Ark Chess Player.

Chen stared at the monster in front of her, a monster she had killed countless times, yet which kept regrouping and rising again.

The white bones were irregularly joined together, the joints protruding outwards, with only a few pieces of flesh still clinging to its body. The ground was littered with the monster's entrails: bloody intestines, a heart sliced ​​into pieces, a head split in two...

This is the legendary Abnormality, a monster mutated due to Originium radiation.

Chen knew these things existed, but she didn't know they were so troublesome. No matter how she tried to cut them off, they couldn't be completely severed; even if their heads were cut off, new ones would grow back. The thought of letting these monsters run rampant in Lungmen gave her a headache. The Lungmen media would undoubtedly publicize it extensively, causing widespread panic.

Moreover, there is more than one such monster.

Hoshiguma was currently holding off another Abnormality, and of all the Guardians present, only the two of them had the strength to stop it.

"Crunch, crunch -"

Accompanied by a series of eerie sounds as bones collided, multiplied, and proliferated, the skeletal giant stood up again, towering over three and a half meters tall! Superintendent Chen, with his 1.68-meter-tall legs, looked like a dwarf in front of it, only able to hit its knees when he jumped.

Each time Chen defeats it, the skeletal monster transforms into another form, constantly changing.

When it was first knocked down, it was like a chariot; the second time, it turned into a round body covered in thorns; the third time, it turned into a reptile shape with all its joints twisted in the opposite direction; the fourth time, it turned into a white-boned tiger-like beast; and now, the fifth time... it has become a humanoid monster.

A grayish-white, viscous liquid oozed from between the joints, the skeletal giant exuding the stench of decay. It gradually formed vein-like structures, keeping the grayish-white liquid circulating internally. Broken bones protruded outwards from the giant's chest, like prison gates wide open. Its sharp head opened its mouth, emitting a piercing shriek; long streaks of blood and fine bone fragments stretched from its shark-like teeth.

"call……"

Chen gripped the hilt of the sword. She always carried the Crimson Sky Sword with her, but had never drawn it in front of others.

She wasn't hiding her strength, but rather because she hadn't fully mastered the sword's essence; to put it bluntly, her skills weren't up to par.

The Crimson Sky Sword, the sword of the Great Yan Emperor, is also known as the Dragon-Slaying Sword. Even with Chen's bloodline power, it is difficult to control, and she will never draw this sword unless it is absolutely necessary. In a sense, the Crimson Sky Sword is like the Source Stone; a master can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary, but reckless use will only lead to a tragedy that brews chaos.

Chen gripped the Crimson Sky Sword, his gaze sharp, staring directly at the skeletal giant before him.

"Chixiao, I beg you. Please lend me your power."

Chen took a deep breath, focused all his attention, and gradually increased the force in his right hand.

Rather than drawing a sword, she was drawing out a tangible ray of light.

Sword energy surged wildly. Chen merely raised the sword half an inch, and a series of fine, slicing sounds arose. The invisible sword intent cut through the skeletal giant, forcing the monster back several steps. A surge of primordial power rose with the drawing of the sword, the majesty of an emperor looming overhead. Inch by inch, frost and snow were exposed in the air, and the cold light rushed towards them like a tsunami. Faintly visible on the snow-white sword were two seal characters engraved on it—"Crimson Sky."

"Chi Xiao, draw your sword!"

Chen Huijie roared, the clear, metallic clang of the blade being drawn lingering for a long time. The soaring sword intent that had slain the white serpent transformed into a fleeting flash of blood-red light, the violent sword light like a hundred blades unleashed simultaneously, traversing thousands of miles.

Time seemed to stand still for a few seconds before returning to normal.

The skeletal giant crumbled before Chen.

One sword intent after another clashed against the skeletal giant's body, and fragments of bones shattered into dust in mid-air.

The three-meter-tall skeletal giant collapsed on the spot, its grayish-white, viscous bone marrow splattering all around. Its sharp, triangular head was chopped into minced meat, turning into clumps of rotten, disgusting flesh.

"——Qiang!"

The three-foot-long Crimson Sky Sword returned to its sheath on its own, emitting a series of displeased sword cries, seemingly looking down on such a weak opponent.

