First Battlefield Commander! - Chapter 207
Chapter 207: Parting Ways
They rarely saw Lian Sheng angry. Even when she was, it was suppressed. No matter what happened, she could remain calm and make a decision first. After the matter ended, there seemed to be no need for anger.
But that wasn't true.
It wasn't.
She harbored the same doubts as them. She harbored the same anger as them.
Misplaced anger, irritability, resentment... Although known to be useless emotions, these were things humans couldn't discard.
She was angry at everyone who didn't cherish life. She was angry at everyone who couldn't bear their responsibilities. But she also knew that the phrase "understandable" could explain this matter.
Effort doesn't always yield results; resistance doesn't always bring change. Not everyone has to sacrifice their lives to fight for rights they won't enjoy.
They drove deep into the night. The clamor gradually faded as they entered a quiet residential area.
Maxwell lay dying in the back. They were getting closer and closer to the school.
The agent didn't dare say much, tentatively asking in a low voice: "Mr. Maxwell, what should be done about him? His injuries need hospital treatment, right? Where is he injured?"
"Send him to the hospital, expose our tracks, and then get assassinated again?" Lian Sheng said. "He's too dangerous in the port, without guards, without power. We can't let him be exposed."
The agent now followed Lian Sheng's lead: "Okay, okay."
He drove for a while, then couldn't suppress his inner anxiety and asked: "Who are you exactly?"
He tilted his head slightly: "You're Mr. Maxwell's people too, right? I know, I don't mean anything else. But you look very experienced, definitely not ordinary exchange students. And willing to risk saving Mr. Maxwell, so I think you..."
"...Yes," Lian Sheng said seriously. "Maxwell returned from the Alliance and suddenly disappeared in the port. We couldn't evade Barite's eyes and ears, so we chose to cooperate with the Alliance, borrowing identities from the 14th District to infiltrate Gelen."
The agent looked aghast: "I knew it."
Lian Sheng: "You know but can't say. You understand."
The agent quickly said: "I understand, I understand."
At this time, chaos erupted in the downtown area.
Was there really a bomb at the checkpoint? Or was the other party purely creating a diversion to help comrades escape? This couldn't be confirmed for now. The port was densely populated, and identities were mostly complex. They couldn't afford the risk, suspending all work and conducting large-scale, high-density searches for bombs.
The target's disappearance was already a fact. The search would likely resume the next day.
The agent dropped them off at the rental house entrance and wanted to follow them up.
Lian Sheng stopped him: "Your car must be cleaned thoroughly. Leave the first-aid kit; you can go back."
Agent: "Are you sure it's okay to leave him here?"
"No problem. No matter how they think, they definitely wouldn't imagine Gelen's upper echelons cooperating with the Alliance." Lian Sheng tilted her head to indicate. "Besides, Cornell is still here. If the Alliance really cooperated with Maxwell, then Cornell would have long stepped out into the limelight, not risked his life coming here to do strange things."
Maxwell's matter wouldn't arouse suspicion towards them for the time being.
Lian Sheng added: "Don't come over casually in the future either, to avoid suspicion. We have our own contact methods and will get him out of the port in a few days. If you don't want trouble, don't get involved with us."
The agent's head was muddled. He nodded and left obediently.
Negotiations between nations, indeed he didn't understand. No matter how Lian Sheng explained, he felt it was both unreasonable and somewhat reasonable.
Didn't understand, didn't understand.
Finding surveillance blind spots in their area was quite easy.
Zhao Zhuoluo carried the person back to the room. Ye Buqing went around back to climb over the wall.
Maxwell's gunshot wound had received initial treatment; the bullet was removed. But the wound was quite large; even though it stopped bleeding, it looked terrifying.
Unsure when his last shot of hemostatic and painkiller was administered, the group cleaned his wound again and left him aside to dry. They planned to wait until he was more conscious before injecting the second shot.
Ji Ban searched online for methods to treat gunshot wounds, but no one wanted to try. He looked like he needed blood, but there were no conditions for a transfusion here.
The group decided to trust the human body's self-healing ability and the miraculous efficacy of the first-aid kit. Anyway, the bullet was out, inflammation and disinfection were confirmed; it couldn't get much worse.
Lian Sheng pulled two belts from the wardrobe and tied Maxwell's hands and feet. Unfortunately, there were no posts on the headboard to secure him.
