Alien Race

Fierce flames engulfed the entire orphanage.

This wasn't an ordinary Explosive Shot, but a powerful burning effect, like gasoline poured on the floor, making it difficult to extinguish.

In just a few breaths, the flames had spread from the floor to the ceiling, and the entire building was ablaze.

Watching the sky fill with firelight, Xu Jiang was somewhat stunned.

What just happened? He thought he'd only tossed a cigarette butt; it shouldn't have caused such a massive fire.

Xu Jiang quickly checked his status.

He hadn't paid attention earlier, but upon closer inspection, he noticed a new buff status in his status bar.

[Caramel Cigarette: Even standing in a bonfire, the scent you smell is the sweet richness of caramel. Within 30 minutes, increases flame resistance by 30%.]

"Smoking? Fire resistance? How are those related? Little Smoke, come out here and explain what's going on!" Xu Jiang yelled at the cigarette pack.

"Reporting, General! Are you asking about this Fire's Delight? This was executed so perfectly. Look at these monsters, they're all trapped inside and being burned to death, unable to escape. Your strategy is truly brilliant!"

Little Smoke was still fawning over him, but it had to be said, the effect was quite good. Xu Jiang's experience bar was skyrocketing.

It was clear that the cigarette's effect was roughly equivalent to a Molotov cocktail.

While the explosive power was average, its ignition effect was excellent. Even in places filled with miasma, it burned vigorously with outstanding results.

Moreover, judging by the description, there should be more than one type of cigarette. He could research more recipes and create more potent cigarettes.

Of course, those were things for later. Xu Jiang's immediate concern was how to escape.

"General, the fire here is ferocious. Do you require evacuation?"

"Evacuate? Of course, we need to evacuate!"

The drawback of a Molotov cocktail was that after igniting a building, the damage wasn't counted as his subordinate's. This meant Xu Jiang was still enduring 70% of the fire's heat.

His energy shield was dropping rapidly. If he didn't escape soon, he'd be burned to death.

At this critical moment, Old Tie returned, shouting, "Quick, follow me out!"

With that, he clutched the Totem in his right hand and transformed into a charging battering ram. The thick iron pillar forcefully smashed through the wall, carrying Xu Jiang out of the inferno.

"Roar~~"

Behind them, monsters engulfed in flames pursued relentlessly, baring their fangs and claws, intent on killing the culprit who burned their home.

Without a word, Xu Jiang turned, drew his weapon, and fired.

Explosive Shots detonated one after another, causing the already weakened structure of the house to collapse instantly, trapping all the monsters inside.

[Congratulations, you have leveled up to Level 7. You have gained 1 skill point.]

Excellent. He had leveled up again in just a few minutes; it was quite fast.

A satisfied Xu Jiang turned around and saw a resentful gaze.

"Didn't you say you wouldn't make a move?" Lan Tie's pitiful eyes were filled with grievance.

"This can only be considered an accident. I just casually lit a cigarette, who knew that monster house would be so flammable," Xu Jiang shrugged helplessly.

Lan Tie had rushed out immediately, partly out of fear of being burned to death by Xu Jiang. That wouldn't be considered a heroic sacrifice, and who could understand the resentment of someone who failed to die...

"Alright, alright! Don't be discouraged. How about this, you accompany me to find an exit? Key locations like that are bound to be guarded by powerful monsters, and then you can make your sacrifice."

Xu Jiang patted his shoulder in an attempt to comfort him.

Of course, the main reason was that he wanted a free escort. He found this Old Tie to be incredibly useful.

He wasn't afraid of death in a fight, and his physique was sturdy. Minor burns and abrasions like those earlier would recover quickly thanks to his Cleric constitution.

"Fine, I'll help you find an exit first, and then I'll stay behind to fight to the death," Lan Tie thought about it and could only agree.

After all, the Void was vast, and there were bound to be countless monster nests. Helping a new friend find an exit first was a good deed.

Outside the Void, the waiting crowd was as anxious as ants on a hot pan.

"Four guides have already gone in. Hopefully, they can save more lives."

"It's been almost 12 hours, why haven't you found an exit yet!"

"Almost there, almost there," the researcher said, sweating profusely as he fiddled with his instruments.

This Void had appeared very strangely. Not only did it erupt suddenly, but it also affected several important figures, and various factions were pressuring them.

The Void was unpredictable and constantly shifting. Even if two people jumped in at the same spot, their landing points could be thousands of miles apart.

Overly impulsive rescue attempts would only lead to the rescuers themselves getting lost in the Void.

The only solution was to let the guides enter first with supplies to save as many people as possible.

After the exit location was analyzed, a two-way passage would be established, and then the main force would depart collectively for a widespread search.

In a corner, Old Man Mo stood with Grandpa Lei, gazing at the Void, and said in a low voice, "I just received news that the appearance of this Void is very likely the work of the Faceless Ones."

Grandpa Lei's eyes turned cold, and he retorted, "Have those people mastered the method of opening the Void?"

"The specifics are unknown, but this time, they are said to be targeting a major figure. The mayor has already arrived, and the impact is quite significant."

Grandpa Lei snorted coldly, his silver revolver never loosening its grip.

"I don't care about all that scheming. I just want to rescue Xu Jiang."

"Don't blame yourself too much. Good fortune favors the brave."

Listening to the comfort in his ears, Grandpa Lei gave a wry smile.

Everyone knew in their hearts that the longer time dragged on, the higher the chance of death.

The first 12-hour golden rescue window had already passed. This meant that people in the Void would gradually experience hunger, fatigue, anxiety, and other emotions.

And all these negative emotions would be infinitely amplified by the Madness Affliction, until they went mad and turned into monsters.

He wondered if Xu Jiang could hold on.

"Yes, of course, General, please believe me. These roots are definitely edible."

Inside the Void, Xu Jiang was having a discussion about herbs with his newly acquired cigarette case.

When you're hungry, you need to eat. In this abandoned land, most food had already rotted. If you wanted to eat, you had to dig it from the ground.

Coincidentally, the cigarette case volunteered, stating that through years of making tobacco, he had gained considerable research experience in herbs.

Despite the pervasive Yin energy around, there were still good things beneath the soil.

Thus, Little Smoke directed Xu Jiang, Xu Jiang directed Old Tie, and Old Tie, armed with a rusty shovel, dug out some plump, tender roots the size of fists.

After peeling them, he took a bite. The sweet and crisp texture was very similar to jicama. Eating two replenished his fluids and filled his stomach.

"I wouldn't have guessed! Xu Jiang, you have such extensive wilderness survival experience. This is great. Now that you're full and have energy, we can get back to work immediately!" Lan Tie praised Xu Jiang's capabilities.

However, Xu Jiang didn't reply. Instead, his eyes were fixed on the distance, and his right hand slowly moved towards the pistol at his waist.

"Be careful, someone's coming?"

"Someone! Is it a monster? Don't worry, I'll handle it."

Old Tie hoisted his Totem, ready to fight, but Xu Jiang reached out and stopped him.

"Don't get excited. This person is a bit unusual. Watch and wait for my instructions." Xu Jiang didn't initiate an attack. He simply stood up as well, waiting for the other party to approach.

Unusual. This was the only adjective Xu Jiang could use to describe the person.

A black hood accompanied by stumbling footsteps, seemingly terrified of them. The person hesitated slightly as they approached, yet they had to continue moving forward.

"I mean no harm. Can you two help me?"

As the plea fell, the approaching person entered the range of the firelight.

Beneath the cloak were a pair of cross-shaped pupils and a strange blue skin.