Saving Unpermitted

Chapter 106: The Silent Old Man

The central square fell into silence.

There was no cheering from the people; they just stared blankly at the screens. The weight of their current hope was too heavy, and no one wanted to entertain the thought of surviving, only to be further thrown into the abyss. They gazed at Zhu Yanchen on the screen, waiting for him to continue speaking.

From the command center, Zhu Sheng could see everything happening in the square. Slowly rising from his chair, his expression was quite complicated—he knew better than anyone that this was not the work of the command center. But Zhu Yanchen was alive, so where had he been and what had he been doing during this time?

…According to the data provided by those papers, Zhu Yanchen, as a researcher, wouldn’t live for long. However, the person on the screen appeared full of vitality and looked healthy no matter how you looked at him.

“Go and trace the source of the signal.” Zhu Sheng waved off one of his assistants and continued to stare fixedly at the person on the screen.

Unlike Zhu Sheng, Yi Ning had been managing the city’s infrastructure under high pressure recently. When he saw Zhu Yanchen, he almost couldn’t control his emotions. He drank a glass of ice water, wiped his face vigorously, and sat in front of the screen broadcast.

Zhu Yanchen’s tone remained as usual; he didn’t waste words and went straight to the point. In just a few minutes, he succinctly explained several matters:

He discovered the loopholes in the player system and, lacking evidence, went out of the city with collaborators to search. At that time, he had been in contact with the erosion substance for too long and had little time left, with no intention of coming back alive.

However, along the way, he made significant discoveries. Now he held short-term anti-erosion drugs in his hands and had dedicated people working on further improvements. As for evidence, they had clearly found it—although when he discovered the monster “Sigma”, it already had the intention of attacking Y City.

But Sigma was too powerful, and he couldn’t leave any visual records of it. Relying solely on drawings and oral accounts, not many people would believe him. Even if he successfully became the leader, if he immediately strengthened the military, he would face countless obstacles. So Marshal Zhu decided to go with the flow and not get involved in the power struggles within Y City. He had been hiding outside the city, focusing on researching purification weapons and developing drugs to enhance the survival rate of human soldiers.

The explanation was simple and easy to understand, delivered in one breath, leaving people dumbfounded. If they wanted to question, they couldn’t find any loopholes to challenge.

“Compared to waiting for its invasion, I believe proactive arrangements are better. Sigma is highly intelligent, and before it officially strikes, it will undoubtedly linger in Y City for a few days. One is to test the waters, and the other is to accumulate fear.”

As Zhu Yanchen narrated, he maintained his cold demeanor. Fortunately, “calmness” was rare at this moment, and people were eager for him to remain composed.

“Unfortunately, even if there is no formal war, a small number of people have left this world due to fear, illness, or injuries. I have anticipated such situations and do not intend to shirk responsibility… I am deeply sorry. After the war is over, I will provide appropriate compensation and assistance to these families.”

He lowered his head and apologized calmly.

At this moment, the people didn’t have the energy to cause trouble; their attention was focused on the phrase “after the war is over”.

Marshal Zhu spoke with a confident tone, which was exactly what they needed. People began to suppress their instinct for survival, and a faint glimmer of vitality emerged in the crowd—when the apocalypse was right under their noses, their choices were limited. Regardless of whether it was true or false, he spoke with such clarity and certainty that he must have some ability.

“Lastly, I understand what you all want to ask. Regarding the true nature of Sigma—simply put, it is still an Erosion Swamp that you’re familiar with, but it has evolved some intelligence. As for the black wolf over there, it is essentially a similar creature, but it is my ally, so you don’t need to worry.”

It was clear to everyone that it wasn’t a human, but no one dared to ask, and even if they did, no one would be able to hear it.

“Three days. At most three days, this war will come to an end. That is my guarantee.”

With a firm and resolute statement, the crowd, which had been stagnant like dead water, finally accepted this tantalizing hope. People began to shout; the young people gathered on their own, and an air of desperation emerged throughout the square. Suppressed for nearly a month, this unexpected stirring brought forth a brilliant light to the entire city.

“Report, we have traced the source of the transmission. It is currently moving… right outside the command center.” At the same time, an assistant quickly stepped into Zhu Sheng’s office.

“Prepare the DNA testing device to confirm his identity. Also, arrange a meeting room.” Zhu Sheng closed his eyes and answered decisively.

As soon as Zhu Yanchen arrived at the entrance of the command center, he was stopped for identity verification and then directly led to the meeting room. He wasn’t the least bit surprised by this; on the contrary, the ones who were most excited were the several leaders in charge of research—they almost shed tears upon seeing the lively young master of the Zhu family.

“Isn’t erosion irreversible? How did you manage to survive until now?”

“Do you have any information about the anti-erosion drugs?”

“Regarding your thesis, I have a question—”

“Quiet.” Zhu Sheng coldly interrupted; his imposing presence silenced the researchers immediately.

“What’s going on?” Zhu Sheng then turned to Zhu Yanchen.

“Now is not the time to explain. My friend is still dealing with the Erosion Swamp.”

Zhu Sheng sighed deeply. “Is it Shu Jun?”

Zhu Yanchen remained silent.

“How is that possible?! Wasn’t Shu Jun killed on the spot by the purification cannon?” The closest senior researcher to Zhu Sheng immediately exclaimed. “Mr. Tang’s design was fine, and the theory wasn’t wrong!”

“What if Shu Jun isn’t in that creature’s chest? I was a bit curious before—Shu Jun is a talented strategist; he wouldn’t easily reveal the ‘main body’. And during these days of conflict, the casualties were abnormally low. It’s understandable that the synths didn’t want to provoke the general public. But even considering that, the casualty count was still too low.”

