Chapter 52: Armored Storm

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"One last thing for today. Our contest against Cao Muhua has entered the third round. We must obtain a crystal core of a higher grade than his within one month to win."

Yan Song was the first to stand up, speaking indignantly, "Commander! Cao Muhua is a despicable man, using underhanded tricks—otherwise, we would have won the second round already! And I suspect he was behind the recent intrusion into the industrial zone."

"No matter what, Cao Muhua keeps opposing us, again and again. Whether it was him or not, I think we ought to find an opportunity to deal with him," Mouse said in a low voice.

"I second that. The friction between Cao Muhua and us in the base is getting worse. It's time to settle this," another agreed.

Seeing the attitude of his comrades, Wang Ji smiled.

"War isn't for slaughter. But since he insists on provoking it, let's give Cao Muhua a taste of fireworks."

Wang Ji tapped quickly on his tablet, projecting several technological 3D images and corresponding explanatory videos.

As they watched the demonstration and brief descriptions, Mouse became completely absorbed by these steel beasts, oblivious even as his mouth began to water.

"...Commander, are all these weapons ready for deployment?" Li Chengming swallowed, uncertain.

Wang Ji smiled slightly, first enlarging the exoskeleton single-soldier combat auxiliary armor. The video showed a simulated figure darting across various terrains, scaling walls, and even flipping a car with both hands and hurling it over ten meters away.

"Exoskeleton Combat Armor: Made of high-strength alloys, non-carbon fiber, and nanoplastics, total weight ten kilograms. Equipped with an intelligent assist system and thermal imaging support, it can reach speeds of up to thirty kilometers per hour. It boosts the user's overall abilities by three times, and especially enhances strength by six to tenfold!"

"The standard version can be equipped with a 12.7 caliber assault rifle, three hundred rounds, two titanium high-explosive grenades, and a chainsaw sword. There are other specialized versions—firepower, steel shield, and support—which you can review later."

Mouse was now beside himself with excitement, waving his arms and shouting, "Boss! Is this the gift you promised me?"

Wang Ji thought, if you get your hands on the intermediate strength capsule, you’ll be over the moon.

He shook his head slightly and smiled.

"I've already arranged for Liang Jingyang to produce ten standard sets of the exoskeleton armor, and set aside an independent logistics maintenance area in the training camp. Due to high costs and usage requirements, it will be issued only to the ten-man special operations squad for now. Of course, all combat personnel here can request one as needed."

"Boss! I love you!" Mouse’s mind filled with visions of himself dominating the battlefield, and the others showed excited expressions as well.

"No need to rush," Wang Ji said. "Honestly, this armor is just an interim measure. I believe, in time, your abilities will be such that you won’t need any enhancements."

As he spoke, Wang Ji clenched his fist slightly. Only he knew his current overall combat power—even with the armor, the squad couldn't match him except perhaps in sheer strength.

"Commander! If our soldiers had this armor, I doubt anyone in the base could stand against us," Yan Song observed.

The others agreed, gaining a new appreciation for their military strength. In this world where power reigns, greater armaments always grant more security.

Yan Song’s words stirred Wang Ji’s heart.

Perhaps it really was possible—using Grade-1 capsules to cultivate reliable personnel. With a hundred quasi-Grade-1 warriors, he could sweep through ten of Cao Muhua’s companies!

Wang Ji’s mind conjured images of soldiers like a storm of steel sweeping across the battlefield.

"Enough. Next are the A-Class Type-1 Armored Transport Vehicle, MKA-38 Tank, and Type-B Self-Propelled Artillery. Mouse, your infantry company will be equipped with these three vehicles first. The training materials have been sent to you—get familiar quickly. At the latest, they’ll arrive tomorrow."

"Understood! Boss, I’ll make the most of them."

With a wealth of heavy weaponry, Mouse was flush with pride and confidence.

"Li Qing, I’ll provide you with a drone hive. Paired with the comms system, it will give us an eye in the sky for battlefield support. Make sure to achieve seamless technical integration for the ground forces!"

Li Qing responded solemnly, "Rest assured, Commander! We’ll have it ready."

"Good. Everyone, keep up the good work! Our era is about to dawn. Let those who dare to covet us witness our true strength!"

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Wang Ji slammed his fist on the table, his eyes shining with an arresting light.

"Mouse, stay behind. Everyone else, get ready. In ten days, we will launch a full-scale operation to hunt for high-grade crystal cores!"

"Yes, Commander!" The team departed the conference room revitalized, leaving Mouse and Wang Ji alone.

