Listening to Yang Lie’s sigh.
Zhang Wu, Li Mao, and the others couldn’t help but show expressions of mutual understanding.
As they watched Su Yu walk over, their eyes were full of deep admiration.
Many of the more impulsive members of the Ninth Squad couldn’t help but eagerly ask Su Yu, "Brother Su, where should we go hunting next?"
However, Su Yu’s answer brought them back to reality.
"The supplies we brought out this time are almost depleted, it’s time to return."
Su Yu said with a smile.
Upon hearing Su Yu’s arrangement.
Zhang Wu and Li Mao felt a little reluctant.
Yang Lie was also somewhat surprised.
After all, if they were to return now, it would mean that their hunting expedition lasted less than a week.
Isn’t that a bit too early?
Seeing Yang Lie’s puzzled look, Su Yu shook his hand slightly and said softly, "Uncle Yang, don’t forget, the situation in the wilderness is completely different now!"
Hearing Su Yu’s words.
Yang Lie’s expression immediately turned serious.
Zhang Wu and Li Mao, who initially wanted to persuade Su Yu to hunt for another day or two, also realized Su Yu’s intention.
In the past three days of hunting, the harvest of the Ninth Squad along with Su Yu was indeed plentiful.
Especially for Su Yu.
Although the experience points gained from the battles over these three days did not enhance his skills much,
they did allow him to smoothly upgrade his [Battlefield Mechanic] profession level from lv13 to lv15, with the experience bar at 71% towards lv15.
Even with just one or two more days of hunting, no—
even with just one more day,
Su Yu was confident he could upgrade to lv16.
But Su Yu still resolutely decided to return and not risk greed for more.
Because, while the hunting over these three days was rewarding, it also made Su Yu clearly notice that
the wilderness, or more accurately, the wilderness around the Sanctuary, had become significantly more dangerous than a month ago!
Previously, around the Sanctuary, even when hunting during the deep night under normal circumstances, it would take two or three days, or even longer, to encounter a three-star Radiation Beast King leading a horde of beasts.
But in the past three days alone, the Ninth Squad encountered no less than five!
Not to mention the hordes led by two-star top-tier and two-star high-tier Radiation Beast Kings, which were even more numerous!
In the past, hunting squads returning to the Sanctuary only needed to reserve enough supplies and ammunition for about two or three small confrontations, which would be enough to handle unexpected situations.
But now, with such a powerful concentration of Radiation Beast hordes lurking around the Sanctuary,
the supplies needed for the return journey can no longer be as scant as before.
At least enough ammunition must be reserved for two to three fierce battles.
a significant part of the Cavalry Squad’s combat strength relied heavily on heavy machine guns and flamethrowers.
While the chain saw blades for close combat were also quite deadly,
once engaged in melee, even with Nuonuo as the Battlefield Vanguard, it would be hard for repair speed to keep up with the Cavalry’s expenditure.
Initially, Yang Lie and the others hadn’t thought of this.
But with Su Yu’s reminder, they realized the situation and stopped urging Su Yu to continue hunting, beginning instead to assist Su Yu in preparing for the return journey.
The three days of hunting not only brought Su Yu substantial improvements but also served as significant training for the Ninth Squad in battling numerous three-star beast hordes.
Even if they served mainly as auxiliaries, they still gained valuable battle experience.
The logistics personnel, too, benefited.
Upon receiving the orders to return, everyone quickly sprang into action, clearing the battlefield shortly.
The convoy, significantly heavier than before setting off, traveled across the wasteland, with the wheels creaking under the load of various Radiation Beast materials emitting a strong blood scent, causing weaker Radiation Beast hordes to willingly retreat upon catching a whiff.
This was a specific tactic Su Yu had arranged.
Normally, on a hunting team’s return journey, these materials, particularly those radiating a strong blood odor, would be carefully sealed away by the team members to prevent spreading too far and attracting more Radiation Beasts.
However, considering this return trip planned with sufficient supplies and ammunition, Su Yu purposely left some of these pungent materials exposed.
First, to intimidate weaker Radiation Beast hordes.
Second, as a means of selection.
Any Radiation Beast hordes daring enough to approach despite the blood scent from previous kills surely possessed significant strength which, when downed, would add to their haul.
As for attracting Radiation Beast hordes beyond their ability to handle, Su Yu wasn’t worried.
Radiation Beasts from one-star to three-star are still at the fledgling stage; their intelligence is low, but their primal instincts are intact.
With increased strength, their sensitivity to Spiritual Energy becomes sharper.
Essentially, Radiation Beast Kings at three-star high and beyond instinctively avoid the Sanctuary area.
Not out of fear of the Sanctuary itself,
but of the Life Forbidden Zone near the Sanctuary, the [Steel Jungle].
With the "protection" of the [Steel Jungle], Su Yu felt emboldened and carefree about returning.
Only to feel disappointed when;
whether because the materials left behind from the strong Radiation Beast Kings were too overwhelming or, perhaps, most of the three-star Radiation Beast Kings had already been eliminated,
with half a day’s journey remaining, they still encountered no Radiation Beast hordes approaching the Ninth Squad!
"Well, a peaceful journey is a blessing too."
Su Yu shook his head, comforting himself with these words.
As the Ninth Squad gradually approached the Sanctuary,
simultaneously, within a nearby patch of dry grass not far from the Ninth Squad’s position,
"Such a strong blood scent... What’s going on?"
A member of another hunting team lifted his head, peering towards the Ninth Squad’s direction with slightly narrowed eyes filled with intrigue.
On his hunting team uniform was the emblem of a bat with spread wings, which seemed particularly eerie in the evening sunset.
This emblem was the mark of the Night Slayer Team!
"What’s wrong? Supposed to be scouting Radiation Beast hordes, what are you looking at?"
Another scout from the Night Slayer Team asked impatiently, but midway through speaking, his voice froze as he couldn’t help but glance towards the Ninth Squad’s direction, eyes likewise filled with curiosity!
"It truly is... with such a strong blood scent, could it be that two different Radiation Beast hordes are battling each other?!"