Wu, Xiao, Mi, is flying—!
Blazing flames shot out from the rear, the sun reflecting dazzling highlights off the arrow’s shaft, and the Wu Xiaomi soared successfully into the sky.
The trajectory was a bit skewed, the tail end drawing circles, looking like it might turn back any moment and crash right into the command center.
But luckily, it didn’t actually come back.
The experimental launch was a success.
The rocket truly flew beyond everyone’s sight, heading east, straight into the heavens.
No explosion.
There really was no explosion.
“Because we can directly input precise data and select the shape of the materials to exchange, it saved a lot of welding and crafting work.”
“It’s like projecting the 3D model from a computer straight into reality, which greatly reduces errors during execution.”
“Besides, the Cold War-era launch data is recorded in books, and we simply followed the manual to reproduce it.” Kang Jie—Yin Nao explained.
“So, does that mean… we succeeded?!”
“From the launch standpoint, yes, we sent it into the sky and completed the first-stage booster separation test.”
“But that’s just the very first step. The more difficult parts are deploying engineering satellites and constructing space stations. That involves new orbital and gravity calculations, so we need truly professional talent.”
Oh no, don’t talk to me about that, my head already hurts just listening.
“Captain! Captain! A big shot just started contacting us!” Huang Xiao pointed at the private messages backstage, excitedly babbling.
“There are even more people than I expected. Thanks for the hard work—register them all.” Kang Jie forced himself to stay calm and nodded. “I’ll form a recruitment team with Nurse An. Anyone interested in Xinhua, we won’t let a single one slip by. If needed, we can even dispatch forces to bring them over.”
[By the way, by the way!]
Wu Xiaomi anxiously held up a note.
[Did the rocket hit anyone?!]
“Don’t worry!”
Everyone laughed.
“Our launch direction was over the Pacific Ocean. It used to be the Pacific, and now it’s an uninhabited zone. Unless the rocket is incredibly sturdy and overshoots, crashing onto the opposite shore, it’s very unlikely to hit anyone.”
“Oh~~”
So that’s how it is!
……
That night, Wu Xiaomi had a strange dream.
She dreamt she was tied to the Wu Xiaomi ship, her name right beside her head.
Then, amidst the laughter and cheers of those around her, Kang Jie lit the fuse beneath the rocket with a torch.
Good thing I woke up quickly, or else I’d have flown away!
“By rights, the mission should have happened yesterday, but it was postponed until next week.” Lutina’s voice came from the living room.
“Maybe… it’s related to that failed livestream?”
Bai Xiaozhi recalled.
She was referring to the gathering two days ago, the one disrupted by the Syndicate.
Because the whole event was so embarrassing, the organizer was forced to cancel the awards ceremony.
The announcement read: [Unexpectedly, guests’ lives are difficult; future gatherings among strategists will be reduced. Awards ceremony postponed until Carnival.]
With the awards ceremony canceled, the mission was canceled as well.
Just as everyone guessed, this mission was indeed connected to the awards ceremony.
“Xiaomi, Xiaozhi, are you home?”
At the door, Nurse An knocked.
Since Mirror Night, Nurse An had been reborn, now the vice president of Xinhua—a formidable woman.
“What is it?” Lutina went to open the door, tone unfriendly. “You only mention Xiaomi and Xiaozhi—I see you don’t consider me, Lutina Lord, worth your time.”
“Your Jie-ge needs their help. It’s a dangerous task; if you want to go, even better.”
“Do you know what ‘future is promising’ means? It means it’s possible in the future, but not now.” Lutina bowed respectfully. “Please come in, Miss An.”
“…”
Nurse An was speechless.
Behind her stood someone else.
His face was sour and stretched long—clearly the type who’s rudely pulled out of bed when he just wants to sleep—
Ark Captain, Han Nuo.
“What’s the matter?”
Because Wu Xiaomi’s communication was too inefficient, Bai Xiaozhi decisively took over the communication duties.
“We’re asking a few of you to escort someone. The route is perilous, so we need elite strong fighters like you.”
Bai Xiaozhi glanced at Han Nuo, curious: “Who? You’ve mobilized the top forces from the Ancient Burial District for this?”
“That’s exactly the talent we need—a scientist. She contacted us yesterday, and Han Nuo highly praised her, so the captain decided to have Han Nuo and you all assist in transporting her here.”
Why would Han Nuo praise a scientist?
Something’s fishy.
“I protected her,” Han Nuo explained wearily, voice hoarse from lack of sleep. “I said before, I’m a mercenary, an international mercenary. Occasionally, I take escort missions.”
Sounds impressive.
“A truly brilliant scientist might not be famous because the forces behind her work hard to keep her hidden.”
“If it weren’t for participating in that transport mission and witnessing secret operatives from various countries fighting tooth and nail over her, I wouldn’t have imagined how powerful she is.”
“How powerful?”
“Don’t ask me. I didn’t understand a word she said.” Han Nuo shrugged. “Just know that was the most desperate mission I’ve ever experienced. Surviving it was pure luck.”
If that’s the case…
Are we really up to it?
“How much more intel do you have?” Nurse An asked. “Back then, when you were on the mission, which faction did she belong to? Does that faction still exist? How much resistance will we face on this trip?”
“Impossible to gauge.” Han Nuo shook his head. “Like assassins, mercenaries only execute missions and never know who orders them. I have no idea who she works for.”
“In any case, keep a low profile and act secretly.”
“Wait,” Bai Xiaozhi interrupted, “An-jie, if I, Wu Xiaomi, and the Ark members all leave, Mangu District’s defense will be very weak. The Syndicate is already eyeing Kang Jie.”
“Don’t underestimate Xinhua’s strength.” Nurse An flexed an invisible muscle. “Xinhua isn’t the weakling it used to be. In overall strength, the Xinhua Strategy Guide ranks in the top twenty worldwide.”
“Be careful of their underhanded tactics.” Han Nuo was somewhat awake now, yawning. “The Syndicate never launches full-scale attacks. They infiltrate your ranks, then when the time is right, strike you in the heart.”
True enough.
We’ve seen those methods firsthand.
“Xinhua is expanding rapidly now, giving them chances to sneak in.” Nurse An nodded knowingly. “Don’t worry, I’ll screen them carefully. No need to worry; your mission is more important. Get ready to depart.”
“Wait…”
Han Nuo suddenly spoke.
With undisguised contempt, he glanced at Wu Xiaomi and Bai Xiaozhi.
“I don’t want to bring along two undisciplined deadweights into a zombie apocalypse-level wasteland, and one of them’s blind.”
“Han Nuo!” Nurse An frowned.
“If we’re working with the Ark, we have to follow their rules.” Han Nuo said arrogantly. “Obey my orders without question, even if I send you to your death!”
“Impossible.” Bai Xiaozhi rejected outright.
“Then none of you go.” Han Nuo sneered. “Dangerous missions require a team that obeys orders without hesitation, led by a single brain. No second voices allowed.”
[Actually, there’s another way!]
At the critical moment, Wu Xiaomi grinned foolishly, trying to smooth things over.
“What way?”
[You all just listen to me~~]