I choose a C ranked hero in another world, I was mocked online

Chapter 179: The Real Battlefield, Striking Again!

A disastrous air raid.

Just like that, the event ended anticlimactically...

Of course, Chen Ye couldn't have killed all the flying fish monsters by himself, and a few "lucky survivors" managed to fly further away. However, the number of these survivors was so small that they wouldn't be able to cause much trouble.

"Chen Ye!"

A moment later, Old Liu arrived with the group, and upon seeing Chen Ye sitting on the ground, immediately called out.

Chen Ye looked up and saw that Old Liu and the others were all covered in dust, their bodies steaming from the intense exertion. A few of them were even injured, looking rather disheveled. Tang Zichen was among them. Although she wasn't injured, her delicate face was pale, clearly having expended significant energy.

Despite Tang Zichen having higher mental power and stronger telekinesis than Chen Ye's fire ability, her efficiency in killing monsters couldn't compare to his. This was because the real killing force behind Chen Ye's attack was his fists. His fire ability was only a secondary form of attack. If he had relied solely on his fire ability, it would have been impossible to produce such explosive effects.

"What's wrong? Are you hurt?" Noticing the bloodstains on Chen Ye's chest and the dried blood under his nose, Old Liu quickly asked with concern.

Chen Ye waved it off with a smile. "It's nothing serious, just drained some mental energy."

Old Liu nodded, though he looked like he had more to say. The others had similar expressions.

Chen Ye then remarked, "You're all wondering why my fire ability has become so powerful, right?"

Everyone instinctively nodded.

Chen Ye continued, "I'll explain it all later. For now, let's head to the frontlines and provide support! The fact that these monsters were able to break through the defense line and directly attack the city means the situation at the front is very dangerous."

The frontline had anti-air weapons and radar systems. Yet, the flying fish monsters had still managed to reach the city, and no warning had been issued... This alone spoke volumes about the dire situation at the front.

The group wasn't foolish; they understood the truth behind Chen Ye's words. However, as soon as the citizens noticed that they were about to leave, they immediately surrounded them. Most of the citizens were there to express their gratitude to their saviors.

In particular, Tang Zichen and Chen Ye were the focus of the citizens' attention, viewed as true heroes by countless people. There were also a few fools who seized the opportunity to insist on taking photos with Chen Ye and Tang Zichen...

Captain Zheng quickly stepped forward and shouted loudly, "Fellow citizens, I understand the emotions you're feeling after surviving such a disaster, but the situation at the frontlines is critical, and we must go to provide support. Please make way and let us through."

"If we can't hold the frontlines, this city might cease to exist!"

Upon hearing this, the citizens finally stepped aside. Then, with deep respect, they watched the group leave.

Among the crowd, there were even a few media journalists. Watching the group from Wuhan University as they resolutely marched forward, the reporters could already imagine what tomorrow's headlines would be...

...

The group passed through two blocks. Every citizen they encountered showed them the same respect, looking at them as heroes, and naturally clearing a path for them. It was clear that the citizens already knew who had saved them.

By the time they reached the third block, there were far fewer citizens, as this area was not along the city's exit routes. A few military vehicles were waiting for them. As soon as the soldiers saw Chen Ye and his group, their spirits lifted.

"Salute!!" An officer shouted.

The soldiers waiting there all snapped to attention, saluting in unison toward the group. The group didn't waste time with formalities, simply nodding at the soldiers before getting into the vehicles and heading for the frontlines.

Old Liu, along with Chen Ye and Tang Zichen, sat in one vehicle.

Once the vehicle started moving, Old Liu spoke up, "Chen Ye, Tang Zichen, both of you just consumed a lot of mental energy. Once we get to the frontlines, don't push yourselves too hard. Overdrawing your mental energy could cause fainting, which is dangerous on the battlefield."

Chen Ye nodded. "Understood, teacher." He had just thrown at least a thousand fire punches, which severely depleted his mental energy. He had nearly passed out and knew Old Liu's advice was right.

Once they reached the battlefield, Chen Ye didn't plan on using his fire ability again. Tang Zichen also nodded in agreement.

