If Javier and Leon hadn't broken through Raymond's encirclement and escaped, the Merchant would have probably driven his speedboat and fled first.
After all, he also had a Plaga parasite inside him that needed to be removed, so he naturally couldn't wait for disposable pawns like Javier and Leon.
However, they weren't pawns anymore, because Javier and Leon had passed the test and become the Merchant's partners.
"Hey, my friends,"
"I'm glad to see you're still alive here. I suppose your escape means you've killed Raymond, the castle lord, and passed my test."
As soon as they approached,
the Merchant greeted Javier and the others first, opening his arms and chuckling in welcome, still in his familiar heavy black trench coat.
His face was obscured by a dark hood and a purple face mask, and his cloudy eyes were bloodshot. He seemed to retain his sanity, but he was also nearly completely eroded by the Plaga parasite.
"We did pass the test,"
"But what surprised us was that you actually helped prepare a speedboat. However, the monsters at the Isolated Island Base are not much easier to deal with than those in Salazar Castle. What's more, those infected soldiers like you can use firearms. Do you think we can really get through?"
Facing the Merchant's greeting,
Luis responded politely, but... thinking of the soldiers stationed on the Isolated Island, Luis was troubled. Salazar Castle took so much effort, so the Isolated Island would probably be even more difficult.
At the same time, in short,
he was indirectly asking the Merchant, if the enemies on the Island were so strong, didn't he prepare more and stronger weapons and equipment? Relying on these broken things in hand, it would probably be very difficult to get through!
"Hehehe…"
"I think you might not need to worry about that. You are now my very important partners, so naturally I will give you all my hidden weapons and equipment to use. After all, the further you go, the more opportunities I have to clear the Plaga parasite from my body."
Hearing Luis's words,
the Merchant also understood the hidden meaning in his words, quickly spread his hands and chuckled, leading everyone slowly closer to the speedboat, only to find a large pile of items arranged at the back of the speedboat.
These were the weapons and equipment for resupply, and what was even more surprising was that Javier seemed to see familiar weapons and equipment among them.
The American M202 66mm four-barreled rocket launcher—
also commonly known as the four-barreled rocket launcher,
was a weapon Javier had used in Biohazard 0 and 23. This thing had strong firepower, could carry a large number of shells, and could even fire four shells simultaneously. Its destructive power was much stronger than a simple RPG, and its only drawback was that it consumed a lot of ammunition. Other than that, it was not a problem!
In addition,
the Merchant also brought many portable explosive arrows, which he probably noticed from Ada's crossbow earlier. This thing could be used with the crossbow to create very good killing effects.
Of course,
the most eye-catching items should still be the M16A1 assault rifles placed nearby. These were rare advanced rifles from the 21st century, no longer the old veterans from World War I and II.
Moreover, the M16A1 assault rifle was not a weapon despised by everyone in games. In fact, the real M16 series is considered one of the best assault rifles in the world after the AK series, and also one of the ten famous guns, used by over a hundred countries.
At the same time,
the AKM and M16 are also the subject of ongoing debates among military enthusiasts, who argue about which weapon is better. In reality, both have their own advantages, just different adaptability.
There was even a big rumor that during the Vietnam War, the US military's M16 rifle, because it used 5.56mm caliber bullets, would suffer from incomplete gunpowder combustion in the barrel,
leading to the defect of residual gunpowder accumulation. There were even rumors that the US military would throw away their M1s.
In reality,
the defect of incomplete gunpowder combustion leading to carbon powder accumulation was solved after logistical bigwigs issued firearm cleaning tools. The subsequent improved M16A1 completely eliminated this problem, so the previous statement is almost a big rumor.
The AKM's advantages are low maintenance cost and durability. Due to its simple structure, it can adapt well to any environment, and the firearm uses 7.62mm caliber bullets, which have considerable power. These are almost universally recognized.
However, its disadvantages are high cost, excessive weight, and a structure that is too simple to carry too much other additional equipment.
Note,
the high cost here refers to the high cost of a legitimate AKM. In fact, AKM rifle parts require technologically advanced major countries to manufacture them properly.
