Chapter 137: The Occupation of Godo City, Part II

Clad in sleek black armor, Rush turned his gaze toward Xiao Feng, who wore identical protective gear. "Rest assured, I am not as merciless as you imagine..."

Xiao Feng glanced at the cluster of Alliance soldiers before them. Their wounds were mostly confined to shoulders and thighs—painful but far from fatal. He exhaled deeply, for though these soldiers were now adversaries, they were still living souls.

Yet Rush's unleashed power had shattered the morale of the entire Alliance force. The disparity in their levels was simply insurmountable.

One by one, the remaining soldiers slowly relinquished their resistance, casting down their weapons and raising their hands in surrender.

Ryce and his mercenaries observed the capitulation and promptly ordered the collection of their arms.

At that moment, a convoy of modified sports cars roared through the gates of the Alliance barracks.

K, dressed sharply in a white suit, stepped down, surveying the scene with a grim expression: wounded soldiers sprawled across the ground, two wrecked tanks, and scattered debris—clear evidence of a brutal confrontation.

He turned to Lin. "These bastards have truly lost their minds..."

Lin smiled faintly. "If they weren't insane, they wouldn't be facing Xiao Feng. Looks like we arrived too late."

K nodded solemnly. "A million Alliance credits gone..."

"Heh. Judging by this mess, even if we had arrived on time, that million wouldn't have come easy. Let's move on..."

Just then, armored Xiao Feng approached them, pressing a button on his faceplate. His visor snapped open. "Oh? Were you planning to come assist us? Too bad—you're always just a step too late."

Lin stared at the armored figure in disbelief. Only now did he realize it was indeed Xiao Feng. "You should have told us when you made your move. That's why we're late. Next time, give us a heads-up."

Xiao Feng smiled wryly. "If I had, perhaps things wouldn't have gone so smoothly for us... Heh."

Lin forced a bitter smile. Despite the tension, he was reluctant to oppose Xiao Feng—they had survived countless battles together. Losing such a bond would leave an aching void.

K understood Xiao Feng's meaning, but his tone remained icy. "Xiao Feng, you've put me in a difficult position. Not only have you cost us a fortune in credits, but you've also tarnished Kill's reputation. We've never failed a mission before."

"Boss K," Xiao Feng replied, "some things are bound to happen eventually. You should reconsider where your loyalties lie—brother or enemy—that choice is yours alone."

K fixed Xiao Feng with a steely gaze. "Do you truly believe you can stand against the Alliance army? If the Sam Group ever gains full control, your Brom and Victoria corporations will crumble. The Alliance's forces are vast and formidable. How many fighters do you command? Even a few thousand would be a feat. And Hilton Corporation's wealth dwarfs yours. You cannot hope to prevail."

Xiao Feng chuckled softly. "Let me tell you, Boss K, this is only the beginning. Should you choose to join us, you are always welcome. But if you persist in obstructing our path like today, then friends we shall no longer be."

K's expression hardened. "Don't be arrogant, Xiao Feng. Having Rush's help doesn't make you invincible. There are still seven Level 9 psychics in the Alliance—beasts you haven't even met. Compared to them, Rush is nothing but trash."

"Thank you for your advice. We have our ways. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must tend to these wounded soldiers. Delay any longer, and many will perish." Without another word, Xiao Feng turned and began healing a nearby injured Alliance soldier with his restorative abilities.

K and his cohorts said no more, their faces grim as they departed.

Xiao Feng found a clean spot, removed his armor, and set about treating the wounded soldiers one by one. Those able to stand held their injuries; those severely hurt were carried on stretchers to him for urgent care.

Alice and Ivy assisted him nearby, while officers like Pierre and the others had been bound and detained.

Ryce, aware that this was merely the beginning, contemplated the most pressing challenge ahead: fending off the inevitable Alliance counterattack, compounded by a critical shortage of manpower.

Once all the wounded were treated, Xiao Feng wearily washed his blood-stained hands in a basin.

Ryce, lighting a cigarette, said, "Xiao Feng, you done? I need to talk."

Xiao Feng nodded. "Let's go. Bring me some liquor—I'm exhausted and need to unwind."

Gathered in a modest conference room, Ryce, Xiao Feng, Old White, Rush, and the others faced the pressing urgency of planning their next move before the Alliance's retaliation.

Ryce stood at one end of the long table, hands braced firmly, and spoke: "Speak your minds. What are your thoughts?"

Xiao Feng sipped whiskey from a square glass and surveyed the group, sensing their silence—no viable ideas yet. Sitting up straighter, he said, "Since no one else has solutions, hear mine."

He paused thoughtfully. "Our immediate priority is to establish defensive positions and replenish our arsenal. Our weaponry is outdated, but thankfully, Brom Corporation can supply us. The real problem is manpower. So, first: recall Turner and his forces—I've instructed him to prepare. He should have sufficient troops by now. Second: persuade the surrendered Alliance soldiers to join us—we will offer them the highest待遇. Third: recruit freely from the nearby protection zones; anyone willing to fight with us will be accepted. Of course, all officers must be loyal to us."