Chapter Twenty-Three: The Return Plan (Part Two)

"Hello, I am Tiger Thomas, Captain of the Second Company, Special Infantry Battalion, Northern Command!" Thomas executed a perfect military salute, his expression grave as he saluted Guo Lang. "These are extraordinary times. State your origins, Westerner!" Accustomed to the border, he was always wary of outsiders.

Ah? East and west reversed... Guo Lang felt a bit strange about the planet's eastern region being populated by white people, but judging from the other's guarded demeanor, the national situation didn't seem too different from his own world. Relations with people of yellow descent appeared to be less than cordial.

Laura, standing behind, remained silent. She, too, was deeply curious about Guo Lang's identity. Her daughter's transformation was so dramatic—what was the story behind this enigmatic man?

"Hello!" Guo Lang replied with a standard salute. "I am Guo Lang, Captain of the Special Technology Security Squad, Supply Division of the Crimson Eagle Republic. I am here on a special mission."

As expected! The other man's face showed realization, darkening as he asked, "So, Agent, what is the connection between this crisis and your country?"

Guo Lang met his gaze unflinchingly, his voice tinged with agitation. "According to intelligence, the virus originated from your country's Star Source Corporation's anti-cancer drugs. Not only your Federation, but our Republic has suffered devastating losses—initial estimates put the casualties above a billion. Shouldn't your Federation be held accountable for this atrocity against humanity?"

"Uh..." Thomas froze, uneasy, avoiding Guo Lang's eyes. Their own intelligence had already pointed to Star Source Corporation. If this were true, the entire planet's catastrophe was the Federation's doing, and they would bear the bloodline of historic criminals.

Not only Thomas, but all the soldiers behind him lowered their heads in silence. The accusation was irrefutable; though they hadn't committed the crime themselves, such a colossal burden must be carried by the nation.

"We will investigate thoroughly. What is your purpose here?" After a long silence, Thomas chose to shift the topic.

"Our research department is developing a biological cell that can greatly enhance basic human abilities, potentially unlock genetic locks, and even extend human lifespan. The concept was originally proposed by a professor in your Federation's Aubensnow Corporation. Unable to gain support at home, he came to our Crimson Eagle Republic, where his thesis was endorsed by senior leadership. This research has now made a breakthrough. We came to discuss cooperation with your Senator Allen, hoping to acquire some of your high-grade equipment usually restricted from export. But we didn't expect this disaster."

"Senator Allen?" Thomas frowned. Allen was renowned in the Federation, even a strong candidate for the next president. Who would have thought he had dealings with Crimson Eagle... The story sounded impressive, but doubts lingered, so he pressed, "But I saw you entered the city after the disaster?"

"We received information that Senator Allen was trapped in the upper floors of the Imperial Tower downtown. Headquarters ordered me to rescue him, but unfortunately, the mission failed."

"Rescue? Alone?"

"Your border forces are still operational, and our own affairs are far from settled. There's no way to send distant troops."

"So why didn't you contact our military? You came from outside the city, didn't you? Why not request military support?"

Guo Lang sneered, "How do you know I didn't seek aid from your military?"

"What did you say?" Thomas's face hardened, sensing what was coming, a faint panic rising within.

"I said, I sought your military's assistance immediately, but it seems your leaders had no intention of sending troops. I had no choice but to risk it alone."

"You're lying!" Thomas strode forward, grabbing Guo Lang's collar, his comrades glaring indignantly.

Guo Lang raised his right hand, but instead of resisting Thomas’s rough gesture, he reached out to calm Alice, turning to her with a reassuring smile.

Thomas followed his gaze and saw Alice, stunned—when had the girl arrived?

The others now noticed Alice, equally bewildered. Had there always been three of them? Was this little girl here before?

"I heard you report to Northern Command—Special Battalion, right?" Guo Lang spoke just in time, redirecting their attention. Alice was his secret weapon; he couldn't afford her to draw too much notice.

"Eh?" Thomas, successfully distracted, looked confused.

"You report directly to Command, correct? So you should be able to contact senior officers. If what I say is false, you can verify it with a single call."

"Uh..." Thomas stiffened, glaring at Guo Lang, but the latter remained confident, not at all like someone fabricating lies. As he said, one call would clarify everything. Civilian lines were down, but military radios still worked. The panic in Thomas's heart grew—if Guo Lang was telling the truth...

He glanced at his comrades, all looking anxiously at him, heightening his dread of the answer.

After a long silence, the sniper finally whispered, "Boss..."

"I'll make contact. Watch them." Knowing he could not avoid it, Thomas forced himself to face the situation. The group fell into dead silence, which only unsettled Thomas further. With mingled fear and anticipation, he hurried toward the rear.

Taking advantage of the distraction, Guo Lang covertly signaled Alice with his right hand behind his back. Alice, seeing the gesture, quietly moved a few steps. Just those few steps placed her in another blind spot, and, guided by emotion, the group once again lost sight of her.

Laura, standing at the back, felt heaviness in her heart. What exactly was this man planning?

She’d already heard her daughter's account—her encounter with Senator Allen was pure coincidence, and she had even deliberately used him as bait. In other words, everything Guo Lang had just said was fabricated. To concoct such a massive lie in so little time—he was not only quick-witted but had a real talent for spinning tales. As a seasoned professional, Laura recognized Guo Lang’s negotiation skills as superb; throughout, he controlled the pace, leaving the other side passive. This man was anything but ordinary.

As the protagonist, Guo Lang was now in a state of readiness. If the result Thomas brought back wasn't what he hoped for, the plot would demand action against this "rabble-rousing outsider." Their weapons posed a serious threat; he would have to eliminate them all swiftly