by <unknown>
The man looked nothing like the dashing and cool Ye Fan that Han Xiao pictured in his mind.
Ye Fan saw the hole-studded train carriage and immediately asked, “You guys encountered a monster?”
“It was just a small worm, no real threat.”
Qi Bai Jia gave a dry cough. Despite of the danger caused by the worm, there was no way he would admit that the situation had been greatly perilous. He needed to maintain the reputation of the Stardragon agents and wanted the folks on Hesla to believe that they were strong.
“It must have been really fortunate for you guys to arrive safely.” Ye Fan laughed. He did not further probe into Qi Bai Jia’s words.
Ye Fan put his shades back on and said, “Let us quickly head to the command center and report in. Our administrative procedures here are less complicated than those in Maple, at least 90% less.”
Some agents chuckled to themselves. Maple was known for its inflexible system. Apparently when the Shanuks from Theseus and Maple collaborated to wipe out the Vagrant Warlords, the short-tempered Shanuks were so frustrated with the elaborate reporting procedures of Maple that they almost fought with the officials at the Maple Intelligence Unit’s Caroma headquarters.
The administrative pre-requisite for this joint operation required the commanders to submit their operation plans before the actual execution of the mission.
For this operation, the Hesla military was delegated to be the offensive force. The agents were in charge of reconnaissance missions to uncover the enemy’s defense blueprints at the Dark Crow Valley Base.
Along the way, one could see the brand-new bulletproof jeeps and small tanks parked in garages. There were also honeycomb missile-launchers and groups of soldiers transporting ammunition.
Zhang Wei, Di Su Su, and Ma Qing Yang became really quiet, a stark contrast from their usual chatty behavior. It was their nationalistic sentiments affecting them. Han Xiao realized that he should not do anything overboard at that point in time.
The commanding officer was a muscular Caucasian man by the name of Colonel Carl. Colonel Carl was studying the operation plan hanging on the wall. Upon hearing the door creak, Colonel Carl, who thought that it was his assistant officer entering the room, blurted out, “Do not disturb me when I am thinking!”
Ye Fan coughed and said, “Colonel, the agents from Stardragon are here to submit their report.”
Colonel Carl turned his head to face Ye Fan. The tension on his face relieved immediately. He squinted his eyes and stared coldly at the Stardragon agents with distrust. He took out a document from his drawer.
“Take them down to rest, we will set off together in an hour,” he ordered.
Carl seemed unfriendly to the agents of Division 13. Ye Fan took the agents to a room and asked them to stay put at the location since they would be moving out shortly.
After Ye Fan left, the agents were left alone. Lin Yao finally dared to speak and asked softly, “Why do I get the feeling that the Hesla soldiers, especially the commanding officer, seem to not like us?”
Ma Qing Yang gave a sarcastic grin and said, “In the past, there were wars between Stardragon and Hesla. Therefore, the people of Hesla are unfriendly toward us. It is really frustrating that we have to face such situations even when we are on a collaborative mission with them. Colonel Carl definitely doesn’t look like an easy figure to appease.”
The different cliques within Division 13 was not unique to Stardragon. In fact, many countries faced such situations. Maple and Ordina were more conservative. Raylen and Theseus were more assertive. Stardragon and Hesla were more neutral.
Lin Yao remarked in disbelief, “Why did the department send us to Hesla then? What if they make us the sacrificial objects for the mission?”
“Nobody knows what the higher-ups have in mind. I guess we have to count on ourselves to stay safe.”
Ma Qing Yang, being a seasoned member of the department, was no longer surprised or shocked by such arrangements.
Qi Bai Jia explained, “Don’t worry, every command given to you guys has to gain my approval.”
The agents fell silent after a series of discussions to get into the mode for the mission.
“I am going out to take a puff.”
Han Xiao stood up and walked out of the room. He lighted his cigarette and took a deep puff, which went all the way down to his lungs, then out of his nostrils in two trails of smoke. He felt a sense of relief.
