Apocalyptic Gratitude Duck - Chapter 26

Chu Ruxu was a teammate Qiao Yanyu met on her journey north. When they first encountered each other, Chu Ruxu was a vulnerable woman, alone and nearly victimized. If Qiao Yanyu hadn’t intervened, Chu Ruxu would have been reduced to someone’s plaything that day, and none of the subsequent drama of her betrayal and pursuit of greater prospects would have unfolded.

According to Chu Ruxu, Wang Ze was nothing but a tyrant who forced her submission through brute force. To save her life, she reluctantly endured being with him. Fortunately, during a mission, Wang Ze was injured by a mutated beast, providing her with an opportunity to secretly escape.

Later, when Wang Ze came looking for her, everyone believed Chu Ruxu’s story and rallied behind her, driving Wang Ze away.

Now, it seemed Chu Ruxu hadn’t been forced into anything at all. She had known Wang Ze all along. She was simply a parasitic dodder vine, attaching herself to whoever showed strength. She had latched onto Wang Ze when he was powerful, then switched to Qiao Yanyu when she saw her potential. The reason for choosing Qiao Yanyu was simple: Qiao Yanyu wouldn’t covet her body and would treat her as a valued teammate with respect.

People like her have insatiable greed. When she seeks to climb higher, she’ll use those who helped her as stepping stones, trampling over their flesh and blood, then turn around and bite the hand that fed her, calling it injustice.

Qiao Yanyu’s fists tightened, the murderous glint in her eyes growing even colder.

Standing beside her, Chen Chuyue felt the chill emanating from her, the air beside her turning icy. She asked blankly, “Sister Qiao?”

Qiao Yanyu lowered her gaze, suppressing the murderous intent in her eyes. “I’m fine.”

“Oh, okay.” Chen Chuyue nodded, then asked curiously, “Sister Qiao, did you know these people before?”

Qiao Yanyu’s face remained expressionless. “Yes.”

She would remember Chu Ruxu’s face even if it were reduced to ashes.

“Ah?” Chen Chuyue was even more surprised. She had just asked casually, not expecting Sister Qiao to actually know someone. Judging by Sister Qiao’s expression, it must be a bad memory. Chen Chuyue speculated that this person might be an enemy of Sister Qiao.

My sister’s enemies are my enemies too. If I ever run into them, I definitely won’t let them off easy.

Chen Chuyue clenched her fists, mustered her courage, and said to Qiao Yanyu, “Sister Qiao, if you need anything, just say the word. If it comes to a fight, none of us will hold back!”

A gentle smile blossomed on Qiao Yanyu’s face. “Mm, I understand. Thank you.”

Qiao Yanyu’s smile was exceptionally beautiful, almost unfairly so. Chen Chuyue’s heart skipped a beat at the sight, worried she might become infatuated with her. To maintain her composure, she quickly averted her gaze.

Her cheeks flushed slightly, and her voice softened into a husky tone. “Ahem, Sister Qiao, you don’t need to thank me. I didn’t really help you at all. If anything, I should be the one thanking you.”

Qiao Yanyu tilted her head. “Hmm?”

Chen Chuyue kicked a pebble on the ground, a little embarrassed. “I used to think it would be incredibly difficult for a girl to survive in the apocalypse, even harder than for a man. I felt lost at first. But after meeting you, I told myself I wanted to become someone like you, to prove to those men that girls are just as strong as they are.”

“You’ve already achieved that,” Qiao Yanyu said, looking into Chen Chuyue’s determined eyes. She patted her shoulder. “You’re no less than anyone else. There’s no need to prove yourself to anyone.”

Glimmers of tears welled up in Chen Chuyue’s eyes before she hastily wiped them away with the back of her hand, regaining her cheerful demeanor and revealing her adorable, playful canines. “I always knew I could do it! Sister Qiao, don’t laugh at me. I’ve never cried in front of anyone before!”

Qiao Yanyu was infected by her smile, the joy in her eyes deepening. “Alright, I won’t tell anyone.”

