Chapter 36: A New Storm Has Arrived
The long-awaited… surface.
Walking up the steps covered with moss and weeds, the pack of Headhunter Wild Dogs that had entrenched itself here had long since scattered and fled.
Without their threat, we no longer needed to worry about the rustling sound of glass shards under our combat boots.
The arduous underground journey had finally come to an end here.
When our gazes turned towards the distant building ruins and the sky, everyone couldn't help but take a deep breath.
The air filtered through the gas masks wasn't exactly fresh, but it was certainly better than the thick, pungent odor left by the Headhunter Wild Dog pack in the subway station.
More importantly, as this breath was exhaled, the oppressive feeling of being underground also dissipated with it.
Though it was just normal breathing, it made us feel incredibly refreshed.
“We… are out?”
Despite having set foot on the surface, Xiao Liu’s voice still carried a tone of incredulous doubt, which also represented the common, hard-to-calm emotion deep within everyone’s heart.
We had been truly too lucky, walking out of the underground subway station of the JD Ruined City almost unscathed, without the support of any reliable intelligence.
Although it was only two relatively independent and enclosed subway stations due to various reasons, the experience within was not easy at all, especially the Headhunter Wild Dog pack encountered in the second subway station.
If it weren't for the sudden appearance of that mysterious girl, we couldn't have reached this point so easily.
But through the experiences in the subway, some things that had been seen could no longer be concealed.
Even Uncle Lin, an old mercenary with profound experience, was unwilling to foolishly continue adhering to the so-called rules of employment relationships under such life-threatening circumstances.
“Han… Employer.” Uncle Lin turned around, inconspicuously separating himself and Xiao Liu from Han Nianling.
His serious expression fell on my eyes; I already understood what Uncle Lin was about to ask.
“Your so-called survey… what exactly is it for?”
While asking, Uncle Lin had also quietly reached for the short-barreled shotgun at his waist.
“This is highly classified intelligence from the Research Institute; I regret that I cannot disclose it.” Han Nianling was not surprised; she had long anticipated that such a thing would happen.
Han Nianling, facing the ruins with her back to him, sighed slightly.
“Then, is your so-called survey… related to that Witch from just now?” Han Nianling’s refusal to answer did not prevent Uncle Lin from asking this second question.
His expression was very serious; it seemed he was determined to uncover the truth behind this.
I, on the side, did not express an opinion, quietly observing the development of the situation as a third party.
As a mercenary in this operation, I also wanted to know the purpose behind this action.
Uncle Lin’s behavior was exactly what I was happy to see.
However, I already had an answer in my heart regarding Uncle Lin’s question.
In the dream, the purpose of Chu Sheng City’s large-scale military operation in the JD Ruined City was to eliminate the Witch, and the promoter behind it was the Research Institute.
In reality, the large-scale military operation plan had not been initiated, but Han Nianling, with her Research Institute background, had to come to the JD Ruined City Nuclear Wasteland Area even when hiring mercenaries.
This was inevitably directly related to the Witch.
Just mentioning the Witch… I couldn’t help but frown.
That last sentence… what did it mean?
And to whom was it said?
Did she know the squad was hiding in the hall at that time?
But if that was the case, why didn’t she take action to eliminate them too, just like she did to the reconnaissance team whose position was exposed in the dream……
Suddenly, a crisp beeping sound came to my ear.
It wasn't just me; everyone in the squad heard it.
After a brief, sharp burst of static, Han Nianling’s voice suddenly came from our ears.
“The signal for the communication headsets has been restored.” It wasn't until the next second when Han Nianling's voice suddenly came from our ears that we all understood what had just happened.
However, Uncle Lin didn’t care whether the communication headsets had recovered their function or not.
Compared to refusing to answer, ignoring his question was what made him feel slighted.
His burning gaze revealed a determination that could not be underestimated.
“Indeed, my mission this time is indeed related to the Witch. This is the only affirmative answer I can give…”
“Then why did you… conceal it?”
“Everything was formulated according to the contract, and the operational plan was also recognized by all of you. When did I ever conceal the ‘high-risk’ label?”
What Han Nianling said was not without reason.
After calming down, Uncle Lin also seemed to realize that his behavior just now had been too emotional.
A bitter smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
When life-and-death situations were imminent, especially when he truly faced the terror widely rumored in the wasteland, he himself had failed to maintain his composure.
He had clearly thought that his more than ten years of mercenary experience had long made him indifferent to life and death.
“Sorry……”
Ignoring Uncle Lin’s apology, Han Nianling pondered for a moment, then suddenly raised her head and, raising her voice, blurted out amidst the astonished gazes of the three of us: “The objective of this commissioned operation has been completed. From now on, the employment relationship between me and you is terminated.
The remuneration will be settled at three times the standard set in the employment contract. I have already made it clear; you can handle the mission settlement at the Security Business Handling Center upon returning to Chu Sheng City.”
