Chapter 143: Assault


    A lot of Zacs actions were born from instinct since hed been in constant battle for months. Without hesitation a green shield encapsted him, and the Dao of Trees spread through his body as he brought out his axe.


    However, he didnt even have time to look around before an extremely strong impact mmed into his shield, soon after apanied by an enormous gunshot. Luckily the shield held true, as arge caliber bullet turned into hot molten metal that fell harmlessly on the ground in front of him. However, the danger sense only increased and he once again summoned the second charge of his gear, this time gearing to move away from the group with his movement skill.


    The others in the group looked on gapingly, with only Ogras quickly reacting. Shadows gathered around him and he safely disappeared from the line of fire.


    Zac was just about to step forward to disappear with <strong>[Loamwalker] </strong>when a second impact mmed into his new shield, leaving him defenseless. He barely had time to inch his head away when a third bullet grazed the side of his forehead. Everything turned white for a second before he found his bearing, only to find himself on his back on the ground.


    He felt a scorching pain on his head, but a quick mental check showed he wasrgely fine. Since he upgraded to E-Grade Race he held a greatermand of his body, and could generally tell the state of all his bodyparts. He was extremely relieved hed focused almost all of his stat points in Dexteritytely in order to match his other monstrous stats.


    He wouldnt have been able to avoid thatst round without the quick movement Dexterity allowed, and after feeling the power of those bullets he held no delusions he would be able to tank them like normal rifle rounds. Just as he was nning on getting up he saw an unfamiliar man almost teleport to his side, and immediately touched his chest.


    Zac frowned as he stared at the man, who looked back at him with a horrified face. He immediately moved to flee, but an iron grip held him in ce. Zac didnt know what kind of skill the man used to approach him, but he used the same method as he utilized against Ogras to keep him in ce, infusing his hand with cosmic energy.


    The man struggled to get free, but a punch with the force of a truck in his gut made him curl up like a shrimp in the air. Zac looked around like an enraged beast as he got up, looking for any co-conspirators to this man while holding his captive like a shield. This clearly was some sort of assassination attempt, and this man was only responsible for taking his corpse.


    Are you ok? a frazzled Julia asked from the distance as she waved soldiers to search for the culprits.


    Just this much won''t kill me, Zac sinctly said as he turned his eyes to the man he caught.


    Who ordered you to attack me?


    Please, mercy, the man croaked, still shaking after the punch to his stomach.


    Mercy? We dont do that, Ogras with a sneer said as he materialized back by the group.


    In his hand he held a sack which he summarily threw to the ground, causing six decapitated heads to roll out, each one with a horrified look on its face. On his back the demon had two huge sniper rifles that looked strong enough to blow holes in tanks, and he waspletely covered in blood.


    What the f- Julia screeched and backed away as she saw the grisly scene.


    Answer him or you will join my collection, Ogras said with a demonic grin at the captured man, who looked horrified at the heads.


    Please, we werent ordered. We only wanted your Cosmos Sack, the man cried.


    Thats why you tried to shoot me in the head with those rifles? Zac retorted with a re as he touched his forehead with his free hand.


    It came back bloody, and Zac was enraged even further. It didnt matter whether they were ordered or simple bandits, they had almost killed him even though he had no connection to them. If it wasnt for hisrge amount of Dexterity and his defensive Dao his head would have exploded like a watermelon.


    Zac pped the man hard enough to knock him out, and threw him over like a sack to Ogras.


    Can you properly question himter? Zac said.


    I guess. They did give me these new toys after all, so I should give something back, he said as he looked at his two rifles.


    I am sorry about this incident, this is partly due to our oversight. I actually recognize this man, his name is Ricky. Hes part of a small elite group called the Red Mercenaries. Your friend is holding most of the other members in his sack. Including Red himself, Julia said apologetically to Zac.


    Where are they from? Zac tersely asked.


    They came through a private teleporter, we do not actually know which town they are from. More importantly, please let the government take over from here. A crime has beenmitted, and these men attacked you in the middle of New Washington. Please hand over the criminal, and their restricted equipment, Julia said, shooting a nce at the two rifles on the demons back.


    What equipment? Ogras said with a nk face as he slowly put the rifles in a Cosmos Sack one by one, drawing a re from Julia.


    This one ising with us. If you have anyints you will have to take it up with Thomas Fisher. There has been no discussion of the details of our future cooperation. For now, we will maintain the status of diplomatic immunity, and we will deal with our issues by ourselves, Zac said with a nce.


    In a sense it was a deration of independence. He was essentially saying that he and his group would do whatever they wanted and that they did not agree to follow any regtions from the New World Government. It was both a show of strength and a way for Zac to test the government''s patience. But more importantly he was pissed off and was in no mood to amodate the government, who might even be responsible for the attack for all he knew.


    Julia frowned as she looked down on the unconscious captive, but after some hesitation she didnt bring up her demands again. She simply walked over to a soldier and whispered some things before she led Zacs group back to the limousine.


