Chapter 109: Panic in the Darkness

"Alas!"

Chu Ning could not bear to watch the people around him spiraling into collapse, so he silently closed his eyes.

They no longer cared about the potential for collateral damage from weapons of mass destruction; a variety of terrifying armaments were being unleashed on the battlefield. This was a fight to the finish, a matter of survival or death.

Roaring explosions claimed many lives in their wake, and the power of accidentally detonated chemical tanks filled the heart with dread. Yet, considering that sitting and waiting meant a slow, torturous death, a swift demise was perhaps the better option.

"No one is a born savior. My apologies."

After muttering to himself, Chu Ning dispatched those who tried to hide in what they considered the relatively safe zone. His actions were decisive, his movements in killing practiced and skilled.

The area centered around the pillars served as a shelter; it offered protection from the harmful substances spewed by exploding chemical tanks and, being in the center, provided a temporary reprieve from the encroachment of the insect swarm.

Since there were people outside holding back the attacks, this spot attracted many covetous eyes. However, the existing beneficiaries would not allow others to usurp their position. As one of those enjoying the spoils of this victory, Chu Ning fulfilled his "duty" by weeding out those who tried to fish in troubled waters.

If an individual’s strength met their standards, they would naturally allow them to join. Chu Ning and the others had reached a tacit agreement: the corpses of the fallen would be piled up to serve as tools for breaking out of this cage.

There is no one in this world without value; there are only people whose specific value has yet to be discovered.

The scent of blood stirred the swarming insects outside, causing them to attack with the frenzy of a disturbed hive. Yet, after sacrificing a portion of their own, the people on the perimeter managed to reach a stalemate.

The insects tried to press the attack but were repelled by the overwhelming heavy firepower of the survivors. Various indiscriminate weapons of mass destruction were thrown outward as if they cost nothing. After the preceding series of bombardments, most of the chemical tanks had been destroyed, and with those constraints removed, the people began to slowly gain the upper hand.

"Are we not far from victory?" Tanya asked cautiously, careful not to let anyone notice her question. Since the chaos began, she had hidden silently behind Chu Ning, letting everyone else overlook her.

Given Chu Ning’s formidable strength—he had effortlessly killed several people who were too blind to mind their own business—the others dared not entertain any crooked thoughts regarding Tanya, whom Chu Ning was shielding. Moreover, considering Tanya’s status as a ghost, no one wanted to provoke a specter in such a situation.

The situation before them was indeed one of the insect swarm retreating step by step. If things continued to develop in this manner, the complete annihilation of the swarm was entirely possible.

"Don't be naive. Have you noticed that their firepower is waning? At the beginning, everyone was attacking frantically to survive, but once they reached a relatively safe position, everyone began to consider the issue of ammunition supplies."

"After all, their ammunition is not limitless to be squandered at will. Their physical stamina is also a major concern. Have you noticed that the people in the thick of the fight have begun to regulate their breathing rhythmically, conserving energy to prepare for an escape?"

Zhao Qing stretched lazily, wiping the red blood from his hands with a look of distaste. The boring time was almost over. He was rarely willing to answer Tanya’s questions; in this oppressive, gloomy, and terrifying environment, one had to find something interesting to do. Even chatting with a stranger was a wonderful thing; otherwise, it was simply too stifling, making it hard to breathe.

Tanya asked in confusion, "Shouldn't we share some of the pressure for them? To just watch them fall into a slow death is too inhumane!"

"Ha!" Zhao Qing laughed heartily, devoid of any conscience. He hadn't seen such a naive ghost in a long time; she could almost be considered a rare species. As far as he knew, the formation of a ghost was always tied to a strong obsession, and negative emotions were the easiest to manifest into such obsessions. That was why Zhao Qing was surprised.

"Impossible. Most people will not choose to sacrifice their own interests to help others. The beautiful scenario of mutual aid you imagine is impossible. Unless there is no conflict of interest, one might help another in passing."

Zhao Qing spoke coldly. He seemed to fall into some inextricable memories, pausing for a moment before continuing to pour cold water on the naive little ghost.

"We have more important things to do: find the right moment to escape!"

Before Tanya could refute Zhao Qing’s words—she always felt the world shouldn't be like this—she murmured, "I..."

At that very moment, the dim lights in the workshop suddenly extinguished, plunging everything into darkness!

Chu Ning heard the hissing sound of gas being vented nearby. The rhythm of the gas being released from the high positions in the workshop was erratic; suddenly, a burst of milky white gas would spray out, only to pause as if the machinery had jammed, then continue venting.

Then, the unknown gas emitted a foul odor, yet it carried a sweet, sticky scent like candy, making one want to succumb to it.

The sudden plunge into darkness did cause a small-scale panic, resulting in varying degrees of casualties, but the losses were not severe. Those who believed they would ultimately achieve victory were generally well-prepared with tools.

*Swish, swish...*

Magnesium flares of various colors were thrown into the surrounding area to dispel the darkness. They were also equipped with long-lasting flashlights, showing no fear of the weakness of diminished vision in the dark.

From ancient times to the present, people have always sought ways to fight the darkness; it can be said that darkness is a serious enemy to human survival. They should be grateful for the methods left behind by their ancestors to combat the dark, which allowed them to successfully overcome the difficulty at hand.

"This is too terrifying!"

In the darkness, countless green eyes were staring straight at Tanya. A chill surged into her heart, crawling from her ankles to her chest, making her body tremble uncontrollably.

When there was light, Tanya had no concrete concept of the size of the swarm. Only when the night fell did the countless eyeballs, shifting with every move she made and revealing covetous gazes, unleash their emotions without restraint.

This undoubtedly increased the psychological pressure on everyone. Before, it was merely the disgust of "trypophobia"—fear was not the dominant component. Now, everyone’s mental state had suffered varying degrees of disturbance. Perhaps this was the wicked intention of the enemy.

If one had never seen the light, one would not choose to flee the darkness!