Apocalypse Chapter 65: Farms

Chapter 65: Farms

Translated by Addis of Exiled Rebels Scanlations

Editor: Karai

The mutated geese were several times larger than ordinary geese, with wingspans nearly two meters wide. They approached menacingly, emitting loud cries that made everyone hold their breath as they faced the flock.

As the geese neared the group’s attack range, the leading goose lifted its neck and cried out. Zheng Zhanqing translated, “The goose said: Attack!”

The geese shifted formation, rising higher and circling above the group. As they flew overhead, clusters of white down fluttered down like snow.

Large tufts of down descended slowly, but Chiang Jinhu felt a familiar disturbance in these floating particles. His pupils contracted as he shouted, “Watch out!”

Before his words finished, bright flashes of light appeared before everyone’s eyes, followed by successive explosions. High temperatures rushed at them. Suddenly, bursts of fire erupted from the down, with each piece, no larger than a fingernail, creating a fireball a meter in diameter. Thousands of down feathers exploded simultaneously, their power exceeding that of grenades.

The heatwave flattened the vegetation within a hundred meters, and the flames engulfed everyone’s figures.

Seeing the people below surrounded by fire, the geese flock raised their heads and cawed triumphantly. Even without Zheng Zhanqing’s translation, their pride was evident.

The flames burned for a minute, turning the ground white with heat. When the fire finally dissipated, a mound of earth was revealed at the blast’s center. The mound, scorched white by the flames, cracked open as the heat dispersed, exposing white ice crystals inside. Soft orange light glowed faintly within the crystals, vaguely revealing the shadows of the group.

In the moment of Chiang Jinhu’s warning, the team’s espers had unleashed their powers. Hu Hechu had shielded each teammate with two layers of protection, Ruan Hanyu formed a large protective barrier, and Pan Pan blocked the initial wave of the attack with all his might.

Thanks to the concerted effort of the three teammates, everyone emerged unscathed. Though physically unharmed, their expressions were grim.

Throughout their missions, they had encountered many mutated plants and animals, but these creatures had always acted on instinct. This was the first time they had faced mutant animals that attacked with powers, and the geese were organized and disciplined. Luckily, they reacted in time, or the casualties would have been severe.

These geese could not be allowed to remain. Bringing them into the base would surely cause endless troubles.

With a glance, they understood each other’s intent. The moment Ruan Hanyu’s ice crystals shattered, Jiang Rong’s team deployed their ultimate weapons.

Under the dual assault of crossbows and bullets, the geese that had been soaring high were struck down, scattered and bloodied. Dozens of geese, bleeding, fell from the sky and struggled on the ground, while the remaining ones trying to escape were ambushed by Little Guaiguai and Little Fairy, who had been waiting nearby.

When the battle ended, the geese lay dead in a bloody mess.

Chu Qiang finally released his pent-up frustration. “I was thinking of bringing these guys back to the base, but who knew they’d hit us so hard right off the bat. Unbelievable…”

Weng Chenggang leisurely said, “You clearly said earlier: It’s cold enough to stew some goose now.”

Chu Qiang grunted, “Well, we can definitely stew some geese now.”

Noticing it was already noon, Wang Chunlan suggested, “Why don’t we have stewed goose for lunch?” Leilei smiled and added, “My mom’s iron pot stewed goose is delicious, especially with the corn cakes around the edges. So tasty.”

Jiang Rong nodded with a smile, “Alright, Chunlan will handle lunch today. Leilei and Hanyu will stay and help, and the rest will split up to search the front and rear areas.”

Wang Chunlan laughed, “Alright, everyone take a walkie-talkie. We’ll call you back when the food’s ready.”

Before departing, Jiang Rong took the Eyries cactus potted plant from the car and placed it on top of Wang Chunlan’s vehicle. “Little Fairy, take good care of the ladies.”

Since the two small balls had fallen off Little Fairy, it could roam around like Little Guaiguai. However, the second ball couldn’t freely expand and shrink like the first, so it mostly stayed at the base.

During missions, Jiang Rong always brought the first ball’s potted plant. With Little Fairy around, the team’s safety was enhanced.

Little Fairy shook its black and yellow spines, saying crisply, “No problem!”

Jiang Rong’s group prepared to search the breeding farm where the mutated geese had come from. Although they had killed the geese, there might still be other creatures there.

The car drove south for about two kilometers before they saw the farm’s gate. It was a large facility, primarily raising ducks and geese, housing nearly a million poultry before the Great Crisis.

Despite the lack of human care, many poultry had survived. As they entered the farm, the group heard the calls of ducks and geese, indicating a significant number of surviving animals.

Contrary to Jiang Rong’s expectations, the farm animals weren’t confined to narrow cages. Instead, the farm was built along a lakeside, with large shelters every few meters. Each shelter, half on land and half over the water, provided shade for the ducks and geese.

Though the enclosures had fallen, the domesticated animals stayed in the shelters, adhering to their lifelong habits. Even with the gate to freedom wide open, they remained in the sheds.

They fed on the lake’s vegetation and fish, growing fat and healthy. With temperatures dropping, many ducks and geese had even laid eggs.

Jiang Rong remarked with satisfaction, “Looks like we need to expand our base’s farm.” If his estimate was correct, there were tens of thousands of ducks and geese here. With this many poultry, they were closer to having a steady meat supply.

As they prepared to herd the ducks and geese into cages, static came through the walkie-talkie. Pan Pan’s excited voice sounded, “Boss! We found a ton of chickens to the north, tens of thousands, both big and small! Oh, and lots of eggs, the ground is covered in eggs!”