He ignored the unfriendly stares from the Hesla soldiers and diverted his attention to the mission plan on the screen of the tablet.
_____________
You have activated [Operation Dark Crow Valley Base].
Mission Brief: This is a small-scale military operation. As a member of Division 13 and participant of the operation, look out for what you can do!
Hint: The mission is a part of the Camp-destroyer series and you can claim these rewards upon completion of the mission.
Reconnaissance 1: Team mission. Monitor the situation in Crow’s Forest Town. 3,000 EXP rewarded.
Reconnaissance 2: Team mission. Monitor the situation in Dark Crow Valley Camp. 8,000 EXP rewarded.
Logistics member: Solo mission. Complete 20 tool repairs for your teammates. 8,000 EXP rewarded.
Assassin: Solo mission. Kill 8 sentries. 18,000 EXP rewarded.
Direct conflict: Solo mission. Kill 50 Germinal Organization soldiers. 35,000 EXP rewarded.
Assassination 1: Kill Dormund. Rewards based on contribution.
Assassination 2: Kill Ji Jie. Reward based on contribution.
Assassination 3: Kill Pan Kuang. Rewards based on contribution.
Destroy the Dark Crow Valley Camp: Rewards based on the level of completion of mission and individual contribution.
At the end of the mission, rewards will be issued based on individual stats and performance.
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
Initially, Han Xiao thought that it was going to be a normal mission, but instead, the operation was part of the Camp-destroyer series, which allowed for a varied and outstanding performance.
There were many types of missions, and for those belonging to the Camp-destroyer series, as long as one completed most of the objectives, the rewards would be generous. There were also additional rewards based on one’s individual performance.
As Han Xiao was smoking, a lady with short red hair approached him and asked, “Are you from Stardragon?”
Staring at her in the eye, Han Xiao nodded. “I suppose so.”
Immediately, the lady drew a knife from her waist and stabbed toward the neck of Han Xiao!
Chapter 73. Acing the Test |
Han Xiao stared at the red-haired woman without flinching.
The knife was only three centimeters from his main artery when it stopped and turned away, displaying the woman’s strong skill wielding her weapon. The woman gave a fierce look. “Why aren’t you dodging?”
“Why should I dodge?”
“So, you think I do not dare stab you?”
“You can try.”
Han Xiao’s face did not change one bit. Somewhere beneath his clothes, the magnetic-controlled extendable suit had already inched near his collar. He could protect his neck at a moment’s notice, and therefore, he was fearless.
Furthermore, since she was able to move freely in the military campsite, she had to be a Hesla agent. She would not really harm him like this. This would most likely be a test of his ability or to instill fear in him. However, how dare they picked him as the target! Han Xiao was slightly irritated. His eyes turned ice-cold.
The red-haired woman suddenly felt a shiver down her back and did not realize where it came from. She collected her mind, and harrumphed. “Winna, agent from Hesla Intelligence Department.”
She had just finished talking when she felt something pushing onto her stomach. She looked down; a large caliber pistol was pointing right at her stomach.
&n
bsp; Only then did Han Xiao laugh and say, “Han Xiao.”
That was fast! I didn’t even see how he drew his gun!
Her pupil constricted. She put away her knife. Han Xiao withdrew his gun, too.
“I will remember that.”
Winna turned around and left.
Han Xiao narrowed his eyes. “Hesla personnel sure are hostile toward us. They’d better not drag me down.”
….
After Winna walked some distance away, she gave a sigh of relief. She realized cold sweat was dripping down her hairline and became serious.
That Stardragon agent gave her… an extremely dangerous vibe.
Winna returned to the lounge to look for the rest of the Hesla agents. Ye Fan smiled and asked, “Discover anything?”
Winna took a sip of water to sooth her parched throat and replied in a serious tone, “That Han Xiao is likely very dangerous.”
“Han Xiao?”
Ye Fan thought of something based on the physical description of him.
That guy had been very low profile ever since they alighted the train. He only gave a weird look when someone called his name.
“A strange person,” Ye Fan concluded.
