Apocalypse: Master of Soul Beasts

Chapter 500: Chapter 87 - I Give You the Right to Choose (Part 3)_2

”Of course, by my estimation, we have a small chance of surviving this. If everything goes smoothly—for example, if I’m not drained of blood and the Demon Tribe has no way to breach the Netherworld—then casualties shouldn’t be too high.”

”This won’t work!”

As soon as Wen Yu finished speaking, Claus interrupted him outright.

”This passive, defensive approach is completely unworkable! Today, the Demon Tribe unveiled the Purple Light Spawn and Grow Barrier; tomorrow, they might produce something else. Besides, their cannon fodder is endless. In ten days, Las Vegas could be swarming with Arthur and Qin Tian duplicants. Pinning our hopes on what the enemy *won’t* do is absolutely not an option!”

After listening to Claus’s words, Wen Yu nodded.

In reality, with both the Almighty Demon Vine and Soul Battlefield, Wen Yu had the resources to match the Demon Tribe. However, as Claus said, this was merely a head-in-the-sand policy, pinning all hopes on the premise that the enemy lacked a certain capability. That wasn’t wise.

Especially when Qin Tian had already been duplicated! A Qin Tian duplicant could hide for seven days, then launch a Hundredfold Strike. Even Wen Yu wasn’t sure if he could withstand that.

Actually, Wen Yu had mentioned this so-called plan, which wasn’t much of a solution, partly to acknowledge Victor’s concerns because...

The risks involved in the second plan were, in fact, quite substantial!

”The second plan: Take the initiative to attack. Regarding methods of concealment, hiding auras, and opening Secondary Spaces, I actually have a solution.”

”In battle, if I enhance Victor’s Netherworld, it can detect other Secondary Spaces within its coverage. Plus, using my Darkness ability, I can also detect concealed units within its effective range.”

”Simply put, the second method involves me using the Netherworld and Darkness to create a large-scale field. I’ll use this field to forcibly locate Mara, and then eliminate him!”

”Of course, you all need to carefully consider the risks. Firstly, the time Victor and I will need for the search is uncertain, as Mara could be moving around unpredictably. I’ll have to move at top speed to minimize gaps in our search. Most of you won’t be able to keep up, meaning you’ll be separated from Victor’s and my protection. Whether the Demon Tribe will attack during this period, or how strong their assault might be, are complete unknowns.”

”Secondly, once I find Mara, I don’t know what methods he’ll use to counter my attack—he might have reinforcements. I also can’t predict how long the battle will last.”

”In summary, once this plan is implemented, there will inevitably be a window of vulnerability. During this time, your safety, and the safety of all the professionals and mutant beasts downstairs, will be your own responsibility.”

After a lengthy explanation, Wen Yu let out a long sigh and took a gulp of water from the teacup on the table.

He then added a grave reminder, ”The casualties will undoubtedly be heavy!”

...

After a moment of silence, Claus was the first to respond.

”Let’s go with the second option.”

Being stuck here waiting for a slow death doesn’t appeal; it’s better to fight back—at least get out of here first!

Victor, however, seemed to have reservations.

”Can’t we maintain the status quo? With your Darkness ability active, no Demon Fiend can get in!”

Wen Yu shook his head.

”True, they can’t enter, but they can also choose to surround us from outside, avoiding the Pitch-dark World. In fact, as of a minute ago, the Demon Fiends outside stopped trying to breach it. Without Demon Fiends to replenish my energy, my stamina won’t last long. Even with replenishment, this approach isn’t viable; my Pitch-dark World can’t withstand an assault from scores of Qin Tian duplicants!”

The Demon Tribe also possessed intelligence; they would choose to retreat from actions they knew to be futile.

”But...”

”That’s enough, Victor.”

Seeing that Victor still wanted to speak, Claus cut him off.

”Realistically, we don’t have any other options. Instead of being trapped here waiting to die, it’s better for us to take the initiative. The second plan can at least ensure some humans and mutant beasts survive. With any other choice, apart from you and Wen Yu, I’m afraid very few would make it.”

Claus was indeed sensible. Truthfully, neither option made much difference to Wen Yu. With the first plan, Wen Yu would definitely outlast anyone else. Saving people would be impossible, but if the situation collapsed, Wen Yu could always choose to implement the second plan—as long as Victor didn’t actively seek death.

Although it was slightly more dangerous, if Claus and Victor had chosen the first plan, Wen Yu wouldn’t have minded accompanying the residents of Las Vegas on their final journey.

...

After a long silence, Victor reluctantly nodded.

Though it was a difficult choice, the situation was clear: there was no better alternative than the second plan.

Wen Yu quickly said, ”Since you’ve decided, Claus and Victor, go downstairs and organize the defense. I can maintain the Pitch-dark World for another ten minutes. After that, I will deactivate it.”

Claus and Victor nodded, then stood up and headed downstairs.

Only Wen Yu, Qin Tian, and Arthur remained in the small conference room.

...

”What are the odds?”

As he watched Claus and Victor leave, the pale-faced Qin Tian asked immediately.

Wen Yu shook his head.

”There’s no guarantee at all! I don’t know how powerful Mara is. Actually, there’s one thing I didn’t say. The second plan only works if I can kill Mara. But if Mara’s strength is beyond imagination, and I fail to kill him...”

”Then we’re doomed, right?”

Wen Yu nodded, acknowledging Qin Tian’s deduction.

Qin Tian exhaled heavily.

HUFF!

He felt considerable pressure from the dire situation.

”You two, get ready. When the plan starts, the pressure on both of you will be immense. Also, keep your communicators on you. If a situation arises that you can’t handle, contact me. I’ll do my best to rush back!”

”Understood.”

...

「Outside.」

Claus and Victor once again organized defenses around the Red Stone Hotel.

Although the protection from the Pitch-dark World was brief, it was enough time for the injured to recover somewhat and for the warriors to regain some stamina and alleviate their mental stress.

When Wen Yu, along with Qin Tian and Arthur, came downstairs, everything was ready.

”Let’s begin.”

Victor nodded at Wen Yu. Seeing this, Wen Yu immediately deactivated the Pitch-dark World.

The Pitch-dark World around the Red Stone Hotel gradually faded. Seizing the brief window as visibility returned, before the external Demon Fiends could mount a strong assault, Claus led a large group of capable fighters to quickly disperse into the nearby streets, securing advantageous positions.

At Wen Yu’s mental command, an emerald-green vine swiftly retracted from the dissipating Pitch-dark World, burrowing directly into his palm.

Then, the Fourth and 5th Soul Realms were activated.

Two streaks of purple light flashed. Victor entered the 5th Soul Realm, and Faceless appeared directly in Wen Yu’s palm.

Wen Yu pondered for a moment, then took out Tang Haofei’s blood and dripped it onto Faceless.

Faceless itself possessed no intelligence. Even transformed into Wen Yu’s likeness, it would be no help in tracking Mara. Moreover, Faceless couldn’t comprehend even slightly complex commands. Therefore, without Wen Yu’s direct control, the Darkness ability was too intricate for it; Faceless wouldn’t understand how to utilize the Pitch-dark World most efficiently.

Furthermore, Faceless couldn’t use the Soul Battlefield—Faceless had no Soul.

Under these circumstances, Faceless transformed into Tang Haofei would possess far greater destructive power than if it mimicked Wen Yu himself.

After ordering Faceless to guard the Red Stone Hotel, Wen Yu then reinforced Victor’s Netherworld. His body transformed into a black current of air and flew out into the wider world.