Chapter 264: Mutation and Mayhem

Ten minutes later.

Federation Tower.

Back at the building, Yenir gradually came to terms with the earlier mutation.

Watching Lin Rui still at a loss, he felt a peculiar unease stirring within him.

He never expected that one careless act on his part would transform Lin Rui into a half Awakener.

“Was it because the kid is essentially the main character of this replica? Or is it due to the Sword God System?”

He pondered silently.

Recalling the scene earlier, Yenir keenly realized that his actions—and the resulting mutation—were surely not sanctioned by the system.

It was clear that the only force capable of ‘deceiving’ the system was the other system residing within him.

“Is this a blessing or a curse?”

“Enhancing Lin Rui’s abilities should be good, in theory. But… I can’t shake the feeling that unforeseen changes lie ahead…”

Although he had always planned to turn Lin Rui into his puppet agent, that strategy hinged on maintaining control.

After all, he had no desire to accidentally create a replica boss.

Remember, in this replica world, there are no humans like Awakeners—even when an apocalypse unleashes hordes of monsters.

This world’s only strength comes from technology, which is already on the brink of collapse.

Who knew what chaos his meddling might unleash?

“If I can control him, all’s well. Worst case, I’ll leave a failsafe with Lin Rui and recondition his mind periodically…”

“On the other hand, having a stronger replica NPC might simplify future plans…”

Suppressing his suspicions about the Sword God System and Lin Rui’s mutation,

Yenir decided not to overthink it further.

Yet, compared to his previous certainty about completing the mission, his confidence now had grown considerably.

“This change is nothing to scoff at, huh?”

An ordinary protagonist with exceptional learning ability mutating into a half Awakener was a colossal shift!

Now, everything would fall into place!

Eliminate most of the high-ranking officers and let Lin Rui be your blade! If the mission succeeds, superb; if not, go all out, blow up the world, and then take down the main character!

Damn it, he wasn’t about to let failure stop him!

After quickly running through his plan in his mind, Yenir stopped his rambling and simply waved to activate his mental shield.

“Ming Luo, assign a team member skilled in area combat to coordinate with Lin Rui!”

“This afternoon, I’ll have the Federation call a global conference. Bring as many of the names on our list as you can!”

“Buzz”

In a flash of white light, Yenir exchanged several items at the reputation shop without hesitation. As the only shop selling system items, it stocked everything—albeit at exorbitant prices. He had been reluctant to spend his reputation, planning to save it for rarer resources or equipment.

But now, Yenir was done holding back!

Completing the mothership mission was paramount!

He hadn’t yet used the reward for being the global number one—it was perfect for this exchange!

“These are two disguise gears and one illusion gear.”

“Have that team member disguise as a monster—the more savage and terrifying, the better! At the conference, set up a scene of interdimensional chaos to make the Military believe you were sent by monsters!”

“After taking out the high-ranking targets on our list, we’ll put on a show!”

Quickly issuing his orders, Yenir, with a twinge of regret over spending his funds, handed out the three items.

If all went as planned, the results should be evident within twenty-four hours!

Moreover, provided no flaws were exposed, the Federation’s high-ups—already rattled by the mutant outbreak—would likely scramble to seek his protection. This would give him a tremendous advantage in seizing control of the Federation.

Receiving the items from Yenir, Ming Luo paused in surprise before grasping his intent.

For a moment, he marveled at Yenir’s audacity.

Even when things seemed hopeless, Yenir had carved out a way forward.

Still, he couldn’t understand why Yenir was so fixated on delaying the apocalypse…

Was it to harvest more resources for the Huaxia Battle Zone?

The later the apocalypse, the greater their gains.

Imagining the possibilities, Ming Luo felt a mix of admiration and remorse.

Compared to Yenir—who always prioritized the Huaxia Battle Zone—Ming Luo, though already performing brilliantly, still chased perfection. Such determination commanded respect; no wonder he was prized among Huaxia’s elite geniuses. Yenir silently held him as his benchmark.

Suppressing his musing, just as Ming Luo was about to select a suitable team member, the usually quiet Deputy Captain Zheng Cheng suddenly interjected:

“Captain, let me join the operation!”

“I’m practically half Willpower Type! With this illusion gear complementing my abilities, I believe I can fool everyone!”

“But I think two might be too few.”

“Let’s include Zhang Qiming as well!”

“Two Third-Stage operators plus Lin Rui would be a much safer bet.”

With a seasoned expression, Deputy Captain Zheng Cheng stated his opinion, and the young archer by his side nodded in agreement, indicating his willingness to join the plan.

Since entering the replica, they had mostly played minor roles.

When finally needed, they wouldn’t dare to refuse the task.

Seeing this, Yenir’s eyes flashed as he glanced at the two volunteers; after a few seconds, he casually nodded.

Their targets were ordinary people.

Though numerous, they paled in comparison to the might of Third-Stage power.

Two Third-Stage members plus Lin Rui were more than sufficient.

If everything went smoothly, the mission might be accomplished as soon as the first batch of infected targets was eliminated!

No more chit-chat.

After a brief run-through of the plan for the upcoming operation, Yenir decisively contacted the Federation President.

“Beep…”

As the holographic projection lit up, Bayen looked on in surprise at Yenir’s sudden call from the other end.

“May I ask, what can we do for you?”

His eyes wary, he inquired.

He trusted Yenir and his group only out of necessity. He had heard about the recent incident and knew that Yenir had uncovered some unsavory details about the Military.

Consequently, he felt a creeping apprehension.

According to reports, although Yenir hadn’t destroyed the base, his fury at the time was unmistakable…

Unexpectedly.

From the other end, Yenir smiled warmly, as though bearing good news, and softly said:

“Mr. President, I hope you can convene a global meeting tonight and gather some high-ranking officials and military officers.”

“Our expedition brought back a considerable number of ‘life potions’.”

“I’ve thought it through—these should prove useful. Every extra bit of strength increases our chances against the apocalypse.”

…

Three minutes later, Bayen ended the call, his heart pounding with excitement.

Despite his doubts about Yenir’s claims, he didn’t dwell on them. Moreover, as soon as he received the first batch of ‘stimulants’ sent by Yenir, he couldn’t wait to test them. They were incredibly miraculous, as if they could reverse aging and fill someone with boundless energy!

“Future technology? Enhancing them?”

This was truly…

“Fantastic!”