Chapter 26: The Role of the Off-Road Vehicle

After Roger had been gone for a while, he returned.

“The captain has agreed, but to verify the stability of your marksmanship, you’ll have to undergo a test shortly. Now, come down with me.”

Hearing this, Lin Xinghai was instantly pleased. He then followed the few others who had been called out and stepped down from the armored vehicle, approaching two mechs parked nearby.

When Roger had gone to report earlier, everyone had found out, so Lin Xinghai naturally became the center of attention.

Even Vice Captain Shen Han, who was usually cold and indifferent, now looked at Lin Xinghai with a noticeably curious gaze.

“Ah Hai, Roger said your shooting skills have improved rapidly. The next wave of zombies is coming soon. Why don’t you show us your marksmanship so we can all see?” Fang Tianhe said enthusiastically.

Of course, enthusiasm aside, the test was still necessary—it was a responsibility to everyone.

Lin Xinghai had no objections.

The convoy was stationed very close to the city center, where a large number of zombies had gathered.

Although they had just killed off one batch, more zombies kept streaming in continuously.

Glancing to his right, Lin Xinghai saw eight zombies rushing toward them. Without wasting time, he raised his rifle and took aim.

When they got within fifty meters, he decisively opened fire.

At this range, his chance of a headshot was as high as ninety percent.

Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!

Lin Xinghai fired eight consecutive shots, and luck was on his side—each shot was a headshot.

These eight zombies, struck down so swiftly, couldn’t get anywhere near the convoy. The closest one fell ten meters away.

Although everyone was mentally prepared, the sight still shocked them.

“Hahaha, excellent! Looks like our mercenary corps has really found a treasure! Maybe we really do have a sharpshooter stationed here,” Fang Tianhe was the first to recover, laughing heartily.

Others, gradually accepting the reality, also showed smiles of joy.

Only those ranked in the top ten for marksmanship inside the refuge could be called sharpshooters.

If a mercenary corps had a sharpshooter, its reputation would undoubtedly soar, attracting more promising recruits.

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Moreover, sharpshooters inherently represented formidable combat power.

With a good firearm, the impact they could have was immeasurable.

Only Shen Han showed a faint, barely noticeable shadow of worry on his face.

“Ah Hai, your marksmanship is good, but you’re still too weak physically. So once we enter the city center, you’ll stay inside the off-road vehicle. Your priority is self-protection,” Fang Tianhe said earnestly after finishing his laughter.

Lin Xinghai’s smile froze instantly. What was this nonsense? Staying inside the vehicle again? Weren’t they supposed to enter the city center on foot?

Seeing Lin Xinghai’s expression change, Roger, thinking he was surprised and confused, couldn’t help but laugh.

“How’s that? Surprised? You probably thought these two multifunctional off-road vehicles were redundant before, right?”

Lin Xinghai nodded. These off-road vehicles didn’t have the armored protection of the armored vehicles, so having to guard them seemed pointless. It would be better to just remove the two electromagnetic railguns and mount them on the armored vehicles.

“That’s because until now, they haven’t had a chance to prove their worth,” Roger said.

“They’re called off-road vehicles because their best feature is off-road capability. In the city center, where there are hardly any roads, only these multifunctional off-road vehicles can pass.”

“When it comes to transporting that one ton of energy ore, we’ll have to rely on these two off-road vehicles!” Roger patted the off-road vehicle beside him.

“That’s impossible,” Lin Xinghai said skeptically. “Never mind the usual obstacles on the road, what about the collapsed skyscrapers? You don’t expect it to jump over them, do you?”

“Heh! You’re right. It really can jump over them,” Roger said.

Lin Xinghai was speechless.

Seeing Lin Xinghai’s face full of disbelief but tinged with self-doubt, Roger couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

He had finally managed to surprise him once.

“Xiao Yang, switch to off-road mode,” Roger said, tapping the window.

“Got it!” Qin Yang responded promptly.

Lin Xinghai then saw the chassis of the multifunctional off-road vehicle rise up.

Between the chassis and the wheels was a device resembling a lifting frame, elevating the chassis a full meter off the ground before stopping.

“This type of multifunctional off-road vehicle uses a new retractable chassis. Paired with pneumatic devices, it allows the vehicle to ‘jump’—it can leap as high as five meters.”

“With an excellent stabilization system and jet propulsion, it can even perform a 360-degree spin in mid-air,” Roger explained.

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At that moment, Qin Yang cooperated skillfully, and Lin Xinghai saw the off-road vehicle suddenly sink down, then rebound instantly under the power of the pneumatic system, causing the entire vehicle to leap upward.

At the same time, the holes on the sides of the vehicle—previously thought to be mere decoration—spouted white gas.

Although the thrust from this jet propulsion wasn’t very strong, it was enough for the vehicle to complete a 360-degree spin in the air.

Watching as the off-road vehicle landed from its leap, the pneumatic device perfectly absorbing the impact, settling steadily before him, Lin Xinghai felt a chill run down his spine.

“Why am I so eager to enter the city center in the first place?” Lin Xinghai began to doubt himself.

But no one was paying attention to his thoughts. After Roger finished explaining, he ushered Lin Xinghai into the off-road vehicle, repeatedly warning him not to get out.

Meanwhile, under Fang Tianhe’s direction, the others were methodically checking their equipment and replenishing ammunition.

After a three-minute rest, they set off again.

Sitting inside the off-road vehicle, Lin Xinghai felt lost, aimlessly riding along as the vehicle bounced and jolted like a roller coaster.

Unbeknownst to him, Shen Han and Fang Tianhe were conversing over the comm channel of the two mechs.

Shen Han: “What are your plans for Lin Xinghai?”

Fang Tianhe: “Such an outstanding talent should be fully cultivated. Why? Do you have a different opinion?”

Shen Han: “Precisely because he’s so exceptional, I worry. Someone like him will inevitably grow strong. The likelihood he’ll want to stay with our mercenary corps is very low.”

Fang Tianhe: “That’s nothing to worry about. Everyone has their own aspirations. If he chooses a bigger stage, that’s understandable. Besides, if we truly nurture a strong warrior, that’s a contribution to humanity.”

Shen Han: “You’re so magnanimous. I’m just concerned about the mercenary corps’ resources.”

Fang Tianhe: “Haha! If I weren’t this way, you might not have stayed either.”

Shen Han said nothing further but a faint smile appeared on his face.

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