Viper Turner poured himself a glass of liquor and said with a smirk, "To tell the truth, what a coincidence. Just this afternoon, I received a call from the Alliance-affiliated Aves Research Institute. They're looking to acquire ten G-class or higher beasts for experimentation—and the price they're offering is beyond imagination."
White took a sip of whiskey and replied gravely, "Ten thousand Alliance credits per beast?"
Turner shook his head. "Thirty thousand."
White nearly spat out his drink. "That high? If we manage to capture ten G-class beasts, that means we'd earn three hundred thousand credits… That's more than enough to treat my daughter's eyes."
"Exactly what I was thinking," Turner grinned. "So, starting tomorrow, it's all hands on deck." He raised his glass toward White and added sincerely, "Whether the Viper Squad can seize this opportunity and make a name for itself will rest entirely on your shoulders, Brother White."
White shook his head. "It won't be me. It all depends on Xiao Feng. Only he can locate where the G-class beasts dwell."
Turner looked in disbelief at the young boy, Xiao Feng. "He's still just a child!"
"I am no child," Xiao Feng answered sharply.
"You're really confident you can find ten G-class beasts?"
"Don't underestimate me," Xiao Feng said, smirking. "We only need a third of the reward—just a hundred thousand. In return, I'll lead you to the beasts swiftly and with minimal risk. How does that sound?" He took a sip of whiskey after finishing his bold promise.
Turner chuckled. "As long as you're part of the Viper Squad, I'm willing to let you take the entire reward."
White stood up, swaying slightly as if drunk. "Enough talk. Let's meet outside the perimeter first thing tomorrow."
With that, White and Xiao Feng left the tavern.
"You little rascal, happy now?" White asked with a knowing smirk once they were outside, his steps suddenly steady—he hadn't been drunk at all.
"Happy? I don't even know what I'm supposed to be happy about."
"Heh, keep playing dumb, then."
The next morning, the entire Viper Squad assembled at the gates of the reserve. It had been a long time since they gathered in full force—clearly, today marked a significant operation.
The Alliance soldiers at the post eyed the rugged mercenaries with caution.
From atop the wall, Locke gazed at the imposing Turner, the sultry Ivy, the heavy-gunner Cook, and the grinning Blane, along with their absurdly modified armored vehicle.
A junior sergeant beside Locke whispered, "Captain, are they planning a rebellion?"
Locke shook his head. "Look at their faces—they're in high spirits. A rebellion? Even if you gave them ten more lives, they wouldn't dare oppose the Alliance."
"Then what are they waiting for?"
Moments later, White emerged slowly from the reserve, a massive hunting rifle slung over his shoulder.
Young Xiao Feng followed indifferently behind, a revolver holstered on his right and a dagger strapped to his left.
The gate guards greeted White with a nod. "Hope you bring back a fine haul today!"
White smiled in return and led Xiao Feng to the Viper Squad.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. Let's move."
Turner let out a hearty laugh. "For you, we'd wait forever." As he spoke, he handed White a dagger. "This is the latest combat knife from the Brougham Arms Factory. Its edge can slice clean through F-class beast armor. Consider it a welcome gift from the Viper Squad."
White's eyes lit up as he examined the blade. "I like it—very much."
"I'm glad to hear it."
As Turner and White conversed, Xiao Feng couldn't help but steal a few glances at Ivy. Standing among the rugged mercenaries, she seemed all the more dazzling.
She remained stunning, bold, and alluring as ever—especially the porcelain skin of her exposed chest, which seemed to ensnare Xiao Feng's soul.
After watching Turner present White with a blade, Xiao Feng stepped up to Ivy with a grin. "Where's my welcome gift?"
Ivy smiled mischievously. "Don't worry, sis didn't forget." She retrieved an intimidating sniper rifle from the vehicle and tossed it to him.
Xiao Feng caught it with glee, then frowned slightly. As he caressed the weapon, he remarked, "Come on, Ivy. You didn't have to be so stingy. This thing's ancient—it's definitely not from Brougham."
Ivy chuckled. "A Brougham sniper rifle costs over twenty grand. We only have one in the entire squad. Make do with this for now."
Kneeling down, Xiao Feng quickly dismantled the rifle with practiced ease, inspecting every component before assembling it again. Once done, he chambered a round and peered through the scope into the distance. Displeased, he said, "This must be pre-Purge gear. Powerful, sure—but its accuracy's lacking, and it's way too heavy."
The others stared in astonishment. Even White was taken aback.
Xiao Feng's proficiency with the weapon was on par with, if not beyond, a professionally trained sniper.
Slinging the rifle over his back, Xiao Feng joined the squad. Though he seemed out of place at first, among these misfit mercenaries, his uniqueness didn't stand out all that much.
With the Viper Squad fully assembled, they began their march toward the jungle.
From atop the wall, the rotund Locke watched White and Xiao Feng integrate into the team and frowned deeply. "With those two on board, the Viper Squad just grew even more dangerous. They'll be strutting around like kings in Zone 64."
A junior officer at his side said nervously, "Captain, we need to take action. If we let them keep expanding, we'll lose control sooner or later."
"I don't need you to tell me that," Locke growled. "There's only one way—we'll have to escalate it to the top and request reinforcements."
"You mean… ask them to send an esper?"
"Exactly. We'll tell them an esper's been discovered in the zone. That'll get their attention." A sinister grin spread across Locke's flabby face—more revolting than the first time he'd claimed a woman's body.
The Viper Squad—several dozen strong—advanced across the wastelands. Along the way, not even the mutated giant rats or the vicious hares dared show themselves. These beasts, now possessing a certain level of intelligence, knew better than to confront such a formidable force.
Two hours later, the squad reached the jungle's edge. Two mercenaries stayed behind to guard the vehicle while the others readied their weapons and entered the dense forest.
Xiao Feng vanished into the trees once again. His mission was clear: locate the G-class beasts and lure them into the Viper Squad's trap.