Jiang Rong pressed the communication button, “We found a lot of ducks and geese. Let’s give it our all and get them all back.”

The number of poultry was immense, and the espers worked for several hours to load them into cages. Fortunately, Leilei’s space was large enough to hold tens of thousands of poultry. In addition to the poultry, they also collected hundreds of crates of chicken and duck eggs. Although some eggs had been exposed to the air and might not be very fresh, as long as they weren’t spoiled, they were excellent food. The base’s residents hadn’t had eggs for months, and these eggs would add new variety to the cafeteria’s menu.

The meat of the mutated geese was even tougher than that of domestic geese, requiring longer cooking times. Free-range goose already had a fragrant taste, and the mutated goose meat was even more flavorful. The large pot of stewed goose meat simmered for several hours, and the enticing aroma wafted for miles.

Smelling the delicious scent, everyone’s stomachs began to growl. They gathered impatiently around the pot, “Sister Chunlan, is the goose meat ready to eat?”

Wang Chunlan smiled and lifted the lid, “It’s ready.”

The large pot was filled with stewed goose meat, with rich broth bubbling between the large chunks of meat. A layer of cornbread lined the pot’s edge, turning golden and crisp. This dish was top-notch in both appearance and taste, no wonder Wang Chunlan had volunteered to make it.

With a cheer, everyone eagerly reached into the pot with their chopsticks. Each lifted chopsticks revealed a large piece of goose meat.

The mutated goose meat was hearty, giving everyone immense satisfaction. Enjoying a delicious meal after hard work was a true pleasure, uplifting everyone’s spirits. With Wang Chunlan’s excellent cooking, even just goose broth mixed with rice was irresistible.

Meng Weixian burped contentedly, “I feel a sense of revenge fulfilled.”

This puzzled everyone, “Why a sense of revenge?” Had Meng Weixian been frightened by the mutated geese’s attack?

Meng Weixian smiled sheepishly, “I was chased by a goose when I was little, and since then, I always avoided them. Being able to eat mutated goose now feels like my life is complete.”

Everyone burst into laughter, “When the base has more geese, you can eat them every day.”

Meng Weixian nodded happily, “Sure!”

Speaking of revenge, Chu Qiang slowed his eating. He touched the scar on his leg through his pants, a determined look in his eyes.

A mutated goose weighed over twenty pounds. Along with rice, broth, and cornbread, everyone ate until they were stuffed.

Goose meat was nourishing, and the fire-type mutated goose they ate made most of the esper team feel hot and restless that night.

Jiang Rong felt like he was on fire, too hot to sleep. Usually calm and composed, Jiang Rong was now burning up, and Guan Shao’s situation was even worse. Before falling asleep, Guan Shao had already drunk three pitchers of water.

Guan Shao put down the pitcher and looked at Jiang Rong with burning eyes, “Can’t sleep. How about we…”

Jiang Rong quickly wrapped himself in a thin blanket and lay down, “No, no, we have to inspect the farm construction tomorrow. We should sleep early…” His ears burned as he said this.

Since confirming their relationship, although they had daily interactions, they hadn’t taken the final step. Jiang Rong, burning with inner fire, feared they might lose control and he wouldn’t be able to get up the next day.

Guan Shao bent down and whispered in Jiang Rong’s ear. His body temperature was higher than usual, and his breath was hot and moist. Master Guan’s hands supported Jiang Rong’s head, and he gently nibbled on the red-hot earlobe, “Xiao Rong, can you really sleep?”

Jiang Rong’s breath hitched. Overcome by Guan Shao’s kiss, he turned sharply. He saw two small reflections of himself in Guan Shao’s eyes as their lips drew closer and finally fused together passionately.

This kiss was like a spark igniting a wildfire, unstoppable. Guan Shao’s hands slid under Jiang Rong’s shirt, the calluses on his palms causing a mix of pain and pleasure.

With two soft pops, the buttons on Jiang Rong’s shirt popped off. The white buttons rolled on the floor, their smooth surfaces reflecting a warm orange light. On the bed behind them, two figures intertwined.

The white shirt and black T-shirt quickly flew off the bed, landing on the buttons. The sounds of kissing and heavy breathing grew louder.

Just as things reached a critical point, the walkie-talkie on the bedside table crackled. Chu Qiang’s hoarse voice came through, “Xiao Jiang, are you and Master Guan asleep?”

“Xiao Jiang, I can’t sleep. Do you have time to go get a beehive with me?”

“Xiao Jiang, are you asleep? Hey, don’t sleep, come with me to get a beehive. I’ll fry bee larvae for you. Very nutritious~”

“Jiang Rong, Jiang Rong, respond to me. I can’t sleep. I haven’t avenged my big grudge, how can I sleep?”

With each of Chu Qiang’s calls, Jiang Rong and Guan Shao got up with dark expressions. Guan Shao grabbed the walkie-talkie, gritting his teeth, “A beehive?!”

Chu Qiang’s spirit lifted, “Hey, Master Guan, you’re not asleep either? I’ve got some beekeeping suits. It’s a perfect night to get a beehive. Are you coming? It’s twenty kilometers from here. If we’re quick, we’ll be back in two hours.”

“Master Guan, this is the perfect season. By next month, the wasps will hatch. Bee larvae are delicious and very nutritious. Are you coming?”

“If you don’t come, I’ll go alone~”

 

 

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