Marvel's Death Merchant

Liu Chendong didn't immediately return to rejoin the survivors. Instead, he found a relatively secluded room, clutched his gun, and silently stayed inside. He sensed it in Bale's final gaze; he must have regained his senses then, and it was a look of relief and gratitude. Liu Chendong felt his emotions surging violently; he wasn't suited to go out like this. Calm down, I need to calm down. He slowly closed his eyes.

"Carlos, can you hear me?" Donna's voice came through the communicator.

Yes, I can hear you.

"I came across some documents left here just now," Donna continued. "A month ago, a communications equipment company was established on this artificial island. They even replaced all the security cameras on the island for free!"

“The key point!” Carlos asked, puzzled. “The key point is that the documents show there are also contracts for the installation of up to ten thousand surveillance cameras, all free of charge. But when the project was finalized, both parties confirmed and signed the contracts. However, these cameras have disappeared without a trace, and nobody knows where they were installed. Combined with the intelligence I had previously obtained, the conclusion is that we are all being monitored.”

Chapter 756 The Trials Intensify (3)

“This…” Carlos paused. “Do I need to tell this conclusion to others?”

“That’s possible, but I suspect there’s someone in the know among us. Keep an eye on things.”

“Okay, where are you now?” Carlos asked.

"Hoffman found a secret door; we should now be somewhere within the underground drainage system."

"The sewers?" Carlos whispered, but Ashura still heard him. "You mean they're in the sewers?"

“Yes, what’s wrong?” Carlos asked. Francis didn’t answer him and turned to chase after the place where Donna and the others had disappeared.

"I'll go check on them. You continue with the morning radio call," Carlos told Hru before chasing after Ashura. Hru nodded. He had heard what Donna had said; observing these three was now his job.

"Sir, are you a native of this island?" Hru suddenly asked.

“No,” Francis replied, as they searched office by office. And their own evacuation. The clue came from the observer: the island's communications blockade ignored the primitive walkie-talkies that could be used to send signals to the outside world.

"So you've been living here for a long time?"

“No, I moved here about two weeks ago. Let’s go check the archives.” Francis completely ignored Hru’s question. Hru thought for a moment, then went to talk to John. After testing him a few times and finding nothing suspicious, he looked at Douglas, who seemed quite dejected. This kid probably wasn’t the one. Hru concluded, “Looks like there’s something wrong with this one.”

"Mr. Francis, what's wrong?" Carlos asked, catching up with him.

"I told you the sewers were dangerous, didn't I?" Francis said expressionlessly.

"But the place you mentioned is very far from here."

“My intuition was right, they’re in danger!” After that, no matter what questions Carlos asked, Francis remained silent, running at full speed.

"This place is disgusting," Gia said with disgust in the sewers. Hoffman used his flashlight to check the direction from time to time. After turning several corners, Donna suddenly gestured for everyone to stop. Arno leaned over and asked, "What's wrong?"

"Did you hear anything?" Donna asked.

"No, you're being too sensitive," Daisy said after everyone listened and found no sound.

Donna listened carefully again, and this time there was indeed no sound. She nodded, but still told everyone to be careful. They hadn't walked far when they heard a loud bang; a large hole had been smashed in the wall, and a dark shadow darted out and grabbed at Dudley. Dudley reacted quickly, ducking down, but the thing still managed to snatch his backpack.

"What was that?" the others asked in a panic. The mercenaries remained calm, shielding them in the middle. Donna asked, "Dud, did you see it clearly?"

"It's something like an insect, but it has four claw-like appendages extending from its head, covered in tiny, densely packed teeth. It has no eyes, and although I can only see part of it, it's probably quite large."

"Damn! This thing can burrow, making it hard for us to search for it. But it can attack us very easily," Arno said.

"Well, there's nothing we can do about it. Let's wait and see. Mr. Hoffmann, please continue."

The group continued on their way, this time proceeding with extra caution. At the slightest disturbance, they immediately stood guard and checked their surroundings. After walking about 500 meters without the creature appearing, Hoffman led them into a wider passageway. Suddenly, the monster emerged from above and swallowed Hoffman whole, who was examining the map. "Grandpa!" Jia cried out. The mercenaries opened fire, firing shots that caused the creature to spurt green liquid. The monster, having swallowed Hoffman, immediately retreated. Janfer went over and hugged Jia, who had collapsed to the ground. "Cheer up, your grandfather wouldn't want you like this," he said.

“Although it’s not good, I still want to ask, can you find it?” Donna said to Gia, picking up the map that had fallen into the water.

“How can you be so cold-blooded?” Jill stepped in and blocked Donna’s path, saying, “Yeah, you mercenaries are used to death, you’re probably numb to it by now.”

"I don't have time to argue with you. Don't forget our purpose, otherwise Hoffman's sacrifice will have been in vain."

"you"

“She’s right, I can find it using the map,” Ji Ya said in a deep voice. “Could I have a gun?”

