Chapter 37: Reality and Dream Gradually Overlap
Is this the protective plate equipped by the Security Team?
With a sense of surprise, I touched my chest, or more accurately, the protective plate I had just inserted into my carrying gear.
This was no ordinary protective plate, but a high-grade protective plate imprinted with the Security Team’s ‘Blue Shield’ logo, equipment that only high-level armed personnel like the Security Team were qualified to be equipped with.
Naturally, I couldn’t tell much just by looking at its appearance, but wearing it, I could intuitively feel the value of the words ‘high-grade’.
In terms of weight alone, it was more than half lighter than the protective plate I had previously ruined.
Furthermore, it wasn't as hard as those ordinary protective plates commonly found in Chu Sheng City, which hindered tactical movements.
The relatively elastic and soft high-grade protective plate fit very snugly, both on the chest and back.
There was no inconvenience in movement whatsoever.
More importantly, it wouldn't press against the protrusions on my chest, which truly solved a major problem I had faced since I became like this.
The only thing that made me suspicious was whether such a protective plate was truly effective.
I also had experience using soft protective plates, but due to technical limitations, their protective capabilities were always unsatisfactory.
My two years of mercenary experience prevented me from blindly over-trusting the term ‘high-grade’.
“Don’t worry, this is the most practical HI02 soft protective plate within the Security Team. It uses some Aether-like fiber material, and its protective performance is not bad at all……”
Perhaps noticing my suspicion about the protective plate, Han Nianling explained it to me from the side.
After realizing that the terminology she used was difficult for me to understand, she even gave a more intuitive comparison: “For example, the attack from the Tier 1 Swift Walker you encountered before, this protective plate can withstand at least two attacks of that intensity, and it won't result in broken ribs. After that, although its protective ability will weaken, it can still provide a certain degree of protection.”
Is it that amazing?
“Apart from the protective plate, are all other supplies equipped?” Han Nianling’s words shifted my thoughts away from the protective plate.
“Yes, one base load of ammunition, flashbangs and grenades are all equipped, and also emergency medical supplies……” I lowered my head to count the abundant supplies on my person.
After being resupplied by the Security Team squad, the equipment I now had was even more complete than when I had yet to step into the JD Ruined City Nuclear Wasteland Area.
It was just that with so many things, I didn't know where to put them all.
My basic carrying gear and the Security Team’s specialized tactical vest were vastly different; the weight distribution was simply not on the same level.
This was even after I had chosen only a few necessary supplies.
As expected of the wealthy and imposing Security Team, huh?
With such ample logistics, it was no wonder that the quota of only two hundred people was so enviable.
“Right…… take this.”
“What?”
As she spoke, Han Nianling suddenly handed something to me.
A cold sensation touched my hand, and the familiar index-finger-sized tubular shape made my heart jolt.
Without needing any time for consideration, I immediately realized the preciousness of this item—System Enhancement Potion?!
When I took a closer look, I found that the serial number printed on the glass tube did not start with the familiar ‘XI101’, but with ‘XII112’.
This meant it wasn't the ‘System Enhancement Potion’ spoken of by the people of Chu Sheng City.
Thinking about it carefully, this was actually normal; something taken out by a senior researcher would definitely not be the version used by ordinary standing army soldiers.
“This is the latest model, a trial-produced Tier 2 System Activation Potion. Compared to the activation potion you know, it’s much stronger, but it’s not recommended for use. Side effects are one thing; it also has a certain addictive property, which varies from person to person.” Han Nianling immediately provided an explanation.
“It’s best not to use it unless absolutely necessary.”
“Addictive property?” After taking a deep look at the injection glass tube in my hand, I carefully stored it in my breast pocket.
Even if it had flaws, its value was definitely considerable, certainly dozens of times more than the ordinary version.
This wasn’t a supply given to me by the Security Team, but personally given to me by Han Nianling.
“Thank you……”
Regardless, whether it was equipment or potions, I knew very well that I was able to enjoy such excellent equipment supplies thanks to Han Nianling.
Recalling briefly: this was the second time I had said thank you to Han Nianling, right?
Although it was only twice, I knew that what I owed could not be repaid with just two thanks.
