Apocalypse: I Can See the HP Bar, Killing Monsters Drops Loot
Chapter 1585 - 666: Reunion with the Seventh Rank of Destruction

Chapter 1585: Chapter 666: Reunion with the Seventh Rank of Destruction

Wang Tao and his team had to rush back to Changhe Base overnight. He planned to have the research institute carefully study the possibility of using mutated plants to fetch water from the rift.

Changhe Base was not lacking water for the time being, having stored plenty earlier. However, the extreme heat persisted, and there could very well be Seventh Rank of Destruction magma monsters underground, which meant the underground water supply might soon become an issue. They had to quickly figure out a solution.

Although assisting Hongfeng Base in evacuation had delayed them for a few days, the outcome was positive — lives were saved. Moreover, there was a potential method for fetching water to be explored, which made it worthwhile for Wang Tao.

"Any discoveries?"

Wang Tao turned to Qu Shilin beside him.

After Han Youlin handed over that peculiar tendril to Wang Tao, he immediately passed it to Qu Shilin. The plant could only survive for a few hours and couldn’t be taken back alive to Changhe Base, so Wang Tao asked Qu Shilin to examine it first—perhaps there might be valuable findings. Qu Shilin’s [Spirit Insight] could reveal what others couldn’t, potentially uncovering useful information.

Qu Shilin had been studying it for an hour, treating it like a fascinating new toy, repeatedly fiddling with it without saying a word. Wang Tao had intended not to interrupt her, but he couldn’t hold back any longer.

Upon hearing Wang Tao’s voice, Qu Shilin finally lifted her head. Her face lit up with excitement as she exclaimed:

"This plant is incredible! I’ve gained so much insight from it! Give me two more hours—no, just one hour, and I should be able to discern its specific attributes and principles! Once I fully understand it, these findings could be applied to other research projects..."

"Excellent! That’s the Qu Shilin I know! I won’t bother you further then!"

Wang Tao smiled broadly upon hearing this.

Qu Shilin was indeed indispensable! To extract so much useful information from this unique plant in such a short time—having her along turned out to be fortunate.

As Wang Tao was basking in admiration, a patch of red suddenly appeared in the distance.

"Hmm? A wildfire!"

Spotting flames consuming the distant forest, Wang Tao’s immediate thought was the Destruction-level magma monster. He tensed up instantly.

Hurriedly, he shielded Qu Shilin behind him, urging her to focus on her research. The others also snapped to attention, their faces grave as they stared at the fiery glow ahead.

"Is it that Destruction-level monster?"

Ding Yuqin asked nervously.

"Not sure... Let’s observe first!"

Wang Tao assumed it wasn’t the magma monster. After all, they were far from Red Maple Base, and even if the creature emerged, it shouldn’t have pursued them here, right? Still, Wang Tao wasn’t entirely certain, so caution remained paramount.

The burning forest lay directly along their path back to Changhe Base. Although detours were possible, Wang Tao wanted to confirm whether it was indeed the magma monster—if it was, they must alert Han Youlin’s team.

The forest wasn’t vast, and as the Golden Eagle gradually approached, Wang Tao’s group could see the situation below in one glance. Amid the blazing woods, there were no signs of monsters. The magma monster was massive and would have been spotted immediately if it were present. Moreover, Wang Tao didn’t sense that terrifying aura...

"Thankfully, it’s not the monster!"

After the Golden Eagle made a few more rounds and confirmed the absence of the magma monster, Wang Tao ordered it to land. He then led his group to quickly clear the grass surrounding the forest.

With great power comes great responsibility.

For survivors, a raging wildfire was undeniably bad news. With no sign of rain and no one to extinguish it, who could say how far the fire might spread? Extinguishing it entirely seemed improbable, so they could only try to contain its progression. Clearing flammable materials around the forest was a viable plan.

Everyone in the group was an Awakener, making such tasks seem trivial. They efficiently removed the flammable vegetation before the fire could spread further and even dug a trench to act as a barrier.

"That should do the trick. Let’s go."

Wang Tao’s group resumed their journey.

"How did the fire start all of a sudden?"

Ding Yuqin asked in confusion.

From their earlier observations, there were no traces of zombie or human activity nearby, and the place was quite remote. A wildfire seemed unlikely here!

In response, Han Rui immediately explained:

"It’s because the weather is too hot and dry. In forests like this, spontaneous fires can occasionally ignite. Without firefighters to intervene, the flames just grow bigger..."

"Ah, I see..." Ding Yuqin scratched her head. Her lack of life experience was showing, but she quickly added, "Does that mean such fires will happen again?"

"Certainly. More are bound to occur."

Han Rui shrugged helplessly.

With temperatures climbing, it wasn’t just the zombies or monsters causing havoc—even unintended disasters were becoming unbearable for ordinary people.

No one knew if other survivors still existed outside... Perhaps apart from the major bases, there weren’t many left alive.

"Sigh..."

Ding Yuqin let out a lamenting sigh.

The Golden Eagle continued flying toward Changhe Base, and the passengers fell into silence.

After some time, another fiery patch emerged in the distance.

"Hmm? Another forest fire ahead! Should we check it out?"

Ding Yuqin immediately turned to Wang Tao beside her.

Wang Tao lifted his head but was suddenly struck by an unease—a deep-seated fear! That feeling... Wang Tao found it unnervingly familiar...