However, Lao Gao's energy for his ability was limited. After just having gone through two ant battles, the fire he could produce now was not very strong. Even though the giant creature was surrounded by a ring of fire, it wasn't trapped at all. The creature tested the flames for a moment, then leapt out as if performing in a circus.
Seeing the situation, Ling Jiang acted quickly. As it landed, she used all her strength to freeze its legs.
Freezing the legs worked for a short time. When the creature tried to jump again, the ice on its four legs held it back.
But the creature was too massive. Ling Jiang's ice could not hold it for long. It broke free and leapt toward them again.
Huang Jinghe stepped forward, spraying a large amount of water at it. Ling Jiang used her ice ability remotely. Together, they froze the airborne creature into a huge ice sculpture. With a heavy thud, it landed on the ice below.
It was certainly not broken. Neither Huang Jinghe nor Ling Jiang would allow that. They added more water and ice, firmly sealing the giant creature to the surface.
Of course, it was not dead. Even trapped in ice, Lan Jin could see its eyes still moving, which gave her some relief.
While the four of them wondered how to deal with it, Brother Zhang immediately contacted the base. He said, "I've informed the base. They'll bring back the giant ant and this creature. They'll also bring a few extra tires and vehicles."
Regarding vehicles, the giant creature had already damaged more than just one of theirs. Without transportation, they would be stuck. Waiting for reinforcements was also dangerous. After all, they had no way of knowing how many more mutated creatures might appear.
They could handle a short fight, but too many, or too much danger, and they couldn't think about other people.
Since leaving wasn't an option yet, they quickly tidied the area and used crystal stones to replenish their abilities.
Absorbing energy from the crystal stones was simple. In a few minutes, their consumed energy and stamina were restored.
Remaining in place meant constant vigilance. Every second, they stayed alert.
But the next threat came faster than expected.
Soon after the four finished absorbing crystal energy, mosquito-like creatures emerged from the dead trees behind the ice.
The mosquitoes hadn't grown much in size, but there were too many. They didn't swarm the whole space like during the insect disaster. Instead, they attacked in groups, targeting individuals. Lan Jin was speechless. Just mosquitoes, yet so disgusting.
The worst part was, "It's so cold. How are these mosquitoes still alive?"
The insects reminded her of the insect powder from not long ago. While fanning away the insects, Lan Jin said, "I always thought the insect powder sold outside came from the insect disaster. Winter shouldn't have these things. Now I'm not so sure."
Brother Zhang explained, "You are in J City, so you wouldn't know. In H City, insect powder was sold during the disaster. Back then, it didn't include plants that could make people go insane. Only industrial thickeners were added. Later, factories stopped producing it, and after the thickeners ran out, they had to find other methods. Why they chose those plants, no one knows. At the time, no one noticed a problem. After residents went mad, investigators disappeared. Once we reach the weeding area, you'll see those plants yourselves."
The group understood enough. It seemed like someone had planned this in advance, but they couldn't speak openly.
Pretending to be curious, they asked, "You sold insect powder during the disaster? Didn't people eat food then? Why use this?"
"To stockpile. When entering the base, supplies were needed. Insect powder could count as food. Many deliveries came. The base disliked it, but it was edible, so they accepted it."
Luckily, that batch had no problem. Otherwise, H City base would have fallen.
Seeing the mosquitoes multiply, Lan Jin lost interest in chatting. She was about to use her ability, but some soldiers sprayed insecticide, and soon the mosquitoes fell to the ground, dying.
Lan Jin glanced at Brother Zhang, about to ask something, but he said, "It's edible, but we don't need it. We have food."
Everyone froze, then laughed.
Lan Jin smiled wryly. "I know it's edible. I just wanted to ask if the sprayed insects would be poisonous. If we don't need to eat them, that's better. I don't like these things."
Though Lan Jin hadn't eaten them, the stench and Lao Gao's disgust when eating them made it clear. With proper food, who would eat these insects?
After handling the mosquitoes, no major problems occurred for a while.
"Maybe this area has the strongest ones, so fiercer creatures are gone," Huang Jinghe said, pointing to the giant creature trapped in ice. Otherwise, the calm was hard to explain.
But as soon as he said it, it was as if he had summoned them. One by one, insects crawled out of the dead trees.
The insects moved slowly, but Lan Jin feared creatures with many legs. These fit the description. Before they reached her, she jumped onto her chair in fear. The chair was too short.
"Mom, Ling Jiang, quick, make me taller! I want to stand! I'm scared, really scared!"
Lan Jin's reaction was extreme. Before, the giant creature had been more terrifying, yet she was calm and fearless. Seeing these insects, she seemed like a different person entirely.