terrifying speed and quickly arrived beside the Silver Fox.

Exerting force with both hands, the mech pulled the Silver Fox, along with the arrows, out of the ground.

It also brought it away from the plasma bomb's area.

What awaited the Silver Fox was rescue.

A rescue it didn't expect, a rescue that represented a merciless disregard for life! (End of Chapter)