Chapter 166 - Special Task Force
Zhang Hee's expression underwent an immediate transformation.
Once his nefarious actions were brought to light, the consequences wouldn't be limited to mere job loss.
“Major Lee, are you truly prepared to engage in mortal combat over that youngster?”
Zhang Hee's tone was somber as he spoke.
He possessed certain connections in high places, affording him the ability to usually maintain a semblance of respect from Lee Jun.
However, if push came to shove, he wouldn't hesitate to fight to the bitter end.
“Do you believe you're deserving?”
“Let me enlighten you. Officer Chen Loong enjoys the patronage of a much more influential figure than yourself. Captain Dongfang has tasked me with ensuring his well-being.”
Lee Jun's lip curled into a sneer as he invoked Captain Dongfang's name.
True to form, Zhang Hee's expression sank into despair.
Captain Dongfang held the rank of a mere captain, lacking any notable military title.
Nevertheless, the unit under his command was no ordinary force.
They served as the personal guards to the highest commander of the River City Safety Zone, entrusted with executing highly specialized and perilous missions.
It could be argued that Captain Dongfang's position within the River City Safety Zone hierarchy was second only to the highest commander.
In comparison, his own background was utterly insignificant next to Captain Dongfang's influence.
“It's over.”
Zhang Hee's legs buckled, causing him to collapse to the ground. He hadn't anticipated offending someone under Captain Dongfang's protection.
Lee Jun paid no further attention to Zhang Hee's desperate expression, opting instead to return to Loong Chen's side.
Subsequently, he murmured into Loong Chen's ear.
“Officer Chen Loong, once Zhang Hee is stripped of his position, he'll become an ordinary refugee. At that point, we can…”
Lee Jun trailed off, but Loong Chen understood his implication.
Until then, Zhang Hee was still within the military's ranks, making it unlikely for Loong Chen to eliminate him.
However, once his position was revoked, he'd become just another refugee.
At that juncture, a refugee's demise wouldn't raise eyebrows.
“Very well, I trust you mean what you say.”
Loong Chen nodded approvingly.
“I'll handle the remaining tasks. Sir, you should return to your duties.”
Lee Jun spoke respectfully.
Loong Chen then guided Hua Yuxin and Jia Jian towards the inner city, while Lee Jun approached Zhang Hee with a solemn expression.
Aware of Loong Chen's capabilities and resources, he dared not approach the matter with indifference.
Loong Ming had made arrangements for individuals to await Loong Chen's arrival at the inner city's entrance, facilitating their entry without obstruction.
Following the guidance of this individual, they proceeded towards Loong Ming's dwelling.
“This inner city surpasses the outer city by far.”
Observing the pre-apocalyptic ambiance on the streets, Hua Yuxin sighed wistfully.
River City remained unscathed by the zombie virus from the western continent, thus maintaining an appearance of normalcy.
Guided by an appointed escort, Loong Chen and his companions reached the military family compound, where residents consisted solely of military officers' families.
Due to resource scarcity, each family could only afford modest dwellings of approximately a hundred square meters.
Upon entering Loong Ming's residence, a tantalizing aroma of cooked vegetables greeted them, accompanying a table laden with food.
While these dishes might have been considered ordinary fare before the apocalypse, they now represented culinary delights.
Even Hua Yuxin, Hua Yafei, and Jia Jian found themselves eagerly salivating at the sight.
For several days, they had been deprived of warm meals, resorting to canned goods and snacks even during their previous visit to the small supermarket.
“Ah, Chen, there you are! Come, taste what I've cooked.”
Spotting Loong Chen, Loong Ming greeted him with hearty laughter, swiftly ushering everyone inside.
Loong Chen presented Hua Yuxin and Jia Jian to Loong Ming, recounting how they had met.
Naturally, he omitted the specifics regarding himself and Hua Yuxin.
“Join us, Chen. Allow me to introduce you as well. Meet my sister, Loong Ling.”
Loong Ming gestured toward the two girls seated at the table, one of whom was Jing Yan.
As for the other girl, she appeared to be around 15 or 16 years old. Despite her somewhat youthful appearance, it was evident that she held significance.
Loong Chen couldn't help but click his tongue in realization. Previously, he harbored doubts about their true identity, but now, all uncertainty vanished. This Loong Ling was the aunt he would encounter three centuries later.
“You must be Chen Loong. My brother has spoken highly of you. He mentioned that without your help, they might not have made it back alive.”
Loong Ling flashed a smile at Loong Chen, who simply nodded in response.
One thought preoccupied him: If he encountered Loong Ling now, why hadn't she recognized him after three centuries?
Or had she indeed recognized him but chose not to acknowledge it?
Time remained an enigmatic force. Despite traversing its depths, Loong Chen grappled with its mysteries.
It seemed that only by grasping the intricacies of the Law of Time could he unravel this conundrum.
Following this, the assembled group indulged in a celebratory feast.
Reflecting inwardly, Loong Chen realized he hadn't shared a meal with his parents since childhood, making this moment all the more poignant.
It was a semblance of closure for a lingering regret.
Once the meal concluded, Loong Ming spoke up.
“Chen, your integration into the team has been arranged. Let me acquaint you with our operations.”
“Okay.”
Loong Chen affirmed. Bringing Hua Yuxin and the others onboard required their integration into the team.
Instructing Jia Jian to safeguard the present women, Loong Chen departed alongside Loong Ming and Loong Ling.
As for Loong Ling's inclusion, the rationale was straightforward; she too became part of the team.
En route, Loong Ming provided Loong Chen with a rudimentary explanation regarding the team's nature.
Termed the Special Mission Team, its purpose was self-evident: handling specialized missions.
Members of this team comprised exceptional individuals with unique abilities.
For instance, Heixiong, renowned for his immense strength.
Another example was Loong Ling, who possessed a remarkable spatial talent.
While Loong Ming hadn't manifested any ability and lacked significant physical prowess, his role as the team captain endowed him with proficiency across various combat skills.
His expertise spanned field operations, stealth, reconnaissance, demolition, and more, rendering him well-suited for the Special Mission Team.
Leading the Special Task Force was Dongfang Hong. Devoid of any special abilities himself, he possessed formidable leadership skills.
“Dongfang Hong?”
Upon hearing the name, Loong Chen experienced a brief moment of surprise.
He vaguely recalled the surname Dongfang associated with the founder of Dongfang Academy, though he couldn't recall the exact name.
Whether there existed any connection between the two, he remained uncertain.
The potential link eluded his knowledge.
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