The remaining few witnessed this morbid scene and grimaced.
Lu Mingyuan said: "He can't run away in this state, right?"
"Not necessarily. Anyone with breath left needs to be guarded against. Don't know this person's combat ability, but at least we must eliminate the possibility of him communicating with the outside world," Lian Sheng stood up. "Alright, leave him like this, everyone go back to sleep. Still have classes tomorrow."
Lian Sheng patted Harry's shoulder: "Harry, you stay here and take care of him. I'll use your room for now; everyone will take turns later."
Harry expressed no objection; anyway, he wasn't sleepy at all right now.
The next day, those with classes went to class; those without stayed home to watch the house.
As soon as everyone went to school, they found news of the downtown incident had spread throughout the port. Exaggerated by online reports, everyone was now in a state of panic.
Some exchange students were already prepared to return home at any moment. Even in class, quite a few people took leave. Those who originally wanted to go shopping now didn't dare go out casually.
Having an extra person in the rental house didn't affect everyone's rhythm of life. They did what they needed to do, just following the general trend of the environment, becoming homebodies.
Maxwell had a fever for two days, then slowly recovered. He became much more conscious.
He lay tied up on the bed. Almost no one would actively talk to him. Even when feeding him, the other person would shove the food into his mouth with lightning speed, roughly completing the task before clapping their hands and leaving. His several hints were ignored; he received unprecedented cold treatment. His life could be described as quite miserable.
But besides restricting his movement, Lian Sheng and the others remained polite to him, satisfying all his reasonable requests.
Maxwell didn't have many requests either. Asking Lian Sheng and the others for help back then was already a last resort.
He was quite self-aware.
But his self-awareness didn't include the other party's completely unconventional tactics.
He was, after all... a big shot in Gelen. No interrogation, no coercion, no negotiation. What did watching children's cartoons in his room mean?
Harry sat hugging his knees, side-by-side with Lian Sheng, both watching very intently.
Maxwell initially thought they were conducting some kind of psychological torture and closed his eyes, pretending to sleep. But after two hours, he realized these two simply liked watching.
Or rather, loved and hated it.
Complaining and disdaining on one hand, yet unable to let go, playing episode after episode. Saying "My IQ is dropping from watching this!" on one hand, yet saying "This move is slick" on the other.
...He also thought that move was slick!
Maxwell couldn't help but ask: "Where's Lance?"
Lian Sheng ate snacks beside him, hearing this: "Don't ask things you already know the answer to. Or do you hope we can give you some other emotional response? Sympathy? Empathy? Or perhaps comfort?"
Maxwell didn't reply.
Lian Sheng crushed the crispy noodles in her hand, making "kaka" sounds, and continued: "Don't try to get close to us. To be precise, we don't even have a cooperative relationship. We can't be friends, sir."
Maxwell shook his bound hands, looked up at the ceiling, and wisely gave up negotiating with Lian Sheng.
There were ten people here, clearly not old, not deeply experienced.
If one person softened their attitude towards him, the others would inevitably be influenced. Then, step by step, it would be easy to break down their psychological defenses.
Maxwell understood in two sentences that the breakthrough couldn't be found through Lian Sheng, even though she was a big shot who loved watching cartoons.
During the break, Lian Sheng binge-watched twenty episodes of anime in one day. Just as she was about to break her own record, she finally received a message from Hundred Meter Flying Dagger.
On Gelen's territory, signal security was too great a hidden danger. Every time the two sides connected, it felt like parting at life and death; it always felt like the most important sentence was swallowed back by the other party, not clearly stated.
Lian Sheng went to another room to answer.
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger asked: "Really brought the person out? Very impressive."
Lian Sheng nodded: "Mainly thanks to a revolutionary predecessor."
"In two days, we'll send someone over to pick you up. Take him along. Since the matter is clarified, there's no need to stay in the port," Hundred Meter Flying Dagger said. "Well done. It would be great if everyone returns safely."
Lian Sheng asked again: "How do you plan to handle this person?"
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger shrugged: "How to handle? We can't do anything to him either. Use him as a hostage, squeeze out some of his social value. Or use him to stir up trouble, let Gelen's forces consume themselves internally first."
Lian Sheng said: "Better sell him. I see his reputation in a place like the port isn't bad; he should be worth quite a bit."
