Chapter 106: The Textbook Method of World Annihilation (Part One)

In the Eastern Military District, within a grand high-level conference hall, the district commander, his hands weathered and lined with age, rested firmly on the meeting table. Present were all the generals of the Eastern Military District, each wielding significant power. As the military district closest to the capital, the Eastern Military District had long been akin to the imperial guards of ancient times, granting its commander a position of immense prestige.

Although the Northern Military District often claimed victory in military exercises, the Eastern Military District maintained its paramount status. Every newly developed weapon was first tested here, making it the government’s most trusted military region.

Commander Patterson was a veteran of the district and a renowned figure throughout the military world. His authority was formidable. Though advanced in years, his presence at the table radiated a commanding force.

“What are your thoughts on this situation?” he asked, his gaze sweeping over those seated before him with an air of superiority. Yet, amidst the solemn assembly, a small girl sat prominently at the foremost seat on the left—a strikingly incongruous sight. Remarkably, the commander appeared to hold her in great respect.

This girl had been brought in by the commander himself, along with an elderly man seated beside her. Some recognized the old man as a former deputy director of the National Tax Bureau, a successful politician with whom some officers had previous dealings.

Alice’s approach was straightforward and uncompromising. Upon receiving intelligence from Guo Lang, she had immediately infiltrated the commander’s quarters, confronted him directly, and laid out the intelligence. Patterson, embodying the magnanimity befitting his rank, did not instantly dismiss her as many might, but listened attentively. He then cautiously expressed his doubts and viewpoints, showing a willingness to communicate with Guo Lang’s side.

Even Old Wick was somewhat impressed. Most people in high positions were arrogant, fiercely protective of their dignity, and rarely accepted information from strangers, especially under threatening circumstances. They would feel their honor infringed and react defensively at once.

But Patterson did not. He neither panicked nor outright rejected the stranger who had stealthily entered his room. He reasoned clearly: if she could infiltrate this deeply, any hostile act would be difficult to resist. Since she sought communication, why outright deny her?

Patterson was a man attuned to the realities of power. He never placed his status above all else. That the stranger could so easily approach him meant she had the standing to speak. In a strange way, his own rank might be worthless to her, even irrelevant for survival.

Therefore, he viewed himself as the weaker party. Upon first seeing Alice, he immediately understood the nature of their relationship, and thus his demeanor toward her was always humble—never overly lofty, nor fearful.

“If what you say is true, then the individual in New Newton is indeed extremely dangerous,” said the middle-aged general seated second from the left, his rank evident as a full general. His position in the room indicated considerable authority. He spoke gravely, “We should contact the other two bases to initiate a missile strike on New Newton. However, there is a problem.”

He continued solemnly, “Can we be certain everything you say is accurate? Forgive my skepticism, but your account sounds almost fantastical. We need proof. After all, New Newton is the capital of our federation, carrying immense symbolic weight. Destroying it with missiles would make future reconstruction extraordinarily difficult. Most importantly, there are still refugees inside. Ordering a missile strike would be tantamount to abandoning them!”

Though he did not understand why the commander showed such respect toward the young girl and the elderly man, he trusted Patterson’s judgment. Hence, he addressed them with respect, a tone reserved for very few given his rank.

“Our agents have thoroughly investigated the Northern Military District,” Old Wick said with a slight smile. “The alien creatures ravaging the area have naturally perished; there is abundant evidence scattered everywhere.”

“You may dispatch reconnaissance teams to verify our claims,” he added, his face turning serious. “But I must warn you: consider carefully if you have the luxury of time. Perhaps these alien beings have already infiltrated your camps. While you debate the validity of this matter, you might already be doomed to suffer the same fate as your northern brethren.”

“Are you threatening us, sir?” a general seated at the far right frowned.

“No, no…” Wick waved his hand, smiling. “I am merely stating a fact.”

“To which faction do you belong?” Patterson asked, wearing a charismatic smile. “This little girl, so young yet possessing such astonishing skills—is this truly talent alone?”

Wick was momentarily taken aback, thinking privately, “It really is talent… at least half of it.” Outwardly, he replied with an air of agreement, “Ah, you are correct.”

“Then… it is indeed an incredible power!” Patterson laughed gently. “The faction within New Newton belongs to your adversaries, yes?”

“He is the enemy of all humanity, Commander!” Wick corrected him seriously.

“I do not deny that,” Patterson nodded. “But you give me a similar impression… We are allies now, correct? But what happens after we eliminate our enemies?”

He glanced toward Alice. “I do not believe the threat posed by this young girl is any less than the alien menace you describe.”

The assembled officers were startled by this. A mere girl? What could possibly justify the commander’s assessment? No wonder he treated her with such deference.

“That is exactly what I have been wanting to ask, Commander!” the general on the left furrowed his brow. “How did you come into contact with these two?”

“Oh, she killed the guard yesterday and slipped in,” Patterson replied casually.

A collective gasp swept through the room. An assassin? Everyone sprang to their feet, hands reaching for their sidearms. In this era, the notion of a gun-free conference was long obsolete; weapons were always within arm’s reach.

“I advise you not to act rashly…” Patterson smiled. Alice and Old Wick sat coldly, motionless, while the commander’s smile carried a warning. “Over a hundred elite knife-wielding special forces guarded my quarters last night. When they saw an unfamiliar presence inside, they were tempted to react.”

He paused, his expression turning grave. “But not a single one drew their weapon.”

A chill of awe and terror swept through the assembly.