When he gave the order for the Tomorrow to head northwest, Li Ye began formulating a battle plan.

According to his plan, the main force for this amphibious operation would be Convoy One, Convoy Two, and the Storm Infantry Vehicle.

The Tomorrow would anchor nearby to provide artillery support.

After all, it was currently in water-navigation mode and couldn't operate on land. Reconfiguring the Tomorrow back into land-driving mode would take at least two to three hours—too long in a combat scenario and likely to delay critical opportunities.

A dozen minutes later, as Li Ye stood in the Watchtower, enjoying the breeze and the view as part of his routine, he spotted a small island ahead.

The island was long and narrow, like a black mountain ridge lying across the water’s surface.

When Li Ye raised his binoculars and saw clearly, his expression changed.

It wasn’t an island at all—but the half-submerged corpse of a giant beast.

Initial estimates placed the beast’s size at nearly a thousand meters when alive.

The remains had clearly been soaking in the lake for a very long time. Its spine, jagged like a saw blade, pierced the water’s surface, each vertebra the size of a bell tower, overgrown with aquatic plants and algae.

Its head tilted downward, half-sunken in the water, with only the hollow right eye facing the sky.

The eye socket was large enough to fit an entire building.

What shocked Li Ye most was that nestled within the giant beast’s remains was actually a human Floating Town.

This Survivor Town was built right into the carcass of the giant beast.

It was primarily situated in the beast’s chest cavity.

The survivors had constructed layered wooden shacks and corrugated iron sheds there, with the remaining skin and ribs of the beast serving as natural windbreaks and shelters from the elements.

The tusks from its lower jaw had become a natural dock, with boats tied to the curved fangs by mooring ropes, gently bobbing with the waves.

There was even a spotlight installed in the beast’s right eye socket.

At this moment, everyone aboard the Tomorrow gathered along the deck’s edge, watching the distant scene and exclaiming in awe.

Li Ye waved his hand.

“Let’s go have a look!”

After the Tomorrow let out two long and one short whistle, the Survivor Town built within the beast responded.

They had no whistles and mainly used the spotlight to signal.

The light blinked—two long and one short—signaling agreement to communicate.

The Tomorrow soon slowly anchored beside the giant beast’s remains.

Not long after, the person in charge of the Survivor Town came to receive them.

She was a Western-looking woman in her early thirties, with her hair tied in a ponytail and glasses on her face, looking every bit the scholar.

“Welcome to Wreckage Town. I’m the person in charge here—Lani.” She shook hands with Li Ye.

Li Ye’s eyes fell on the clothes she was wearing.

It was an old, heavily-washed white lab coat uniform.

On the chest of the uniform were the words: “Titan Throne.”

Noticing Li Ye’s gaze, Lani shrugged and began introducing herself.

There were many powerful organizations in the Wasteland that spanned across multiple zones or even the entire world.

Titan Throne was one of the world-class organizations.

Titan Throne focused on researching various monsters in the Wasteland, but what fascinated them the most were...

Emperor Beasts.

They typically possessed massive bodies, tenacious vitality and defenses, astonishing regenerative powers, and destructive capabilities that were jaw-dropping.

Each Emperor Beast was the supreme ruler of the zone it occupied.

Lani snapped her fingers.

“As you can see, this giant beast’s remains are one of them.”

“How did this Emperor Beast come to be?” Li Ye asked, surprised.

Lani smiled faintly.

Rather than explaining immediately, she first asked Li Ye a question.

“What do you think of the monsters in the Wasteland?”

Li Ye pondered briefly before replying.

“Very intelligent—unimaginably intelligent.”

Antfolk, Goblins, Boarmen, Serpentfolk... these monsters in the Wasteland had intelligence nearly equal to that of humans.

They knew how to use tools, how to build defensive fortifications, and even how to operate vehicles.

That’s why they posed such a massive threat to human survival.

Lani nodded and said:

“Not only are they smart—they evolve.”

“What?”

