Apocalypse: Last Traveler

Chai Xin was startled, stumbled backwards, and instantly vanished.

Something also suddenly sprang up from the ground where she previously stood, bounding and leaping into the cornfield.

—The familiar sight Lu Xi'an saw was actually row after row of corn.

However, these corn, in terms of both size and fullness, were somewhat inferior to the varieties that had been selectively bred in past generations.

Lu Xi'an and Yao Wei both keenly captured that fleeting image—

Leaping from the ground was a hunched, wrinkled, ulcerated, earthy-colored creature that resembled being buried under thick soil.

That person's features were aged, squeezed by the roots hanging nearby, kneaded into a cluster in the middle of the face, looking very bizarre.

Those tree roots covered its head and sides, curving and twisting, interwoven and tangled, looking like strange decorations but also as if they were growing on its head.

Lu Xi'an had never encountered such a strange person; it could even be said that this person no longer resembled a human but rather some sort of monster.

And that wasn't the most important thing.

The crucial part was that in the short instant from leaping off the ground to diving into the cornfield, the earthy color on its body completely stripped off, turning into a bark-like color.

Crossing over to the cornfield side, it quickly transformed into the yellow-green of corn stalks.

This successive change instantly reminded Lu Xi'an of Chai Xin.

Yet, before coming over, he had opened the Resonant Gene Scanner and checked this area. Besides the three of them, there were no Neo-Humans at all.

This person clearly has such ability, but how did he evade the Resonant Gene Scanner's scan?!

Or... is he not human?!

But if not human, why is he able to speak?

Lu Xi'an suddenly felt that this place was not safe to linger; seeing that Yao Wei had already picked up a gun, he shouted, "Chai Xin, get on the roof!"

Chai Xin was indeed not yet on the vehicle; she was startled, just jumped away, then in excitement, became completely invisible, making it impossible for Lu Xi'an and Yao Wei to see her.

Yet, this didn't prevent the two of them from sensing her; the heavy breathing and pounding heartbeat could fool ordinary people but not the ears of Lu Xi'an and Yao Wei.

"Oh, oh!"

Chai Xin heard Lu Xi'an's words, quickly emerging from her invisible state, clambering onto the vehicle through the window.

Lu Xi'an shifted gears and pressed the accelerator, planning to leave.

But at that moment, the cornfield suddenly rustled, the corn stalks were parted by someone, and the strange-shaped, green-colored head poked out. If it weren't for the loud commotion, it would have been hard to distinguish it among the corn stalks.

"How, how, how can you also, also, also be invisible?!"

Two eyes suddenly appeared amid the green skin staring at the roof, a mouth appeared under the eyes stammering while speaking.

Lu Xi'an did not intend to engage him and was about to set off.

But Yao Wei said, "Wait."

Lu Xi'an had to press the brake, looking at Yao Wei with some confusion.

In such a situation, with the opponent being so bizarre, based on Yao Wei's nature, she should be cautious and leave immediately. Why did she suddenly ask him to stop now?

Yao Wei sensed the doubt in Lu Xi'an's eyes; while lowering the car window and aiming the gun at the green-skinned creature in the cornfield, she explained to Lu Xi'an:

"His breathing is weak, and he shows no hostility, temporarily not dangerous. Besides... it seems useful for Chai Xin."

Lu Xi'an paused slightly, seeing Yao Wei like this... it seems she also considered Chai Xin a companion?

Yet, it seems not merely a companion, Yao Wei's demeanor... why does she seem like she wants to mother Chai Xin?!

Images from entering Sword Mountain flashed continuously through Lu Xi'an's mind, and he suddenly recalled how Yao Wei was always silently observing as Chai Xin repeatedly tried to master her abilities.

Although she never spoke, she unmistakably showed her concern in her unique way.

Damn it... what is this situation?!

This is not the Yao Wei I know!

Lu Xi'an couldn't help but complain inwardly. He hadn't shifted into neutral, clutch and brake engaged, ready to release and dash away at any moment.

Yet he also had to admit, he indeed cared about Yao Wei's words a bit.

This person can also become invisible; indeed might aid Chai Xin in mastering her abilities.

If this person poses no danger, letting him help Chai Xin is genuinely the best choice.

Thinking about it, not just Yao Wei, in only a few days of contact, Lu Xi'an himself had a significant change of heart regarding Chai Xin.

During these days, Chai Xin continuously flattered both himself and Yao Wei, hoping to temporarily retain her small refuge in the vehicle.

And this little girl, thin and small, though already a Neo-Human, still seemed so fragile to Lu Xi'an and Yao Wei.

For all these reasons, it had become hard for Lu Xi'an and Yao Wei to view her as a stranger.

Moreover, they would soon part ways with Chai Xin, leaving her to head to Pingchuan City alone. Both Lu Xi'an and Yao Wei hoped Chai Xin could proficiently utilize her abilities to ensure her safety.

Honestly, he also had a feeling of treating Chai Xin like a young family member.

If the person emerging from the cornfield genuinely posed no threat, he truly wished this person could guide Chai Xin.

Lu Xi'an noticed this person was also wearing tattered clothes, which fluttered in the wind as he ran quickly.

And the clothes merged seamlessly with his body, the color consistent, making it hard to notice.

Now, Chai Xin could already hide herself, but her clothing couldn't be controlled well.

If she could learn this, as Chai Xin travels east alone, both he and Yao Wei wouldn't have much to worry about.

—Although Chai Xin was just frightened, she had successfully camouflaged her clothing using "Optical Camouflage," it was uncertain whether she truly grasped the experience.

If truly mastered, they wouldn't actually need this person in the cornfield.

But if no danger, certainly can communicate with this person.

Such a strange person, yet not triggering the Resonant Gene Scanner's reaction, there's definitely something unusual.

Lu Xi'an wondered whether it might relate to the "lid-like pressure" atop the dome earlier that night?

"Come out from inside."

Lu Xi'an also raised his submachine gun, aiming at the cornfield.

The person immediately raised his hands, trembled as he walked out, the body changed, no longer resembling the color of corn stalks, but transformed into a yellow-black tone like an elderly person seasoned by years of sun exposure and toil.

Lu Xi'an understood why Yao Wei said this person was not dangerous.

His gait, movements, and even breathing revealed an old weakness. Although he was swift when darting into the cornfield, he was easily caught by the eyes of Lu Xi'an and Yao Wei.

He can only be said to be faster than an ordinary person, but that speed and agility are far from reaching the level of a Neo-Human, even inferior to Chai Xin.

So, who is he?

Why is he like this?