Skinwalker Belle – Chapter 257 – Cannon Fodder

“A charity?”

Lin Fan looked as if she had just heard the world’s greatest joke. A glimmer danced in her golden eyes, and the curve of her lips was both captivating and dangerous.

She leaned in slightly, moving close to Lu Yuan’s ear.

Her warm breath, carrying a faint, orchid-like fragrance, brushed against the shell of his ear, but the words she spoke sent a chill down his spine, as if he’d been plunged into an icy cavern.

“Have you forgotten? We’re going to counterattack the Dragon Spirit Continent one day.”

Lin Fan’s voice was hushed, audible only to the two of them, her tone as soft as if she were whispering sweet nothings. “You saw what that damn place is like. Whether it’s the Dragon Clan or those demi-human races, every last one of them is tough-skinned and thick-hided, and they can all use Spirit Energy. When the real fight begins, won’t we need people to fill the front lines?”

Lu Yuan’s pupils contracted. He instinctively glanced at the group of survivors being herded away in the distance.

Fill the front lines.

The words were so cold.

“You mean… use them as cannon fodder?” Lu Yuan swallowed hard.

“Don’t make it sound so unpleasant.” Lin Fan extended her index finger and tapped him lightly on the shoulder. “This is called… the rational use of human resources. Besides, if it weren’t for me, none of them would be alive. Now, I give them food and shelter, and they risk their lives for me. Isn’t that a fair trade?”

At this, Lin Fan straightened up, her gaze sweeping over the ruins as she silently added in her mind:

‘Besides, they’re only valuable if they’re alive.’

She, Lin Fan, was no philanthropist.

The only reason she had spared these people was that the ability system of Blue Star’s humans was simply too interesting.

Although the Dragon Spirit Continent was rich in Spirit Energy, its methods of attack were relatively simple, basically relying on brute force from one’s Bloodline or crude Mental Strength.

But Blue Star was different.

After several years of apocalyptic baptism, all sorts of strange and varied abilities had emerged one after another.

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Never mind those far away, just look at the ones beside her.

Zhou Ming’s spatial abilities were a divine, strategic-level skill. Lu Yuan’s light abilities could be used for escaping, blinding, and even as a laser cannon.

‘Tsk, a pity they’re both men.’

Lin Fan glanced at Lu Yuan beside her, a wave of regret washing over her.

If her system could create male Skins, she would have long since peeled prime materials like Lu Yuan and Zhou Ming and turned them into Skins. Why would she need to keep up this act with them?

What a shame.

Since she couldn’t turn them into Skins, she could only use them as tools.

As for those female survivors…

Lin Fan licked her lips, her gaze turning somewhat dark and profound.

Sakurajima used to have such a developed anime industry. Could it be that the Evolved beings here had also awakened strange and unusual abilities?

Things like ninjutsu, shikigami, or illusion arts.

There were bound to be many female Evolved beings among them.

Those were all walking, high-grade Skin materials!

Since she was here, how could she justify the trip if she didn’t… scavenge the area a little?

“Long Yan.”

Lin Fan spoke abruptly, interrupting Lu Yuan’s chaotic thoughts.

Long Yan, who had been waiting nearby, immediately strode over, the armor plates clanking with a dull sound as they rubbed together.

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“Miss, what are your orders?”

“Take those people to the temporary encampment.” Lin Fan pointed toward the distant coastline. “After you get them settled, don’t let them stay idle.”

“Idle?” Long Yan was taken aback.

“My food doesn’t grow on trees,” Lin Fan said as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “There are so many ruins around here. Have them go kill the wandering Zombies and gather supplies while they’re at it. Whether it’s useful or not, as long as it’s something from this land, I want it all brought back.”

“Also, have them repair the defensive fortifications around the camp.”

Although Long Yan found his lady’s behavior—acting as both a savior and a slave driver—a bit contradictory, he still carried out the order without hesitation.

“Yes! I will make the arrangements at once!”

“Go on. I’m going to look around the area. You don’t need to follow me.” Lin Fan waved her hand. “Seeing your stern face ruins my mood for a stroll.”

The corner of Long Yan’s mouth twitched.

A stroll?

In these ruins, right after a battle?

The thought processes of the Pureblood Dragon Clan were truly beyond the comprehension of mortals.

But he didn’t dare ask further. After a salute, he turned and led a squad of soldiers, escorting the large group of survivors away.

As Long Yan’s back disappeared at the edge of the ruins, Lu Yuan finally let out a long sigh of relief, his entire body slumping.

“Phew… that guy’s finally gone.”

He always felt like prey being watched by a predator around Long Yan, completely ill at ease.

“What, afraid he’ll eat you?” Lin Fan looked at him with a faint smile.

“Not that, it’s just… a lot of pressure.” Lu Yuan rubbed his somewhat stiff face. “By the way, old pal, since the Rifts here have opened, what about the ones in Modu…”

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As the conversation turned to serious matters, Lu Yuan’s expression grew solemn.

“If the Rifts opened around the same time, Modu is probably in utter chaos right now.”

He paced back and forth anxiously. “That old fox Chu Chen is smart, but with the First Division gone, the Modu defense line won’t last long if they encounter a Dragon Clan vanguard on the level of Long Yuanshan.”

“We have to get back quickly.” Lu Yuan stopped and looked at Lin Fan with urgency. “I have a feeling that the trouble Modu is facing this time is far greater than the last Tidal wave of beasts.”

Lin Fan found his frantic appearance amusing.

This guy usually seemed so carefree, but he was quite loyal when it mattered.

“If you want to go back and show off, just say so,” Lin Fan mercilessly exposed him. “What’s all this about providing support? Don’t you just want to make a heroic entrance and enjoy the feeling of being cheered by the masses?”

“Hehe…” Lu Yuan scratched his head in embarrassment. “No need to spell it out. Just think about it, when everyone is in despair, I, Lu Yuan, descend from the heavens, one ‘Sacred Light Illumination’ blinding the entire field. That scene… tsk tsk tsk.”

As he spoke, a look of longing appeared on his face, and he even struck a pose he thought was cool.

“Alright, wipe your drool.”

Lin Fan took a disgusted step to the side.

“Since you want to go, then go.”

“Really?” Lu Yuan’s eyes lit up. “What about you? You’re not coming back with me?”

“I have things to do.”

Lin Fan turned to face the distant volcano, which looked particularly oppressive under the gloomy sky, her eyes profound.

“This Sakurajima Province may not be large, but it should have plenty of good things. Since I’m already here, I have to bring back some local specialties, right?”

Lu Yuan was stunned.

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Local specialties?

What kind of local specialties could this godforsaken place have?

Could it be those… adult films?

“Can you have a single clean thought?”

Seeing Lu Yuan’s expression turn increasingly sleazy, Lin Fan knew exactly what kind of filth was running through his mind again.

“I’m talking about resources! Crystals! And… talent!”

Lin Fan emphasized the last word.

“You go back to Modu first and help Chu Chen stabilize the situation. If you dare to lose my Modu, I’ll come back and twist his head off to use as a soccer ball.”

“Got it! Understood!”

Lu Yuan chuckled, and his entire body transformed into a streak of light, instantly soaring into the sky and speeding toward the horizon.

Watching the golden light disappear into the clouds, the smile on Lin Fan’s face gradually faded.

Finally, it was quiet.

The chatterbox Lu Yuan was gone, and the spy Long Yan had been sent away.

Now, these ruins were her personal hunting ground.

“Alright…”

She murmured softly, her voice like a demon’s whisper, dissipating into the sulfur-tinged sea breeze.

“Let’s see just how much useful ‘material’ is hidden in this place.”