The monsters in the Wasteland... could evolve?

Lani revealed a shocking truth to Li Ye.

At the beginning of the great cataclysm in this world, the monsters that emerged were extremely fragile.

Human survivors could easily gun them down—there was little to no threat.

But as time passed, the monsters began to evolve.

Take Level 1 monsters like Antfolk, for example.

Initially, they were small in size, low in intelligence, and only capable of hunting through swarm tactics.

But over time, Antfolk began to evolve hard carapaces that could resist ordinary bullets, claws sharp enough to rip through enemies, and even branched out into elite types like “Burrowers” and “Heavy Carapace Guards.”

They also gradually awakened self-awareness and learned how to counter humans.

Survival of the fittest, natural selection.

The evolution of monsters followed the same law.

During this collective evolution, many weaker monsters were weeded out.

Likewise, Wild BOSSes could also evolve.

These once-stupid and brutal giant beasts honed themselves through repeated battles, learning how to capitalize on their strengths and avoid their weaknesses, learning how to evolve stronger combat abilities, learning how to think...

“Among them, a rare few broke through one limit after another and ultimately grew into Emperor Beasts,” Lani said in a low voice.

“So that’s how it is...” Li Ye murmured.

Lani added one more point.

Emperor Beasts had no levels.

As the kings among monsters, they showcased their strength solely by destroying their enemies.

“According to data from Titan Throne, this Emperor Beast once easily destroyed a Level 4 Mobile City,” Lani said lightly.

“What? A Level 4 Mobile City? Easily?” Old Zhou beside Li Ye quivered as he spoke.

At that moment, everyone’s faces were filled with disbelief.

After all, they had witnessed the combat capabilities of a Level 2 Mobile City—and even that was overwhelming for the Tomorrow. What kind of power would a Level 4 Mobile City have?

Lani smiled slightly again and gently patted a massive rib bone standing by the town’s edge.

“This Emperor Beast came from the ocean. Its name is The Fallen Rak.”

“Ocean?”

Li Ye’s expression quickly turned serious.

“Is the Wasteland Zone close to the sea?” he asked.

Lani shook her head.

“I don’t know. I’ve lived in Serene Lake since I was a child and have never left the Wasteland Zone.”

According to her, a long time ago, Titan Throne received a report from an Exploration Team stationed in the Wasteland Zone.

They claimed to have discovered the remains of an Emperor Beast.

Titan Throne immediately dispatched the nearest Mobile City for research.

After completing their research and extracting all valuable parts from the Emperor Beast’s remains, Titan Throne prepared to withdraw all personnel.

Only two members chose to stay behind—they were Lani’s parents.

They were part of the Exploration Team that first discovered The Fallen Rak and had spent the longest time studying it.

Years of companionship had made them feel they should stay with Rak.

No sooner said than done—Lani’s parents remained and gathered the survivors on the lake to establish Wreckage Town together.

“Miss Lani, why is this Emperor Beast called ‘The Fallen’?” asked Lin Wu.

“Because it fled here from the sea.”

Lani smiled brightly.

Titan Throne catalogued and studied all known Emperor Beasts—Rak was no exception.

After decades of tracing and investigation, Titan Throne discovered that the Wasteland Zone was not Rak’s home.

It had come from a much more distant ocean.

Originally, it was a Level 1 Wild BOSS known as the “Sea-Dominating Lizard.”

After a prolonged period of development, it finally evolved into an Emperor Beast.

“Though it stood at the top of the Wasteland’s food chain, Rak wasn’t even notable in the ocean,” Lani said with a hint of regret. “There were far too many creatures stronger than it.”

Researchers speculated that during a battle, the Emperor Beast suffered serious injuries. Its enemy pursued it relentlessly, forcing it to flee onto land.

Rak’s fatal wound came from its abdomen being suddenly compressed, causing irreparable damage to its internal organs.

Researchers deduced from the marks on Rak’s abdomen that its attacker had used a tentacle two to three hundred meters wide.

