Chapter Fifty-Nine: Earth - The Beast Tide (Part One)

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If these crystals were merely points, perhaps people wouldn’t be so invested. In this era where humanity itself is already scarce, those who lived here had spent some time together, supporting each other along the way. There might be small cliques, but as a whole, the malicious mindset typical of the apocalypse hadn’t yet taken root.

So, if these crystals were only used to exchange for daily necessities, they naturally wouldn’t care much. Even weapons were of little concern to most—after all, if they could avoid facing those terrifying monsters, why would they need many? But these crystals could be absorbed to enhance one’s strength. Recalling the power K had displayed earlier, it was no wonder everyone wanted them.

It wasn’t just about gaining the ability to protect oneself in this world; it was an evolution of one's very being. When they thought about those monsters, weren’t they just ordinary beasts that had evolved? Soon, they too would become stronger!

Sensing the covetous gazes around him, the one timid man among the four suddenly spoke, “Maybe I should give up my share…”

“What’s yours is yours! If they want points, let them exchange them for monster corpses!” his friend interjected. They were already certain: as long as the monster was killed by one of the native residents, even if not by the individual, the natives could exchange the corpse for points.

“That won’t do! If he’s like this, even a bit of strength would be wasted on him. It should go to someone like me who already has a good foundation and can better protect everyone!” insisted the man who had previously stepped forward.

“Oh, please! Inside the camp, none of us will be killed by monsters outside—who needs your protection?” The policeman looked at him with a mocking expression.

He then addressed the crowd, “I know you all want to become stronger, whether it’s just to survive or to avenge loved ones lost to the monsters. I, Song Qi, hereby establish the Hunting Party. Anyone willing to hunt outside with me can join. Those who aren’t can take on support roles. Crystals and monster corpses can be exchanged for points, which can be traded for supplies. But since both can also be used to strengthen ourselves, we can’t exchange them all for goods. There’s still plenty left in the market; support staff can put them to use, repairing clothes, cooking meals, and so on. In return, the Hunting Party will give you points.”

Then the woman spoke, “Sisters, the times have changed. We now have a chance to stand on equal footing with the men. If you still want to live the way you used to—humbling yourselves to others for the sake of survival—I won’t stop you. But if you have even the slightest desire to change your fate and master your own destiny, join me and hunt those monsters!” As she finished, she picked up a metal rod—formerly part of an old shelf—and with her bare hands, twisted it in two.

“See? I’ve become stronger. I can protect myself now. If you want this power, come with me!” With those words, she stepped aside.

Though most women in the camp were adults, all were under forty, and soon more than a dozen joined her.

“We brothers want to join the Hunting Party, too!” The troublemaking man from before now declared.

He looked at Song Qi, “You’re not going to bar us just because of a little argument earlier, are you?”

“Of course not,” Song Qi replied. “But let’s be clear: I’ll only provide you with basic weapons and armor once. After that, you’re on your own.”

“No problem! I, Cao Tiande, am not someone who leans on others!” he chuckled, and his companions echoed him. Thus, the dispute came to an end.

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However, when they were ready to trade, they discovered that Sun Meng had disappeared.

Sun Meng had entered the Exchange Hall. Though the exchange options hadn’t yet opened, the space was large enough and, just like his private quarters in the main city, it offered a comfortable environment. Apart from the lack of free food and drink, there was little difference.

Looking at the screen, Sun Meng asked, “What’s the current situation on Earth?”

On Earth, every nation’s military had been fully mobilized, moving people from rural areas to nearby towns. Defensive walls and lines had been erected on the outskirts of these towns, and wartime laws, long prepared, were swiftly implemented. The entire civilization braced itself for war.

Meanwhile, deep in the mountains and oceans, the first wave of monsters to reach Earth and complete their evolution seemed to receive a signal. Those in the sea surged toward land, those in the forests moved toward cities. They now had a new target—humanity!

As for the native Earth beasts that had survived, some had narrowly escaped being killed by the invaders, while others had managed to turn the tables and devour their foes. These native beasts underwent further evolution—not only growing stronger, but also gaining intelligence. They now realized they were a part of Earth’s civilization.

In forests, rivers, and seas, these newly intelligent spirit beasts gathered together. They not only sought to survive the trial, but also to expand and strengthen their species, to attain equal standing with humanity—or even rule over Earth’s civilization.

“Contestant, rest assured. The current state of Earth is within our expectations. According to the latest intelligence, the monsters are about to launch their first large-scale assault, which is the perfect opportunity to test our team tactics. Please protect yourself in that world. We’ll contact you again when it’s time for your first exchange.”

Seeing the red messages scroll across the screen, Sun Meng let out a sigh of relief. Only now did he realize that, unconsciously, he had come to see Earth’s civilization as his own home.

“Don’t worry! I’ll do my best. The path of cultivation is long—let’s set a small goal: help Earth’s civilization reach Level 5, and maybe I’ll become immortal myself!”

“Wishing the streamer a swift ascension!” scrolled a wave of messages, and Sun Meng felt as if he’d returned to the peaceful life of his past.

The next day, Sun Meng prepared to go out in search of stronger monsters. He needed to determine his own place in this world’s hierarchy and plan for survival and growth.

But Song Qi, who had been waiting, stepped forward. “Brother Sun, can we accompany you?” Behind him, his team stood ready, as did the women’s group.

“This time, I’m mainly going to scout the surrounding area, ideally draw up a map, and identify the ranges of powerful monsters and their strength,” Sun Meng said as he headed for the exit, making it clear that he would no longer act as their caretaker.

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Sun Meng’s words left the ordinary people uneasy. They’d thought he would protect them, at least until they could defend themselves.

“Let’s keep up! As long as we stay close to him and don’t stray too far from camp, we’ll be safe,” the brave young man said to Song Qi.

Song Qi nodded and led his group quickly after Sun Meng. Some hesitated but still followed, while only a few remained at camp.

As the young man had said, the first thing Sun Meng set out to do was identify the relatively safe regions around the camp.

The camp’s absolutely safe area was nearly two hundred square meters, spread over three floors, but housed almost five hundred people. For a truly comfortable life, expansion was essential. That meant they needed to designate relatively safe zones.

A few dens of rabbit monsters, some small snake monsters, and a handful of insects—all no stronger than mid-stage Tier One—were easily dispatched by Sun Meng, leaving the rest to collect at their leisure.

Within about fifty meters, there were no particularly aggressive monsters. Sun Meng nodded; this would do for now.

With a leap, he landed atop a rock and vanished from Song Qi’s sight.

They understood at once: this was the relatively safe area. To venture further, they would need enough strength to protect themselves.

Along the way, many among them gained power from the blood crystals. Under Song Qi’s direction, they spread out to help others complete the first step of evolution.

Meanwhile, Sun Meng had finally found the target he sought.