Within a ten-meter radius of Chen's location, sword marks were everywhere, and nearly a hundred cuts appeared on the ground, which was full of internal organs. If anyone were in this area, they would probably be cut into mincemeat on the spot. This is why Chen has never drawn the Crimson Sky Sword when working with multiple people. This is even under her extreme control, as she has been consciously locking onto the enemy with her mental power.

If she could wield this divine sword freely, each strike would be like ten thousand swords being fired simultaneously, and even a Grandmaster of the Great Yan Dynasty would not be able to withstand three strikes.

Unfortunately... she's not qualified yet.

Chen raised his trembling right hand, the black half-finger glove turned into tattered strips of cloth, flesh torn open, and blood staining his palm red.

"I've shredded this monster into piles of ashes this time, it won't be able to get up again, right?" Chen looked at the high pile of dust on the ground, silently pressed the walkie-talkie hanging on his waist, and adjusted the channel.

"Hoshiguma, how are things on your end? Do you need me to come and help you?"

"Me—over here—"

The noise was intermittent, and a series of explosions could be faintly heard, which sounded quite ominous.

Chen waited silently, knowing that constantly asking questions at this time would only add unnecessary pressure to Hoshiguma. If Hoshiguma was available to reply, she would naturally take the initiative to communicate. If not, then her questioning would simply be disruptive.

A few dozen seconds later, Hoshiguma's clear voice came through the earpiece: "Old Chen! The monster on my side has run away!!"

"It ran away?!" Chen frowned and asked immediately, "Which direction did it run in? I'll go after it right now."

"Probably not?"

Hoshiguma's voice was full of doubt. She murmured in bewilderment, "Lungmen District 5 again?"

Longmen Fifth District... Luoti Prefecture?

Chen immediately thought of someone.

The doctor from Rhodes Island who once dominated the Lungmen administration building, overshadowing everyone else...

After making a series of shocking statements, the doctor reportedly stayed behind alone to handle some matters before disappearing without a trace. To this day, the Guard Bureau has not been able to locate him.

Even if the Imperial Guard is notoriously bad at handling missing persons, it's unlikely they would search for two days with no results. This can only mean that the person is deliberately hiding and doesn't want to be discovered.

Maybe they were scared off by the Dragon Gate; they're all show and no substance.

Hmph, Hoshiguma has been talking about him non-stop these past two days, both at work and after get off work. She keeps praising how brave the Rhodes Island Doctor is on the battlefield, saying it's the first time she's truly experienced what it means to be a master strategist, and how wonderful it would be to be under his command... and other such sycophantic remarks.

Chen listened, stomping her feet in frustration, unable to even eat her beloved char siu bao, rice noodle rolls, and dim sum. The straightforward and stoic actress Xiong, completely baffled by Chen's anger, became increasingly amused, praising Rhodes Island to the skies.

Chen really had an urge to beat Hoshiguma up!

Does the doctor at Rhodes Island know more about commanding battles than I do?

No one knows how to command operations better than me!

"Understood, I'll go to Lungmen District 5 to check the situation. Hoshiguma, you retreat to the second line of defense to support the Guard Bureau squad. Yes... We've bought enough time, I can't add any more security risks to Lungmen, that's all... that's all."

Chen shook her head bitterly, hung up the communication, and silently clenched her fists, crushing all her resentment in her palms. The excruciating pain continued to radiate from her bloodied hand. If she could have completely controlled Chixiao, how could the Reunion Movement have broken through to the outer ring of Lungmen? A strong sense of responsibility surged into her heart, transforming into a deep sense of powerlessness and despair amidst the pain.

"Don't give up..."

Chen muttered to himself, "This isn't over yet; it's not time to write a summary."

When Chen switched the walkie-talkie back to channel three, the communication headset immediately started playing sound.

"report!"

Chen said calmly, "Speak."

An urgent voice came through the communication headset: "Reporting, Commander Chen! We've discovered that the Reunion Movement soldiers are withdrawing! They're not heading towards the slums, but—they're advancing towards the fifth district of Lungmen Outer Ring!"

Chapter 295 Amiya, the Prankster (4K)

Chen Huijie frowned and asked, "What exactly is it about Lungmen District 5 that's attracting the Integration Movement?"

"Report: Fifteen minutes ago, our team spotted the Rhodes Island squad leaving the slums and heading towards Lungmen Outer Ring District 5. The primary target of this mission is also among their group."

