Apocalypse Gachapon

“Why me?”

At the tip of a tree, Mo Ye hung there, watching a peculiar battle in the distance.

It was a fight between two groups of mutated lifeforms, extremely fierce. They almost entirely occupied the small plain between two mountain peaks. Even from this far away, the scent of blood drifted here, thick and pungent.

Upon closer inspection, one could see that the group on the eastern side was numerous, fiercely surrounding and attacking the western side. Among them, high-level lifeforms included one level nine and several level eight beings. The rest consisted of at least one-tenth level seven mutated lifeforms—a terrifying proportion.

In terms of variety, they had everything from flying creatures to ground-runners.

The mutated lifeforms on the other side were somewhat peculiar. Though seemingly at a disadvantage, even retreating bit by bit, their formation was incredibly dense. From a high vantage point, it was clear they weren’t charging recklessly but were steadily defending. Small groups continuously maneuvered within the formation, replacing wounded or exhausted comrades.

Their fighting style was also bizarre. Compared to the other side’s flurry of skills and energy, this side was shockingly simplistic, relying entirely on physical combat—even the flying monsters in the sky were enduring attacks head-on.

Ye Zhongming stood firmly at the treetop as well, arms crossed, unmoving despite the strong winds.

After reaching nine-star, his power had undergone a qualitative leap.

Before, he hadn’t truly understood what a nine-star evolved was. Even with two lifetimes of experience and countless legends about such beings, he had never truly felt it firsthand.

For the first three or four days after evolving, he struggled to adapt to the surging energy within his body. Now, he had mostly completed the fusion.

Ye Zhongming knew that, strictly speaking, this was the true completion of evolution after taking the nine-star potion.

No wonder rumors in his past life claimed that evolving to nine-star took a long time—they had divided the process into two phases: the dormant stage and the adaptation stage after awakening.

When he first woke from evolution, he felt not stronger but significantly weaker, his body in an unusual state of frailty.

However, that weakness was soon replaced by a rapid surge of power.

Every day, his strength grew, quickly surpassing his original level until it stabilized today.

Ye Zhongming believed that, with the aid of his equipment, a full-force strike from him might truly destroy a giant mountain.

Hearing Cloud Peak’s second nine-star evolved speak to him, he knew some things needed to be clarified.

“Do you know why we came to the northwest?”

Ye Zhongming and Mo Ye had arrived here after evolving. With their speed and Yangos’ flight, the long journey took only two days.

“Is it… because of those monsters?”

Mo Ye’s gaze fell on the defensive group to the west. She had long noticed their uniqueness.

Their physical strength was terrifyingly formidable.

Their opponents included a level nine being. Even if it wasn’t the strongest among its peers, it was still a top-tier lifeform. Yet, even after fifteen minutes of battle, it hadn’t broken through the defensive formation.

“Mm.” Ye Zhongming watched the battle with a solemn expression.

“Remember the demon monsters? Those green-skinned monsters? I once thought they were aberrations created by nuclear leaks or radioactive materials. Do you recall my experience in Cold Bay Rainforest? Or those bizarre, magic-less lifeforms we encountered at the mountain villa?”

Mo Ye naturally remembered. Was Ye Zhongming suggesting a connection between the three?

“I’m going up there…” Ye Zhongming pointed to the sky. “Among the many preparations I need to make, I came here first to see for myself if there’s a link.”

Mo Ye pondered his words. “No demon crystals? Relying entirely on physical combat, with abilities mostly related to martial techniques?”

Ye Zhongming nodded. “Though their appearances vary wildly, these are their common traits. I don’t know what they are, but perhaps the answers lie in the sky. Just what are these disgusting things?”

“But… you still haven’t answered why you gave the second nine-star potion to me. Many others are more deserving.”

Ye Zhongming smiled, looking at the short-haired, heroic Mo Ye.

“During my absence, Cloud Peak will inevitably enter a defensive phase.”

Just this sentence made Mo Ye disagree.

While Cloud Peak’s strength would drop significantly without Ye Zhongming, the mountain villa’s inherent power was formidable. The remaining members could hold their ground.

Mo Ye understood Ye Zhongming’s decision not to bring another nine-star to the sky—it was to compensate for his absence. But she didn’t understand why defense was necessary.

“There will be more and more nine-star evolved in the country. I don’t know how many there’ll be when I return, nor their stance toward Cloud Peak. Just the two labs alone are enough to tempt others to take risks. My absence presents the perfect opportunity.”

Ye Zhongming exhaled softly. “But I have to go. The sky is dangerous, but in a way, it represents the future. For Cloud Peak to stay ahead, I must scout the path. Besides, the enslavement by the universe races looms over us Earthlings like a shadow.”

“So we’ll hold the line until I return. Then, we’ll decide our next move.”

Though still not entirely convinced, Mo Ye nodded.

“Xia Lei isn’t suitable. She’s already overwhelmed with responsibilities, and when it comes to matters involving me, she… doesn’t listen.”

Ye Zhongming chuckled awkwardly.

“If Xia Lei became a nine-star, she’d insist on following me, even if it meant seizing another entry ticket.”

The battlefield shifted. The strange lifeforms launched a counterattack, piercing the Earth mutants’ flanks. They were attempting to encircle their still-slightly-superior foes!

“Teacher Park is support-class, so evolution isn’t a priority. The same goes for Liu Zhenghong and Le Dayuan.”

“Little Tiger and Chuyin… they’re too aggressive. If they became nine-star, the villa would constantly attack rather than defend. Unrestrained, they’d leave openings.”

“What about Xia Bai? She obeys you unconditionally. If you ordered her to stay and protect the villa, she’d comply.”

Surprisingly, Ye Zhongming nodded.

“Xia Bai would indeed be suitable. As you said, she’d follow my commands without question. But her evolution is too different from ours—too unpredictable. There are too many uncertainties. It’s better to wait until I return and discuss it with Sister Hong before evolving her.”

“The others aren’t quite qualified, so I won’t elaborate.”

“But you—steady, calm, well-rounded in ability, respected, and able to command—are the perfect guardian for Cloud Peak in my absence.”

With that, Ye Zhongming’s body strangely floated forward.

“Let’s go stir things up. Otherwise, that level nine fool will be torn apart—and those are valuable materials.”