After deliberations among the consortiums in major cities like New York and Boston, they reached a significant decision: to clear the lands along the Great Lakes, eradicate the locusts, and thus secure valuable land for grain cultivation. With control over grain, they could then hold the fate of ordinary people in their hands.
Consequently, these consortiums displayed uncharacteristic generosity, offering handsome rewards to soldiers participating in this operation. These rewards were sufficient to secure promotions after the war. However, even with such generous compensation, the soldiers below were still dissatisfied! Their sights turned to the beavers, known for building dams. The fur of these beavers was highly prized and could fetch a good price once harvested.
Thus, during the day, these soldiers feigned diligence, showcasing their excellent performance to gain the approval of their officers and secure higher pay. By night, however, they would venture to the beavers' nests, locate the beavers, and kill them.
These shameless soldiers referred to their actions as "earning extra income," viewing the war as a job. The pay received during the day was their salary, while the pelts from the slain beavers were their "extra income."
The pitiable beavers, already endangered and protected animals, found their environment worsening in the apocalypse rather than improving. Instead, they faced the ruthless slaughter by humans.
Countless greedy humans exploited the beavers' fur as a means of profit. After killing the beavers, they would directly seize their fur for warmth. Some even became wealthy by hunting beavers.
However, these wicked individuals would eventually face retribution. As a popular saying goes: "Good and evil are eventually rewarded; heaven's way is a cycle. If you don't believe, look up; who has heaven spared?"
As numerous soldiers enthusiastically hunted beavers, a strange illness suddenly appeared among them. Countless soldiers kept the harvested beaver pelts close, as these were valuable possessions, and their loss would undoubtedly result in significant financial damage. Some even slept clutching these pelts.
As a result, a disease suddenly struck the army. A peculiar virus resided on these pelts, capable of infecting humans. If one maintained distance, there would be no danger. Yet, these self-destructive humans insisted on sleeping with the pelts, constant contact was inevitable, and thus the virus infected humans and began to spread.
Soldiers infected with this disease experienced intense itching all over their bodies. In their desperation, they could only scratch incessantly to alleviate the itch, as it was the simplest method. However, with their scratching, the itching never ceased; instead, their skin began to fester and peel off, rendering them utterly hideous.
Given the close proximity of individuals in the army, it was inevitable for them to brush against each other during sleep. Thus, the virus transferred from one person to another. Merely touching an infected person's skin meant a high probability of contracting the virus. Patches of skin would fall off, and the entire military camp plunged into panic.
Countless individuals feared contracting the disease, terrified of their skin sloughing off. Humans possess three layers of defense, the first being the skin. Once the skin is compromised, the body's immunity inevitably suffers.
Upon discovering this strange contagious disease, the army immediately launched an investigation to determine its origin. If it was brought by some unsanitary individuals, they would be burned to death.
However, after a thorough investigation, the army discovered that the virus's emergence was due to certain soldiers secretly killing protected beavers. These mutated beavers carried a peculiar virus that had no effect on them but caused skin inflammation in humans, leading to skin loss or abscesses.
Upon realizing this, the army immediately began confiscating beaver pelts from the soldiers. Even if they knew these pelts were expensive, they were to be burned. These items were the source of infection. Had they not hunted beavers in the first place, the soldiers would have remained unharmed.
Ultimately, the soldiers who hunted beavers received severe punishment. They were isolated and treated with special medication. If they did not recover, they were to be doused with gasoline and burned to death, as this was the most effective solution for contagious diseases.
Beyond the physical suffering, these sinful soldiers also faced severe criticism from others. Almost everyone directed their anger towards these soldiers who sought "extra income," as their reckless actions had plunged the entire army into danger. Some agitated soldiers even stormed into the wards and opened fire on these offenders.
Unfortunately, it was too late to say anything. The incident had already occurred, and the contagious disease had spread throughout the army. It was now impossible to continue the locust eradication efforts, and the army's operation was forced to a halt.
Shen Feng, high in the sky, believed the operation was proceeding smoothly. His next task was to create a vortex, which would then cause thick snow to fall continuously from the sky.
However, at this moment, Shen Feng received unexpected news: a virus had appeared within the army, forcing them to halt and rest. They could only resume operations after the virus was contained.
Shen Feng could not fathom such an occurrence. Everything had been going so well, and now, suddenly, a virus attack. What did this mean?
"I've long heard of many strange viruses in North America, mostly escaped from laboratories. It seems that's indeed the case," Shen Feng mused silently.
Since the army had ceased its operations, Shen Feng saw no point in remaining airborne. He had no choice but to descend.
