Chapter Fifty-Six: Seizing the Devil Fruit—The Actions of Two People

After clearing the area, the landing ship moved ashore, making use of the abandoned dock, and supplies began to be unloaded onto the shore.

“Hurry up! Let’s go!” Though the camp still needed protection, Mingchuan had already shed his armor and joined the logistics team in unloading supplies.

“Winchester! Did you spot anything?” Mingchuan had just set down a crate when he immediately turned to Winchester with his question.

“The place you asked me to attack did seem to have something, but…it’s withered.” Winchester, crouching at the highest vantage point, carefully observed the direction Mingchuan had indicated, but all he found was a shriveled fruit.

“Withered? Tyrone, what exactly is this so-called demon fruit Gaia mentioned?” Mingchuan knew that, although all the plants had been infected by the virus, only a small portion possessed active attack abilities; the rest simply sustained the more aggressive branches, while the core was the legendary demon fruit.

“The demon fruit should be the energy source—without it, it’s like an electronic device without power.” Tyrone was busy calibrating the antidote as he spoke.

“If you manage to secure one of those fruits, it could be a huge help to us.”

“One fruit? Winchester, can you see where the nearest one is?” Hearing this, Winchester stood up and scanned the surroundings.

“Northwest, two thousand meters. There’s something that isn’t green, but it’s so reflective I can’t make it out.” Winchester didn’t elaborate.

“Let’s go and have a look!” Without informing the rest of the squad, Winchester told only Anthony, and then he and Mingchuan began their stealthy approach toward their distant objective.

“Is this really okay? Just the two of us…” Winchester hesitated, but Mingchuan was already preparing his armor.

“Hide and get ready to snipe!” Mingchuan had already spotted the object—a multicolored fruit. They leapt, reaching the same height as the fruit.

The fruit rested on a platform formed by the tree’s branches, guarded by several treefolk.

“Winchester, get ready to fire!” Upon hearing this, Winchester raised his sniper rifle and took aim at one of the guards.

At the crack of the rifle, Mingchuan sprang from behind the tree, landing swiftly on the platform. He clasped his hands together, drew a pair of throwing knives, and plunged them into the treefolk, killing them instantly.

Ignoring the other two treefolk, Mingchuan drew his twin knives again and hurled them back, striking down both remaining guards. Facing the demon fruit, Mingchuan sliced off the stem with his right hand and caught the fruit with his left, sealing it in a containment bag.

Task complete, Mingchuan darted right to escape. Treefolk appeared in pursuit, but Mingchuan vaulted backward, drew his RC-6, and fired seven shots, dispatching seven foes in succession before landing perfectly in a somersault.

“You alright?” Winchester stowed his weapon, and he and Mingchuan, carrying the demon fruit, hurried away.

“Damn it, I’m special forces after all—how could I possibly fail to escape!” Mingchuan said, spinning confidently in a full circle and firing three quick shots, taking down three more pursuers.

“Let me be clear, I’m not just your captain. Remember, just don’t mention it!” Glancing at Mingchuan, Winchester realized his identity might be even more complex. “A pity, but since it’s the captain’s order, I’ll keep quiet.”