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger nodded seriously: "I think you're right."
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger held up a piece of paper in front of him: "I've put the time, location, pick-up personnel, and specific arrangements here. Memorize it yourself. I won't transmit it."
Lian Sheng indicated it was okay.
The two looked at each other silently for a while.
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger realized she really had nothing more to say, but this time there was more time, reluctant to waste it. So he started talking nonsense.
"Gelen's internal situation is quite chaotic now. Two days ago, several development zones in Gelen erupted in large-scale demonstrations involving hundreds of thousands of people. The largest demonstration in history. The fermented public opinion finally exploded, also related to that young student who was shot dead," Hundred Meter Flying Dagger said. "He was very smart."
Lian Sheng: "Mm."
Historically, anti-war sentiment came from civilians. But this time, it came from participating soldiers.
People realized, yes, soldiers didn't have much choice. They joined the army to serve their country, but their country exploited them.
Hospitals also stated that post-war psychological syndrome among Gelen soldiers was far more severe than in other countries; they endured abnormal, unnecessary psychological pressure. The authorities should seriously examine their own problems.
Anyway, Lance was already dead. And no dangerous bombs were found at the checkpoint. Compared to the official explanation that seemed to shirk responsibility, they were more willing to believe it was a kind soldier who, under desperate circumstances, used his life to make a desperate accusation against society.
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger said: "It's also possible we'll just release Maxwell back. After all, he can do more things than us at this time."
This was a good opportunity to seize power. Seizing it would inevitably lead to internal strife. At that time, the foundation of the state would be shaken, and the people would suffer. But they had the chance for rebirth.
If they allowed the military to suppress and appease the people, perhaps Gelen could slow down their demise, continuing the peaceful and prosperous era for a few more years. But war with the Alliance could no longer be avoided for long.
This was like an illness. If you wanted a radical cure, you had to risk death. But not everyone had this courage. Living on borrowed time could be more comfortable; those who stood out seemed as hateful as enemies in their eyes.
Unsure how they would choose.
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger reiterated their pick-up time, exit route, and precautions. Told her to watch over the younger ones, remain vigilant, absolutely not expose themselves at the last moment, then reluctantly hung up the communication.
These few days, the storms outside continued unabated.
Actually, the matter of planting bombs in the inspection area was a lie and had long passed. But the rich imagination of the bored port residents couldn't resist; Lance and the large group behind him lived on stubbornly in people's minds.
Officials desperately refuted rumors, but every rumor they refuted was ultimately interpreted in reverse. Both the people and the officials expressed exhaustion. So the officials stopped struggling, letting them freely imagine.
This made several comrades, who had once firmly believed in official narratives and the darkness of society, suddenly begin to doubt their past lives.
This world, sometimes, was actually that simple.
However, because the heat of the matter continued to ferment, university attendance rates dropped lower and lower, becoming increasingly sluggish. The professors were angry.
The school administration also felt this wouldn't do; the future seedlings weren't getting a chance to be watered with nutrient solution. So they decided to hold a safety lecture, requiring all students to participate collectively, to instill in them the central ideas of loving Gelen, loving life, loving the government, and loving learning.
Lian Sheng and the others had to go. The task of watching the house and Maxwell fell entirely to Harry and Cornell.
This lecture, no matter how watered down, probably wouldn't exceed four hours.
Lian Sheng first gave Harry an internal psychological education.
"Politicians love flowery language. Be careful to keep distance from him. If he's very noisy, just shut his mouth," Lian Sheng said. "Don't let him near the window, don't let him touch your optical computer."
Harry said nonchalantly: "I know."
Lian Sheng: "Then we're off to the big meeting."
Harry: "Goodbye."
Cornell and Harry took turns keeping watch. One guarded downstairs in case someone came for a surprise inspection; the other watched Maxwell in case he made any small moves.
Harry continued watching his unfinished epic masterpiece animation.
Only one person, the boy soldier from Gelen.
Maxwell lay in bed all day, his sleep schedule reversed. At this moment, he tossed and turned, sighing heavily several times.
No response came back.
Maxwell asked: "Can you sleep?"
Harry was watching happily, rocking back and forth in his chair, thoroughly enjoying himself.
Maxwell tilted his head slightly: "Can you talk to me?"
