Chapter 35: War Breaks Out!

Ye Mi had never seriously considered this question before.

In the early stages of human exploration, it was impossible to precisely delineate these ranks. Within the Light Ruins, there were far more unexpected incidents than straightforward contests decided by ability levels, so she hadn’t had cause to reflect on how much she herself had grown.

According to the current classification of abilities, a C-level, designated as Out-of-Control, must possess the potential to devastate an entire area. Anders’s vines and Davin’s flames, for instance, if unleashed recklessly in a city, would undoubtedly wreak havoc.

As for Red, he didn’t truly qualify as a C-level ability user, yet his overall strength surpassed that of the D-levels, giving rise to the term C-minus. Red, soaring high with his eagle wings, could be viewed as a self-propelled weapon. Though he wasn’t capable of destroying buildings outright, if those buildings were replaced by crowds, Red could still cause immense trouble in an urban setting.

So, by these rules of assessment...

Ye Mi, equipped with a resilient body, the power to devour metal, venom-spewing darts, acceleration, a defensive shield, and even a divine mask artifact, also possessed the ability to lay waste to an area. The venom alone was deadly enough, especially considering that nearly everyone now carried prosthetics.

Thinking this through, she tentatively replied, “I suppose... about the same as you? C-minus?”

Of course, this was a conservative estimate—Red, relying solely on his ability, couldn’t defeat her. Among the C-levels, Red was more akin to Raj, a functional ability user. His flight enabled many things, but in combat, relying on his enhanced talons was far less effective.

Aside from him, the Grey Hawk Squad’s previous battles had mostly depended on Keira’s throwing knives and those lackluster black-market weapons.

That was why Red was considered just a civilian; had he the proper equipment, he could become a fully automated aerial firepower tower.

Unfortunately, he lacked the credits to purchase prosthetics or better weapons.

By comparison, when facing Anders or other C-level ability users, Red’s means of retaliation were relatively limited.

But now, that worry was behind him.

The Grey Hawk Squad had gained far greater combat strength.

With their newfound treasures, perhaps they really could challenge Anders and the 13th Squad.

Red smiled, the steady look on his face softening for the first time. “Gina, you’re being modest. Your strength now surpasses mine.”

He knew well she was showing respect to his role as captain.

Ye Mi didn’t bother with formalities, instead cutting straight to the point. “The vice-captain of the 13th Squad—the other C-level ability user—his power is teleportation. The ability itself isn’t particularly offensive, but he’s nearly covered in prosthetics. His actual strength may rival Anders. You must be careful.”

She’d witnessed the vice-captain in action during the chaotic skirmish between the Defense Bureau and the expedition teams.

Anders’s relentless vines had bound a beast-transformed ability user, whose tough body resisted strangulation. In an instant, the vice-captain appeared before him, casually used a shotgun-style energy pistol to blow his brains out, ending his life.

A chilling combination.

Ye Mi had observed the vice-captain’s arsenal: a spring-loaded knife prosthetic on his left hand, a special O.C. Company “Ape Fist” on his right capable of inflicting massive damage in a flash, and two different types of energy pistols. His attacks were so varied, they were almost impossible to defend against.

This vice-captain was a weapon in human form, and at this moment, he waited above for the arrival of the Grey Hawk Squad.

Raj, hearing Ye Mi’s assessment, grew solemn. “Gina, with the vice-captain so formidable, plus Anders, how do you plan to deal with them? What should I do?”

He knew he’d be the greatest liability in such a fight, so he needed to clarify his duties.

Raj trusted that Ye Mi had already arranged a role for him.

As expected, Ye Mi smiled gently and explained the tactical plan in detail to the other three.

The endless night pressed on, yet the final battle atop the summit was quietly drawing near.

One hour later.

Anders’s vines enveloped the platform, occasionally letting through faint glimmers of light. The four members of the squad rested directly before the passage, awaiting the whereabouts of the Grey Hawk Squad.

Of the only two remaining members of the 13th Squad, one yawned widely and whispered to his companion, “Do you really think they’ll come? With the captain set up like this, who’d dare approach?”

His teammate shook his head. “Who knows? Either way, we have to wait until the passage fades.”

Hearing this, he could only chatter on to dispel his drowsiness. “I think they won’t dare. They’re down a member—how can they take on the captain and vice-captain?”

He added, “Even when they had their full team, they were pathetic.”

His companion smirked with a hint of derision. “Indeed, useless.”

Just then, an unexpected change occurred. Both noticed a sudden brightness overhead.

They belatedly looked up: Anders’s vines were torn open by flying knives, followed immediately by a mysterious venom spraying down from above, engulfing them.

“Enemy attack!”

Ye Mi leapt from Red’s released talons, her figure tracing a graceful arc through the air. Landing lightly, her venom dart pierced the throat of the teammate who’d called Grey Hawk Squad useless.

He didn’t even have time to scream. Blood spurted across his face, and as the venom corroded him, his complexion turned ashen, and he collapsed rigidly.

The other teammate staggered back in terror, fumbling for his energy pistol, but before he could aim, Ye Mi flashed forward, sweeping her venom dart straight for his throat.

“Rodents courting death!”

Anders had no time to wonder why there were four members of the Grey Hawk Squad. With a furious roar, the ground split apart, thick vines erupting like giant serpents, furiously twisting toward Ye Mi.

But as the vines were about to ensnare her, Red swooped down, his sharp talons tearing apart the vine barricade viciously.