Apocalypse: I Can See the HP Bar, Killing Monsters Drops Loot-Chapter 1551 - 649 Major Operation_2

Ever since they acquired these Crystal Energy Cannons some time ago, their joy didn’t last long before it turned into endless headaches.

The Crystal Energy Cannons were undeniably powerful, but they came with too many limitations—so many that they were practically unusable unless mounted on the high walls of the base for defense purposes. Yet the base’s strongest defense currently was the barrier formed by the Crystal Energy Poison Tree. If the barrier couldn’t stop the enemy, these cannons clearly wouldn’t stand a chance either; if the barrier could stop them, the cannons would be redundant... Besides, their energy consumption was too massive. If the enemies were held at bay outside the barrier, it would be far more economical to use human forces.

Thus, they had been researching ways to deploy the cannons outside the base to fight zombies. But every conclusion brought the same result—impossible. Well, not entirely impossible; if they were willing to treat the Crystal Energy Cannons as disposable weapons, then it could be done. But that’s far too wasteful; the cost of manufacturing the cannons was simply too high. Even for a wealthy base like Changhe, such extravagance was unthinkable!

Unable to find a better solution, they could only keep the cannons within the base, hoping the research team might achieve a technological breakthrough—perhaps making the cannons smaller or their materials more durable.

But the research team had informed them that they had hit the limits of their capabilities when it came to studying the Crystal Energy Cannons. There wouldn’t be any breakthroughs in the short term. Unless there were significant advancements in materials, and pinning hopes on advancements in materials felt even less reliable than everyone achieving Level 6 ascension—which, comparatively speaking, was a much simpler goal...

So, when Wang Tao claimed he had a way to bring the Crystal Energy Cannons into battle without treating them as disposable items, everyone rushed over in excitement. They didn’t doubt Wang Tao’s words; he wouldn’t jest about something of this magnitude. They just wanted to know how exactly Wang Tao had managed it and whether they could replicate the method.

After communicating with Qu Shilin, Wang Tao naturally understood the ongoing predicament faced by the major legions. Hence, he intentionally brought out six treasure chests, gifting one to each of the legions.

"Here’s how it works..."

In front of the crowd, Wang Tao directly placed one of the Crystal Energy Cannons into a treasure chest. Then, he had a vehicle carry the chest and drive around rapidly, shaking it vigorously. Finally, he opened the treasure chest to retrieve the intact cannon.

"Holy crap! Amazing!"

Third Legion’s Army Commander Duan Xuchang exclaimed in a mix of excitement and disbelief.

The others immediately rushed forward to inspect the cannon for any signs of damage. Once confirmed that there were no issues and that inserting a Crystal Core would enable instant firing, they all grew exuberant.

The problem that had been troubling them for so long... was solved!

Although the solution was entirely different from what they had envisioned—not by modifying the cannons themselves, but by providing them with a portable container—the effectiveness of the solution was all that mattered, not the method.

"Commissioner Wang, we’ll go out with you tomorrow. We also want to see the combat capabilities of these cannons in action. Frankly, we’re somewhat embarrassed; since the research team handed them over, they haven’t been used in a single battle..."

The Army Commander of the First Legion said, with others also looking expectantly at Wang Tao.

"Of course, no problem,"

Wang Tao nodded.

After discussing the plan with the major legions, it was already evening.

At this time, the entire Changhe Base was buzzing with lively discussions. Surprisingly, the focus wasn’t on the awakening potions or the Crystal Energy Cannons—both of which had yet to be officially announced—but on the massive operation planned for the next day.

News from City Hall had already been disseminated: the base would conduct a large-scale operation tomorrow aimed at enhancing individual strength and even hunting sea beasts!

The roster for the operation had been finalized, and those who had received the notification could start preparing immediately for the early morning departure. Those not on the list could still apply for participation, as a portion of the slots had been reserved for applicants. Names of approved applicants would be announced before midnight.

Naturally, one could choose to voluntarily surrender their spot to others. But who in their right mind would give up such an opportunity?

Based on past experiences of Changhe Base organizing similar large-scale operations, participants typically returned with significant gains. Especially this time, with the explicit promise of enhancing personal strength and being accompanied by top experts of the base, including the number-one powerhouse, Commissioner Wang! Missing this chance would be utterly foolish.

And this time, they would also be hunting sea beasts!

During the previous hunt, when they targeted large fish and sea beasts, they managed to acquire a substantial amount of mutated fish meat. These mutants were brimming with energy, albeit causing sustained loss of life energy upon consumption. However, with adequate ability, it wouldn’t be fatal. After eating the fish meat, individuals experienced noticeable enhancements to their constitution, thereby increasing combat capability!

This precious resource was unlike anything the majority had encountered before. Those fortunate enough to consume it indeed gained significant improvements in strength. Unfortunately, only participants of the fishing expedition or those who had made substantial contributions to the base had access to it; everyone else was left to envy.

But now, they were going to hunt sea beasts again! With the previous experience, it was expected that Commissioner Wang and his team could hunt more efficiently, and the risks for the group would be minimized. Once the sea beasts were killed, participants would likely share in some of the fish meat... Such benefits were hard to pass up!

While this mission bore some level of risk, in the apocalypse, every action involves risk. This mission, however, presented the lowest risk coupled with the highest rewards! Missing it might lead to lifelong regret.

Even in the worst-case scenario with little to no personal gain, just observing a powerhouse like Wang Tao in action made the experience worthwhile. Many people knew Wang Tao’s strength but had no idea exactly how powerful he was or where they stood compared to him. This operation was a golden opportunity!

As such, those selected excitedly awaited tomorrow, while those excluded rushed to apply, hoping to be selected.

The base was abuzz with these discussions. If they knew that this operation would not only involve hunting zombies and sea beasts but also grant awakening potions for a chance to ascend, people might have been overrun with excitement.

To avoid chaos, City Hall deliberately withheld all information about the awakening potions. After the operation ended, participants’ performances would be submitted to City Hall and the committee for review. Once a list was finalized and approved, news regarding the distribution of awakening potions at Changhe Base would be announced.

Moreover, if this operation successfully hunted more catastrophic sea monsters, the number of awakening potions could even double! Thinking about the base members’ continuous ascension, not only Gu Yun, the Army Commanders, and the committee members felt elated—even Wang Tao was a little excited.

Amidst the charged and lively atmosphere, the long-awaited day finally arrived.

Those listed sharpened their weapons, ready to wreak havoc outside.

"Excellent, full of spirit—then let’s go."

Wang Tao leaped onto the Golden Eagle and left the gates ahead of everyone else. The others followed closely in vehicles.

Although the Golden Eagle had grown significantly larger, it couldn’t carry thousands of people. It only ferried a few key members, while the rest followed in cars.

The convoy passed through the barriers into the scorching exterior environment.

Unsurprisingly, many were startled by the high-temperature conditions.

Reading about fifty degrees in reports was entirely different from experiencing fifty degrees on one’s skin. Everyone felt like they were inside a sauna, their sweat gradually soaking their clothes. However, being elites, they quickly composed themselves and awaited Wang Tao’s orders.

Satisfied, Wang Tao nodded and led the group toward the location of a massive zombie herd.