"I see."

Chen blinked, and then she understood the reason for the matter.

It seems that the Reunion Movement knew Misha's location, which is why they shifted their offensive.

Wait a minute, why didn't Rhodes Island contact me after finding Misha? Didn't I repeatedly emphasize the importance of this mission objective and that we should report back immediately after finding it? Could Rhodes Island have been attacked by the Reunion Movement?

"Where is the key search target now?" Chen asked, pressing the walkie-talkie.

"Report, she is still with the Rhodes Island squad."

The Guardian officer giving the report added somewhat awkwardly, "We requested that they relocate important targets, but Rhodes Island refused to hand over Misha. In their own words, it was..."

"Until Lungmen provides clear intelligence, we will not entrust this child's safety to anyone else. Frankly speaking, none of you here are qualified to protect the infected!"

It's hard to imagine that such a sharp and domineering statement would come from a small Katz girl who is only about 1.4 meters tall.

The Royal Guard officers attempted to forcibly remove Misha, but Rhodes Island dispatched a single officer to quell the situation. Those present awoke from their unconsciousness, remembering only a red figure flash before their eyes, and nothing else.

"Rhode Island..."

Chen frowned. She hadn't expected Rhodes Island to cause trouble at such a critical moment!

If Rhodes Island obediently hands over Misha and has her safely escorted to the Guard Bureau building by the Guard Bureau's escort team, ensuring the activation key to Chernobog's core city is correct, then she can focus all her energy on guarding Lungmen and completely thwart the Reunion Movement's conspiracy.

"If the Reunion Movement is drawn to Lungmen District 5, then... the slums won't be the main battlefield," Chen muttered to himself. He didn't know if it was lucky or unlucky, but it seemed that the defensive equipment of Wall Maria wouldn't have a chance to be activated. The Lungmen Special Forces' Suzaku Squad and White Tiger Squad were just sitting on the sidelines, and the ones who were busy in the end were still the Guard Bureau Squad.

"PC94172, you are to organize the first, fourth, seventh, and eighth squads of the Guard Bureau to proceed to the fifth district of Lungmen Outer Ring and stand by. I will follow immediately. Before I arrive, any hostile actions against Rhodes Island are prohibited! I will handle Rhodes Island's affairs."

"Yes, sir!"

Chen immediately turned and ran towards the camp. She needed to bandage her wounds and use the Guard Bureau's motorcycles... Although they weren't as fun to ride as Hoshiguma's Columbia 70VV with its big cylinder engine, she didn't have the luxury of being picky right now; as long as they worked, it was fine.

After Chen's figure left the place, the hot wind blew by, stirring up the fine ashes.

A faint sound of bones reconnecting and regenerating could be heard...

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Longmen Outer Ring Road, District 5.

4:39 pm Cloudy, visibility 10 km.

The oppressive sun receded towards the edge of the mountains, and a cool breeze at the end of winter blew, condensing the sweltering sweat on her neck into a thin layer of grime. The overly loose Rhodes Island uniform coat billowed in the wind, accompanied by a spell formed in her palm. Amiya's azure eyes reflected the image of the burly butcher with his heart pierced; his 300-pound body slumped backward, kicking up a cloud of dust.

This is the sixth suicide attack by the Reunion Movement.

The infected members of the Reunion Movement entered a state of frenzy, charging forward recklessly, disregarding their own lives as if thrown into a meat grinder. Beneath their pale masks, empty eyes glowed with an eerie crimson. According to Amiya's observation, these infected individuals' movements were extremely uncoordinated. Some had even forgotten how to walk, moving on all fours like wild beasts, completely devoid of reason.

Judging from their physique, skills, and gait alone, these people don't seem like qualified soldiers; they're more like infected people temporarily recruited by the Reunion Movement. The Reunion Movement uses protective gear and masks to lock these infected people's bodies and moral compass, then manipulates them, taking away their rationality, depriving them of their ability to think, and telling them that all they need to do is fight.

This manipulative way of thinking instantly reminds one of some despicable scoundrel.

Mephistopheles.

For the Reunion Movement, this may be the lowest-cost and fastest way to improve combat effectiveness.

