Chapter 50: Gathering Information, The First Mission

As for firearms, due to insufficient funds, Zhang Ran had not yet upgraded. However, the AM41 automatic rifle in his hands, though a relic of the old era, boasted considerable power and stability—enough to kill mutant creatures of levels one to three, and thus sufficient for his current needs.

After purchasing his equipment, Zhang Ran moved on to the supply sector, where he bought a new batch of high-energy provisions and pharmaceuticals. Since advancing to the rank of Evolver, his physical aptitude had increased dramatically. To sustain his enhanced body, he now required significantly more sustenance. The high-energy food he previously purchased had been formulated for ordinary humans; now, he needed to consume several tubes just to feel full. Thus, he opted for provisions tailored specifically for Evolvers, and the same applied to his selection of medicines.

In the supply area, Zhang Ran also spotted level-one and level-two gene enhancement serums. A single vial of level-one serum cost ten thousand Black Hawk coins, while a vial of level-two serum was priced at a staggering one hundred thousand—ten times the cost. Such prices were indeed exorbitant, but considering that a level-two gene serum could grant a level-one Evolver an evolution point and provide abundant evolutionary energy to level-two and level-three Evolvers, the value was understandable.

Having finished his shopping, Zhang Ran’s remaining Black Hawk coins dwindled to around five thousand. He purchased a map of the area surrounding Black Hawk Corporation, and, using the information it provided, created a three-dimensional simulation map within his chip.

At the very heart of Black Hawk’s sphere of influence lay Black Hawk City, spanning a radius of roughly five kilometers. In this zone, the signs of civilization had begun to return; nearly all mutant beasts had been eradicated, and ambient radiation levels were reduced to minimal. The city even had a power plant, supplying electricity to its residents. Though the cost was steep and only high-ranking Evolvers could afford to use it, this facility marked an epochal leap beyond the mere settlements dotting the wilderness.

Surrounding Black Hawk City, a circular safe zone stretched fifty kilometers in diameter. Here, radiation had been reduced to tolerable levels for ordinary humans, and any mutant beast of level one or higher would be swiftly dispatched by Black Hawk’s forces. Within this safe zone were numerous settlements under Black Hawk’s jurisdiction; the original owner of Zhang Ran’s body hailed from one such community. These settlements supplied Black Hawk with promising human candidates for evolution, as well as grain, medicinal herbs, minerals, and other resources—in exchange for the corporation’s protection.

Beyond the safe zone lay Black Hawk’s forward bases, ten in total, numbered one through ten. Some were converted from old world shelters, while others were built by Black Hawk itself. These outposts served two main purposes: to prevent mutant beasts from breaching the safe zone, and to provide rest and resupply points for Evolvers venturing deeper into the wilds. The first base, where Zhang Ran had previously stayed, was a modified old world shelter, and it bore an additional function—serving as a training ground for would-be Evolvers.

Farther afield stretched the boundless and perilous wilderness. Within ten kilometers of each forward base, the presence of Evolvers kept the numbers of level-one and higher mutant creatures relatively low, making it a suitable training area for novices. But beyond this perimeter, dangers increased sharply, with mutant beasts of level one and above becoming far more prevalent.

The map made it clear to Zhang Ran that Black Hawk Corporation was but a minor force amid the wilderness. Nearby were numerous other factions of similar strength. Like Black Hawk, these groups were each presided over by a powerful Hunter-class figure, dominating territories spanning several dozen kilometers. The four factions nearest to Black Hawk were the Gene Mercenary Alliance, Terra City, the Kadan Guild, and the Pano Family Domain.

All these smaller factions owed fealty to a power known as Ancient Desert City. Every year, Black Hawk was obliged to pay tribute in rare materials, for which Ancient Desert City supplied advanced gene enhancement serums and other crucial resources, and would also provide military assistance should any overwhelming mutant threat arise.

Of course, according to the map, Ancient Desert City was fully five hundred kilometers from Black Hawk’s headquarters. Even a team of several level-six Evolvers might not survive the treacherous journey through the wilds to reach it. Thus, for the time being, Zhang Ran dispelled any thoughts of paying Ancient Desert City a visit.

Armed with this knowledge of the area surrounding Black Hawk Corporation, Zhang Ran now had a much clearer sense of his own position. Without delay, he made his way back to the guild hall to accept his first mission.

Arriving at the mission area within the guild hall, Zhang Ran headed directly to the one-star mission section and requested a mission booklet from the attendant.

“Mission Name: Eliminate the Medium Corrupted Wolf Nest
Star Rating: One Star
Enemy Numbers: Three level-two elite corrupted wolves, seven level-one elite corrupted wolves, approximately one hundred ordinary corrupted wolves
Mission Reward: Fifteen thousand Black Hawk coins
Proof of Completion: Collect body materials from all level-one and level-two elite corrupted wolves
Note: Recommended for level-three or higher Evolvers, or teams of three or more level-two Evolvers”

...

“Mission Name: Eliminate the Werewolf Tribe
Star Rating: One Star
Enemy Numbers: One level-two werewolf, four level-one werewolves (with a werewolf shaman present), and about forty ordinary werewolves
Mission Reward: Ten thousand Black Hawk coins
Proof of Completion: Collect the heads of all level-one and level-two werewolves
Note: Recommended for level-three or higher Evolvers, or teams of two or more level-two Evolvers”

Scanning through the missions, Zhang Ran shook his head slightly. Most of these targets included mutant creatures of level two or higher; unless he joined another team, it would be difficult to accomplish these with his current strength alone.

He flipped through nearly ten pages before his eyes lit up—he had finally found a suitable mission.

“Mission Name: Eliminate the Ghoul Nest
Star Rating: One Star
Enemy Numbers: Six level-one ghouls (including special mutated variants), around twenty ordinary ghouls
Mission Reward: Three thousand Black Hawk coins
Proof of Completion: Collect the brain cores of all zombies
Note: Recommended for level-two or higher Evolvers, or teams of three or more level-one Evolvers”

“Not bad. There are no level-two or higher enemies in this mission. Though there are six level-one ghouls, with my B-rank abilities and firearms, I can handle them. This is the one!”

With this in mind, Zhang Ran proceeded to the reception desk and addressed the attendant, “Hello, I’d like to accept the mission to eliminate the ghoul nest.”

“Of course. Please present your token for registration,” the attendant replied with a gentle smile and a soft voice.