Embarrassed, Chen Chuyue rubbed the seam of her pants and stepped forward. “Sister Qiao, let me help you carry Kexin. You’re carrying so much by yourself.”

Before Qiao Yanyu could refuse, Kexin, seemingly sensing the situation, launched her signature duck-bill attack, biting down on Chen Chuyue’s extended arm.

Kexin is only carried by her Master!

Kexin’s golden eyes narrowed slightly, carrying a faint hint of intimidation. As her level increased, this intimidation grew stronger.

Chen Chuyue froze under her gaze, a sudden chill running down her spine.

Qiao Yanyu patted Kexin’s small head. “Don’t bite people randomly.”

Kexin released her duck-bill grip and turned to burrow deeper into Qiao Yanyu’s embrace, her little bottom facing Chen Chuyue. “Quack~”

I’m not listening! She tried to carry me without my permission!

Qiao Yanyu tightened her arms around her little Kexin and gently asked Chen Chuyue, “Are you hurt? Do you need a bandage?”

Chen Chuyue finally looked at her arm, finding only a faint red mark that wasn’t particularly painful.

She smiled and stuck out her tongue, nonchalant. “It’s fine. Kexin didn’t bite hard; she was just playing around. Don’t blame her, Sister Qiao. All young pets are like this.”

Kexin simply didn’t like strangers touching her. Pecking was her way of asserting her boundaries, a sign that she wasn’t to be trifled with.

That’s why Chen Chuyue didn’t scold Kexin. Vigilance is an animal’s instinct for self-preservation. Forcing Kexin to abandon this instinct would do her more harm than good.

“Let me carry the mineral water for you,” Chen Chuyue said, taking the heavy case from Qiao Yanyu’s hands without waiting for permission. She walked beside Qiao Yanyu.

The two walked single file, still some distance from their resting place.

Chen Chuyue couldn’t resist opening her mouth again. “Sister Qiao, do you think these people are after the crystals? Planning something big?”

“Possible.”

“Will this place devolve into chaos then? I wonder how long they’ll hold back. I really hope things settle down soon.” Chen Chuyue shook her head, muttering, “Wherever there are people, there will be intrigue.”

Qiao Yanyu’s lips curved slightly, but she said nothing more.

Though it was unclear what these people were plotting, their current actions seemed focused on enhancing their own strength. They would likely wait until their power could rival that of the original team members and other Ability Users before making any major moves. However, this didn’t mean they wouldn’t attempt smaller maneuvers, so vigilance was necessary to avoid falling into their traps.

Returning to her team’s position, Qiao Yanyu held a brief meeting with her squad members.

Kexin, who had just woken up, heard her Master speaking with others and, feeling ignored, slipped out of Qiao Yanyu’s arms.

Outside, on a hidden patch of grass, Kexin took care of Quack!’s business. After wandering about for a while, she heard a familiar squeaking sound from a Big Rat.

Vibrating her wings, she flew over.

****

Under the moonlight, the golden duckling strutted confidently toward the Big Rat, like a wealthy landlord collecting rent in the countryside. The Big Rat trembled slightly, bowing and scraping before the golden duckling, resembling a long-suffering tenant who had owed rent for years.

Kexin paced back and forth, clearly displeased with her newly acquired underling.

The Big Rat had brought her a pile of glowing blue grass. Was this supposed to be food for Quack!?

“Ducks don’t eat grass, ducks eat meat!”

Kexin let out a fierce cry at the Big Rat: “Quack!”

The plump, gray, coal-like Big Rat, little black bean, shrank back, his eyes narrowing as his paws trembled uncontrollably: “Squeak, squeak, squeak~”

Kexin smacked the Big Rat’s head with her wing: “Quack! Quack! Quack!”

This stupid rat’s crystals are all gone. I might as well eat it!

Sensing the killing intent in Kexin’s eyes, the Big Rat frantically scratched his ears and cheeks, emitting another series of frantic squeaks.

Only then did Kexin understand what the Big Rat was trying to convey. Apparently, eating this grass would make him “better,” though he couldn’t specify exactly how.