Donna pulled a submachine gun from behind her back and handed it to her, then glanced at Jill before walking aside. Led by Jiya, the group set off again. The monster's appearances were unpredictable, making their defenses even more difficult. Once, it attacked from underground, nearly killing Donna. "Just a little further, hang in there," Jiya said, turning back to the group. No sooner had she spoken than the damned monster reappeared, this time devouring Daisy.

"No!!!" A deafening roar echoed as Francis finally arrived, but it was too late. His arms, veins bulging, rapidly grew larger as he grabbed the monster. "Digger, give Daisy back to me!" The immense force deformed the Digger, and its previously closed mouth opened again, slowly spitting out Daisy. "Die!" Francis continued to exert force.

"You recognize that thing?" Carlos asked.

Seeing the digger die at Francis's hands, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Francis picked up Daisy and said, "Let's go, there's more than one digger." Indeed! Other diggers had also broken through the wall and emerged, causing the sewers to collapse due to the additional damage. Dust and smoke billowed everywhere, and everyone had to prioritize their own safety. Once things calmed down, everyone felt a sense of relief, like they had escaped a disaster.

"Ah!" Geoffrey cried out, "Andrew is missing?" She then began frantically digging through the collapsed rubble. Jill quickly went over and pulled her back. "Don't worry, I'll go look for him, I'll find him." Geoffrey nodded blankly and then hugged Emily tightly.

“I’ll go with you,” Donna said.

"No need." With that, Jill vanished over the ruins. Watching Jill disappear, Carlos shook his head, patted Donner on the shoulder, and chased after her. Meanwhile, in the virtual world, Tang Tian was constantly monitoring the situation, ensuring his subordinates received further enhancements. Liu Chendong's strength was growing stronger and stronger, something Tang Tian hoped to see. His journey was nearing its end; the virtual world wasn't important anymore. Tang Tian needed to go to the world of zombie heroes, then return to the main world to fight. Everything would be over soon. To be continued.

...

Chapter 757 The Trials Intensify [4]

"Ugh!!! How boring! Does this thing even work?" After seeing James off, Liu Chendong returned to the city hall to grapple with the telegraph machine. He had been sending telegrams continuously for three hours, with only a one-minute conversation when Hru returned. After that, he couldn't hold back any longer. "Hey! Douglas, you keep sending, I'm going to stretch my legs."

As they walked downstairs into the lobby, they saw Donna and Arno approaching. Arno put his arm around Liu Chendong's shoulder and said excitedly, "I told you you wouldn't get killed by that big monster! I saw it! I looked back through the scope while you were running away. Although I didn't see you fire, only your gun could have that effect—one shot, two kills! Great marksmanship!"

"Haha, it's nothing special." Liu Chendong started to show off.

"Could you introduce him?" Donna interjected. She realized that this fat man was a completely different person from the others, and his shamelessness was somewhat similar to Arno's.

“Oh right! This is the kid Liu Chendong I told you about,” Arno said. “This is Donna, the chief strategic analyst of our Viper Mercenary Group.”

"Alright, did that great old man, Mr. Hoffman, mention any other routes?" After the introductions, the exchange of information naturally continued. Donna's communication skills were quite strong. After listening, Liu Chendong asked, "Also, are you just going to let Francis and Daisy leave like this?"

“Yes, that was the best course of action given the circumstances,” Donna said.

"Um...you've never had a boyfriend, have you?" Liu Chendong suddenly asked.

"Huh? Yes." Donna was taken aback by the question.

"That's more like it!" Liu Chendong suddenly exclaimed. "Relationships between people aren't determined by simple calculations. What made you arrive at this ridiculous answer about the 'best way to handle things'?"

Liu Chendong was speaking enthusiastically when Douglas from upstairs ran out and called him away, saying the walkie-talkie was working. Watching Liu Chendong leave, Arno awkwardly said, "Um... Liu Chendong said those things because he didn't know you well enough, you..."

“That’s interesting.” Donna interrupted Arno and went upstairs.

"Ha! It's over," Arno said, rubbing his forehead as he followed.

*Swish, swish, swish!* Liu Chendong recorded all the signals he heard and then began to recall the codebook he had memorized. He started translating: "Hello! I've seen everything you've done, that's great! To give this game a perfect ending, I have a gift for you." What does this mean? Liu Chendong scratched his head.

"It seems my deduction was correct," Donna said.

"What conclusion? What did I miss?" Liu Chendong asked, looking at the others.

“We’re being monitored,” Donna said. “Now we’re certain that this means their blockade of this place has failed. As time goes on and Jiya and the others escape, they’ll soon take action. The best way for them to stay hidden is to stop showing up now, but they probably won’t give up. So they’ll probably activate something, release something, or deploy something, right?” Donna glanced at the standing mechanical clock in the room as she finished speaking…

Monitoring room

"Why isn't this person one of ours?" The sinister voice came again. "Well then, everyone, those who are interested can continue watching. I won't keep you company any longer. Sigh! There's a lot of trouble ahead." Then, as if instructing someone, "Release the mature specimen and administer the latent injection."

"yes"......

