Volume One: Mutation Chapter Ten: Rescue

After dealing with one, more than twenty remained. These sparrows circled the helicopters, making it hard for Liu Cong to use his black fire. The sparrows were also exceptionally agile, causing Liu Cong considerable trouble; it took him a long time to catch another one.

Frustrated, Liu Cong suddenly had an idea. Since he could use the air to propel himself, he should also be able to manipulate the airflow to push the sparrows toward him.

With the white energy in his body accelerating its circulation, Liu Cong clearly felt the range of air he could control had expanded significantly. He manipulated the currents, pushing the giant sparrows toward himself. It looked as if an invisible hand was drawing them in.

With his left hand, Liu Cong controlled the air; with his right, he conjured a vortex of black fire. The sparrows, drawn toward him, rushed into the swirling flames like moths to a flame, one after another meeting their end. In no time, the giant sparrows were thoroughly cleared away.

Those in the surrounding helicopters had been stunned since the moment Liu Cong appeared. His arrival, reminiscent of a superhero, left them in awe. To them, it looked as if a black vortex of flame had appeared in Liu Cong's hand, and the giant sparrows were hurling themselves into it, seeking death.

“Is he a superhero?”

The middle-aged officer in the lead helicopter was dazed for only a moment before quickly shouting, “Descend at once! Check the equipment and tend to the wounded!”

Liu Cong noticed that, apart from the one helicopter that had already landed, six others still hovered in the sky. Once they had all touched down, Liu Cong descended to the ground as well.

“Who are you?” The middle-aged officer strode toward Liu Cong, his expression grave.

“Hello, sir. My name is Liu Cong. I am Chinese, a student at Jiangzhe University.” Liu Cong extended his hand, hoping to shake the officer’s.

To his surprise, the officer ignored his hand, instead facing Liu Cong and snapping to attention, shouting, “All personnel, attention!” The thirty-odd soldiers who had disembarked from the helicopters straightened up in unison at his command.

“Salute!—”

The next moment, everyone saluted Liu Cong. Though curiosity showed in many eyes, even more evident were their seriousness and gratitude. When attacked by a flock of birds in the air, they had no way to fight back. If the sealed cabin door was opened, the agile sparrows would instantly swarm in; in the cramped space, firing wildly would only cause friendly fire, making it nearly impossible to hit the sparrows’ vital points.

Their only option was to land quickly and find cover to counterattack. In the past, during flight missions, encountering a dozen or so giant sparrows often resulted in heavy casualties. This time, only one was wounded and no one was killed. They were deeply grateful for Liu Cong’s help.

“Salute over! Begin rest and reorganization here. We depart again in ten minutes!”

“Yes, sir!”

Only then did the middle-aged officer relax his tense expression, showing his exhaustion. “Liu Cong, right? I’m Chang Jian, the commander of this mission. Truly, thank you. If you hadn’t appeared, at least half of us would have died, and our mission might have failed entirely.”

“No need to thank me, Commander Chang. In times of national crisis, this is what I ought to do.” Liu Cong, a little embarrassed, rubbed his nose and asked, “What mission are you carrying out?”

“We’re escorting military supplies to the front lines. The roads are too badly damaged, littered with abandoned vehicles, so we have to rely on air transport. But ever since the catastrophe, many rainy regions have experienced changes. Some birds have mutated, becoming faster and more agile—very difficult to deal with.”

“Liu, I don’t know why you have these extraordinary abilities, but in times like this, you are truly fortunate. Still, I must report everything that just happened. Talented people are scarce now, and the country needs people like you more than ever. Would you be willing to serve your country?”

“Of course, Brother Chang. Report as you must. If my country needs me, I will not refuse.”

“Good! Excellent!” Chang Jian was overjoyed, unable to contain his excitement. Liu Cong had only revealed part of his abilities, but even so, with just those, he could save countless lives wherever he went.