*****

The Big Rat’s intelligence was abysmal. The only reason he could communicate with Kexin at all was because of the crystal wages she had previously given him. After eating a few, he had finally gained a glimmer of sentience.

He also knew that staying with Kexin meant regular meat meals. As the “Duck Boss’s rat,” no other rat dared bully him, so he had always loyally served as Kexin’s lackey, gathering supplies.

Animals and humans were fundamentally different. Humans might be selfish and betray each other, but animals always respected strength. A sufficiently powerful Mutated Beast would claim a territory and become the Lord of its domain.

Kexin was deeply displeased. How dare the Big Rat offer her herbs without knowing their effects? Her expression gradually turned ferocious as she glared at the rodent.

The Big Rat was nearly in tears, squeaking frantically for a long time. Finally, its clumsy brain hit upon a solution.

The Big Rat craned its neck back and forth, whispering, “Squeak, squeak, squeak~”

A small black bean-like rat stealthily emerged from the grass.

Communication between the Big Rat and the Little Rat was simple. After a flurry of squeaks, the Little Rat scurried to the pile of herbs and began nibbling.

After just one bite, the Little Rat’s body began to transform. Its claws gradually elongated, its body grew larger, and its paw-like appendages morphed into tiny human infant feet. Its coal-black face reshaped into a human child’s face. If not witnessed firsthand, one would never have guessed the human infant was the transformed Little Rat.

Kexin’s eyes widened. Flapping her wings, she instinctively took two steps back. Is this a two-legged beast like my Master?

The human infant form lasted only three seconds before reverting to the Little Rat’s shape. Now, the Little Rat was noticeably taller and more spirited than before.

After questioning the Big Rat for a while, Kexin learned that he had stumbled upon these herbs by accident. There was only a small amount left; the rest had been ruined by the other rats.

She picked up the blue herb and stored it in her Space, intending to show it to her Master.

However, halfway to her destination, she spotted two women’s figures entangled in the dim shadows.

Kexin initially ignored them, intending to pass by, but suddenly heard her Master’s voice.

“What do you want from me?” Qiao Yanyu frowned, staring at the alluringly dressed woman before her.

She had only accompanied Meng Nuo on an errand and hadn’t expected to run into Chu Ruxu.

Chu Ruxu wore high-heeled shoes and a pale blue dress. Even in the Apocalypse, her long, silky hair remained impeccably smooth, like fine brocade. A faint blush adorned her cheeks, her cat-like eyes shimmered with seductive charm, and a subtle perfume lingered around her, suggesting a life of luxury.

A flicker of surprise crossed Chu Ruxu’s face before her smile became enigmatic. She stepped closer, her breath sweet as orchids, and purred, “Miss Qiao seems to harbor considerable hostility towards me.”

Qiao Yanyu’s expression remained calm, her voice icy. “Since you’ve already figured it out, why don’t you scram?”

She tilted her head slightly, clenched her fists, and felt a wave of disgust just from glancing at Chu Ruxu. If not for the presence of Chu Ruxu’s people nearby. She worried they might surround her. She would have killed Chu Ruxu on the spot.

Chu Ruxu paused momentarily, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Her long, curled eyelashes fluttered, accentuating her naturally gentle and alluring beauty. “This is our first meeting,” she said. “Why don’t you get to know me better, Miss Qiao? Perhaps I’m not what you imagine.”

As she spoke, she took another step forward.

Now only a single step separated them. Qiao Yanyu shot her a sidelong glance, her icy gaze sending shivers down Chu Ruxu’s spine.

Chu Ruxu knew that if she moved any closer, Qiao Yanyu would kill her without hesitation.

How did it come to this?

She had presented herself in her best possible state, far removed from the disheveled appearance she’d had during their first meeting in the previous life. Her skin was well-nourished, and her fingers were whole—none had been severed by an assailant as they had before.

Chu Ruxu bit her lower lip, looking at Qiao Yanyu with reluctant defiance. “Do you really care about that girl, Meng Nuo? How did you two even meet?”

Qiao Yanyu stepped forward, drew her blade, and pressed it against Chu Ruxu’s chest. “Who do you think you are?” she demanded coldly. “To presume to interfere in my affairs!”