…
Han Xiao finished smoking and stepped on the cigarette butt. He walked back into the lounge.
Qi Bai Jia looked over and asked abruptly, “Nothing happened, right?”
“Something happened. I saw a female pig falling into a ditch.”
Qi Bai Jia felt slightly awkward. “Can you be more serious?”
“In that case, there was nothing,” replied Han Xiao nonchalantly. Since it was only a test meant to scare him, he did not want everyone to hear about it. Firstly, it was to protect the mission. And secondly, he didn’t think he wanted to be strayed by emotions.
In his mind, they were three types of enemies. The first type pissed him off or violated his interests. The second type wanted him dead or endangered his life. The last type was his nemesis. There was also the type that not only had mutual hatred but also conflicting interests. One example would be the Germinal Organization. This was the enemy that was top priority for Han Xiao. The first kind was too mild for him to care about.
Qi Bai Jia gave Han Xiao a complicated look. He was sitting by the window and had seen the whole incident unfold. He had gone on a lot of field missions before, and he knew that the other country’s agents would surely test their ability and show off their own prowess. This was a covert rule. All the agents were proud and arrogant. They would not get respect and power without showing off their ability. If anyone were to complain to their superior, they would actually be laughed at.
Qi Bai Jia greatly approved of what Han Xiao had done. He did not let Stardragon’s reputation down, and he was glad that Han Xiao had kept his mouth shut. This guy’s ability is good, and he understands the bigger picture.
…
“They didn’t fight?”
Carl nodded his head in satisfaction after he heard his deputy’s report.
“Good. Seems like those Stardragon people know their place on our territory.”
….
Soon, it was time for them to depart. Everyone gathered at the border exit. Ye Fan, together with Winna, brought a dozen agents, armed and ready to go.
The first stop of the mission was a position far away from the Crow Valley Town. There was an abandoned secret hideout of Hesla’s. They would be using it as their temporary base.
Division 13 transported the land rovers using the train. They were just regular all-terrain cars. Only Han Xiao’s Big Black was unique. He drove his team off amid loud revving of the engine.
This time, he drove steadily and comfortably. Li Ya Lin was almost moved to tears. The other three teammates, cramped in the other seats, were puzzled. They didn’t understand Li Ya Lin’s big reaction to all this.
It was half a day’s ride. Hesla’s motorcade was leading, and Division 13 followed.
Suddenly, Hesla’s motorcade sped up, gradually increasing the distance between the two parties. Di Su Su and Ma Qing Yang accelerated when they realized it.
Only Han Xiao, driving Big Black, followed slowly at the back.
“Xiao Ge, we need to catch up with them!” Lin Yao said anxiously.
Han Xiao’s had one hand on the steering wheel while the other one was out of the window and enjoying the wind. “Why do we need to catch up? No matter how fast they drive now, they will have to wait for us later.”
“Well… you are right when you put it that way.”
Suddenly, Di Su Su’s laughter came from the radio. “Little Lin Lin, how come you guys are so slow. Hurry and catch up with us. Unless Han Xiao’s skills are not up to par?”
“I do not want to waste my petrol,” Han Xiao replied briefly.
Di Su Su was instantly stunned. This was the first time she heard such a unique excuse. Agents like us need to worry about paying for petrol?
Ma Qing Yang chimed in on the radio. “Zhang Wei, this is Hesla’s agents showing off. We must not lose to them.”
Zhang Wei pondered for a few seconds, and he patted on Han Xiao’s shoulder. “Let’s catch up with them.”
Li Ya Lin’s face immediately turned pale. She grabbed Zhang Wei’s sleeve hurriedly and urged, “Please don’t. This speed is great!”
“What exactly do you fear?” Zhang Wei was really puzzled.
“Captain, is it not good to be alive?” Li Ya Lin said in a trembling and sobbing tone.
Zhang Wei was extremely baffled.
Han Xiao raised his eyebrow. “You really want to pursue them?”
“Yes.” Zhang Wei nodded his head.
Han Xiao sighed and changed the gear with ease. “Okay then. You guys had better hold on tight.”
