Volume One, Chapter 19: The Bitterness in Tao Tao’s Heart

Zhang Wei stared at Zhang Tao with a hint of disbelief.

The floating turret was a special piece of equipment that didn’t occupy any equipment slots, because once activated, it would bind directly to the mech.

It was considered a very advanced device; even after evolving three or four times, most people might not obtain even a basic floating turret.

But now, Zhang Wei saw not just any floating turret, but an exceptional-grade one.

“Big brother, you have a keen eye. This is truly a valuable item. I…” Zhang Tao was somewhat surprised that Zhang Wei recognized the floating turret, but that didn’t stop him from showing off in front of Zhang Wei.

Before Zhang Tao could launch into his enthusiastic explanation, Zhang Wei cut him off coldly: “Hand it over.”

“Uh, okay!” Zhang Tao was momentarily stunned, a trace of awkwardness flashing across his face, but he didn’t dare show any displeasure.

He hurriedly moved to Zhang Wei’s feet and carefully placed the floating turret on the ground.

Zhang Wei bent down and grasped the turret.

At this moment, the floating turret was still inactive, protected by a layer of light membrane, roughly the size of a normal source crystal. Only upon activation would it reveal its true size.

“Wow!” Zhang Wei gasped sharply as he picked it up.

This turret was not only exceptional-grade but also a special cryogenic model.

Floating turrets were quite similar to ranged battle mechs, available in standard rifle, machine gun, and shotgun types, while special models included cryogenic and high-temperature variants. Whether there were others, Zhang Wei did not know.

In his previous life, Zhang Wei never had access to such advanced equipment.

Yet to obtain an exceptional-grade cryogenic floating turret on the very first day of the apocalypse was more than satisfying.

“Activate.”

“Ding. Acquired exceptional-grade cryogenic floating turret.”

Exceptional-grade Cryogenic Floating Turret

Combat Power +200

Firing Rate: 1 second

Maximum Firing Rate: 0.1 seconds

“This thing…” Zhang Wei murmured softly.

So powerful.

With the combat power bonus and firing speed, it was incredibly strong.

However, Zhang Tao mistakenly thought Zhang Wei was dissatisfied with the turret. Hearing Zhang Wei’s muttering, his body trembled slightly.

“Big brother, if you’re not happy with this turret, I can find you other equipment.”

“Hmm, I appreciate your kindness,” Zhang Wei said, looking down at Zhang Tao.

Zhang Tao was great—a veritable bringer of fortune—and Zhang Wei was increasingly reluctant to harm him.

“Equip it.”

Zhang Wei chose to equip the floating turret.

As soon as he did, the turret instantly linked with his mech. The system quickly verified the connection between the mech and the turret.

Then, the turret floated about Zhang Wei’s head like a nimble little fish.

Zhang Tao nearly shed tears of envy at the sight. This should have been his treasure, but now…

Unaware of Zhang Tao’s thoughts, Zhang Wei’s attention was fully absorbed by the turret.

The floating turret linked directly to Zhang Wei’s mind, operating as effortlessly as his own arm, with no lag and perfect accuracy.

Moreover, the turret had autonomous defensive capabilities. With it, Zhang Wei no longer feared any covert attacks.

Even if Zhang Wei himself didn’t sense danger, once an enemy was within a hundred meters, the turret would automatically enter defense mode and open fire to intercept.

“I wonder how far this turret can attack. Let’s test it.”

Zhang Wei turned his head toward a distance. A beam of icy blue light shot from the turret’s barrel like a lightning bolt streaking through the sky, vanishing instantly.

About a second later, atop a towering ten-story building hundreds of meters away, a brilliant blue ice flower suddenly blossomed.

The ice bloom was crystal clear, radiating a faint chill that seemed to envelop the entire building in a halo of icy blue light.

Zhang Wei gazed at the bloom, silently estimating the distance.

He stood roughly five hundred meters from that ten-story building.

He smiled inwardly. The turret’s attack range was clearly well beyond five hundred meters.

However, five hundred meters was roughly the optimal effective range for this type of floating turret.

Due to its special cryogenic properties, the farther the ice projectile traveled, the more its power diminished.

Seeing how impressive the turret was, Zhang Tao’s heart swelled with bittersweet emotion.

Who could understand the pain in Tao Tao’s heart?

The anguish of feeling deeply hurt yet forcing a smile on his face—who could comprehend that?

“It’s really excellent. I’m quite satisfied,” Zhang Wei said again, expressing his approval.

“Big brother, why don’t you come inside for a bit? It’s already dark, and you haven’t eaten yet, right? I’ll have someone prepare something,” Zhang Tao politely invited.

Though Zhang Tao longed for Zhang Wei to leave immediately, he certainly wouldn’t say so aloud.

“No need. I’ll just rest here in the yard. Tomorrow, I’ll need you to come with me on a trip.”

“Ah?” Zhang Tao was stunned.

There’s more to do?

What is it?

Hearing Zhang Tao’s surprised tone, Zhang Wei looked down at him coldly. “What, you don’t like that?”

Zhang Tao was frightened and immediately waved his hands. “No, no, big brother. If you need me, I will go without hesitation.”

Hearing Zhang Tao’s reply, Zhang Wei smiled quietly to himself. Not a word of it was true.

“Good. You go rest now. Don’t worry about me.”

With that, Zhang Wei turned and sat down somewhere, showing no intention of disassembling his mech.

Seeing Zhang Wei sit on the ground with no plans to leave, Zhang Tao’s heart grew even more bitter.

And you call that resting? With a killing machine sitting right here, who could ever rest well?

No matter how much Zhang Tao grumbled inwardly, he had no choice but to return to the villa.

At midnight.

The sound of helicopters echoed over Chuan City, and not just one.

“They’re here.”

Zhang Wei, sitting on the ground, looked up at the sky.

A broadcast came from the helicopters: “Citizens, please remain calm and protect yourselves. The military will arrive to assist as quickly as possible.”

The announcement repeated in a loop.

Zhang Wei believed in the military’s sincerity but doubted their speed.

There was too much for them to handle—like the bird-like mechanical creatures that were about to appear and attack the helicopters.

He wanted to warn them but thought better of it; some lessons could only be learned through firsthand experience.

Only after suffering pain would one proceed cautiously and with respect.

Soon, the bird-like flying creatures appeared.

Zhang Wei couldn’t tell which birds they had transformed from; in his past life, they were only classified by size into large, medium, and small.

Now, only small bird-type mechanical creatures appeared, with wingspans of about three meters, flying at incredible speeds like bullets discharged from a gun.

Their beaks, wings, and claws were all weapons they used to attack.