After Shen Feng landed, Xu Xing immediately approached him and explained the situation. "City Lord, these people brought this upon themselves. Recently, some people discovered the presence of beavers near the Great Lakes. Although these beasts have mutated, they pose no harm to humans; instead, they build dams, which are beneficial to humans. However, these individuals, in pursuit of beaver fur, hunted the beavers. Consequently, a virus on the beavers infected humans, leading to the contagious disease in the army!"
"It seems this is the inherent flaw of the Anglo-Saxon race – they are cruel and hypocritical. I wonder how long we will be delayed here!" Shen Feng said helplessly.
In Shen Feng's original plan, he intended to stay for only one month. After a month, he would receive news and then, with the national treasures, travel to the place where information about meteorites and aliens could be found. However, judging by the current situation, clearing the area around the Great Lakes within a month seemed impossible.
"Why don't you stay here to recuperate? I see that it will take some time to cure these soldiers. You tell me the alien information first, and I'll go retrieve it. Don't worry, I'm a person of my word; I will definitely return," Shen Feng directly approached Tom and stated his purpose.
Unfortunately, Tom hastily refused Shen Feng's suggestion. He understood very well that Shen Feng's abilities were their greatest asset. If Shen Feng left, their locust eradication efforts would undoubtedly face immense difficulties.
"Mr. Shen, please do not say such things. We will do our utmost to control the contagious disease within the army as quickly as possible. Please believe us; North America has sufficient means to deal with viruses and bacteria," Tom said urgently to persuade Shen Feng to stay.
"I believe you have sufficient means to control the spread of the virus, but I must also state that my time is truly limited right now. I must complete my mission and return to China as soon as possible. A month is simply too tight. I should prioritize completing the task of finding the alien information!" Shen Feng explained earnestly.
"The person who took the information is very far away, and he resides in a dangerous region. You cannot complete the task in a short period. Let us focus on eradicating the locusts. I promise to offer more gifts to retain you, Mr. Shen," Tom said seriously.
"Then what kind of gifts do you intend to offer to keep me here?" Shen Feng asked.
"Naturally, it will be Chinese cultural relics lost in other places. For every ten days you stay, I will present a precious artifact, absolutely priceless. Even if you wish to empty a museum, we will agree!" Tom replied earnestly.
Xu Xing whispered beside Shen Feng, "City Lord, our glider cannot carry too much!"
This remark was overheard by Tom, who was nearby. After all, they were all superhumans, and their hearing was very keen, making it normal to overhear whispered conversations.
Tom then stated, "It's alright. I will then provide you with a private jet. You can fly directly from here to China, and you can carry as many cultural relics as you wish!"
Tom's current plan was simple: he would spare no expense to keep Shen Feng there and prevent him from going elsewhere. Regardless of whether Shen Feng would leave, any delay would postpone the locust eradication plan.
The consortiums in major cities like New York had already united, all aiming to occupy the areas around the Great Lakes, produce grain, and control the lives of ordinary people. If Shen Feng were to leave now, their plan would be ruined. Therefore, no matter what, they had to ensure Shen Feng stayed. As for some cultural relics being taken, so be it; they were no longer important.
Shen Feng and Xu Xing discussed the matter. It seemed this was the only option available, as the information channels were controlled by the other party. As long as they did not reveal the whereabouts of the alien information, they had no way to search for it. Now, they could only pray for the swift end of this viral outbreak.
"In that case, I can only trust that you can control the spread of the virus. Fortunately, this virus is transmitted through contact. As long as the infected patients are isolated and the water supply is controlled, these soldiers can be cured quickly," Shen Feng said resignedly.
Shen Feng truly felt that the armies in North America were entirely responsible for their own predicament. If they had not coveted the profits from the pelts, they would not have triggered this series of subsequent accidents. Unfortunately, it was too late to say anything now.
In the areas of the Great Lakes that the army had traversed, the beavers had been largely killed. The dams built by the beavers were dismantled, and their nests destroyed. If the soldiers had continued in their previous manner, all beavers in the Great Lakes region would have been exterminated. Fortunately, a turning point had occurred.
A special virus resided on the beavers. This virus had no effect on the beavers, but humans who came into contact with it would fall ill. This was a zoonotic disease, and it was through this virus that the soldiers' intentions towards the beavers were successfully thwarted.
Countless soldiers had died from the viral infection. Upon seeing beavers, the soldiers' first thought was not how to kill them, but rather how to avoid them to prevent contracting the disease.
In this regard, the beavers were able to ensure the continuation of their species thanks to the virus that inhabited them.