Old Liu then turned to Chen Ye and asked, "Chen Ye, haven't you only had the fire ability for a few months? How did you...?"

"Oh!" Chen Ye casually explained, "Before I obtained the fire elemental demon's core, you told me to conserve my potential, so I did. Plus, I've gained some things from secret realms and increased my strength through regular training. Now my mental attribute is over 800!"

"So, my fire ability being super strong should be reasonable, right?"

Old Liu wasn't so easily convinced. "An 800 mental attribute is indeed impressive... but it doesn't explain the level of power you just unleashed! Those fire punches of yours had the destructive force of a Tier 5 ability."

"Especially that first punch—the power was incredible. With just that, you could easily go to the association headquarters and qualify for a Tier 5 certification!"

"That level of destructive power isn't something an 800 mental attribute should be able to produce."

Hearing this, Chen Ye sighed. He really disliked dealing with people who weren't easy to fool.

"Teacher, honestly, I don't really know the specifics either. When I fused with that fire elemental core, it just felt... smooth and perfectly compatible, like the fire ability was naturally made for me."

"Ever since I got this fire ability, I've felt more and more like it's a power custom-made for me. Using it feels completely effortless."

"I guess the fire ability I fused with is just... a little special!"

Since Chen Ye was the only one in the country with a fire ability, and without any other cases to reference, he could explain it however he wanted.

"I see." Old Liu furrowed his brows, falling into deep thought.

After a long pause, he could only sigh. "Maybe it really is because you're uniquely suited to that elemental core."

After a moment's hesitation, Old Liu continued, "Since you have this kind of strength, why didn't you tell us earlier? If you had, you would've gained more recognition at the university."

"Teacher, I barely understand what's happening with me. How could I speak recklessly?" Chen Ye replied indifferently. "Besides, I think things are fine as they are now. I don't want to end up like the class leader, locked away all the time."

Tang Zichen: "..."

"No matter what, you showed your hand tonight," Old Liu said. "With your current strength at Tier 5, staying low-key is going to be tough from now on." At this point, Old Liu remembered that his student's strength had already surpassed his own, and he couldn't help but sigh.

...

The vehicle moved quickly. Within just over ten minutes, it stopped.

As Chen Ye and the others got out, they saw that many others were arriving to provide support. Most of them had grim expressions, with a hint of resolve to face death if necessary. However, there were also a few who looked hesitant and fearful. The latter group was likely made up of people who had no choice but to come.

Chen Ye didn't look down on them. He couldn't expect everyone to be unafraid of death. If he didn't have his great strength, his performance might not have been much better either.

"Captain, the vehicle can't go any further. We can only drop you off here," said a soldier.

Hearing this, Captain Zheng nodded and approached the group. Not far ahead lay the city's defensive line.

At that moment, flames shot up into the sky, accompanied by the roars of monsters and the thunderous sounds of artillery fire. Even from a distance, the brutality of the battlefield was palpable.

For most of them, this was their first time on a battlefield. Many of them looked tense. Only Chen Ye, Tang Zichen, Old Liu, and Zhao Zheng remained relatively calm. Their calmness could either be attributed to their immense strength or prior experience on the battlefield.

Captain Zheng was a perceptive man. Noticing the fear on some of their faces, he immediately said, "Everyone, rest assured, your task is not to fight on the frontlines. Leave that to us. You only need to hold the second defensive line and prevent any stray monsters from breaking through the perimeter."

"If anyone is too afraid, you can assist by transporting ammunition and supplies."

"You're here to support the fight, and we will never force you to engage beyond your abilities."

With that, Captain Zheng saluted the group and swiftly turned, running toward the main battlefield.

Chen Ye and the others were then led by a soldier to the second defensive line. From behind the cover, they had a clear view of just how terrifying the main battlefield was.

"Boom! Boom!"

"Rat-a-tat-tat..."

Machine guns and cannons fired relentlessly. Countless shells rained down on the monsters. However, there were just too many monsters, and most of them had thick hides, making them immune to bullets. Even when artillery shells exploded on them, it hardly seemed effective. Only Tier 5 powerhouses could inflict lethal damage on the monsters.

