**“Rustle, rustle...”**

  A creature appeared before Chen Feng.

  It looked like a centipede, but was magnified many times over. About half a meter long, with legs as thick as a barrel, its numerous spindly limbs moved across the ground, creating an unsettling feeling at just a glance.

  The barefoot centipede.

  It held no rank, merely a juvenile form. If it evolved to Bronze level, it would grow to about a meter in length, with even sharper legs.

  The barefoot centipede’s habits remained unchanged. The cold, damp environment attracted it. It preferred to entangle its prey with its many legs and then attack with its venomous fangs. Despite its lack of rank, its venom was potent; a single bite could kill an ordinary person in under a minute.

  Underestimating it was a grave mistake.

  A flash of cold light.

  Chen Feng, armed with a bone saw, charged at the barefoot centipede and struck it on the head.

  “Pffft!”

  A jet of black blood erupted, mixed with white flecks—that was the centipede’s brain matter. The blow had dealt a severe injury.

  The centipede hurriedly flailed its legs and slid backward, its eyes locked on Chen Feng, filled with anger and rage.

  It was not dead.

  Chen Feng was not surprised. Insects had incredibly strong vitality, and some were even capable of self-regeneration.

  Fortunately, it was just a juvenile. The bone saw could breach its defenses; if one strike wasn’t enough, several more would do the job.

  For a summoner to engage in direct combat with a long knife was unusual, and if other professionals saw this, they would be astonished.

  Due to his profession, Chen Feng couldn't engage in prolonged hand-to-hand combat, but he couldn’t rely solely on his summoned beasts. In the apocalypse, every bit of physical ability increased his chances of survival.

  Combat training.

  Chen Feng needed to master combat techniques with this body as quickly as possible.

  “Pffft!”

  A muffled sound as the centipede’s back was sliced open, and a foul-smelling stream of insect blood flowed out.

  The centipede let out a shriek, its wounds only fueled its rage, and its attacks became faster.

  Chen Feng’s pupils contracted. As soon as the centipede raised its head, he prepared to dodge, retreating several steps with powerful leg movements.

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  The centipede hit the ground, causing the tiles to crack.

  The pain and injury prevented the centipede from attacking continuously, providing Chen Feng with an opportunity.

  “Crack!”

  “Crack!”

  “Crack!”

  The bone saw began to splinter under continuous use. Being an ordinary weapon, such wear and tear was significant. If possible in the future, Chen Feng would need to find someone to forge a more suitable weapon.

  Profession.

  This term encompasses all the abilities of evolutionists, including close-combat specialists like Shadow Assassins, Shadow Walkers, and Phantasm Killers, as well as powerful tanks like Rock Giants, Hill Lords, and Beast Shapers. There are also mental professions like Chen Feng’s—Summoners, Beast Tamers, and Elemental Mages, among others.

  In addition to combat-oriented professions, there are also lifestyle professions. Their strength may not be impressive, but they excel in practical skills: Forgemasters, Enchanters, and Alchemists.

  They possess unique abilities. For example, Forgemasters can refine steel and forge weapons. As their rank increases, they can even incorporate monster organs and blood to enhance the weapon’s power and lethality.

  Powerful lifestyle professions are highly sought after by various factions. Even if their combat ability is minimal, their earning potential is maximized.

  “Crunch!”

  A biting sound as the centipede’s head was split open, a large amount of brain matter spilling out onto the floor.

  The barefoot centipede was one of the more troublesome cannon fodder enemies. It was not only fast but also had considerable attack power. Chen Feng killing it in under a minute was a commendable achievement.

  However, Chen Feng was still somewhat dissatisfied.

  Being strict...

  It also helped increase survival chances.

  After dispatching the centipede, Chen Feng encountered other low-tier creatures like Acid Bugs, Land Eels, and Bullet Ants. Compared to the centipede, these were slightly tougher, but a few more strikes were enough to end them.

  For instance, Acid Bugs, which could spray acid, were very slow, and their acid spray took time to accumulate. During the buildup, a brick could easily finish them off.

  Many people fear the apocalypse because of fear itself. With enough courage, one would find that the monsters roaming the streets are not insurmountable.

  Of course, this is just the beginning of the apocalypse. Many monsters are still in their juvenile forms. As they consume and absorb energy particles from the air, they will evolve. For example, Acid Bugs will grow wings and become Purple Winged Acid Bugs when their energy reaches a certain level. With Bronze-level strength, they will not only shorten their acid spray time but also gain flight capability, making them a much more formidable foe.

  Even the lowly summoned demons Chen Feng controls will change form and gain new abilities if properly nurtured and upgraded to Gold or Legendary levels.

  The extermination work was nearing completion, with only the final floor remaining—a secure base for Chen Feng.

  “Clunk, clunk…”

  Chen Feng ascended the floor, where spider webs covered the area, and the walls showed signs of severe corrosion. Clearly, no one had set foot here for a long time.

  Just one more staircase…

  Suddenly, a gust of cold wind swept through, and Chen Feng felt a shadow flash before him. Instinctively, he raised his bone saw to block, but the force of the attack knocked his weapon away.

  “What was that?!”

  Chen Feng crouched low and quickly moved to hide downstairs.

  “A snake-like creature?”

  Standing cautiously at the corner below, Chen Feng had only caught a glimpse of the creature during the brief encounter. All he felt was its soft, coiled body.

  An eerie scraping sound emerged, and a shadow appeared at the stairway, accompanied by several curling “vines” flailing about.

  Chen Feng’s face changed drastically. His hands came together, and a red glow appeared beneath his feet.

  He had clearly seen the creature’s full form. It had a bloated, jet-black body with four vine-like appendages as thick as wrists.

  Chen Feng's face grew solemn.

  He recognized the creature—it was none other than...

  A tentacle monster!