Compared to words, I preferred to express my gratitude through practical actions.
“Reporting, Officer Han, news from the observation post. Mobilizable forces are gathering on the outskirts of the JD Ruined City Nuclear Wasteland Area and have already requested support from Chu Sheng City. The Research Institute has approved your operational plan. However, the prerequisite is that you prioritize your own life. This is also my thought… Your loss is not just your own, but that of the entire Chu Sheng City……” The squad captain suddenly came to their side and reported the information they had received.
Luo Shi……
Through Han Nianling’s conversation with this Security Team squad captain, I learned his name.
The appearance of this name shocked me at first.
Wasn't this the temporary captain who had been so arrogant towards me in the dream?
Same captain rank, also serving in the Security Team, even his voice was so similar.
I didn't think this could be a coincidence; the person before me was undoubtedly the Luo Shi from my dream.
This statement further confirmed that my dream was ‘real’.
Someone I had never met, only seen in a dream, had appeared in reality, and all the information matched perfectly.
This factual evidence, in my opinion, left no room for refutation.
“You don’t need to tell me, I know.” Han Nianling casually waved her hand, which made Luo Shi feel very helpless.
If this esteemed lady truly knew, how could she dare to venture deep into Sector 02A of the JD Ruined City Nuclear Wasteland Area with the protection of only a few mercenaries?
What was even more absurd was that she had recruited a teenage girl mercenary as her personal operative, disregarding her personal safety.
This was already an extremely irresponsible act concerning her own life.
Noticing Luo Shi looking at me, I didn't need to guess to know that his impression of me wasn't very good.
But I didn't care about these things.
Anyway, in the dream, my relationship with him had already reached the point of almost falling out.
Moreover, I was now wearing the ‘tiger skin’ of a ‘Senior Researcher’s Temporary Personal Operative’.
In terms of status alone, I wasn't lower than him, so there was nothing to fear.
“Have your team assemble quickly, prepare to execute orders!”
Han Nianling’s swift and decisive manner was even more evident at this moment.
She changed her previous demeanor and became extremely capable.
And the tactical proficiency of those Security Team members opened my eyes.
In just a few seconds, the squad members, who were in different locations, had assembled.
But it wasn't simply a neat formation; they still maintained vigilance towards their surroundings, and each person was responsible for different directions according to their respective duties.
This was a standard combat squad of the Security Team, totaling ten members.
The main captain and deputy captain each had a complete set of communication equipment.
The main and deputy machine gunners were responsible for a modular machine gun that I had never seen before and a large amount of machine gun ammunition.
At the same time, they also carried two individual portable rocket launchers.
The four riflemen carried various demolition, medical, and engineering repair tools to cope with different operational needs.
There were also two snipers responsible for reconnaissance and eliminating primary threat targets.
Although the JD Ruined City Nuclear Wasteland Area was fraught with danger, just looking at this elite squad made me feel much more at ease.
“I believe everyone should already understand our mission this time: constantly monitor the Witch’s latest movements and report to the observation post command at any time. Strive to avoid direct confrontation with the Witch. The first priority is to preserve our own strength and wait for the main forces of Chu Sheng City to complete their assembly and arrive to carry out the extermination.”
Extermination!
A surge of excitement and a trace of complex emotion suddenly welled up in my heart.
The appearance of the Witch had altered the trajectory of reality, gradually aligning it with the dream.
Similarly, Chu Sheng City was about to begin its encirclement and suppression of the Witch.
However, it was vastly different from the dream.
Chu Sheng City did not have days of pre-war preparations.
How much strength could this sudden decision mobilize?
And would those commanders, as in the dream, eventually regard them as sacrificial pawns?
The thought of Luo Shi, also one of the sacrificial pawns, holding the same position as in the dream sent a chill down my spine.
But looking at Han Nianling beside me, this was an A-grade senior researcher, one of the few the Research Institute had.
The Research Institute side probably wouldn't agree, right?
But regardless of success or failure, how was I to find out the reason for my physical changes?
All I could do was try my best to get closer to the Witch, who was connected to the truth.
In the end, I could only take it one step at a time.