Regular customers in regions like Vietnam, Myanmar, the Middle East, and Africa often use rough, handmade craftsmanship. While usable, these handmade AKMs actually have a very high failure rate and are not as durable as AKMs produced on the production lines of large Soviet nations.
Therefore,
don't get confused. It's the Soviet AKM that is durable, not the handmade AKMs from Vietnam, Myanmar, the Middle East, or Africa.
The quality of AKM rifles on the market is actually uneven. Don't just listen to someone say it's an AKM and rush to buy it, thinking it's very sturdy and durable. Who knows who its manufacturer is?
Furthermore, the excessive weight is normal. After all, it's a high-power 7.62mm caliber rifle, so it's normal for it to be heavier than other comparable rifles.
As for the simple structure preventing it from carrying too much additional equipment, that's even easier to understand. The AKM's design is like an initial weapon with very high base stats; its lower limit is very high, but its upper limit is clearly there.
Due to structural issues, it cannot install overly complex scopes, grips, and other tactical equipment, but when the battle situation becomes complex, the AKM's disadvantages will gradually become apparent.
At this point, it's no longer a matter of 'wild punches defeating the master' tactics, but simply a problem of not being able to hit the target.
Others can kill you from hundreds of meters away, and you're trying to hit people with iron sights, isn't that ridiculous? The AKM can be equipped with high-magnification scopes, but it's not practical, and that's its drawback.
The M16 series, on the other hand, is the opposite. It doesn't have high-caliber bullets, only 5.56mm caliber, and in terms of durability, it really can't compare to its big brother, the AKM.
However, the M16's advantage lies in its portability. It is composed of aluminum, steel, and plastic materials, making it very lightweight and highly accurate.
Moreover, due to the structural characteristics of the M16, it can be extensively modified. Many firearm enthusiasts have their own customized and unique M16 rifles.
If you were in a harsh desert or muddy jungle environment, you definitely wouldn't want to be stuck with an M16, but if you were in urban combat, you certainly wouldn't want to be a simpleton with an AKM.
So these two firearms each have their own advantages, but if Javier had to choose at this moment, he would still choose the M16, after all, the environment of the Isolated Island Base is not too harsh, and a more accurate firearm would be more desirable...
Chapter 79: Isolated Island Base
The five M16 assault rifles on the speedboat were all excellently tuned and modified, equipped with scopes of a certain magnification.
There were even additional infrared sights and flashlights, etc., already belonging to very sophisticated modern military equipment.
Large quantities of magazines, ammunition, grenades, molotov cocktails, flashbangs, and other throwables were replenished, and there was even the addition of defensive equipment like bulletproof vests, which greatly increased the margin for error.
Most importantly, the addition of heavy weapons like the four-barreled rocket launcher could take down a large number of boss monsters, which could be said to be foolproof preparation.
"..."
"Modern equipment, a rare sight, truly nostalgic. Although the old veterans of World War II were also very handy, these weapons are ultimately more practical and refined,"
Looking at the large amount of weapons and equipment on the speedboat, Leon tried them out and was very satisfied, his face filled with nostalgia.
At the same time, he quickly put on the bulletproof vest, including a large number of magazines and grenades hanging from his waist, immediately completing his full combat gear.
And not only that,
Javier and Leon also immediately got their hands on some, but due to the special nature of the qipao dress,
Ada did not put on the bulletproof vest; it was too awkward. She quickly slung an M16 over her back and carried the explosive arrows, then was fully prepared.
Of course,
as a partner, the Merchant also had no intention of just sitting back and enjoying the fruits of their labor. He took off the huge, heavy mountaineering backpack on his back and put on all his weapons and equipment.
Now that they had arrived at the Isolated Island Base, the Merchant was not going to let Javier and the others continue to be cannon fodder scouts; he would participate himself.
"Are you ready?"
"If you're ready, get on the boat quickly. Time is running out. Not to mention the Plaga parasite in my body, just that young girl beside you will probably collapse before me."
At this moment,
the Merchant, fully dressed, immediately jumped into the driver's seat of the speedboat, turned his head and asked the crowd, his cloudy gaze falling on the unconscious Ashley.
Due to the previous scorching from the fire and black smoke, Ashley's body was extremely weak, which gave the Plaga parasite an opportunity to grow.