Chu Ruxu was terrified, staring at Qiao Yanyu in disbelief, as if unable to fathom that she would actually kill someone.

The moment Qiao Yanyu withdrew her knife, five Level 2 Ability Users armed with weapons swarmed around them, their voices menacing. “Let go of Miss Chu!”

The commotion drew the attention of nearby onlookers.

Noticing the prying gazes out of the corner of her eye, Qiao Yanyu slowly sheathed her blade. In a voice barely audible to Chu Ruxu, she said calmly, “Don’t let me run into you again. Next time, you won’t be so lucky.”

Chu Ruxu paled at the ferocity in Qiao Yanyu’s eyes. Terrified, she instinctively stumbled backward.

Before she could recover, a golden blur swooped down, its razor-sharp claws aimed at her heart. She instinctively raised her arms to protect herself. The claws pierced her smooth skin, hooked inward, and tore out a chunk of tender flesh, the wound so deep that bone was visible.

Seeing her meticulously cared-for skin torn and bleeding profusely, Chu Ruxu nearly fainted.

The others raised their weapons and swung them wildly, trying to strike down the golden figure. But they missed Kexin entirely, hitting Chu Ruxu’s injured arm instead.

With a sickening crack, the bone shattered. Chu Ruxu’s face contorted in agony as she let out a blood-curdling scream.

Kexin perched atop the mall sign, unfurled her golden wings, and looked down at the crowd below.

The overwhelming pressure of a Level 3 Mutated Beast descended like a physical force.

Not a single person dared to advance. To confront a Level 3 Mutated Beast without preparation was suicide!

Chu Ruxu glared up at Kexin, a mix of hatred and pain twisting her features. Only now did she realize how foolish she had been. How could she have forgotten that Qiao Yanyu had Kexin, that monstrous guardian, by her side?

In her previous life, Kexin had been Qiao Yanyu’s guardian angel, always swooping in to save her from danger. If Chu Ruxu hadn’t devised an ingenious trap, she would never have been able to subdue this duck.

I never expected this duck to return, and now it’s injured my arm. Even worse, I’m completely powerless against it, forced to swallow my anger and endure in silence.

Kexin remained motionless. Not a single person present dared to make a rash move.

Chu Ruxu could only press a hand against her wound, swallowing her anger as she silently forced back her tears.

Kexin, however, cared nothing for Chu Ruxu’s feelings. Seeing her entangled with her Master again, her eyes blazed with fury, consumed by a single thought: to tear Chu Ruxu to shreds.

The rose-gold flames on her wings reignited, their fluffy feathers rustling in the night breeze. Beneath the starlit sky, cold sweat instantly drenched the backs of everyone present, fearing that this Level 3 Mutated Beast might suddenly erupt in a murderous rampage, slaughtering them all.

“Kexin, come down,” Qiao Yanyu said softly.

The flames on Kexin’s wings instantly extinguished. Like a chick returning to its nest, she flew into Qiao Yanyu’s arms, nuzzling her head against her master’s arm. Her fierce gaze, however, remained fixed on the crowd surrounding them, radiating hostility.

The surrounding crowd recoiled in terror, stumbling back in unison.

Meng Nuo led her teammates through the throng, weapons at the ready, forming a protective barrier around Qiao Yanyu and Kexin like a mother hen shielding her chicks.

“Sister Qiao, just say the word if it comes to a fight. We’re all here for you!” Chen Chuyue whispered urgently.

“I’ve been itching for a fight lately. Let’s show these brats who’s boss.” Zhang Ping cracked his neck audibly, his joints popping. He and Li Youming flanked Qiao Yanyu like bodyguards, ready to brawl.

Wang Ze arrived with his own group, shoving the onlookers aside in a rage. He shielded his beloved woman behind him, leveling a menacing gun barrel and snarling, “Which one of you blind fools dares to touch my woman?!”

Qiao Yanyu suddenly felt like she was leading a gang of street thugs into a brawl. But she had always been a civilized person. How could a civilized person resort to such brutal violence?

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