Now, in these perilous times, the appearance of someone like Liu Cong was as heartening as a stabilizing force. Chang Jian hastily reported to his superiors. Through his earpiece came a steady voice, “No need, we already saw everything that just happened. This Liu Cong is impressive. I’ve already reported to higher-ups, and instructions will soon follow. If possible, bring him to the front lines and await further orders. The first wave of the tide is almost here—get those supplies delivered as soon as possible!”

Chang Jian was stunned, suddenly remembering the camera on his helmet. In the apocalypse, gathering information was vital; every newly discovered species warranted attention, and most field teams were equipped with cameras.

Reflecting on this, Chang Jian’s feelings were mixed. If not for Liu Cong’s intervention, the footage sent back might have been the last moments of his team.

After making a few more assurances, Chang Jian ended communications and turned to Liu Cong. “Brother Liu, come with us. We need to get the supplies to the front as quickly as possible. Once there, headquarters will assign your post. Let’s check on the wounded first.”

Liu Cong nodded in understanding. Though he didn’t know exactly what the “front” entailed, the urgency was clear. He followed Chang Jian to where several people had gathered around the injured.

Chang Jian stepped forward to inspect the wound. A soldier tending the injury said, “Captain, his arm’s bandaged, but we can’t handle the wound to his eye. He needs a hospital as soon as possible.”

“If we don’t treat it now, he might not make it back. Even if we send him now, he’s lost too much blood—he won’t survive the journey,” Chang Jian sighed.

The surrounding soldiers fell silent. The fate of their comrade could one day be their own; the era of peace was over. The war between man and nature had just begun, and the road ahead, paved with blood, was inevitable for the survival of humanity.

“Maybe someone can help with his injury.” Liu Cong thought of Li Jing, a medical student who should know some basic wound care, at least enough to stop the bleeding.

“My three fellow students and I are staying nearby. One of them is a medical student. Perhaps she can help.”

“That’s great! We’ll go right away. Da Fei, Zhang Miao, you two stay behind with two helicopters, take the supplies and the others to G15 first. We’ll catch up. Stay in touch at all times!”

The group split up. The main team transferred supplies to the other helicopters and headed for the G15 defense line. Chang Jian and a pilot took the helicopter with the broken windshield, while several soldiers and the wounded followed in another. Liu Cong floated ahead, leading the way.

Watching Liu Cong fly ahead with such supernatural grace, Chang Jian couldn’t help but marvel—indeed, heroes are born of troubled times!

They soon reached the residential complex. After landing in an open space, the group arrived at the apartment where the three students were staying.

Liu Cong led Chang Jian and several soldiers inside. Guo Fei, Li Jing, and Zhang Han were visibly excited. The image of the military had long been ingrained in them. No matter how one might ignore soldiers in peaceful times, in moments of crisis, the first people anyone thinks of are always the troops.

“I’ll introduce you all later. Li Jing, you study medicine. We have a wounded man here—can you see if you can help him?” Liu Cong said quickly to the excited trio.

Chang Jian and the soldiers looked at Li Jing hopefully as the wounded man was laid before her. After inspecting the injury, Li Jing nodded. She could provide basic care, but a specialist would be needed for surgery.

“That’s wonderful, Li Jing. Just do what you can. We’ll get him to proper care afterward,” Chang Jian said, his excitement barely contained. As long as the wound could be managed, there was hope. Even if he was left disabled, at least his life would be saved.

“I need some tools. Do you have any?” Li Jing asked.

“Yes, yes!” The young soldier who had bandaged the arm responded eagerly, handing over a first-aid kit and then crouching beside her, watching as she worked and occasionally asking questions.

“Brother Chang, later you should take these three students back with you. Every extra pair of hands helps.”

“Absolutely. We can’t leave civilians in danger. That’s our duty. Xiao Wang, after Li Jing finishes, your squad will take these three back to base in the good helicopter. Ensure their safety at all costs. Use the Honor Protocol if necessary. Understood?”

“Understood!” came the chorus of replies.

“Brother Liu, I need you to come with us to the G15 defense line as instructed. It’ll give you a chance to see the strength of ordinary people!” Chang Jian was in high spirits now that the problem was resolved.

“I look forward to it,” Liu Cong replied with a smile.