Chapter 25: The Recruitment (Part 2)

Overall, the biological warriors of the Terran Aulmei Empire had undergone significant genetic modification, specifically tailored for combat and reconnaissance in forests and other wild terrains. In their minds, it was inconceivable that the primitive humans inhabiting the surrounding lands could ever overcome their bioengineered warriors.

Even if those so-called primitives somehow managed to defeat their warriors, how could they possibly anticipate the information transmission system embedded at the base of the warriors’ necks and destroy it, thus preventing the empire from retrieving real-time data from the battlefield?

At this thought, the intelligence director’s aide had an idea. He turned to his superior and said, “Director, could it be that the ones capable of such a feat are the aliens who emerged from that unidentified spatial portal over a month ago?”

The intelligence director replied, “Explain your reasoning.”

The aide continued, “If not, I simply can’t account for how they were able to so swiftly destroy the information system on the back of our bio-warriors’ necks, immediately severing our control over the battlefield.”

He glanced at the director, who remained silent, and so went on, “Besides, even if those primitive humans knew about the system’s location, they shouldn’t have had the means to destroy it with their limited resources.”

The director couldn’t help but let out a cold chuckle. “Then how do you explain the arrows those primitives used? If it really was the alien from the mysterious portal, why would he rely on the primitives for help instead of acting alone? And how would he know we placed our information system at the base of our warriors’ necks?”

The aide was momentarily stunned. “That… I really don’t know…”

The director said, “I suspect that this is the work of that individual from the Mountain Base, using the portal incident as a cover to cause us trouble.”

The aide asked, puzzled, “Director, do you mean this is Goba Xiaofu’s doing?”

“Exactly. First, if it were the alien, having already been pursued by us, he would surely be aware of the danger. Why, after killing our bio-warriors, would he waste time burning the bodies? Since we already know of his existence, wouldn’t it make more sense for him to disappear immediately after the attack?”

The director’s tone turned graver. “Furthermore, before our bio-warrior lost contact, we saw it engaged in battle with the primitives. If they saw the alien, would they really join forces? You all know the alien’s attire is vastly different from that of the primitives. Such a disparity would hardly go unnoticed, so how could he leave so quickly?”

He let out another cold laugh. “Thirdly, Goba Xiaofu is surely seeking to undermine our Leader’s authority, caring nothing for the nation’s interests, hoping our decisions falter so he can clean up the mess and eventually take the Leader’s place. His policies have always leaned left, contrary to our great Leader. And this method of destroying evidence suits his style perfectly, wouldn’t you agree?”

The aide was startled. “In that case, Director, I believe we should report to the Leader at once, or we’ll be at a disadvantage.”

“Exactly,” the director responded immediately. “Order everyone to accelerate their documentation of the scene—take all necessary photographs at once. Don’t extinguish the fire; make it even bigger to eliminate any traces that shouldn’t remain. Ensure that no classified information falls into unauthorized hands. Understood?”

“Yes, sir!” the aide replied with a salute.

All the Terrans hurried to clear the site, using their specially designed accelerants to make the fire blaze even more intensely. Then, in haste, they boarded their ship and departed.

...

Once Zhang Desen and his group, hidden in the forest, saw the Terrans board their ship and fly away, they all breathed a collective sigh of relief.

Zhang Desen then operated the hovering drone to covertly follow the Terran ship for a while. Only when he was sure they had truly left did he finally relax.

After tending to their wounds, the head retainer approached Zhang Desen once more. “Hero, let’s return to our previous discussion. Allow me to reintroduce myself. I am Zhao Chengming, chief retainer of Master Liu’s household. I was sent by Master Liu to seek out the ‘Strange-Clad Hero’…”

Zhang Desen interrupted him, “Enough with the ‘Strange-Clad Hero’ title. Is my uniform really that odd? It’s simply different from yours. My name is Zhang Desen; just call me that. What do you want?”

Zhao Chengming bowed again. “Very well, Brother Desen. Here’s the matter: Master Liu asked me to thank you for saving his daughter…”

Zhang Desen suddenly recalled that he had indeed rescued a young woman earlier. Unexpectedly, after her return and recounting the event, Master Liu had sent someone to express his gratitude. He replied, “There’s really no need for such formal thanks. I simply couldn’t stand by in the face of injustice—it’s my duty as a professional soldier.”

“Soldier? Brother Desen, are you a soldier?” Zhao Chengming asked, surprised.

Zhang Desen was about to answer yes, proud of his military identity from his original universe. But now, in a different world, declaring himself a soldier would only raise more questions and require lengthy explanations. This place wasn’t safe for lingering—who knew if the Terrans might return at any moment? So he said, “Let’s get to the point; this is not a place to stay long. If we tarry, those creatures might come back.”

“You’re right,” Zhao Chengming agreed. “To tell the truth, our histories have long recorded these monsters. They often abduct people, and those taken rarely return. I always thought if I ever encountered them, I’d do everything to protect those dearest to me. I never expected today would be the day. By the way, Brother Desen, I was ordered by Master Liu to find you…”

Zhao Chengming then explained Master Liu’s intentions. Master Liu was the wealthiest merchant in the Daxing Kingdom, with business interests not only there but also in neighboring Shu Chuan and Southern Dian kingdoms.

Due to ongoing turmoil, the Daxing Kingdom’s western capital had become plagued by bandits, forcing Master Liu to bolster his retainer force at great cost to safeguard his enterprises.

When Zhang Desen had recently wiped out many bandit strongholds, he indirectly aided merchants like Master Liu, who began to take note of the legendary ‘Strange-Clad Hero’ and sought to recruit him.

Moreover, many nobles and officials also took an interest. After Zhang Desen inadvertently rescued Master Liu’s daughter, Master Liu resolved to enlist this hero for greater protection.

Though Zhang Desen had been focusing on searching for Tang Shijie, he had learned much about this world. Martial prowess was highly prized, and powerful families often had their retainers compete in contests of arms.

At this, Zhang Desen said, “Brother Chengming, I appreciate Master Liu’s regard, but I must continue searching for my companion and cannot accept. I’m sorry!”

Zhao Chengming replied, “There’s no need to decide so quickly. May I ask, where does your companion reside, and how long have you been searching?”

Zhang Desen selectively explained his situation, mentioning his search for a comrade and his current inability to return home, leaving him isolated.

Zhao Chengming said, “That’s all the more reason to join Master Liu’s household. Think about it: If you can’t find your companion, perhaps he’s already left this area. Master Liu’s business takes him all over the land—wouldn’t joining us give you more resources and mobility to search?”

Seeing Zhang Desen’s lack of response, Zhao Chengming continued, “Besides, since you can’t return home right now, isn’t Master Liu’s household a good place to settle? Even if you find your companion, if you have nowhere to stay, what difference does it make?”

Zhang Desen thought this made sense. With all contact lost with his headquarters and no idea what had gone wrong, he needed something to occupy himself and, more importantly, a place to call home. If he found Tang Shijie, what then? Moreover, from the Terrans’ conversation, it seemed they had captured someone dressed like him—could it be Tang Shijie? Living alone in the wild was dangerous; it would be safer among people.

With this in mind, Zhang Desen was inclined to accept, but then worried about his ship. He asked, “Brother Chengming, I have one concern.”

“Please, go on,” Zhao Chengming replied.

“Do you need to return to the city immediately?” Zhang Desen inquired.

“The city gates won’t open until morning,” Zhao Chengming answered.

“Then, Brother Chengming, please come with me to one place first,” Zhang Desen said.

“Of course!” Zhao Chengming replied.