“That must’ve been an Emperor Beast too, right? A tentacle two or three hundred meters wide—not even accounting for the length...” Tang Fang muttered. “Just how big is its main body?”

Following his thought, the group shuddered.

Lani clapped her hands with a smile.

“That’s the charm of Emperor Beasts!”

Li Ye thought for a moment, then asked the question he cared about most.

“Do Emperor Beasts drop resources upon death?”

Lani nodded.

“Of course. After all, they evolved from Wild BOSSes. But the premise is—you have to be able to defeat them.”

“......”

Lani also told Li Ye that every part of an Emperor Beast was valuable.

Its blood and flesh were rich in energy and nutrients, and prolonged use could greatly enhance the physique. Its bones were highly versatile materials, suitable for crafting a variety of items.

As he nodded, Li Ye glanced up at Rak’s massive remains overhead and noticed its empty heart cavity and skull—both bore clear signs of removal.

“Where did the brain and heart of this Emperor Beast go?” he asked.

“Oh, our organization took them,”

Lani answered with a smile.

“For research purposes only.”

......

Over an hour later, the Tomorrow arrived at the island where the Giant Minotaur Beast resided.

Upon seeing a Mobile City approaching, the Minotaurs in the watchtower on the shore immediately raised the alarm.

But the next second, the entire watchtower was blasted apart by artillery fire.

Startled Minotaurs swarmed out in response.

Some piloted motorboats to attack, while others manned beach cannons and fired at the Tomorrow.

Under Helmsman Tang Fang’s control, the Tomorrow began performing Mobile Evasion maneuvers.

Combat personnel on the deck operated Level 1 Heavy Machine Guns to strafe the incoming motorboats.

It had to be said—these Level 1 weapons were particularly effective against speedboats.

Under the dense firepower, the Minotaurs and their boats were shredded like sieves.

Gunner Ning Wen targeted enemy artillery positions and systematically eliminated them.

The once-tranquil beach was instantly engulfed in smoke and fire.

As the Minotaurs massed for a counterattack, movement suddenly rippled across the nearby water.

Before the monsters’ stunned eyes, the Storm Infantry Vehicle burst out from underwater, charging onto the beach.

Prior to the assault, Li Ye had ordered the Storm Infantry Vehicle to enter the water via a lift platform and approach the island stealthily.

As its Stinger Autocannon and Rattler Machine Gun opened fire, the Minotaurs were struck down in droves.

After several volleys of concentrated artillery fire, the Minotaurs’ beach defenses were completely wiped out.

The Storm Infantry Vehicle patrolled back and forth, mopping up the surviving Minotaurs.

Once the beach was confirmed secure, the Tomorrow slowly came ashore and deployed Convoy One and Convoy Two via lift platform.

Just then, an angry roar echoed from afar.

A massive figure burst from the depths of the island.

It was the Giant Minotaur Beast. Clad in moss and vine-woven armor and wielding a giant axe, it made the ground tremble with every step.

A horde of Minotaurs surrounded it in a protective formation.

“Begin the operation.”

With Li Ye’s command, the Tomorrow opened fire.

The deck’s cannons and Heavy Machine Guns launched a ferocious bombardment on the Giant Minotaur Beast.

A dense firepower net immediately enveloped it.

Convoy One, Convoy Two, and the Storm Infantry Vehicle charged forward, engaging the surrounding Minotaurs.

As a Wild BOSS, the Giant Minotaur Beast had formidable defenses.

The first round of fire from the Tomorrow didn’t inflict much damage.

Li Ye then ordered all Level 1 Cannons to fire simultaneously.

In an instant, rolling explosions and rising frost engulfed the Giant Minotaur Beast, blasting its body with widespread injuries.

Convoy One, Convoy Two, and the Storm Infantry Vehicle quickly eliminated the remaining Minotaurs and joined the encirclement.

They kept their distance from the Giant Minotaur Beast, unloading bullets and rockets upon it.

Under overwhelming firepower, the Giant Minotaur Beast gradually began to falter.

