Roger returned after a short absence.
"The captain has agreed," he said, "but to verify your marksmanship, you'll have to take a test later. For now, follow me downstairs."
Lin Xinghai's face lit up. He quickly followed Roger off the armored vehicle, walking toward the two mechas.
Everyone noticed his arrival. Even the usually cold and indifferent Deputy Captain Shen Han watched him with mild curiosity.
"Roger told me your marksmanship has improved rapidly," Fang Tianhe said enthusiastically. "The next wave of zombies is approaching. Show us what you've got."
Lin Xinghai nodded. He had no objections. The convoy had stopped near the city center, where zombies were already gathering. A glance to the right showed eight rushing straight at him. He raised his gun, calm and precise.
At fifty meters, he opened fire.
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
Eight shots, eight headshots. None of the zombies reached the convoy. The closest fell over ten meters away.
Even the seasoned mercenaries were stunned.
"Hahaha! Looks like our group has gained a real treasure!" Fang Tianhe laughed. "We may finally have a sharpshooter!"
Other members gradually recovered, smiling with quiet satisfaction. In the shelter, only the top ten marksmen earned the title of sharpshooter. Having one in the group meant prestige, recruitment appeal, and immense combat capability.
Shen Han, however, remained subtly cautious.
"Ahai, impressive as your shooting is, your personal strength is still weak," Fang Tianhe said after laughing. "Once we enter the city center, stay in the off-road vehicle and prioritize your safety."
Lin Xinghai's smile froze. Stay in the vehicle? What about walking into the city center?
Roger noticed his expression and chuckled. "Surprised? I suppose you thought these off-road vehicles were just decorative."
Lin Xinghai nodded. The vehicles lacked the armored protection of their main vehicle and seemed vulnerable.
"They're called off-road vehicles for a reason," Roger continued. "In a city center with ruined roads, only these can navigate. And when it comes time to transport a ton of energy ore, we'll rely on them."
"Jumping over collapsed buildings… really?" Lin Xinghai asked incredulously.
"Absolutely," Roger said with a grin.
Lin Xinghai's doubt deepened, but he watched as Roger gestured. "Xiao Yang, switch to off-road mode."
"Okay!" Qin Yang replied.
The vehicle's chassis rose, revealing a lifting structure between the wheels and frame. The chassis extended a full meter from the ground.
"This multi-purpose off-road vehicle uses a retractable chassis. With the pneumatic system, it can perform high jumps—up to five meters. Combined with stabilization and jet systems, it can rotate 360 degrees in the air," Roger explained.
Qin Yang hit a lever. The vehicle sank slightly, then rebounded violently as the pneumatic system launched it upward. White gas hissed from vents along its sides. Midair, the vehicle rotated fully, then landed perfectly, chassis absorbing the impact.
Lin Xinghai felt a chill. The sheer mechanical precision left him questioning his eagerness to enter the city center.
Roger invited him in and reminded him repeatedly not to exit. Meanwhile, Fang Tianhe organized the rest of the team to check weapons and replenish ammunition.
After three minutes, the convoy moved out. Lin Xinghai sat in the off-road vehicle, blankly riding the roller-coaster-like motions, feeling his sense of purpose slipping away.
Unknown to him, Shen Han and Fang Tianhe were on the mecha comm channel.
Shen Han: "What's the plan for Lin Xinghai?"
Fang Tianhe: "Such talent deserves full training. We'll push him as far as we can. Why, do you disagree?"
Shen Han: "I'm worried. People like him grow fast. The chances he'll stay in our mercenary group are low."
Fang Tianhe: "Everyone has ambitions. If he chooses a bigger stage, it's understandable. We've produced a strong warrior—that's a contribution to humanity."
Shen Han: "I just feel the resources spent may be wasted."
Fang Tianhe chuckled. "If I weren't like this, you might not have stayed either."
Shen Han didn't reply but allowed a faint smile to cross his face.