Volume Two: Setting Out! Chapter Seventy-Seven: Return

When Zhao Tian returned to the dormitory building, he was greeted by a standoff between two groups: on one side, the Japanese soldiers, and on the other, the War God Squad. The Japanese forces were clearly better equipped and more numerous; if a fight were to break out, the War God Squad would undoubtedly suffer a heavy loss.

“Nakamura, is this how your country treats its guests?” Zhao Tian addressed Nakamura Masao, who had arrived late to the scene.

Nakamura Masao hurried over, quickly assessing the situation. He forced a strained smile and said, “Mr. Zhao, I was unaware of this incident, but please rest assured—I will severely punish those responsible.”

“Tell your men to get out of here!”

Taichi Kumagawa’s face was still swollen. He signaled his subordinates, and the surrounding Japanese soldiers dispersed. The members of the War God Squad lowered their weapons, but after this incident, a seed of hostility toward the Japanese had been planted in their hearts.

“Hurry up and apologize to Mr. Zhao!”

Taichi Kumagawa bowed deeply. “Mr. Zhao, I apologize. The order was mine alone; Mr. Nakamura truly knew nothing about it. The fault is entirely mine!”

“You’re not at fault. How could you be?” Zhao Tian replied with a smile, though his eyes betrayed not a trace of amusement.

“We’re the ones at fault. We shouldn’t have meddled in your Japanese affairs.”

Seeing that Zhao Tian was still angry, Nakamura Masao kicked Taichi Kumagawa hard and slapped him twice, leaving Kumagawa stunned.

“Mr. Zhao, I have punished him severely. I’ll strip him of his position as soon as we return. Please forgive our impudence!”

“Nakamura, I will report everything you’ve done to the Sword Immortal. Save your words for him!”

Zhao Tian ended the conversation and, wearing pajamas and an expressionless face, returned to the dormitory. The fifty members of the War God Squad cast a cold glance at Nakamura Masao before following Zhao Tian inside.

“Commander, I’ll go in and beg their forgiveness,” Taichi Kumagawa said as he climbed to his feet, about to seek out Zhao Tian.

“Come back!” Nakamura Masao sighed, frustrated with his subordinate’s recklessness. Though Kumagawa had always been loyal, his methods were far too extreme.

Originally, Nakamura Masao had only wanted Kumagawa to bring Zhao Tian over so they could confront him about why China had launched missiles without warning—a matter where they held the advantage. But Kumagawa’s unauthorized actions had turned the tables, leaving them at fault. All Nakamura could do now was hope the Sword Immortal wasn’t someone easily swayed by anger.

“Let’s return. We’ll negotiate with the Chinese authorities about this incident. Earning their forgiveness shouldn’t be difficult—it just means offering more concessions.”

Taichi Kumagawa hung his head in regret, cursing his own rashness.

Upon returning, Nakamura Masao’s first act was to contact the Chinese government. What was said and what deals were made remained shrouded in secrecy.

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Following instructions from the Number One Safe Zone, Zhao Tian had to let the matter rest. Yet his desire to return home grew stronger; the Japanese had repaid kindness with hostility, chilling the hearts of everyone.

“Captain, are we really just going to let this go?” Wang Chuan grumbled. The Japanese had attacked them without reason, even deploying armored vehicles, yet their superiors wanted them to make peace. He couldn’t swallow the insult.

“You think I don’t want to pursue it? I’m sure the Japanese offered plenty of concessions. Otherwise, Director Li, shrewd as he is, wouldn’t let them off so easily. A bit of humiliation in exchange for some benefits is worthwhile,” Zhao Tian replied, rolling his eyes.

Suddenly, the door was flung open with a loud bang, startling both men. Liu Cong stood in the doorway, embarrassed, eyeing the nearly broken door.

Zhao Tian twitched his lips. “Director, you’re finally back. I’m glad you’re safe, but did you have to start dismantling my door the moment you returned?”

“I’ll have the Japanese come install a new one for you,” Liu Cong said, restraining his strength. His physical power had grown considerably; now, even a gentle push nearly sent the door flying.

“What’s wrong? Did something happen? I overheard your conversation outside. What did the Japanese do?”

“Wang Chuan, you go on. I’ll report to the director alone.”

After Wang Chuan left, Zhao Tian recounted everything that had happened since Liu Cong went missing. Though he voiced no complaints, Liu Cong sensed a hint of reproach.

“Don’t worry, I won’t take any more risks. I’ll finish the mission as quickly as possible and get you all home.”

“Director, what’s inside the Devil’s Forest that could trap even you?” Zhao Tian asked, curious. Liu Cong was powerful enough to split a T4 mutant with a single stroke; if even he was ensnared, the forest’s mystery was immense.

“There’s nothing much—just a few man-eating trees that trapped me with their vines.”

“Man-eating trees, just trapped you…” Zhao Tian inwardly marveled. Since Liu Cong didn’t wish to elaborate, he didn’t press further.

“Give me last night’s meeting notes. I want to see what proposals the Japanese made.”

Instinctively, Zhao Tian handed over his notebook. In the two days since they’d last seen each other, Liu Cong’s aura had grown even stronger. Zhao Tian could sense a subtle change in him, though he couldn’t pinpoint what it was. Only now did he realize that the director’s calm, unruffled demeanor was now tinged with authority—one word from him inspired instinctive obedience.

After reading the meeting notes, Liu Cong closed the notebook. “What did the director say? Which proposal was chosen?”

“We’re to follow your lead. You decide which proposal to adopt.”

“Then we’ll go with the first one—evacuating residents by air. It’s the most suitable, though we’ll need to find more planes.”

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After his experience in the Devil’s Forest, Liu Cong had gained a deeper understanding of the scale of Japan’s disaster. The forest was likely just the tip of the iceberg, and the unsettling aura wasn’t emanating from there alone. The entire place was shrouded in an eerie atmosphere. The sooner everyone was evacuated to China, the better.

Liu Cong feared that delay would bring unforeseen changes. If a new disaster arose, he would have to remain on the mainland and would not risk venturing out to rescue others again.

Having made up his mind, Liu Cong dialed Li Yu’s number.

“Director, are you familiar with the three proposals the Japanese offered?”

“We’re aware of all three. As for the decision, it’s yours. Choose whichever you deem most suitable, and we’ll fully support your choice.”

Li Yu’s attitude was resolute, placing all authority in Liu Cong’s hands.

“Then let’s go with the first option. The sea isn’t safe, but there aren’t enough planes. Can you send a few more?”

“I’ve asked the Air Force. Aside from the five planes you flew in with, we can send a maximum of ten more transport aircraft.”

“One of the five planes was destroyed during my fight with a T3 mutant bird, so there are fourteen left. That’s still too few—we need to evacuate over 600,000 people!”

You lost a plane already? The generals beside Li Yu winced. When Li Yu looked to them for input, they shook their heads, indicating there were no more planes available.

“Fourteen is our absolute limit. If needed, we’ll just fly more trips.”

Liu Cong frowned and said, “Director, post a message online asking if any Asian countries can lend us a few transport planes. To express our gratitude, I’ll personally assist them once if they ever need help.”

Li Yu paused. It was a solution, though the favor shouldn’t technically fall to China’s secondary team, but it was also a great chance to showcase China’s strength.

“That’s a good idea, but we can’t make a losing deal. Let me negotiate with the Japanese first, then I’ll get back to you.”

After hanging up, Liu Cong noticed Zhao Tian waiting expectantly nearby. “Director, does this mean Japan is going to bleed even more?”