Harry, at an exciting part, let out a few "oohs." After a long while, he replied: "Just talk yourself. I didn't gag you. Just don't shout for help."
Maxwell: "..."
Maxwell: "..."
Maxwell said: "I can't sleep."
Harry said: "Me neither."
This was... quite different, right?
Maxwell said: "As soon as I close my eyes, I remember Lance's face, then I wake up scared."
Harry's expression paused for a moment, then he continued laughing along with the animation's plot.
"Just pretend I'm talking to myself. I want to atone to Lance, but have no chance," Maxwell said. "Your friend was right; I'm just a person full of flowery words. I brought Lance out of Fengse City. Clearly, his country was destroyed by Gelen, and I couldn't do anything, yet I still extended my hand to him."
"I have aspirations, speak beautifully, but I'm far from achieving them. Gelen's military power is mostly in General Barite's hands. No, in the hands of the clique colluding with him." He sighed. "Once a person has achievements and status, they can easily attract countless supporters. But if you want to surpass him, you have to step on the people around him one by one first. Too difficult. I know it's too difficult too."
Harry picked up the tissue box packaging from the table, walked towards him, aimed at Maxwell's mouth, wondering how to stuff it in.
But found the size wasn't right. Turned around again to look for other things.
Maxwell stared at him fixedly, his gaze clear.
"When I was shot, I told Lance to leave first. But even if I died, I wouldn't let General Barite have it easy. I would throw one last bucket of dirty water on him. I failed to do what I promised him; that could only be my final compensation," Maxwell said. "Do you know what I mean? I was reminding him, using him, making him not leave me, making him desperately try to save me."
Harry rummaged through chests and cabinets over there. The protagonist's victory cheer came from the optical computer, followed by the familiar ending theme song.
"...In the end, he really did it. To save me. Maybe he knew my purpose, knew my despicableness, but he still saved me." Maxwell shifted his gaze slightly. "People like you are the most steadfast, but also the easiest to sway."
Maxwell said: "I am very selfish, disgustingly selfish. But there are things in this world that require selfishness to accomplish. Because I want to live. I will spend the rest of my life atoning."
Harry walked over holding a sweater.
Maxwell continued speaking calmly: "Actually, I just promised him I would stop Gelen's war, prevent it from harming others again, stop initiating war. Although it's difficult, Gelen has to stand up on its own eventually. He believed me. He knew how terrifying war was, but he couldn't stop it alone; only I could. Already at a dead end, so he entrusted his hope to me, this selfish person."
Maxwell: "I am not a great person. I am just too cowardly, I fear war, I..."
His remaining words were cut off as Harry roughly stuffed the sweater into his mouth.
"Cornell!" Harry shouted outwards. "I'll switch shifts with you!"
The two exchanged places. Harry walked out without a word.
Cornell walked in, noticed the optical computer beside was still on, the continuation already playing the main part of the new episode. Maxwell lay on the bed with his eyes open.
He walked over, expressionlessly pulled out the sweater, and asked: "What did you say to him?"
Maxwell coughed; the fuzz from the sweater choked him quite a bit. He said: "Some things I can do."
Cornell said: "You can't do anything."
Maxwell: "Now, yes. Not necessarily in the future."
Cornell pulled over a chair and sat opposite him: "Talk."
"Quite oppressive," Maxwell chuckled slightly. "I know you're a genius. Then you should understand that politics is the most intense battlefield. What I want is Barite's downfall; what you want is also Barite's downfall. Regardless of whether I can achieve the final goal, at least this step benefits you; we are the same."
Cornell's posture remained unchanged, signaling him to continue.
Maxwell: "What I want to do is simple. To put it less grandly, I want to protect Gelen. But if Gelen continues fighting, no one can save it."
Cornell: "That's what you think. The fact is Gelen is doing very well now."
"It's not well. The entire upper echelon is perverted," Maxwell said. "I think you know better than me what war is like."
Maxwell: "If the situation continues to develop, Gelen will go to war with the Alliance. War starts, and then what? Gelen now has weapons, resources. No matter how powerful the Alliance is, the two sides will be locked in stalemate. What about casualties? What about the homeland? What about the people?"
"I can guess the Alliance's first step: attack the port, cripple Gelen's trade hub. I also know Gelen's first step: openly attack the Alliance's resource planets. They've been jealous for a long time. Towards a country like the Alliance, naturally endowed with abundant resources, their jealousy has turned to hatred."
