Chapter Eighty-Seven

But in truth, Kang Chao dared not entertain such thoughts. Yuan Muye had merely cut off their last refuge here. If anyone now suggested staying, they would undoubtedly be branded as surrenderers. This move was like removing the fuel from under the cauldron.

Experience had its edge. Yuan Muye decisively settled the matter with a mix of persuasion and force, ensuring everyone would leave together.

Then, everyone stood up to help collect the weapons. No one said another word. Kang Chao stood there, uncertain, until Ke Jin said sharply, "What are you standing there for? Hurry up and help! Or are you really planning to stay here and surrender?"

After all, Ke Jin was still his teacher, and with that, he eased Kang Chao’s embarrassment.

Yuan Muye nodded and said, "Tian Ye will come with me. You all go pack up the gear. Take what you can carry, and hide what you cannot. We will return to this land eventually. None of us are fools—know what’s important and what’s not."

"How many vehicles should we take, Professor?" someone asked.

"With so few of us now, why would we need multiple vehicles? Do you think the Felidae Empire won’t find us?" Tian Ye snapped irritably.

Yuan Muye patted Tian Ye on the shoulder, signaling her to calm down. Everyone’s emotions were already fragile; they didn’t want any more unwelcome incidents.

Tian Ye pressed her lips and said, "Sorry, I didn’t mean to snap."

"It’s alright. That was indeed a foolish question. We’ll take enough food and water," the person said sheepishly, scratching his head.

Yuan Muye nodded, took the energy gun, and headed straight for the mainframe of the underground laboratory. Hacking the binding on the energy gun was impossible without the help of the SkyNet system.

Back with Li Daoran, after donning his battle armor, he intended to return immediately but was stopped by Chen Ming.

"Don’t rush back. You really have no tactical sense at all. What would you do without us?" David teased.

"What’s wrong?" Li Daoran asked.

"Think for yourself. Don’t always rely on us. If one day we lose connection, you can’t just die," David said.

Since the last incident, David had taken over most of the conversations with Li Daoran.

"Give me a hint," Li Daoran said, not wanting to ask for the answer outright.

"How did Okamoto Kazuki get here? How could he take Yuan Muye and the others back?"

"You mean there’s an Okamoto Kazuki contact nearby? A vehicle? Damn, why didn’t I think of that?"

"Do you understand what you need to do now?"

"Take them down."

"You’re dreaming. Do you think you’re some kind of god?"

"Then what now?"

"Find them. Then return to Bluewater Planet to rest and plan our next move."

"Alright, which way?"

"Which way do you think? The direction Okamoto Kazuki went. It shouldn’t be far."

"So you’re going to kill Okamoto Kazuki?"

"Yeah. He’s injured but still confident enough to return through these mountains. Think about it: those creatures we saw from above—guns and armor make them no threat. But given Okamoto Kazuki’s condition back then, the probability of him making it back to the main battlefield on his own is nearly zero. That means their people won’t be far from here," David said flatly.

"So, Okamoto Kazuki doesn’t really trust me either?" Li Daoran asked.

"Half-believing, half-doubting. He trusts to some extent. But if he does make it back, he’ll bring reinforcements. Given what you’ve done, I don’t think he’ll let you live."

"Fine. The person’s already dead. If you’d told me sooner, I might’ve felt better," Li Daoran said, weaving through the forest, moving swiftly in the direction Okamoto Kazuki had left.

"Don’t rely on us too much," David said and then fell silent.

Li Daoran thought to himself: if Chen Ming were in charge, he would have already told him the general location of the rendezvous point by now. But David wouldn’t.

Based on what David said, the rendezvous point couldn’t be far. Li Daoran moved quickly in one direction, occasionally climbing trees to scout. Sure enough, he soon noticed faint traces.

Some trees bore marks of collisions and scrapes. Li Daoran’s eyes narrowed as he slowed down, cautiously following the trail.

In the makeshift camp, there were hundreds of mechas, various models, mostly fifth-generation units. Though many were outdated and retired, it was clear Li Daoran had no chance of fighting back against them.

Like the AK-47 rifle—a weapon no longer the mainstay in most armies but still renowned for its destructive power.

These fifth-generation mechas, though phased out by frontline troops, still held formidable deterrence. The Felidae Empire, engaged in near-constant warfare for a century, lacked nothing in soldiers or these older mechas.

Li Daoran gazed silently at the scene a hundred kilometers away. David pointed out several hidden sentries and traps. Though the camp was temporary, the commander was clearly cautious—drones, surveillance, hidden guards, nothing was missing. Advancing further would almost certainly lead to discovery.

"Return for now, Daoran," David said.

Li Daoran slowly opened his eyes. By now, he was accustomed to traversing between two worlds with no discomfort. Opening the door, he found only David inside.

David was sipping coffee slowly, eyes fixed on the computer, a cold smile playing at his lips.

Li Daoran asked in confusion, "Where is everyone else?"

"They’re busy. Someone couldn’t hold it anymore. Earlier, during your live broadcast in the Daoran world, I can’t say much, but there was an intrusion. It’s hard to reason with these damned ghosts," David said, taking a sip of coffee to steady himself.

"You mean the base was breached? They came for me?" Li Daoran was shocked; he hadn’t expected anyone so bold—or capable.

Controlling him meant controlling all humanity.

Those who dared think so lacked the ability; those with the ability wouldn’t do such a thing.

Yet, just as the Daoran world faced crisis and danger was not yet past, someone on Bluewater Planet had already made a move.

David shook his cup and said, "Don’t worry, you’re safe."

"You don’t seem surprised. Who did it?" Li Daoran, frustrated by David’s pretense, asked impatiently.

"Why be surprised? Wasn’t it inevitable? A single person is already divided in mind—getting everyone to agree is never easy. Besides, even we aren’t sure we’re on the right path. How can we expect everyone else to believe?"

David stared at a camera feed. Today’s guards seemed all gone. Though the surveillance footage appeared to be running, it was actually frozen.

David dismissed these little tricks, but the signal they sent left him deeply displeased.