“In addition, I will also fulfill my promise. If anyone is willing to serve in the military, they can also receive special consideration with the mission settlement proof from this time. Although they will be non-personnel, the treatment will be no worse than that of regular personnel, and they can be converted to regular status after only three months, and will be granted a low-ranking officer position. Those who want to leave are free to do so. Leaving the JD Ruined City Nuclear Wasteland Area from here won't be too troublesome……”
“Leave?” Xiao Liu looked around at the surrounding ruins in surprise.
“Do you still want to stay here? But what will you do if we leave?”
“Don’t worry about her, Xiao Liu. Her people are already rushing over here.” Uncle Lin patted Xiao Liu’s shoulder.
"At his signal, I also looked to their left."
There, at the end of the street near the JD River, a small team was rapidly approaching their direction.
To be able to step into the JD Ruined City Nuclear Wasteland Area at this time, it was naturally not an ordinary unit, especially with their combat attire armed to the teeth, and their black-toned, well-trained figures.
In my knowledge, there was only one such elite unit belonging to Chu Sheng City.
The blue shield insignia on their right chests immediately confirmed my thoughts—the Chu Sheng City Standing Combat Army Security Team.
There was only one reason they could appear here… I glanced at Han Nianling beside me.
I just didn't know what method these Security Team members had used to immediately know their exact location and arrive here in such a short time.
“Tenth Combat Team of the Security Team, reporting to Officer Han!” A person who looked like the captain of this squad quickly arrived in front of Han Nianling.
"The other team members immediately dispersed around them, taking up their respective positions for vigilance."
The squad captain raised his hand in a powerful salute, his voice, full of vigor, transmitted through the thick gas mask.
Upon first hearing it, I vaguely felt that this voice had an inexplicably familiar ring to it.
Was it an illusion?
“You arrived really quickly, which rather exceeded my expectations.” Han Nianling nodded slightly, seemingly very satisfied with the efficiency of this Security Team squad.
“Reporting to Officer Han: We found two mercenaries wearing communication headsets nearby based on the headset signals we captured. They claimed that you are their employer, and based on the clues they provided, we patrolled the vicinity until your headset signal appeared, and then we immediately rushed over.”
Headset signal?
I couldn’t help but touch the communication headset in my left ear.
So this thing had a signal transmission function.
And those two captured mercenaries should be Crow and Si Ling.
“What about those two mercenaries?” Han Nianling had not forgotten Si Ling and Crow, asking pointedly after the squad captain’s words fell.
“They are by the bridge not far from here. Two team members are responsible for guarding them.”
“After retrieving their communication headsets, let them go, and tell them: their mission is complete, and they should wait in place for the other mercenary members to rendezvous with them.” After Han Nianling finished giving instructions, she turned back to look at me and the others.
“After returning to the observation post, Ren Xi will be responsible for sending you back to Chu Sheng City. What are your thoughts?”
As if already waiting for Han Nianling’s words, Uncle Lin had long since removed his own and Xiao Liu’s communication headsets.
When he cast a questioning gaze at me, I, to his surprise, shook my head: “Forgive me for not being able to explain in detail, but my true goal in coming here has not yet been accomplished……”
“Then… good luck to you.” After taking a deep look at me, Uncle Lin handed the communication headsets to Han Nianling.
Then he walked towards the location of Si Ling and Crow that the squad captain had revealed.
Although the mission was over, the squad would not easily disband until they left the JD Ruined City Nuclear Wasteland Area.
Traveling in a group could maximize their safety on the return journey.
After all, no one wanted to die on the way home after painstakingly completing such a highly rewarding mission; that would truly be too unworthy.
“Employer Han… then this one…”
The squad captain looked at me, who was still standing in place.
The one-way plastic visor was only a sheet of black, but I could feel the unwelcoming gaze emanating from within.
“Have you decided?” Han Nianling ignored the squad captain’s reminder and instead asked me solemnly.
The level of formality was much more serious than when I signed the employment contract and established the employment relationship in Chu Sheng City.
What did the appearance of her, the Witch, mean?
What would Han Nianling’s goal be next?
But it was precisely because of the Witch that I had an absolutely undeniable reason not to leave.
I could only respond with a nod.
After seeing my reply, Han Nianling suddenly raised her head and said to the squad captain in a commanding tone: “From now on, she is my temporary exclusive operative. Immediately equip her according to your Security Team’s equipment standards. From now on, I will exercise the emergency transfer order of a senior researcher. The command of your squad temporarily belongs to me!”
“But, our mission is to escort you back to the observation post at all costs… Colonel Dian, he won’t allow it…” Han Nianling’s order made the squad captain feel extremely troubled.
When superiors clashed, those caught in the middle were the most troubled.
“No, he will allow it.” Han Nianling said faintly.
“Tell him: the Witch has appeared in Sector 02A of the JD Ruined City Nuclear Wasteland Area. He himself knows what to do.”