Chapter 754 - 369: Can We Get Away? (Part 2)
Chapter 754: Chapter 369: Can We Get Away? (Part 2)
He sat on the edge of the bed and rubbed his forehead. The prolonged tension had left him feeling a bit exhausted.
"Today’s job was a real grind."
He muttered to himself, reaching for a cup of water beside him and taking a sip.
Just as he set the cup down, there was a knock on the door.
"Come in!"
Li Chang’an turned to look.
The door was pushed open, and Bai Lin stood in the doorway, terminal in hand.
"Chang’an, the data’s been uploaded. Command sent a notification for us to attend a debriefing tomorrow morning."
Bai Lin walked in, closing the door behind him.
"So soon?"
Li Chang’an frowned.
"That’s some efficiency. A meeting before they’ve even had time to digest the report?"
"Maybe it’s because this situation is a bit unusual."
Bai Lin sat down in a nearby chair.
"What’s your take on that Insect Hive? Do you really think it’s a small one?"
"Hard to say."
Li Chang’an shook his head.
"The signs on the periphery pointed to a small hive, but we didn’t go inside. No one can guarantee what the situation is in there."
"True."
Bai Lin nodded.
"But I can’t shake the feeling that the big one from the Insect Race was unusual."
"Unusual how?"
Li Chang’an asked.
"According to the terminal’s scan data, its size and Energy fluctuations were much higher than a standard Insect Race patrol."
Bai Lin said in a low voice.
"If it’s just a small hive, why would they station such a strong individual to patrol the perimeter?"
"Good point."
Li Chang’an’s brow furrowed.
"This is definitely strange. I’ll have to bring it up at the debriefing tomorrow."
"Yeah, that’s what I came to remind you about."
Bai Lin stood up and placed his terminal on the table.
"Alright, I’m heading back to get some rest. Don’t forget to be there on time tomorrow morning."
"Got it. You get some sleep, too."
Li Chang’an waved, watching Bai Lin leave.
The room fell silent again. Li Chang’an leaned back against the headboard and closed his eyes, but Bai Lin’s words kept replaying in his mind.
The night passed without incident. Early the next morning, Li Chang’an got up, washed up, and went straight to the cafeteria.
Sure enough, Han Ruoxi was already sitting in a corner, happily munching on an Energy Bar.
"You’re up early."
Li Chang’an walked over and sat down.
"Of course. It’s best not to be late for a meeting."
Han Ruoxi glanced up at him.
"But judging by your expression, you didn’t sleep well last night, did you?"
"I’m fine."
Li Chang’an said casually, picking up a bowl of porridge and taking a sip.
"Where is everyone else? How come they’re not here yet?"
"Probably still dawdling."
Han Ruoxi pouted.
"Especially Sun Yang. That guy went for a couple of laps at the training grounds after his late-night snack. He clearly has too much time on his hands."
"Running? What was he trying to do?"
Li Chang’an was taken aback for a moment.
"Said he’s gained weight recently and needs to lose it."
Han Ruoxi took a bite of her Energy Bar.
"I really don’t know where he gets the confidence to think he can even get fat."
"The guy just can’t sit still."
Li Chang’an chuckled.
"Alright, finish up so we can assemble. Don’t keep the commander waiting."
Han Ruoxi nodded, finished her breakfast in a few quick bites, then stood up and clapped her hands.
"Let’s go. I don’t want to get an earful from Commander Liu."
The two had just reached the training grounds when they saw Sun Yang running over from the direction of the dorms, his gear on his back and a hint of sleepiness on his face.
"Whoa, we’re assembling this early?"
Sun Yang yawned.
"They really don’t give you a moment’s rest, huh?"
"Maybe if you didn’t stay up late eating, you wouldn’t be so tired."
Han Ruoxi rolled her eyes.
"Hurry up, don’t waste time!"
"I know, I know!"
Sun Yang waved his hand dismissively.
"Where are Qiuyue and Bai Lin?"
"Behind us."
Li Chang’an glanced back.
"They should be here any second."
Sure enough, not long after, Shen Qiuyue and Bai Lin arrived at the assembly point, one after the other.
Shen Qiuyue wore a calm expression, while Bai Lin was still clutching his terminal, staring down at something on it.