With another coordinated salvo from the Level 1 Cannons, the Giant Minotaur Beast’s body finally collapsed.

It let out a final wail before crashing to the ground.

Amid the joy, a trace of surprise flickered in Li Ye’s eyes.

The Tomorrow had developed so quickly. Before he knew it, it could already take on a Wild BOSS solo.

After confirming the death of the Giant Minotaur Beast and the complete elimination of the Minotaurs, Li Ye led everyone onto the island to begin tallying the loot.

【4574 Crystal Coins.】

【1178 units of Level 1 Iron Ore, 623 units of Level 1 Coal, 420 units of Level 1 Fuel.】

【378 units of Tough Minotaur Hide.】

【Level 1 City Accessory Blueprint – Wild Bull Sail】

【Level 1 City Weapon – Beast Axe】

“Hmm, a city accessory blueprint for water-based use dropped this time?” Li Ye’s spirits lifted.

He proceeded to carefully examine the blueprint.

【Wild Bull Sail – Blueprint】

【Item Name: Wild Bull Sail】

【Item Grade: Level 1】

【Attached Effects: 1. Increases toughness by 20% 2. Fireproof 3. Increases Mobile City water navigation speed by 3%】

【Crafting Requirements: 400 units of Tough Minotaur Hide (Level 1), 50 units of Wood (Level 1)】

“A decent water navigation city accessory, though the speed boost is a bit low,” Li Ye commented.

Not only the Giant Minotaur Beast—Minotaurs also dropped Tough Minotaur Hide, though not in as large quantities as the Wild BOSS.

Normal-grade Minotaurs dropped some Crystal Coins and scattered Iron Ore and Cloth. Elite-grade Minotaurs had better drops—some yielded 40 Crystal Coins at once, others dropped 5 units of hide in one go.

To Li Ye’s surprise, he even found a blueprint on an elite Minotaur.

【Item Name: Can-Opener】

【Item Grade: Normal】

【Attached Effects: None】

【Crafting Requirements: 0.5 units of Iron Ore (Level 1)】

This was still a small but useful improvement to living conditions.

From the Minotaurs, Li Ye gathered a total of 1252 Crystal Coins, 132 units of Iron Ore, 73 units of Cloth, and 124 units of Tough Minotaur Hide.

Li Ye looked at the loot before him with satisfaction.

This solo Wild BOSS fight had been relatively easy—and came with so many spoils.

If only he could run into a Wild BOSS every day—what a delight that would be.

As for the Level 2 item dropped by the Giant Minotaur Beast, it turned out to be a complex large-scale mechanical device.

【Item Name: “Pure Source” City Water Purification System】

【Item Grade: Level 2】

【Attached Effects: 1. Increases wastewater recovery rate by 50% 2. Can filter and eliminate 99% of impurities, bacteria, and chemical pollutants 3. Reduces energy consumption by 70%】

Half skeptical, Li Ye approached a nearby pond and scooped up a glass of water.

The water was murky and emitted a faint stench.

After being processed through the City Water Purification System, it turned into a clear glass of clean water.

Li Ye took a sip and found the taste surprisingly decent.

“Truly a great find.”

Water quality in the Wasteland’s lakes and ponds varied greatly, and most were terrible.

Previously, the Tomorrow used standard filters that only barely produced drinkable water—some people even got diarrhea from it.

Now, everyone would have clean water to drink.

Li Ye then hauled all the loot onto the Tomorrow.

As for the Beast Axe, which stood over a dozen meters tall—it was a melee-type city weapon. In close combat, a Mobile City could wield it to strike enemies with great force.

This kind of melee weapon was typically only equipped by defensive-type cities.

After finishing everything, he didn’t rush to leave.

Now that this island had effectively been claimed by the Tomorrow, they could take some time to rest and recover here.

There might even be mines, logging fields, or rare ore veins hidden on the island.

Thus, Li Ye ordered the Tomorrow to dock temporarily for rest.