Apocalypse Gachapon

“Big White!”

The words tore from Xiao Min’s throat in anguish.

She had grown accustomed to calling her battle beast by this name, popular in the peaceful era—before she had endured unbearable suffering, before she had been subjected to inhuman treatment. Now, like the other warriors of the Female Guards, Xiao Min trusted only her battle beast and her sisters-in-arms.

Ye Zhongming was the one they pledged loyalty to.

Now, the battle beast that had accompanied her for countless days and nights was burning before her eyes. Even so, the great red-and-white-maned lion charged toward the enemy.

But the blue fire-rain was too terrifying. The moment the droplets touched Red-White Simba, they corroded its body, leaving gaping holes. As the lion surged forward, the horrific flames gradually reduced it to bones, then to ash.

The final mournful cry struck Xiao Min’s heart like a hammer. Since the day she had watched her little brother die before her, this was the most agonizing moment of her life.

The Three-Headed Spirit Bird sang with all three heads. Xiao Min and Dai Zhi’s bodies swelled in size, their forms enveloped in a translucent mist that emanated from within, even their weapons glowing faintly. Google seaʀᴄh novlfire.net

Though most of the fire-rain had been blocked by Red-White Simba, a few droplets still slipped through. Upon contact with the mist, they hissed and dissolved into green smoke, dissipating into the air.

The mist surrounding the two Female Guard deputy captains thinned significantly, but some remained. It was clear—without Red-White Simba’s sacrifice, even the Three-Headed Spirit Bird’s final “Song of War” wouldn’t have been enough to defend them fully.

Xiao Min didn’t hesitate. Biting her lip, she rushed past Dai Zhi, charging straight for Troyilia and Melfis. Raising her crystal rifle high, she brought it down with brutal force.

She didn’t even bother switching weapons. She just wanted to smash these two culprits to death.

The man and woman of Hidden Snake Journey exchanged glances, their lips curling into cryptic smiles. Suddenly, they turned to the little boy, Adam, and said in unison:

“See you soon.”

Then, they kissed deeply—just as the hard stock of Xiao Min’s rifle smashed into their skulls.

Dai Zhi didn’t intervene. She simply watched as Xiao Min, silent yet frenzied, pounded the two into pulp.

The others watched too. No one cheered. In this moment, neither the victors nor the defeated had any reason to speak.

Sometimes, things were like this. There was no clear line between justice and evil—only victory and defeat, life and death. And emotions were the same. Winning or losing didn’t necessarily mean excitement or despair. Sometimes, it was just a sigh, a lament.

“Second duo battle—victory goes to Cloud Peak.”

As the announcement rang out, the little boy’s face turned livid. When two glowing reward orbs materialized before the victors, he finally lost control, letting out a shrill scream.

Strangely, neither Cloud Peak nor Hidden Snake Journey paid him any attention. The former saw no reason to bother with a brat, while the latter simply couldn’t be bothered—Adam’s earlier actions had cost him the team’s respect.

“Hidden Snake Journey has chosen to increase the reward. Cloud Peak Manor has declined. Per priority rules, the victor’s reward is upgraded by one tier.”

“Battle duration: eight minutes, thirty-five seconds. Duo battle reward: A8-tier. Upgraded to A7-tier. Team reward: B7-tier.”

Hearing this, Cloud Peak’s members felt a flicker of satisfaction. Though the upgraded A7-tier reward was still lower than the A6-tier from the solo battle, the duo battle involved two combatants—meaning two rewards, one more than before, which somewhat made up for it.

“Big White can’t be replaced… but it left offspring.”

Ye Zhongming patted Xiao Min’s head.

The dim light in her eyes flickered back to life.

This time, Ye Zhongming retrieved the reward from the orb first.

Given the decent rewards so far, he was quite curious about what the B7-tier prize would be.

Besides, this would give Xiao Min time to steady her emotions.

“Revolving Barrel.”

“Attachment component.”

The name piqued Ye Zhongming’s interest. Such components, when used correctly, could often outperform standalone equipment.

“Revolving Barrel.”

“1. When equipped on a handheld ranged weapon, automatically duplicates the original firing system, turning it into a dual-shot weapon.”

“2. When equipped on an autonomous weapon, if duplicating the original firing system, it becomes a dual-system weapon. If upgrading the original system, it elevates the original system by one tier.”

“3. When equipped on summoned or skill-based weaponry, randomly adds one ability to the weapon and upgrades it overall.”

Ye Zhongming stroked his chin in thought. Several people in Cloud Peak—himself included—could make good use of this. As for where it would be most cost-effective, he’d decide after returning.

Storing the reward, he turned to the two Female Guard deputy captains, especially Xiao Min.

Fortunately, Xiao Min was, after all, one of the apocalypse’s finest warriors. In just this short time, she had mostly recovered. Together with Dai Zhi, she retrieved their rewards.

Dai Zhi’s reward was peculiar—a heart-shaped crystal. At first glance, it seemed like a bloodline, but upon closer inspection, white glitter swirled inside, fluttering up and down, mesmerizing to behold.

“Miracle Potion No. 321.”

The name left Dai Zhi stunned—even Ye Zhongming, who was helping her appraise it, was baffled.

This name… was too simple. Too plain.

It gave no clues whatsoever.

Ye Zhongming instructed Dai Zhi to channel some mental energy into it. The prompt the Female Guard deputy captain received was equally cryptic:

“If you love adventure, Miracle Potion is your best choice. This potion cannot be traded or gifted.”

Dai Zhi blinked, turning to Ye Zhongming.

“This… is your choice to make.”

This item clearly had strong random properties. Even as Cloud Peak’s ruler and Dai Zhi’s sworn leader, Ye Zhongming had to respect his top subordinate’s wishes.

After a moment’s thought, Dai Zhi pocketed the red crystal. She wasn’t willing to take the risk now—she’d decide later.

A prudent choice.

Now, all eyes turned to Xiao Min.

What would her reward be?