Mouse habitually smoothed his blond hair and grinned, "Boss, what’s with the secrecy?"

"I heard you found a girlfriend?" Wang Ji didn’t immediately take out the intermediate stamina capsule, but instead asked about Mouse’s private affairs.

Mouse flushed, a little embarrassed as he joked, "Boss, how did you know… We… we just like each other!"

"With that little bit of drama, the whole camp knows already," Wang Ji scolded, but his expression was caring. "It’s a good thing to find a girlfriend. I checked—Chen Feilian is a fine girl. Treasure her well."

Mouse grew more bashful, speaking softly, "She… she looks a lot like…"

This reminded Wang Ji of the time of the disaster when he first met Mouse, and how Mouse had been heartbroken then.

He slapped Mouse’s shoulder, taking out the intermediate capsule box and placing it before him.

"Come on! This isn’t the Mouse I know!"

Mouse stared in surprise at the familiar box, his lips trembling.

"Boss… didn’t you say… the effect of capsules diminishes with repeated use?"

"This is a higher-grade capsule. The first time, there’s no resistance—it can greatly increase your strength."

Mouse took the capsule, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Boss, I’ve done plenty of foolish things in my life, but the one thing I’m proud of is following you! This capsule must be precious—thank you!"

Wang Ji felt a warm surge inside, smiling.

"Go on, take it. No need for thanks between brothers."

...

"Hahaha~ Inspector, you should have seen how Chen Yukai and Wang Ji suffered—it was truly satisfying!"

Inside the mansion at the base, Cao Muhua drank a glass of fine wine, his mood exuberant.

The Inspector, who always seemed insatiable, sat at the dining table enjoying his meal. Hearing this, he looked up, revealing a pale face and blood-red lips under his cloak.

"If Commander Cao is pleased, that’s good," the Inspector replied in his usual indifferent tone.

"Ah, Inspector, you don’t care for beauties or money, only food—really, I don’t know what to say," Cao Muhua laughed, sitting back in his chair.

Isn’t delicious meat the finest thing in the world?

The Inspector showed a faint smile, taking another bite of bloody steak, then signaled the servant to bring a fresh plate.

"Speaking of which, when will my business be settled?"

Cao Muhua exaggeratedly slapped his forehead and stood up. "See how forgetful I am. I arranged for it to be handled while Wang Ji was busy with the contest."

"Number Four! Number Seven! Report your work!" Cao Muhua called out to the room in the mansion.

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Number Four slowly emerged from within, placing a stack of photos and reports on the table.

"Number Four reporting, Commander, mission accomplished!"

Cao Muhua frowned, seeing only Number Four, with his arm bandaged, and continued, "Number Seven is dead?"

Number Four nodded, a trace of sorrow flickering in his eyes.

"Number Seven sacrificed himself, taking the gene drug to cover my retreat."

Cao Muhua waved him away.

"Inspector, take a look—is this what you need?"

Cao Muhua pushed the photos and reports across the table.

The Inspector glanced at the pictures, then paused, setting down his knife and fork before picking them up.

"These can’t possibly be technology of this era! Does Wang Ji have… so, it seems necessary to meet this mysterious fellow."

The Inspector thought to himself, stowing the photos and documents.

"Not bad. At last, something worthwhile."

Cao Muhua smiled, saying, "Glad you’re satisfied, Inspector. How about some compensation for us?"

Under his cloak, the Inspector’s face flashed with barely perceptible distaste, but he smiled.

"Commander Cao, I appreciate your businesslike approach. But you haven’t yet given me a report on the last batch of twenty new drugs. These documents will offset that."

Cao Muhua’s expression changed briefly, but he laughed, "Fine, Inspector, whatever you say goes."

The Inspector resumed his culinary journey, speaking unclearly, "There’s one more thing I need you to do. If you succeed, I’ll give you ten doses—how about it?"

"What is it? If you want the base to supply more test subjects, forget it. Chen Yukai is watching me closely now," Cao Muhua said lazily, calculating the negotiation.

"No, not that, at least not for now. What I need is…"

The Inspector, satisfied, wiped his mouth with a napkin and smiled. "Help me arrange a meeting with Wang Ji. I want to see him."

"What!"

Cao Muhua thought the Inspector wanted to collaborate with Wang Ji. His brows knitted, facial muscles stiffening as he stood frozen, as if immobilized.

The Inspector spoke lightly, "Your reaction needn’t be so intense. I merely wish to ask him some questions."

Realizing his overreaction, Cao Muhua laughed awkwardly.

"In that case, I’ll have someone notify Wang Ji. Don’t worry."