Chapter 69: S-Class Awakened
The protagonist's memories of this period remained hazy, possibly due to incomplete knowledge or other reasons.
"Uncle Zhang, what happened next?"
He pressed urgently.
Against beasts of such terrifying strength, it seemed only nuclear weapons could prevail among mankind's arsenals.
"After years of strategic planning," Zhang Ren continued, "the leadership finally deployed thousands of nuclear warheads - enough to erase a mid-sized nation. This time, they succeeded beyond expectations, eliminating two Emperor-level beasts."
"However, the remaining Emperor-level beasts retaliated across all regions. The same strategy proved ineffective upon repetition, leaving our Yan Nation teetering on collapse."
"Then the Awakened intervened?"
Zhang Ren nodded. "To be precise, our nation's strongest Awakened. We pooled all resources to cultivate three S-Class warriors: Thunder Sovereign, Frost Sovereign, and War Sovereign."
"The trio fought relentlessly for ten days against three Emperor-level beasts within our borders, ultimately repelling them. With the beast tide's retreat, each S-Class guardian assumed control of one of Yan Nation's three megacities, each housing over ten million survivors."
Chen Fan nodded. Cities with populations exceeding ten million undoubtedly qualified as megacities.
"This victory granted Yan Nation temporary respite. Beyond the three megacities, large, medium and small settlements emerged nationwide - each protected by powerful Awakened attracting survivors."
"Though few ever gained urban entry permits. Most dwelled outside city walls, their shantytowns stretching miles as they daily gazed at those impregnable barriers, yearning for admission."
"Like Anshan City?"
"Exactly like Anshan City."
Chen Fan fell silent, vividly picturing the scene.
The cruel arithmetic of survival - even small city permits remained beyond ordinary citizens' reach, like grasping at heaven. Night's dangers forced distant travelers to form fortified camps. Only Awakened could secure urban residency.
Zhang Ren sighed heavily. "This harsh reality extends beyond Yan Nation. Over ninety percent of countries have fallen. Humanity survives in defensive clusters, yet medium and small cities keep falling to beast tides."
The bitter truth hung between them.
Ironically, large human settlements became beacon targets for powerful beasts. Those awaiting entry outside city walls might vanish without trace by dawn. Remote encampments fared better - until high-level beasts came hunting.
"So we maintain this fragile equilibrium?" Chen Fan concluded. "The emergence of either a fourth Emperor-level beast or fourth S-Class Awakened would shatter this balance?"
"At least for now," Zhang Ren acknowledged wearily.
Chen Fan inhaled deeply. Were they enjoying mere calm before an apocalyptic storm?
"Don't dwell on uncontrollables," Zhang Ren advised, retrieving his longbow and quiver. "Focus on present duties."
Even with his capabilities, Zhang knew he could only hope for some A-Class Awakened's ascension - though replicating the original trio's achievement through national mobilization seemed improbable.
The atmosphere thickened with unspoken dread. An ordinary person might resign to fate, but Chen Fan burned with different resolve.
Emperor-level beasts could unleash kiloton-level destruction casually, yet he believed his own ascension inevitable.
As Zhang Ren hefted the 300-jin draw weight bow, Chen Fan blinked in surprise.
"Uncle Zhang?"
"I'll practice archery too," the older man stated calmly. "Our growing settlement will need varied combat trainers. Not everyone favors spearmanship."
Chen Fan's lips twitched upward. This development pleased him - with Zhang Ren's martial mastery, his arrows could rival even Zhao Family Fort's muscle-tempering experts. Given stronger bows, he might achieve unimaginable feats.
Their exit coincided with hurried footsteps. Gu Zhe arrived breathless, having rushed from Chen Guodong's group. The sight of Chen Fan's training intensity had shamed his leisurely conduct.
Spotting Chen Fan, Gu Zhe froze mid-stride.
"Gu Zhe?" Chen Fan greeted warmly, making introductions.
"So this is the famous Gu Zhe," Wang Ping and others mused, eyes locking on his 80-jin bow. The weapon confirmed Chen Fan's prior description - here stood a formidable talent.
"Where's your family?" someone asked as Gu Zhe stood transfixed.
The young man trembled, staring at Chen Fan's weapon. "Th-that bow..."
All eyes followed his gaze.
"Is that... the 200-jin bow?!" Wang Ping's eyes bulged. "Brother Fan! You're using 200-jin now?!"
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
"200-jin draw weight?!" Gu Zhe's mind reeled. Impossible! Chen Fan had used 100-jin yesterday! Yet here stood doubled capacity overnight - despite Gu Zhe being the Awakened!
"Just testing," Chen Fan shrugged.
"Testing..." The crowd exchanged knowing glances. When Chen Fan "tested", success followed nine times out of ten.
Wang Ping suddenly shrieked, pointing at Zhang Ren's weapon. "Look! Uncle Zhang's holding the 300-jin bow!"
All heads swiveled.
"Old Zhang, you..." stuttered the onlookers. They'd known Zhang Ren's prowess, but this exceeded all expectations.
"Testing too," Zhang Ren chuckled awkwardly.
Silence descended.
Gu Zhe stood petrified. Since when did Chen Family Settlement breed such monsters?
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(Chapter end)