Her fair cheeks, besides being covered in black ash, were also riddled with various crimson blood vessels and veins, which was still a sign of the Plaga parasite beginning to parasitize and grow—
According to speculation,
Ashley might not even last through the night. After all, no one could guarantee whether any accidents would occur along the way. What if, like last time, Ashley was directly reawakened by Sadler, the cult leader, using the Plaga parasite staff? That would be very troublesome.
"Alright, let's set sail immediately!"
"But listening to you and Luis, there should be even more guards on the Isolated Island Base. Is there any way to safely infiltrate inside? Because I feel that for just five or six of us to try and take down their stronghold, it might be a bit too fantastical."
Seeing this, Leon didn't hesitate.
After gently placing Ashley on the seat at the front of the speedboat, he leaped onto the speedboat himself and asked. As a knight, he had to safely escort this princess to his castle; nothing could go wrong.
"Don't worry about that,"
"I've been in and out of the Isolated Island Base dozens of times, and I already know where I can go and where I can't. There's a mine shaft below the Isolated Island Base, and we can infiltrate through the railway at the bottom of the mine shaft, which can avoid contact with most of the stationed infected soldiers."
"Of course, having said that, if an accident occurs, we will still have to fight when necessary, so don't be too naive in your thinking, like completely avoiding all soldiers and directly reaching the Institute. That's too unrealistic."
Facing Leon's inquiry,
the Merchant waved his hand and answered calmly, reassuring Leon that he had a special secret passage to avoid most of the infected soldiers. However, once they left the mine, they would still have to fight where necessary.
And one by one,
Javier, Ada, and Luis slowly boarded the speedboat, including the White Wolf. As Luis passed by the Merchant,
he kindly took out a tube of Plaga parasite inhibitor from his pocket and gave it to the Merchant, explaining its function.
This injectable inhibitor had a very good suppressive effect on the Plaga parasite, but its only drawback was that it could only be used once.
The Plaga parasite had considerable drug resistance, and a second injection would basically be useless. That's why Luis gave the extra inhibitor he had to the Merchant.
After all, he knew the Merchant was infected with the Plaga parasite, rather than continuing to inject Ashley with the inhibitor.
In response,
the Merchant also accepted it with a smile. Although the inhibitor was temporarily useless to him, it was Luis's kindness, and it might come in handy sometime, so he didn't refuse.
"Click...!"
"Boom—!!!"
The engine started, a roar sounded,
and the Merchant immediately steered the speedboat forward into the turbulent sea. It was very fast, and in a short while, it was speeding through the cold water, slowly approaching the Isolated Island Base.
"Splash, splash…"
"Whoosh…"
The waves were incredibly turbulent,
and the splashing seawater hit everyone's skin, causing a chilling sensation. Coupled with the cold sea breeze, it made people shiver involuntarily.
"Ugh…"
"Leon, Leon… Where are you? Leon…!"
Just then, as if startled awake by the cold sea breeze, the unconscious Ashley gradually showed signs of waking up. Her slender, fair hand tightly squeezed Leon's wrist.
Her long eyelashes trembled slightly, and her tightly closed eyes anxiously called out in her dream. It seemed she was having some kind of nightmare…
"Ashley, Ashley,"
"Don't be afraid, I'm here. I won't abandon you and leave you alone. Wake up…"
Facing Ashley's unusual behavior, Leon quickly grasped Ashley's fair wrist and gently and kindly comforted her in her ear, diligently playing the role of a guardian knight.
"No… don't! Ah!!!"
But—
Even so,
Ashley, deep in her nightmare, still couldn't find relief. Instead, her expression became even more agitated, her nails digging tightly into Leon's skin,
even leaving marks. Finally, with a piercing, terrified scream, Ashley completely escaped from the nightmare.
"Huff, huff…"
Gasping for air,
Ashley was covered in sweat, her golden short hair incredibly messy, as if she had slept with her head covered by a blanket. The moment she saw Leon,
Ashley excitedly reached out and hugged Leon, burying her head deep in his chest, seeking temporary warmth.
She had just… had an indescribable nightmare.
Ashley dreamed that she was controlled by Sadler, the leader of The Illuminados. That ugly guy forced her onto an altar, ordering the cultists to feed her a large cup of black holy water.