"Then, fight to the death. The war gradually expands, trump cards laid one by one onto this gambling table, treating their enemies with increasing ferocity, completely forgetting their original intentions. Forever focusing on what they've lost. Only when they have nothing left will they stand fairly at the negotiation table. When sacrifices aren't enough, no one is willing to stop. This is war," Maxwell said. "Kafa's war lasted over a hundred years; you understand, right?"
Cornell's mouth twitched slightly: "You truly are an excellent orator."
Speaking ideals to Harry, speaking reality to Cornell.
"When two great powers go to war, what kind of tragedy will it be? It's fundamentally meaningless! And comparatively, I think Gelen is more likely to lose."
Maxwell struggled to lift his head, staring at Cornell: "But, Cornell, you are Cornell! Edwin! The country you personally established, the homeland you built for them, can you bear to watch them perish again?"
Cornell stood up: "I am not Edwin."
Maxwell: "You are very similar. Eras always create strange heroes. They are out of step with this world, but never compromise. Everyone thinks they can't change the world, but some people, they just can."
Cornell sat down at the nearby table, crossed his arms, and also started watching the animation.
Maxwell didn't bother him anymore.
After three hours, Harry walked back in to switch shifts with Cornell.
Cornell stood up indifferently.
Harry noticed the sweater in Maxwell's mouth had been pulled out. He was facing the wall, seemingly asleep.
Harry stood by the bed: "What were you saying before? Continue."
Maxwell opened his eyes and turned over.
"Cornell... you know his lifespan isn't long," Maxwell paused. "Do you think his life will see a day of peace? Or is he destined to be born in war and also die in war?"
Maxwell: "Let me tell you the future and reality..."
Lian Sheng and the others' lecture this time completely broke their perception of life, and also underestimated the school administration's determination.
The speaker started with the correct way to take shelter, then national defense, then heroic stories of Edwin, then the importance of political quality, the correct way to interpret national policies and attitudes. Finally, they clarified the school rules and regulations, telling them skipping class was useless! As the cultivation garden for the motherland's future flowers, they would control risks, notify in advance for priority evacuation in case of emergency, so don't worry unnecessarily.
The school invited multiple professionals and successful individuals to share their life experiences.
The principal repeatedly emphasized on stage, the air-raid shelter was built right behind the school! Right behind their school! When others were in danger, they ran towards the school; what kind of terrible habit was it for you unlucky kids to run outside when in danger?!
Lian Sheng could summarize their core content in one sentence: Get back to class!
But the other party used six hours.
This education truly penetrated deep into their hearts. Everyone firmly remembered his shouts and expressed that they would definitely study hard and improve every day starting tomorrow.
When the group returned to the rental house, Harry was still watching his animation.
Lian Sheng was starving and went to make dinner.
Cheng Ze sat next to Fang Jianchen and sighed: "I finally found someone more annoying than you."
Fang Jianchen smiled and leaned closer: "Did you realize Daddy is cuter?"
Cheng Ze had no energy to retort.
Fang Jianchen defended himself: "I must say, although I talk a lot, I don't repeat myself over and over. The person today talked a lot purely to fill volume."
Lian Sheng: "Exactly, in terms of word count, you still won."
Fang Jianchen said proudly: "Exactly! I cannot betray the cultivation my elementary school Chinese teacher gave me. My profound cultural literacy makes me never admit defeat! Although I'm just an ordinary graduate, I still have the courage to stand at the forefront of culture!"
Cheng Ze roared: "Shut up!"
The day before deciding to evacuate, everyone discussed the evacuation route and time again.
Zhou Shirui and Lu Mingyuan rechecked the map, confirming the passage status of various intersections.
Actually, there wasn't much for them to do: just escort the person over, rendezvous, evacuate. But bringing Maxwell required a vehicle.
Lian Sheng borrowed one from the agent; it was now parked downstairs.
Ji Ban's small hands were itching to move; he really wanted to drive.
Lian Sheng said: "Cornell, they might keep sending people to watch you. So tomorrow, you take a separate route from us. Keep the signal open; we will guide you to rendezvous."
Cornell nodded: "Mm."
Fang Jianchen held a drink: "About to leave this place, always want to leave something behind."
