Universe Infinite Canteen

"What do you mean by that, President Yuzz?"

"Send out our most elite hunters to carry out a decapitation strike," the elderly man said slowly.

"Place the fate of the entire city in the hands of just a dozen or so individuals?" Zheng Shi Xun shook his head, "The risk is too high. Besides, we still can't confirm the existence of that... so-called mastermind behind the scenes."

"Even if it truly exists, it's uncertain whether the beast tide will cease after its elimination. I don't think the public will accept such a rash decision."

"First, it's not a dozen or so individuals; we plan to form three squads," said Qin Zhao.

"That way, should any squad encounter misfortune, we still have two others to rely on. If just one of the three teams achieves their objective, they can save the Giant Curtain. Second..."

He paused, "We are not politicians; you are. How to explain it to the public is something for you and the other council members to consider. We just need to find the most viable solution to get through this crisis."

Seeing Zheng Shi Xun still frowning, Yuzz added, "We can send the elite first, and if that fails, mobilize everyone to fight to the death against those beasts above."

Zheng Shi Xun gave a wry smile, "I'm not questioning your decision... Nevermind, I'll handle the public. When it comes to dealing with those beasts, I believe you and your guild have more experience than us. I just want to remind you of the consequences of failure."

"We all die," said Yuzz indifferently, "At that time, who becomes the sinner won't matter anymore."

"You're right, the city council will fully support the operation," Zheng Shi Xun resolved.

Yuzz gestured with his hand, "I am tired. Vice President Qin will take over the matters from here. Choose the squad members carefully. The finest hunters of the Giant Curtain are all in this room now. The fate of the Giant Curtain rests on your shoulders."

After finishing his words, Yuzz bowed to the leaders of the various hunting groups and was then helped out by two nurses.

The city council officials lost interest in the selection process, filled with concerns as they left the venue.

Qin Zhao then noticed Boggy and Guli in the corner and nodded at them, but he couldn't spare the time to speak with them just yet, as he first announced the leaders of the three squads.

Unsurprisingly, they were the leaders of the top three hunting groups of the Giant Curtain. As for the selection rights that followed, Qin Zhao also delegated that responsibility to them, allowing the experts from other hunting groups to recommend themselves.

This approach might not satisfy everyone, but Qin Zhao was a hunter himself and knew that the combat strength of a team depended not only on the hunters' abilities but also on their teamwork and obedience to each other.

So, as expected, each leader of the three Diamond Level Hunting Groups would prefer to choose their own members first and then consider including a small number of experts from other hunting groups as reinforcements.

After Qin Zhao finished his business, Boggy approached him, getting straight to the point, "Vice President Qin, I want to go back to the surface."

Qin Zhao was taken aback, "Why?"

"I want to hunt down that beast," Boggy clenched his fist.

"No, your strength isn't at that level yet," Qin Zhao said, "This operation is very dangerous, and even the Diamond Hunting Group has no assurance of survival."

"And I also have a team member trapped on the first level; I need to find him." Boggy did not heed Qin Zhao's warning, "Isn't the guild planning to send three squads up? I could go with them."

"I can understand how you're feeling right now, but the answer is no," Qin Zhao was firm, "The operation plan was set by President Yuzz, and even I don't have the authority to change it."

"Then I'll go to President Yuzz," Boggy turned to leave.

Qin Zhao said, "The president won't see you. He has gone back to the sanatorium. He is very ill, and the doctors have mandated that he can only meet with visitors for a maximum of half an hour each day. He has already exceeded this limit today."

"What are you two talking about?" A wild voice rose from behind Qin Zhao.

Boggy looked up at the speaker and saw it was He Yueji.

She thought of something and spoke up, "Can I join your squad?"

"That might be a bit difficult, my brother has almost all the members lined up already," He Yueji said, then her eyes suddenly darted around, "Could you first tell us why you want to join us?"

"I want to go to the first level—Ma Lu is still there."

He Yueji's eyes immediately lit up at this and she praised, "Truly the man I have my eyes on. To think you've already set off before all of us, no problem, I can reserve a spot for you in the team."

"We have two people," Boggy said.

"That's fine, too."

Boggy was somewhat surprised at how agreeable He Yueji was being, seeing that the usually silent Guli by her side suddenly spoke up, "Count me in as well."

This time, He Yueji hesitated for a few seconds, "I'll have to ask my brother about this."

"No need to ask," He Chengyu came over at this moment, "I'm well aware of the Harpist Hunting Group Leader's abilities—it would be great for him to join my team."

"Thank you very much," Guli bowed and said, "I will definitely follow Commander He's orders."

Seeing this, Qin Zhao felt it was not his place to say more and could only sigh, "Since you've all made your decision, then I wish you good luck. The guild will activate Elevator Two in four hours to take you up."

"Thank you, Uncle Qin."

Having secured a spot on the squad, Boggy went back to her temporary accommodation to pack simply and said goodbye to her mother. She was planning to go find Sadie.

Yet, Sadie had come looking for her first and had brought someone else with her.

As soon as Mai Mai saw Boggy, she protested, "Why didn't you include me when you decided to return to the first level?"

Boggy explained, "Wasn't your telekinesis completely depleted before? It would take at least three to four days to recover, and it's only been two days."

"Even if I can't use my psychic powers temporarily, I can still fight," Mai Mai said, taking out her Destroyer.

Boggy now understood the headache Qin Zhao must have felt when he heard she wanted to return to the surface, and she could only continue explaining, "I already made an agreement with He Yueji to only bring two people."

"It's okay, I've already spoken with He Chengyu, and he has agreed," Mai Mai said.

"Why did he agree?" Boggy was surprised, "You can't use your Electric Field anymore, right?"

"But He Chengyu doesn't know that," Mai Mai said with a sly smile.

"..."

Boggy was debating whether to tell He Chengyu about this, and Mai Mai seemed to know what she was thinking. She quickly made a 'shush' gesture, then spoke seriously.

"I'm not being impulsive or self-interested. We all know how strong the deputy leader's abilities are, and his Meat Pigeon Ability might just be the key to saving the Giant Curtain."

In the end, Boggy was persuaded and nodded, "Alright, but Captain Guli will also be acting together with me."

Mai Mai's brow furrowed slightly when she heard this name.

"I know you had some personal issues with him back in the day… so this time I hope you can put aside your prejudices temporarily."

"You're the commander, what you say goes," Mai Mai said.