Chapter 551: Laying the Cards on the Table

Kong Sheng’s words had everyone nodding in agreement.

Meng Siyu rested her chin on her hand in frustration. “If he joins the investigation team, I’m applying for a transfer to another squad. Hmph!”

Everyone knew she was just venting.

Squad assignments were determined by the higher-ups—switching teams wasn’t that easy.

The usually silent sharpshooter, Qi Guangming, suddenly spoke up.

“What if… we don’t report his achievements to the district? Then he wouldn’t be able to become our captain, would he?”

The moment he said this, the room fell into stunned silence!

Not because no one else had thought of it—

But because no one had dared to say it out loud.

Withholding information and hiding key intelligence was a serious crime.

If the higher-ups in the district found out, they could be labeled as traitors and executed!

Meng Siyu stared at him in shock. “Are you insane? How can you even suggest that?”

Qi Guangming took a deep breath and spread his hands.

“I was just thinking out loud.”

The group fell into a heavy silence. This topic was too dangerous.

But despite themselves, they all found their gazes drifting toward the door.

With Bian Junwu dead, Vice Captain Baili Changqing had taken over as the temporary leader. He was the most respected member of the squad now.

If they were going to do this, the decision had to come from him.

Zhang Yi led Baili Changqing away from the others.

They entered a quiet room next door, which happened to be a recreational billiards room.

Zhang Yi leaned against the pool table, dropping the arrogant smirk from his face.

His sharp gaze locked onto Baili Changqing.

“Brother Baili, do you support me becoming the captain?”

Baili Changqing’s eyes flickered with an unreadable emotion, but he maintained a friendly smile.

“With the merit you’ve earned, even without my support, the higher-ups would likely choose you.”

Zhang Yi nodded.

“You’re right.”

“As long as you report my achievements truthfully, and given my current strength, the higher-ups will have no choice but to appoint me as captain.”

Baili Changqing took a deep breath through his nose.

“I don’t want to discourage you, but things aren’t as simple as you think.”

“There are only six elite investigation teams in all of Jiangnan District. Each one is formed through a rigorous selection process, consisting of the strongest Superhumans.”

“And the selection of a captain is even stricter—it’s practically inhumane.”

“Even though you’ve achieved great things, you’re still a newcomer.”

Baili Changqing scratched the back of his head and gave a sheepish smile.

“Of course, I’m not saying it’s impossible. I just don’t want you to get your hopes up too high, so consider this a little reality check.”

Zhang Yi chuckled. “I appreciate your concern. But I’m confident.”

Baili Changqing’s expression tightened.

He looked at Zhang Yi. “Can I ask you something? Your current strength… exactly how strong are you?”

“Stronger than Bian Junwu.”

Zhang Yi answered before he could even finish his sentence.

At this point, Zhang Yi had developed abilities that were even more powerful than Bian Junwu’s [Annihilation]—and without any side effects.

In terms of overall combat ability, he had already surpassed the former captain.

Baili Changqing was momentarily stunned, then a look of realization crossed his face.

His fists clenched unconsciously, but he quickly relaxed them.

He looked at Zhang Yi and smiled. “You might already be at the Epsilon-tier of Superhumans. If that’s the case, then you do have the qualifications to be our captain.”

Epsilon-tier—a level of Superhuman so powerful that ordinary logic no longer applied to them.

If Zhang Yi had truly reached this level, then no matter how many flaws he had, he was still more than qualified to be captain.

Zhang Yi pondered for a moment before shaking his head. “I don’t think I’m quite there yet.”

Bian Junwu had once explained that Delta-tier was a major dividing line for Superhumans.

The biggest difference was whether or not someone possessed the [Devour] ability.

Beyond that, the distinctions between tiers were much more ambiguous.

Most of the time, classification was determined by specialized scientific institutions within major factions.

Otherwise, only Epsilon-tier Superhumans themselves could accurately judge their own level.

Based on his own experience, Zhang Yi was certain he hadn’t reached that stage yet.

After all, when Yuan Kongye had just ascended to Epsilon-tier, the power he displayed was nothing short of apocalyptic.

Baili Changqing smiled. “The more you downplay yourself, the more confident you sound.”

Zhang Yi noticed a hint of disappointment on Baili Changqing’s face.

If Zhang Yi’s strength was similar to his, he might still have a shot at becoming captain.

But now, he knew he was far weaker.

Zhang Yi was young, yet overwhelmingly powerful.

If Zhang Yi became captain, Baili Changqing might never have another chance in his lifetime.

But then, Zhang Yi’s lips curled into a meaningful smile.

“What’s wrong? Are you giving up so easily?”

Baili Changqing frowned. “What do you mean by that?”

Zhang Yi waved a hand dismissively. “Come on, don’t pretend. You really don’t want to be captain?”

Baili Changqing let out a hearty laugh.

“Well, maybe I did consider it in the past. But—” his expression grew serious, and he looked Zhang Yi in the eyes. “The investigation team needs a strong leader. You’re more qualified than I am.”

The investigation team constantly danced on the edge of life and death.

They were all elite warriors, but in this apocalyptic world, no one could claim invincibility.

To maintain order in Jiangnan District, they often had to face unimaginable threats.

They had already lost several teammates in the past.

And in the battle for Tianhai City, even their strongest captain had perished.

At a time like this, ambition was natural—but it could never take priority over survival.

However, Zhang Yi’s response took him by surprise.

“That’s not entirely true. In reality, I wasn’t the biggest reason Yuan Kongye was defeated.”

His eyes locked onto Baili Changqing’s, his tone firm.

“It was your investigation team.”

Baili Changqing’s body stiffened, his expression turning to one of disbelief.

The mission had technically been a success, but Bian Junwu’s death and Zhang Yi’s overwhelming achievements had left them all feeling defeated.

And now, Zhang Yi was claiming that they had been the real key to victory?

“Zhang Yi, what are you trying to say? Everyone knows that you killed Yuan Kongye. Without you, we wouldn’t have stood a chance against an Epsilon-tier Superhuman.”

Author's Note