Li Ya Lin was deeply fearful. She held onto the car door as tightly as she could and clenched her jaw.
“You… you guys will definitely regret this.”
…
In the afternoon, everyone arrived at the destination.
As soon as they alighted their vehicles, they all looked at the big black truck with shock, horror, and disbelief. Cold chills ran down their spine whenever they thought of the scene from before.
Even though they were experienced agents who had seen many things, such as “S” and “Z” shape movements, this was the first time they had seen an “&” shape movement! And it was faster than anyone else!
This could not even be counted as drifting… more like flying!
The truck driver must have been heavily under the influence!
Zhang Wei, Lin Yao, and Li Ya Lin fumbled out of the vehicle, held onto a tree at the side, and started vomiting everything they had inside them. At that moment, they felt like they’d be better off dead.
“Blargh—”
“Oh my god… I feel like I’m dying. Blargh—”
“Told you that you would regret this. Blargh—”
Han Xiao strolled down from the car and clamped a cigarette comfortably in his mouth. He smirked and said, “Well, you guys told me to chase.”
“You… Do you specialize in driving bumper cars‽”
Han Xiao curled his lips. Bumper cars? Don’t look down on me. I used to drive Mechas!
Lambert got out of the car with sturdy steps, as if nothing had happened to him. Han Xiao’s eyes gleamed. “See? There is someone normal enough to enjoy my driving.”
Just as Lambert opened his mouth to speak, vomit came out like waterfall. Only after everything was vomited out did Lambert commented with a poker face, “If you ever touch the steering wheel again, I will just jump out of the car.”
Chapter 74. Separate Operations |
The cars were parked outside. After everyone moved their equipment into the secret base, they began their pre-mission briefing.
“We have two operations. Firstly, disguise as wanderers and blend into Dark Crow Forest Town to gather intel; secondly, search for sentry guards from the Germinal Organization that are left alone a
nd force information about their base out of them.
“We will handle the sentries, your people can go to the Dark Crow Forest Town,” Winna immediately stated.
Di Su Su frowned. There would mostly likely be spies hidden in the town. If they attempted to blend in, they might be exposed and be put in dire danger. If so, they would not achieve anything. Searching for sentries would be much safer and easier to accomplish.
Hesla just could not wait to throw all the dangerous and tough jobs to Division 13. This attitude annoyed them greatly, but someone had to do the missions after all. If it was not going to be Hesla then it had to be Division 13. As such, no one voiced any objection.
“To infiltrate the town, we must first disguise ourselves as wanderers and then find an opportunity to gather intel covertly. We must not act rashly and alert the enemy,” said Qi Bai Jia.
After some discussion, it was decided that some people would stay at the base as backup. Four people stayed behind: Lin Yao, Qi Bai Jia, Ma Qing Yang, and Han Xiao.
Hesla also left some personnel to guard the base. Han Xiao only knew Ye Fan from their group.
It was only the afternoon. The Hesla agents decided to take a rest first. They would wait till dawn, when enemy’s alertness would be at its lowest, to move off to find enemy sentry guards. They had brought infrared imaging devices, so the darkness actually provided them with an advantage. Also, they secretly wanted Division 13 to be the guinea pig to sweep away some danger first.
Once the mission plan was finalized, those Division 13 agents who were going in mixed together to form a team with Di Su Su as the leader. They were disguised in wanderer’s clothes and looked travel-worn and weary. They hunched their backs to look as if they were being weighed down by stress. They carried giant backpacks and looked exactly like those real wanderers. They then headed toward the Dark Crow Forest Town on foot.
The secret base was equipped with many computer screens that were connected to agents’ camera and earphones. Han Xiao, Lin Yao, and Qi Bai Jia would rotate to monitor the situation.
Di Su Su’s team soon arrived at the crowded town, which was displayed on the screens. There were many different types of buildings, and despite the housing being simple and crude, there were many people there, making it look like a marketplace. Although the town was small in area, it had everything, even hotels for guests.