Chapter 22: Field Squad
The shock of the was still fermenting in the survivors' minds.
But 's consciousness was already immersed in the system , which resembled an inverted giant tree.
He still had 1,100 left. As the saying goes, having money and not spending it makes you feel awful all over.
So he decided to spend a little more.
His "gaze" swept across the dazzling array of branches and finally came to rest on the security technology node.
[ (LV2): Unlock " ," " ," and their construction blueprints. Unlock the " " construction blueprint. connection limit increased to 5 (current: 1/5). Cost: 400 .]
"That's the one."
The could effectively block ordinary zombies, while the sonic trap might work wonders against certain special mutants.
Even more crucial, this was the necessary path for a whole series of subsequent security technologies—sooner or later, it would have to be unlocked anyway.
[Confirm spending 400 to download to LV2?]
"Confirm."
On the , the node representing (LV2) lit up in an instant, and a torrent of data streams surged into 's consciousness core.
In that instant, the entire defensive layout plan for the power station's perimeter became three-dimensional and crystal clear in his consciousness, with countless deployable positions for grids and traps automatically marked out.
Next, he turned his attention to the " " construction blueprint.
[Materialize " " x1. Cost: 100 .]
[Materialization complete. Generated in Room A105 of .]
[Remaining : 600.]
paused his operations for now.
The remaining 600 points would serve as an emergency reserve—there was no need to squander them all at once.
His consciousness switched to Room A105 of the , an empty room whose door he had locked in advance.
With a slight spatial fluctuation, a brand-new autonomous patrol robot appeared out of thin air.
Its appearance was identical to 's, except that the warning light strips at the armor seams were orange.
[ , initialization complete. On standby.]
had specially prepared this new sentinel for the .
***
The next day, early morning.
When all the survivors gathered in the cafeteria, the atmosphere was completely different from yesterday's easygoing mood.
, , , and two other newcomers who had no choice but to draw the short straws had changed into thick clothing and were checking their weapons and equipment.
At their feet stood a brand-new robot, silent and still— .
" , this is..." was somewhat puzzled.
's calm voice came over the broadcast:
[This is a new sentinel I found in the . It will accompany you on field duty.]
[Comrades, now is the time for us to go on the offensive.]
[Thirty-five kilometers northwest of the power station, there is a large agricultural plantation.]
[The density there may be low, and the seed reserve relatively complete.]
"Understood. Then our target is set there."
straightened up, his face resolute: "This operation will be carried out by me, , , , and —five people in total."
"At the same time, will move with us, providing fire support and tactical scanning, while the provides aerial reconnaissance and support."
"If no one has any questions, let's set out."
stepped forward, forcefully thumped 's shoulder, then glanced at : "Stay safe. I'll watch over the power station—you don't need to worry."
"Mm," 's eyes were serious. "Everyone be careful. After all, this world has already changed."
"Understood! !" immediately snapped to attention and saluted the .
returned the salute, and the others followed suit.
's voice sounded at just the right moment:
[I have planned the safest route for you, and I will use the " " throughout to provide escort and early warning from the air.]
[Through , everything I see and hear will be synchronized with you.]
[Relax. I am with you.]
This all-weather, no-blind-spot "nanny-level" support set the squad members' minds at ease.
"Move out!"
At 's command, the modified truck's engine let out a low roar. Carrying five squad members and one , it slowly drove out through the freshly repaired power station gate and headed toward the desolate wilderness of the apocalypse.
***
The truck drove along a national highway where scattered zombies wandered.
sat in the passenger seat, a fire axe in his hand, his gaze sweeping warily over the abandoned vehicles and buildings on both sides of the road.
" , how are the road conditions?" gripped the steering wheel and asked in a low voice.
's voice came from , clear and steady:
[There is a small group about three kilometers ahead—around twenty of them. I have planned a detour route for you.]
[Attention: to your right front, in that leaning office building, there are signs of unknown heat-source activity on the top floor. I recommend avoiding it.]
"Received."
Under 's "God's-eye view" guidance, the truck narrowly avoided danger after danger.
High in the sky, the pitch-black " " was like a soaring black eagle, its ultra-high-definition camera beneath the fuselage taking in everything on the ground.
But just as the UAV's camera swept over a muddy wasteland, several deep tire tracks caught 's attention.
The tracks were very fresh—definitely not left behind before the disaster struck.
Judging from the width and depth of the tire tracks, at least several were heavy trucks.
The tracks ran all the way east and finally disappeared in the direction of 's city center.
Could there really be a convoy heading this way at a time like this? Were they from the government?
silently noted the coordinates, deciding to spend more time investigating later.
An hour and a half later, the truck reached its destination—the .
The enormous glass greenhouse canopies were already shattered beyond repair, but the main structures still stood.
The sign at the park entrance hung crookedly, the words "Genes and the Future" long since covered by dried blood stains.
"Everyone! Stay alert!"
At 's command, everyone filed out of the truck one after another.