    The atmosphere in the car was quite oppressive after the events, and any discussions quickly died out. Soon they arrived at their destination, arge luxurious highrise hotel. Ogras caused quite a scene as he walked in like a bloody devil, but Julia quickly smoothed things over. Zac had already eaten a healing pill in the car and wiped off the blood on his head, so he was essentially looking normal again, apart from his frown.


    It seemed like the hotel was managed by the government at the moment, which made sense as there shouldnt be too many travelers needing temporary ces to rest at the moment. That might change though when New Washington bes a hub in theirwork in the future, and Zac couldnt help but be a bit jealous.


    He was fighting tooth and nail to simply avoid his emerging town bing overrun by beasts, but these people had quite aid back life. It seemed that this town hadnt really been tested at all since the start, and Zac wondered exactly how this kind of environment could create a system-approved Lord.


    They were given their own wing on a floor, but only a few actually went up to check the rooms out. Zac sat down in the bar and ordered a bottled beer. It cost 1000 Nexus Coins, which was far and above what food usually cost, but to Zac it didnt really matter.


    Everyone came streaming down one by one, and soon only the demon was missing. It only took 20 minutes for Ogras toe back looking freshened up, any sign of blood scrubbed away and donned in new robes. When he came back he didnt carry the man they captured either, giving Zac a clear indication of Rickys fate.


    So, whats the n? Ogras said as he looked a bit excited, with a mischievous glint in his eyes.


    We have two things to do. Buy materials and find people. I think we can split up, Zac said, still feeling angry over the attack earlier. Ill apany Sap Trang who will focus on acquiring talent, acting the part of the bodyguard. Calrin I assume will go to the Bazaar to make some deals.


    The gnome nodded, looking a bit excited.


    If you can try to get talks going for a few branches. I dont care if theyre a part of the new governmentwork or independent forces. Its all money into our pockets, Zac said.


    I agree. We have a great opportunity here, it will take some time beforepeting consortiums deign toe to this, giving us a good head start to seize control of the market. If they arrive at ater point we can just squeeze them out. Even a dragon cant fight the local snake, the gnome said with a grin.


    Ill go with the little blue bastard, seems more fun, Ogras said.


    Good. What about the prisoner? Zac asked.


    Hes in my pouch, the demon answered with a grin, confirming he was dead.


    Ibtep, who do you wish to go with?


    I will join you. I am curious to see what professions you humans have. I feel your societies are more diverse than that of the Zhix, and learning more might strengthen our hives, the Zhix answered.


    Good. As for you two, Zac said as he turned to the two Ishiate who had joined their party. Youre free to do whatever.


    We will go to the bazaar to look for things that could help Cogstown, Shea, the female Ishiate, said.


    Very well, we will leave early tomorrow, at 7 am New Washington time.


    With that they were done and started heading out of the hotel. Their odd party kept getting nces from all directions, but they were used to it by now. However, four men walked up to them just as they were about to exit.


    Mr. Monk andpany. Were from the New World Government, and we have been tasked with apanying you during your excursion. Please do not take it the wrong way, it is simply to ay any troubles that your unique partyposition might bring, a man politely said.


    Fine, Zac lightly said after some consideration.


    He didnt really care if the government employees saw their activities. It was not like they could hide it if they brought new people with them through their teleporter tomorrow.


    Soon they were walking through the bazaar, which was a huge square and the neighboring streets. There was a surprising amount of hawkers, selling everything from hides of mutated beasts to Old World luxury objects such as Perfume and jewelry. There were also quite a stalls with street food. All in all it created a bustling atmosphere that made a jarring contrast to the fact that 80% of the worlds poption had perished thest months.


    As soon as they entered themerce area Calrin and Ogras veered off, with two of the government employees following in tow. As for Zacs group they looked around for a bit before they stopped.


    Just how are we going to recruit people? Zac asked with some hesitation as he looked around.


    I have an idea, but it would require us to expose a bit about Port Atwood, the old fisherman said.


    Oh?


    Well, its already well past lunch as the auction took up much of the day. We only have a short time to convince people to actually join us and move to an unknown area. They would be taking a huge riskpared to the rtive safety of this town. We need to give them a good enough reason, Sap Trang said.


    Money? Zac asked hesitantly, but the fisherman shook his head.


    You.


    Me? What do you mean? Zac asked confusedly.


    Youre so strong so you might not realize the reality of most people walking these streets. They might look happy, but they are scared. Terrified. There are real-life monsters just outside the gates, and any day those monsters might break through those walls and kill them, Mr. Trang exined.


    But if they know Port Atwood is protected by the strongest man alive, and that it is safe enough that we only need to recruit nonbat sses, a few might risk it.


    Zac mulled it over for a few seconds, but then finally nodded. The government leaders would have to be mentally challenged if they still didnt know he was either The Super Brother-Man or Salvation by now. Since the milk was already spilled they might as well use his identity to their advantage.


    So what do you propose? Zac asked, and the fisherman only answered with a big toothless grin.