As Zhu Sheng spoke, he didn’t look at Zhu Yanchen.

“From the synthetics’ uprising to Xia Yufeng’s exposure, it was all part of your collaboration plan with the synthetics, right? To lure the monster here and expose a ‘fatal weakness’ is the quickest way.”

“If there’s no breakthrough, there’s no progress.”

Zhu Yanchen sat down politely in front of his seat.

“Mr. Zhu, according to the laws of the United Government, I am now the new leader of the United Government. Even if the handover period has not passed, I have emergency leadership rights, just like you. But let’s put aside the small talk. I will only address two points.”

“First, we have developed weapons capable of combating the Erosion Swamp, and the location of their deployment will be announced later. The purification cannon design was also handed over to me by Mr. Tang, but the plan is not complete. It was used to deceive Sigma into making a move. Sigma is no different from an intelligent wild beast, but I kept one thing hidden—unfortunately, there is an experienced synthetic by its side giving instructions. Don’t underestimate it.”

Yi Ning tried to digest this information. “Aren’t the synthetic humans cooperating with you?”

“I only gained the cooperation of the majority. Once they knew the truth, they didn’t hesitate to act against me.” Zhu Yanchen looked at Zhu Sheng.

Zhu Sheng remained silent.

“Secondly, the resistance drug against erosion does exist. Currently, it can temporarily enhance human resistance to erosion. As for erosion treatment and long-term prevention, further research is still needed. As for the short-term resistance drugs, in addition to the necessary stockpile, I have already distributed them to the surrounding population of the settlements. Currently, the residents in the settlements have taken emergency shelter in the eastern part of the city, so there shouldn’t be any problems for now. Once the formula is provided, I believe the production can continue within the city to supply the military.”

“Are you saying that those massacres were also…”

“We used some small tricks. After all, Sigma has spies in the city, and to deceive it, we had to deceive our own people first. Considering the importance the United Government places on the settlements, I don’t think anyone will question it.”

Yi Ning slowly covered his face and let out a long sigh of relief. The conference room fell silent—this plan could be described as far-fetched to the point of absurdity, yet terrifyingly realistic at the same time.

“Now that you have reached this point of cooperation with the synthetic humans, can’t you have them join in the fight against Sigma?” Someone at the conference table tentatively spoke. “It seems like there’s only Shu Jun…”

Zhu Yanchen immediately turned his gaze; his eyes were unusually cold.

“Why?” he asked briefly. “Shu Jun is willing to help me out of personal friendship. As for the other synthetic humans, haven’t they refrained from causing destruction within the city? Isn’t that enough? Why do you think they are willing to cooperate with me? Is it because they didn’t find protecting humans satisfying? Or is it because they don’t want to live anymore?”

That person was bombarded with a series of questions and couldn’t say a word.

“Now, let’s proceed with the operational meeting. Within three days, Shu Jun will hold off Sigma while the security team clears the surrounding Erosion Swamps. Once the battlefield is cleared, we will concentrate our forces to deal with Sigma. As for the specific arrangements…”

“I’ll go to the security team,” Yi Ning suddenly interrupted, his voice filled with weary hoarseness.

Zhu Yanchen looked at him, his expression blank.

“You will definitely go to the front lines, I know,” Yi Ning smiled bitterly. “Someone needs to stay in the city, and having one Zhu elder is enough… I want to go and support the security team.”

“…”

“Indeed, unlike me, you can handle it alone. And if worse comes to worst, you still have Dong… you have Miss Xia as your right-hand. But I don’t want to continue hiding here, training for emergency arrangements within the city. I need to use my own eyes to see what kind of trouble we have brought upon ourselves.”

“That is a real battlefield, Mr. Yi—different from when you led Groundwater. This time, there is no Luo Duan to designate tactics, and your talent lies in social management. I’ll be straightforward—your on-the-spot command ability is only above average, and your experience with the Erosion Swamp is limited to paper, which doesn’t make you suitable for the front lines.”

Zhu Yanchen didn’t respond to his outburst.

“When the time comes, I will arrange your position based on your capabilities, without giving you too much command authority… but are you okay with the possibility of getting injured or even killed?”

“Yes.”

“As for the Tang family…”

“I don’t care. This is my request as a ‘human’. You’re right, I’ve been theorizing for too long, and I’ve been too self-righteous.”

“Very well.” Zhu Yanchen didn’t waste any more words. “Now, regarding the tactics against the Erosion Swamp, these are my current thoughts…”

The meeting didn’t last too long. Zhu Yanchen shut down any questions, probing, or opinions that deviated from the main topic. Zhu Sheng, who rarely spoke, watched Zhu Yanchen’s decisive actions from the main seat and fell into a long silence.

He didn’t express any objection to being assigned to the rear command. It must be said that many people at the table still harbored some internal family conflicts in their hearts, but seeing Zhu Sheng’s reaction, they could only swallow their pride and obediently follow orders.

“This battle is destined to be dangerous and cannot last too long. The next three days will be the peak of enthusiasm among the city’s residents. Once this period is over, the people’s heart of Y City will be completely shattered, and the situation will become difficult to salvage. This is our only opportunity to defeat Sigma, and I don’t want to see any actions that are irrelevant to the overall situation.”

The young master of the Zhu family had made quite a few remarks after slipping away from the brink of death. Compared to the younger generation who felt suffocated by this overwhelming pressure, people began to miss the previous “Marshal Zhu”, who used to be confined indoors and remained silent.

But who would want to have a falling out with their own lives?

The giant black wolf didn’t wait for long. That night, the human army was fully armed—

And the real war had officially begun.