From Rivals to Comrades

A Shifting Balance of Power

Mike remained in his bedroom, closely monitoring the unfolding situation through Chen Dafeng's perspective.

"The commander of Xinchang has lost his mind. This has to be an external influence!"

Mike reached the conclusion almost instantly. "This must be some kind of advanced ability… or a hidden mechanic at play!"

In the world of shelters, abilities varied wildly, often defying logic. The sudden and erratic behavior of the Xinchang commander sent a deep chill through Mike.

"If this is caused by some unknown mechanism, what if the same thing happens to me?"

His mind raced. "Is it triggered by proximity or long-range interference? A special artifact or an innate ability? And most importantly—how do I counter it?"

Frowning, he was about to reach out to Jiang Xiaoci for her opinion when something caught his attention—her voice, echoing from Chen Dafeng's perspective.

Inside the temporary command room of the Yongren Alliance, Qin Dashan gestured toward a communication device on the table.

"Allow me to introduce our Supreme Military Commander and Chief Advisor—Miss Jiang Xiaoci."

Standing before the communicator, Chen Xun straightened his posture and lowered his gaze with deference.

"Miss Jiang, my name is Chen Xun. It is an honor to speak with you."

Jiang Xiaoci's voice carried a calm yet undeniable authority as it resonated from the device.

"I've read your file. I appreciate your decision to defect. The fact that you once served under Xinchang's commander means you are someone with a strong moral compass."

"On behalf of the Jinling Command, I welcome both you and the Yongren Alliance into our ranks. Together, under the people's watchful eye, we shall endure the trials of this apocalypse."

"Thank you for this opportunity, Miss Jiang." Chen Xun bowed deeply. "I have long desired to contribute to disaster relief efforts but never had the chance. Now that I've met the forces from Jinling, I finally feel a sense of security. I swear to devote myself fully to protecting our people under your leadership."

From his place on the sofa, Chen Dafeng scoffed, unimpressed by the overly formal exchange.

Chen Xun noticed but chose not to react. The fact that even someone as formidable as Chen Dafeng refrained from interrupting spoke volumes about Jiang Xiaoci's authority.

Realizing this, Chen Xun's stance became even more reverent. Though he was merely addressing a communicator, he treated it as though Jiang Xiaoci herself were standing before him.

Mike, still observing in secret, was caught off guard. Jiang Xiaoci is personally intervening in the battlefield's developments… and even recruiting Chen Xun herself?

As the pleasantries concluded, Jiang Xiaoci's focus shifted to the more pressing matter.

"Now, tell me about the Xinchang commander's condition."

Her voice remained gentle, yet an unmistakable pressure weighed on Chen Xun. He could feel an invisible force pressing against him, making him tense under her scrutiny.

"...It seems you haven't left anything out," she finally said.

"Jinling takes the situation in Xinchang very seriously. We sympathize with what has befallen its commander."

"Rest assured, we will not stand idly by. When one region suffers, we unite as one. We will uncover the truth behind this incident—no matter the cost."

A heavy silence followed. Even the usually boisterous Chen Dafeng and the composed Qin Dashan remained silent, listening like obedient students.

The stillness was broken by hurried footsteps outside.

"Boss Chen, King Xin and his men are here!"

"They've brought an entire force—at least a thousand strong. Looks like they're going all in."

Chen Xun inhaled sharply and turned to the communicator. "Miss Jiang, what should we—"

"Dafeng."

Jiang Xiaoci spoke his name lightly.

Chen Dafeng groaned and got up. "Yeah, yeah, I got it. I'll handle it."

"What a pain. They always come looking for me."

As he headed out, Chen Xun hesitated, watching his back. "Is… is he really going to just bring King Xin in? Won't a fight break out?"

Yongren Alliance had taken King Xin's family hostage. If he had come in force, there was no way he'd simply walk in unarmed.

And yet, reality often defied expectations.

Thirty minutes later, Chen Dafeng returned—with a bald, imposing man in tow.

"King Xin!"

Chen Xun's eyes widened. He scanned the man carefully—no injuries, no signs of a struggle. His expression was composed.

"You… you didn't fight?"

Chen Dafeng ignored him and flopped back onto the sofa.

Instead, King Xin turned to Chen Xun with a smirk. "I always knew Yongren Alliance would meet its end. Now that Jinling Command has you in their grip, you're in for an interesting time."

Chen Xun stared at him in confusion.

What's going on? Why does he sound so familiar with Jinling?

Something wasn't adding up. The city was surrounded by flesh-eating fungi—no one should've been able to travel freely between settlements.

Before he could voice his doubts, King Xin unexpectedly turned toward the communicator and bowed his head.

"Miss Jiang, I'm here."

"Good. Right on time."

Jiang Xiaoci's voice was warm, almost playful. She spoke as if she had expected this outcome from the start.

Seeing Chen Xun's bewildered expression, she explained gently,

"Chen Xun, while Chen Dafeng was dealing with Yongren Alliance, I had already reached out to King Xin."

"Truth be told, he joined Jinling's disaster relief forces long before you did."

Long before?

Wait—she was certain Dafeng would succeed?

A chill ran down Chen Xun's spine. He had been in Yongren Alliance long enough to understand that, logically, their forces stood no chance against Chen Dafeng. But Jiang Xiaoci's confidence was unsettling.

She made preparations in advance… even without knowing the full scope of our defenses?

He had no idea how she had accomplished it. But the undeniable truth stood before him—King Xin was here, standing beside him, unwavering in his loyalty.

Yesterday's enemies.

Today, they stood together.

"Chen Xun," Jiang Xiaoci's voice drew his attention. "Make sure King Xin's family is released."

She paused before adding, "They were not harmed, correct? I gave my word to King Xin that his family would be safe."

"Of course not!" Chen Xun hurriedly shook his head. "They're all unharmed. Negotiations hadn't even begun yet—our former leader wouldn't have harmed valuable hostages."

"Good," Jiang Xiaoci replied smoothly, as if she had expected as much. "Now then, King Xin—have you discovered the whereabouts of the Xinchang commander?"

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