The Reunion Movement constantly recruits infected individuals who have lost their home to join its ranks, and then brainwashes them with the propaganda that "infected individuals should be proud of their identity, and let us seize justice for the world with our own hands," making every infected individual believe that war is necessary, war is inevitable, and that the Reunion Movement's war is from an absolutely correct perspective.

The Reunion Movement personally packaged thugs into fighters for peace and freedom, then sent them to the battlefield to exhaust their usefulness before they died. It's like a bloodstained meat factory, periodically churning out processed, edible meat products; as for the raw materials… well, that goes without saying.

In a sense, the new students of Lungmen did the same.

Broadly speaking, this is how it's done throughout Terra.

The outer blocks of the fifth district of Longmen Outer Ring Road.

Since the nighttime attack a few days ago, this place has been completely reduced to ruins. Almost all the buildings were burned to the ground, resembling the aftermath of an attack on Chernobog's lower town. No matter where it is, war inevitably destroys what was once beautiful, leaving only rubble for posterity to clean up.

Amiya stood silently in a dilapidated building, her eyes closed, feeling her power remain at its peak. Every simple spell she cast was almost the full force of her past self.

She wielded Originium Arts with ease, and suddenly had the illusion that she could control everything.

However, Amiya knew very well that she absolutely could not rely too much on this power, as it would lead her astray.

Because this is the power of the mind.

The fighting spirit, anger, malice, and sorrow of everyone on the battlefield... the madness, bestiality, and extinguished humanity of the Reunion soldiers... these invisible spiritual substances are burning, filtering, and transforming into the purest spiritual power, filling Amiya's body and constantly being absorbed.

If Amiya hadn't been suppressing this power with her ten rings on both hands, her hidden trump card would have been involuntarily exposed. That would have brought not only death, but also the risk of Rhodes Island's downfall.

Dr. Kal'tsit had instructed her that she must never let anyone else know that she possessed this ability until she had fully matured.

If Wei Yanwu had known that Rhodes Island's mere CEO possessed the power to control minds, he would never have met with the Rhodes Island team at the Lungmen administrative building, let alone brought Rhodes Island into Lungmen. Given his suspicious and warlike nature, it wouldn't be impossible for him to organize a global campaign to annihilate Rhodes Island, as this already involves the realm of the gods. A single guidance, a single word, a simple touch is enough to subconsciously induce someone to do something unsavory. The controlled person might even believe it's their own will, willing to go through fire and water for it.

Amiya slowly opened her eyes, her expression grave as she looked at her ring, which was glowing red.

The battlefield is the place that best shapes a person; whether a fine gem or a stubborn stone, it will reveal their true nature.

Amiya's command and combat abilities were already quite remarkable. The rescue plan for Chernobog was a joint strategy devised by her and Dr. Kal'tsit. At that time, she was still a theorist, with overly idealistic ideas, always thinking in the best-case scenario. It wasn't until she experienced the battles in Chernobog and Lungmen that Amiya realized how vast the gap was between real combat and tactical simulation training.

"Doctor, is this what you want to teach me?"

Amiya clenched her hands, feeling as if she had grown up quite a bit.

She was somewhat afraid. She wanted to grow up quickly so that she could help Dr. Kal'tsit and the Doctor... but Amiya also had a very subtle feeling that perhaps when she became an outstanding adult, the two most important people in her life would leave her.

The phrase "feeling anxious and uncertain" perfectly describes her current state of mind.

"Amiya..."

Razer approached slowly, her left arm wrapped in bandages, with faint traces of blood seeping through the dirty bandages.

While defending against a burly soldier wielding a giant axe, Razer was unexpectedly struck and injured, his armor shattering into pieces. Fortunately, Razer's extensive combat experience allowed him to react quickly, raising his shield to parry, thus preventing the loss of his entire left arm.

Before the axe-wielding man could even celebrate his victory, his chest was pierced by the rampaging Franka, leaving more than twenty bloody holes. The 3,000-degree Celsius thermite sword pierced through the armor like a pen puncturing paper, and a faint smell of burnt meat wafted from it.

Franka stood solemnly beside her, the playful expression completely vanished, replaced by icy coldness in her eyes. Even though Razer had instructed her to perform her duties, Franka showed no intention of leaving.

“Your left hand is injured and you can’t hold a gun, so let me be your other hand.”