Beads of sweat rolled down Yan Pengcheng’s forehead and slid down his cheeks. He didn’t dare wipe them away, letting them drip onto the collar of his military uniform.
“Yes, Vice Commander Zhuang. I understand.”
Zhuang Heng nodded slightly, his tone softening a fraction, though the oppressive aura remained undiminished.
“The 3rd Mobile Brigade’s mission is more than just taking down a vagrant nest.”
He held up three fingers.
“First, determine exactly when this ‘Terminal Station’ appeared, who built it, and what technology they used. Find out why it remains unscathed under artillery fire and during the Death Tide.”
“Second, identify its owner, their background, and their objective. Determine if they are an independent power or if there is someone pulling the strings from behind the scenes.”
“Third—” His voice suddenly grew heavy. “If possible, seize control of that place.”
Colonel Yan looked up sharply.
Zhuang Heng stared at him, a sharp light flickering in his triangular eyes. “A building that remains unharmed by artillery and the Death Tide, a management system that attracts vagrants like moths to a flame, and a power model that can expand rapidly in the Ruin Zone—”
“These things are worth ten thousand times more than two thousand pariahs.”
“If we can make them ours, it will be a significant entry on both of our merit lists.”
Colonel Yan took a deep breath and nodded solemnly. “I understand.”
Zhuang Heng waved a hand. “Go. You are in full command of this operation. Report back as soon as you have news.”
“Yes, sir.”
The holographic image dissipated, the pale blue light flickered out, and the hum of the communication device ceased.
Silence returned to the office.
Colonel Yan stood there, staring at the darkened equipment for a few seconds.
Then, he turned, pushed open the office door, and stepped into the large conference room outside.
Over twenty adjutants and staff members stood up simultaneously.
Colonel Yan’s gaze swept across the room, lingering on Liu Sen for a brief moment.
Liu Sen kept his head lowered, his expression unreadable, but his hands were still trembling slightly.
Colonel Yan retracted his gaze and spoke in a deep voice.
“The 3rd Mobile Brigade has already departed. Our mission is as follows—”
“First, ensure communication lines remain open to receive frontline battle reports at any time.”
“Second, ensure full logistics support—ammunition, fuel, and medical supplies. Not a single item can be lacking.”
“Third—” He paused, his gaze sweeping the room again. “If reinforcements are needed at the front, you must be ready to mobilize within twenty minutes.”
“Is that understood?”
“Understood!” over twenty voices rang out in unison.
Colonel Yan nodded, turned back into his office, and closed the door.
In the conference room, everyone sat back down and resumed their tasks.
Liu Sen returned to his seat, his hands clenched tightly together under the table.
His heart was beating so fast it felt like it would burst out of his chest.
He had to find a way to notify the Landlord.
But—
He looked up and quietly scanned his surroundings.
Over twenty colleagues were each busy with their own work.
There were guards at the door, patrols in the hallway, sentries outside the building…
What could he do?
Rush out? He would be intercepted before he even reached the building’s entrance.
Use a communicator? Every communication channel was being monitored. The moment he dialed out, an alarm would go off in Colonel Yan’s office.
Find an excuse to leave? His post was right here. Any unusual movement would draw immediate attention.
Liu Sen grit his teeth, his fingernails digging deep into his palms.
He was out of options.
He could only hope the Landlord had already received word, and that the building could withstand this assault…
Just then, Colonel Yan’s office door opened again.
Yan Pengcheng walked out, holding a document he had just received.
His expression was somewhat subtle, carrying a clear look of surprise.
“Everyone,” he began, and the conference room instantly fell silent.
Yan Pengcheng raised the document in his hand. “We just received word from Panshi Company.”
“To assist in this operation, Panshi Company is sending two additional Level 3 Ability Users to accompany the 3rd Mobile Brigade to the target area.”
A low murmur of discussion broke out in the room.
Two more Level 3 Ability Users.
Combined with the two originally assigned to the 3rd Mobile Brigade, that made four Level 3s.
With such a configuration, let alone taking down a vagrant nest, they would have more than enough power to go toe-to-toe with the guard teams of the major factions on the edge of the Inner City.
Colonel Yan raised his hand, and the chatter stopped immediately.
“Panshi Company’s people are already on their way.” He checked the time. “They are expected to rendezvous with the 3rd Mobile Brigade in Area A5 before entering Area A7 together.”
“Furthermore—” His gaze swept over everyone. “You might have heard of one of the two people Panshi Company sent.”
He looked down at the document. “Zhou Hu. A Level 3 Late Stage expert, the ace of Panshi Company’s Outer City branch.”
“It is said that this man is incredibly powerful and has even soloed a Level 3 Aberrant in the Non-Safe Zone.”
Whispers broke out again.
Level 3 Late Stage.
A combatant of this level was considered high-ranking even in the entirety of Panshi City.
With such a powerhouse joining, this operation was practically a guaranteed success.
Yan Pengcheng tucked away the document and said sternly, “Alright, stay sharp. News will be coming back from the front at any time. No one is allowed to drop the ball.”
“Yes, sir!”
Everyone threw themselves back into their work.
Sitting in the corner, Liu Sen’s face was as white as a sheet.
He clenched his fists tightly, praying over and over in his heart.
Miss Landlord, you must hold on…
Su Wan slowly retracted her mental power.
The scenes in the City Defense Force substation, the conversation between Colonel Yan and Zhuang Heng, and Liu Sen’s anxiety and fear—she had seen and heard it all clearly.
Four Level 3s.
Two from the City Defense Force, and two from Panshi Company.
One of whom was Zhou Hu.
A cold smile slowly curved the corners of Su Wan’s mouth.
Zhou Hu.
The puppet who was absolutely loyal to her…
Leaning into the shadows of the alleyway, Su Wan closed her eyes, and her mental power spread out like a tide.
This time, she wasn’t just “looking.”
She silently extended her perception into the fourth floor of the City Defense Force substation.
In the large conference room, the twenty-plus adjutants and staff were still busy.
Some were reading documents, some were reporting in low voices over communicators, and some were marking things on maps.
Liu Sen sat in the corner, his face pale, his fingers gripping the edge of the table.
Su Wan’s perception brushed past him without stopping.
Her target was that closed door.
Yan Pengcheng’s office.
Her mental power, like an invisible serpent, slid through the crack beneath the door.
Inside the office, Yan Pengcheng sat behind his desk, holding the document regarding the Panshi Company reinforcements. His brow was slightly furrowed as if he were deep in thought.
His posture was no longer as tense as it had been when facing Zhuang Heng. He leaned back slightly against his chair, but his spine remained straight.
It was the posture of a man accustomed to giving orders, etched into his very bones.
Su Wan’s mental power slowly condensed in front of him.
Before taking action, she had to confirm one thing.
Rate on N.U.