"Everyone’s here. Let’s go."
Li Chang’an looked them all over, confirmed no one was missing, and then led the squad to the command room.
In the command room, Liu Na and Instructor Wei were already waiting. Several mission reports were laid out on the table.
"Insect Hunter Squad, have a seat."
Liu Na looked up at them.
Li Chang’an led his team members to their seats, waiting with a serious expression for the commander to speak.
"First of all, you performed well on this mission. The information you brought back is very valuable."
Liu Na began.
"However, we’ve also identified some problems."
"Problems?"
Li Chang’an frowned.
"Please advise, Commander."
"According to your report, the alert Level around the perimeter of the Insect Hive was higher than we anticipated, and a special individual appeared."
Liu Na opened a file.
"We suspect this might not be an ordinary small-scale hive."
"You mean..." Bai Lin started to say.
"It might be a large-scale hive?"
"We can’t be certain yet, but we must prepare for the worst."
Liu Na nodded.
"Next, we will dispatch more squads to conduct a deep reconnaissance of that area. Your mission will be to provide support and secure the perimeter."
"Understood!"
Li Chang’an nodded.
"We will give our full cooperation."
"Good. The detailed mission parameters will be sent to your terminals shortly."
Liu Na closed the file.
"Any other questions?"
"None!"
Li Chang’an stood and saluted.
"Then go get ready. The mission begins in two hours."
Liu Na waved her hand, dismissing them.
After leaving the command room, Sun Yang couldn’t help but speak up.
"We’re going back again? The more I hear, the less I want to do this."
"Instead of complaining, you should be getting ready."
Shen Qiuyue said coldly.
"This mission is more important than the last one. Don’t screw it up."
"Fine, you’re right."
Sun Yang sighed.
"I’ll go clean my gear, then. I’ve got a bad feeling this won’t be so simple."
"Everyone go. Assemble in two hours."
Li Chang’an waved his hand, and the group dispersed to make their own preparations.
Two hours later, the Insect Hunter Squad assembled again on the training grounds. Everyone was fully equipped, their expressions more focused than ever.
"Is everyone ready?"
Li Chang’an glanced at his squad members.
"Ready!"
Sun Yang nodded, patting his Pulse Gun.
"It definitely won’t jam this time!"
"Don’t just talk the talk. When something actually happens, don’t drop the ball."
Shen Qiuyue walked over and shot him a cold look.
"Sister Qiuyue, can’t you have a little faith in me?"
Sun Yang said with a pained expression.
"You’re always on my case. The pressure is immense!"
"Being on your case is for survival."
Shen Qiuyue’s tone was calm.
"Less talk, stay with the squad."
Han Ruoxi stood to the side, adjusting her wrist guard. A few sparks of electricity flashed across it, making a faint "BZZT" sound.
"Ruo Xi, is your Superpower working properly today?"
Bai Lin asked, leaning nearby.
"Don’t run out of juice halfway through using it."
"Are you hoping I’ll have a problem?"
Han Ruoxi glared up at him.
"Relax, I definitely won’t drag the team down."
"I hope so."
Bai Lin nodded and stowed his terminal in his gear bag.
Li Chang’an observed their bickering, frowning slightly. He held up a hand to quiet them.
"Alright, quiet down. Today’s mission is to support the other squads and secure the perimeter. Understood?"
"Understood!"
The others replied in unison.
"Remember, this might be more dangerous than last time. If we run into trouble, retreat is the priority. Safety first!"
Li Chang’an stressed again.
"Brother Chang’an, are you being a little too tense?"
Han Ruoxi couldn’t help but ask.
"Didn’t we do just fine before?"
"We did fine because we didn’t run into any real trouble."
Li Chang’an’s tone was calm.
"This situation is different. Don’t let your guard down."
Han Ruoxi pouted but didn’t say anything more.
Soon, a transport vehicle pulled up outside the training grounds. The driver leaned out and shouted.
"Insect Hunter Squad? Get in!"
The squad members quickly boarded. Li Chang’an was the last to jump on, pulling the door shut behind him.
"Is the location the same area as yesterday?"
Sun Yang, sitting in the corner, couldn’t resist asking.