But compared to the endless horde of monsters, the number of Tier 5 powerhouses was pitifully small. Thus, the current situation was heavily tilted against humanity. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that the city's defense line was on the verge of collapse at any moment.

The monsters were terrifying and relentless, showing no fear of death. One monster, in particular, was enormous, at least 20 meters long with a long, blade-covered tail.

This monster was incredibly strong, with impenetrable skin, charging forward with reckless abandon. It had already reached the human lines. Enduring countless bullets, it swept its tail, causing heavy casualties among the human defenders.

Many soldiers' bodies were crushed to pieces by the monster's tail, sacrificing their lives heroically. Even the defensive line was torn open.

The sheer ferocity of the monster shocked everyone.

Many of those who had come with nothing but raw courage were now paralyzed with fear at the sight of such horror, their faces turning pale as they considered retreat.

Fortunately, humanity had its own powerhouses.

Seeing that the monster was about to breach the defensive line, two Tier 5 powerhouses immediately leaped from the nearby battle zones to confront the monster.

"That's... the principal!" Cao Yu shouted in surprise.

Everyone saw that one of the Tier 5 powerhouses was Principal Lu.

Principal Lu was incredibly strong. With a large, door-sized blade in hand, he shouted, "Atomic Slash!" and in an instant, unleashed a flurry of blade strikes with astonishing power.

The monster, impervious to artillery shells, was instantly sliced into pieces, with its tail severed.

"Roar!" The monster let out a pained wail.

Seizing the moment, Principal Lu took a risky move and leaped forward, plunging directly into the monster's gaping mouth...

"Splat!"

In the next moment, Principal Lu emerged from the back of the monster's head. He had carved a massive hole inside the monster's mouth, destroying its brain.

"Boom!" The monster's enormous body crashed to the ground.

"Yes!!" Cheers erupted from the crowd upon seeing Principal Lu's clean and efficient kill. His action greatly boosted everyone's morale.

However, Chen Ye furrowed his brow. His keen eyesight allowed him to notice that Principal Lu's face had turned pale, and his hands, gripping the massive blade, were trembling.

It was clear that he had expended a tremendous amount of energy and was nearing exhaustion.

Moreover, Principal Lu, with his mere Tier 5+ strength, was already the strongest fighter on the human side. Yet, the leader of the monsters, a Tier 6 creature known as the Sea King, had yet to make an appearance.

"This doesn't look good," Old Liu's voice suddenly came through. "The principal has overexerted himself; he won't last much longer."

Not wanting to affect morale, Old Liu spoke in a low voice, so only a few people nearby could hear him. Upon hearing this, the group's faces turned grim.

Anyone could see that Principal Lu was the linchpin of the human side's defense. If he fell, the defensive line would collapse.

And behind them lay the city, filled with countless civilians awaiting evacuation...

What followed was a case of Murphy's Law: anything that can go wrong will go wrong.

Just after Principal Lu killed the monster, several thick tentacles suddenly shot out from nowhere, wrapping around him.

The tentacles moved with lightning speed.

"Slash!" Principal Lu roared, swinging his blade, but only managed to strike once before a tentacle coiled around his leg, lifting him high into the air, suspending him upside down.

Then, the owner of the tentacles—a massive squid-like monster—came into view.

This squid monster was even larger than the previous creature, its body resembling a mountain of flesh. Its mere appearance caused the ground to tremble.

The squid monster was highly intelligent. After capturing Principal Lu, it wasted no time and immediately attempted to throw him into its gaping maw.

Its mouth resembled a vast reservoir, both wide and impossibly deep. Inside its maw were rows upon rows of sharp, backward-facing teeth! Just looking at it was enough to make one's skin crawl.

Everyone who had been cheering for Principal Lu moments earlier was now frozen in fear, their smiles wiped off their faces.

If Principal Lu was swallowed by the giant squid monster, no one believed he would survive.

Chen Ye, with his sharp eyes, could already see the look of despair on Principal Lu's face.

Clearly, even Principal Lu himself believed there was no way out.

At the critical moment, a figure suddenly dashed out.

The figure moved at such incredible speed that the crowd only caught a glimpse of a bald head before he was already at the frontlines...

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