After that, no matter how many times he tried, there was no response from any wave. "Looks like it's useless." Liu Chendong slumped in his chair and said, then stood up, grabbed his gun, and walked out. "Hey! Where are you going?" Donna asked. "To find Francis and the others." Liu Chendong stopped and said, "Although your analytical skills are very strong, I still don't intend to apologize for what I said before. I can't do it. Even if my friend is infected, I won't let him leave. I don't want him to become one of those monsters roaming the streets, or to die at someone else's hands. I will kill him with my own hands and then bury him."

"Wow!" Douglas immediately chased after him.

"Let's go too," Donna said.

"Where are we going?" Arnold asked.

“Find Carlos, and then...go beat that guy up,” Donna said expressionlessly.

"This is troublesome! I don't know the way." Liu Chendong turned around and said to Douglas behind him, "Do you know how to get to the arena? I'll find my way once we get there."

The two carefully returned to the arena, only to run into Carlos and the others. "Huh! Shouldn't Andrew and Jill be on the plane?" Liu Chendong asked in surprise, looking at Andrew who had jumped into his arms.

“Well, a lot of things happened, so they didn’t go up,” Carlos explained.

“It doesn’t matter.” Liu Chendong patted Andrew in his arms and said, “I’m going to Francis’s house. Your mercenary companions are at the city hall.”

“Hey! Daisy, she…” Jill said.

“Ah! I know, that’s why I need to find them. I understand Francis’s pain, and Daisy’s too.” Liu Chendong looked down at Andrew and said, “Want to come with me?” The little guy nodded.

“I’m going too,” Jill said, catching up with Liu Chendong. “I can understand that feeling.” Carlos stopped his unconscious pursuit, shook his head, and went to meet up with his companions.

When the incident first broke out, Jill was slacking off in the archives with Old Tom, who was nearing retirement. The two were happily drinking coffee when the zombies appeared. Watching her colleagues being pounced on by the monsters, Jill was too terrified to move. Old Tom locked her in the armory. When Liu Chendong and the others found Jill and left, she saw Old Tom's corpse—a mutilated body.

"I hate myself for this, so..."

“No, you’re not a coward. You saved Andrew not to prove your bravery,” Liu Chendong interrupted Jill, “but because you care about him, right?” As soon as he finished speaking, a huge monster rushed past them.

"What's wrong?" Liu Chendong rushed over to ask.

“I know, I know everything,” Daisy cried out. “I’m conscious, but I just can’t move. Why can’t I save Francis?”

Liu Chendong, having guessed what was going on, simply sighed without saying anything, glancing at Jill and Andrew standing at the door. "Hey! Carlos!" Arno called out happily as the mercenaries who had set off encountered Carlos returning. Carlos, seeing his companions, also breathed a sigh of relief. "It's good that everyone's alright."

"Great, first goal achieved, let's move on to the second thing," Donna shouted with a strong voice.

"Huh?" Carlos scratched his face, puzzled.

Chapter 758 The Trials Intensify [5]

“Let’s talk about it another time. This was earned by Francis with his life.” Liu Chendong took out a map from his pocket. “This area, the northwest corner of the island’s edge, used to be a military zone, but it was removed because the artificial island was abandoned.”

"Hey! Why are we chasing after him?" Carlos asked, following behind Liu Chendong.

“I never thought I would do anything voluntarily,” Liu Chendong said. “But this is an exception. I heard that I want to find out the truth, I want to find the mastermind behind this and smash their heads in. This is the promise I made when I killed my friend. I want to avenge them.”

Soon, the group arrived at the landing site and saw someone being carried into a container by two fully armed soldiers. Upon seeing them, the survivor smiled and said, "You shouldn't have come."

"What?" Suddenly, several large beams of light shone on them, the intense light blinding them. Then they heard the order to fire. No! Am I going to die here? Everyone asked themselves this question, but what awaited them was endless darkness...

Late at night, Liu Chendong staggered to his feet. "I'm not dead?" He touched his body; there were no bullet holes or bloodstains. What happened? He quickly checked on the others and found they were just unconscious. Looking around, there were no zombies. Luckily! But what did they do to us? Could they have just put us to sleep? No, this is too dangerous. Liu Chendong shook the others awake one by one, preparing to leave.

"Ha, I thought I was going to die," Arno said, touching his body.

The group found a place to rest in the lobby of a building, and gradually everyone started coughing softly. Everyone realized something was wrong, and Donna began taking everyone's temperature; the results showed everyone had a fever. Liu Chendong checked himself and quickly found the needle mark. "Damn! They must have injected us with something!" Liu Chendong said angrily, "Are they trying to turn us into that kind of thing?"

"No!" Donna remained calm. "If they wanted to silence us, wouldn't it have been better to just kill us? And Andrew and Daisy also had needle marks but no fever. They must have injected us with something else."

“But it’s still an injection, do you think he’d give us anything good?” Liu Chendong retorted.

"Daisy, do you know why you're alright?" Donna ignored Liu Chendong and asked Daisy a question instead.

“If there is any, it’s probably because I have a virus in my body,” Daisy thought for a moment and then repeated what she had overheard Francis saying. Afterwards, Jill also told them about Andrew’s situation. Donna thought for a while and then said to everyone, “Good news or bad news, which do you want to hear first?”