Lian Sheng: "Control your restless beastly soul."
Cheng Ze frowned: "Dirty."
Fang Jianchen: "..."
He clearly hadn't said anything.
Zhao Zhuoluo said: "The port is actually quite an interesting place, if not for being monitored everywhere like a criminal."
At least following Cornell, one could enjoy superstar-like treatment.
Fang Jianchen: "Actually, we still don't understand this place at all."
Lian Sheng: "Do you want the opportunity to understand it?"
Lu Mingyuan said anxiously: "Don't, please don't say jinxing things before departure. We're still on a mission."
On the last night in Gelen Port, none of them slept.
Closing their eyes to rest their minds, or simply watching the light gradually emerge from the horizon.
What would they face in the future?
In Gelen, they met many people. Those people were as innocent as the people of the Alliance, yet might perish under their cannon fire in the future. It felt like experiencing the future step by step.
This was probably the difficult part of being a spy: having to remind oneself of one's stance countless times each day to avoid getting lost.
The next morning at 8 AM, the alarm on the optical computer officially rang. They had to set off for the return journey.
Lian Sheng untied Maxwell: "Don't cause trouble. Making a scene in a place like the port means everyone dies together."
Maxwell: "I know."
Lian Sheng: "Let's go."
She grabbed Maxwell's arm with one hand and led him down the stairs.
Ji Ban suddenly remembered halfway down: "Our... oh, did we get our rent deposit back?"
Fang Jianchen said heartbrokenly: "Not just the deposit, our rent was paid three months in advance. How long have we even stayed?"
Lost a large sum of money.
Lian Sheng said: "Didn't you say yesterday, about to leave this place, always want to leave something behind?"
"I..." Fang Jianchen covered his face. "Don't say it!"
Look at his cheap mouth.
Cornell went out first, hailed a taxi, and started circling according to the route on the map.
Lian Sheng and the others stuffed Maxwell into the borrowed car, then Ji Ban got in the front to drive.
Lian Sheng suggested tactfully: "Let's... drive steadily, pay attention to obeying the port's traffic rules."
Ji Ban paused, then asked: "What are the port's traffic rules?"
Lian Sheng: "..."
Lian Sheng resignedly: "Just do whatever you want!"
Fortunately, the main urban area had speed limit requirements. Ji Ban designed the route according to the speed limit, and the ride experience wasn't too unbearable.
The group drove in the car, passing through the trading area to the relatively quiet warehousing area.
For transportation convenience, the suburban roads were wide, smooth, and straight all the way. Ji Ban began to display his operating skills again.
Their route involved abandoning the car in front of a warehouse area, then walking around a surveillance zone to rendezvous in the undeveloped open space ahead. Someone there would be responsible for changing their identities, allowing them to directly board a private aircraft for legal departure.
Everyone got out of the car according to plan, then followed Zhou Shirui's lead towards the target point.
But the farther they walked inside, the stranger the layout seemed, with odd discrepancies.
Zhou Shirui hesitated: "Is this map a bit wrong, or did we stop at the wrong place?"
Cheng Ze said: "Don't tell me even satellite positioning doesn't work here in the port?"
Ji Ban said: "Hard to say. Signal surveillance and shielding here are too severe; it might affect transmission. And the containers here, maybe the data wasn't updated, or someone violated rules, placing them randomly."
Lian Sheng zoomed out the map, glanced at the positioning on it, her eyelid twitched: "Where's Cornell?"
Zhou Shirui belatedly swiped the map, found the target's location, and exclaimed: "Ah?"
Cornell's green dot location had clearly deviated from their planned route and was speeding away in another direction.
Fang Jianchen shouted into the communicator: "What's wrong? Cornell? Cornell! Answer!"
Alarm bells rang for everyone. Location sharing was no joke.
Lu Mingyuan quickly said: "If something really happened, cut off communication between us first, otherwise the other party will find us based on the map. Use text for communication."
"Then won't we also lose contact with Cornell?" Ji Ban said. "Can we relocate him through other methods?"
Zhou Shirui: "We should ask how long until Alliance rescue arrives. If there's enough technical support, we can perform counter-shielding."
Lu Mingyuan said: "The party coming to pick us up might not carry such equipment; equipment doesn't pass inspection easily."
The three technical workers fell into a dilemma, unable to decide for a moment.
"What time is it now? How long until they arrive?" Lu Mingyuan pushed Lian Sheng. "Lian Sheng, what do you think? Should we hang up first?"
Lian Sheng tilted her head, looking at the perpetually quiet Harry. Everyone followed her gaze, slowly drifting over.
Harry, who always cared most about Cornell, kept his head down without reaction.
"N-no way?" Lu Mingyuan forced a laugh, still trying to defend him: "Isn't Cornell your best friend? Anyone might betray Cornell, but you wouldn't, right?"
Ji Ban said blankly: "Harry? Harry, what's wrong?"
Harry didn't speak, suddenly moved, raising his right hand. Everyone went on high alert, preparing to defend. They stared intently at his hand, intending to press forward and restrain him.
Zhao Zhuoluo's eyelid twitched. He stepped sideways, blocking in front of Lian Sheng. Simultaneously, an almost imperceptible silver light shot towards them from another angle.
Zhao Zhuoluo fell backward directly, fainting instantly, collapsing onto Lian Sheng.
Tranquilizer gun.
Everyone was shocked.
Lian Sheng raised her hand to support Zhao Zhuoluo. A group of men in black emerged from behind the containers on all sides. They stood behind Harry and Maxwell, aiming their guns at them.
The situation turned greatly against them. The few who were just preparing to attack relaxed their force and raised their hands to cooperate.
The situation here changed too quickly; they still couldn't react, or rather, couldn't accept it.
Looking at Harry, emotions wanted to erupt, yet faded powerlessly. Repeating back and forth, unable to find the right topic to broach.
"Damn it!" Fang Jianchen cursed cathartically. "Harry! Are you crazy? Do you know what you're doing?"
Ye Buqing said: "Where did Cornell go? Nothing else matters now. Think carefully, if Cornell falls into Gelen's hands, he will only be continuously exploited."
"Don't you know what kind of place Gelen is? Civilians won't harm him, but civilians can't control the Gelen military!" Fang Jianchen said angrily. "How can you be so naive, little naive one! You even believe this person's words!"
Harry remained silent, his fingers clenched tightly.
Lian Sheng sneered: "Mr. Maxwell, you truly are an excellent persuader. I'm starting to suspect your pursuit was a premeditated event. Turning our teammate in such a short time."
Maxwell stepped forward from behind: "No, it's just that my personal guards knew Lance. They knew I brought him to the Alliance. Later, due to special reasons, I lost contact with him. Only later did I find out I was here."
Maxwell put a hand on Harry's shoulder: "I didn't persuade him of anything; this was his own choice. Our goals and interests are the same, so we chose to cooperate."
Lian Sheng ignored him, shouting: "Harry."
Harry looked up: "You said it, right? If you think the path you're walking is right, then keep walking."
Lian Sheng: "Are you sure this is the path you chose, not the path he chose for you?"
"I'm sure," Harry said loudly. "I'm sure!"
Fang Jianchen roared: "Sure my ass! Want to be a wandering minstrel in Gelen? Blinded by the dazzling world, huh? What's the point of changing worlds? Isn't the Alliance big enough?"
Harry's thoughts strayed for a moment: "...It has nothing to do with wandering minstrels."
"Cornell..." Harry said, "I want to serve until twenty-eight."
Serve until twenty-eight. By then, Cornell should be gone. He would buy an accordion, become a wandering minstrel.
Walk from one end of the street to the other.
Walk from day to night.
See this world for him, tell others his story, to prove he once existed in this world.
Cornell was his only friend. In the most painful times, helped him walk on together. In the loneliest times, accompanied him until now.
He was too afraid that one day, there wouldn't even be someone to reminisce with him. He hoped someone could remember Cornell. He hoped he could live longer.
"But!" Harry said, "Twenty-eight is too far away. I'd rather one day he could go with me! I hope he can see a different world."
"I..." Ji Ban said anxiously, "I don't understand what you're saying..."
Fang Jianchen: "Can we talk more?"
Lian Sheng: "You are you, Cornell is Cornell. I made a promise with him; he will always be Alliance personnel. I will bring him back."
Maxwell stepped forward: "Thank you very much for saving me. But sorry, we don't have a chance to chat anymore. See you next time."
He raised his hand and waved down. Several subordinates directly pulled the trigger.
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