A Timely Preparation

Xiao Feng and his companions swiftly seized control of the mercenary barracks guarding the mine. With the formidable might of Tuguu leading the charge, the mercenaries were utterly powerless to resist. Although the camp was well-equipped—even boasting armed helicopters—none of the aircraft had even managed to take off before Xiao Feng had commandeered them. The entire confrontation lasted less than five minutes.

Only five of them were needed to secure the entire camp.

Xiao Feng had long anticipated this outcome. After capturing the mine, he entrusted its protection to the warriors of the Monda tribe. He took responsibility for instructing them in the use of firearms and vehicle operation.

In addition to the Monda tribe, there was also the Ali tribe. Together, their combined forces were more than sufficient. As for the Ali warriors, Xiao Feng believed that once they were imbued with a hundredfold more courage, rebellion would no longer be a consideration.

With decisions made, events accelerated rapidly. Mining operations were halted immediately. Xiao Feng summoned all the warriors of both tribes to the mercenary camp, where Tuguu and Pandora undertook the rigorous training of the African fighters. As mechanical beings who spoke their language fluently and showed tireless endurance, they conducted training sessions in shifts—continuing well into the night without respite.

The warriors from both tribes grew fond of the camp's infrastructure. Living here was far more comfortable than their previous grass huts. The deep underground water was readily accessible for drinking, and some rooms even had air conditioning, the cool air making them feel as though they had entered paradise.

Consequently, nearly all members of the two tribes relocated to the camp. Though it could not accommodate everyone, they swiftly constructed additional housing nearby.

With the mine so close and abundant stone resources at their disposal, the excited tribesmen rapidly built a sprawling residential area adjacent to the camp.

Meanwhile, Xiao Feng's responsibilities extended far beyond. Foremost among them was preparing for a counterattack by the Alliance forces. Fortunately, on this African savanna, the Alliance's numbers were not overwhelming.

He contacted Hebrew, requesting the shipment of more weapons and technical personnel. Defensive missile installations were erected around the mine, and a small airstrip was constructed, with several fighter jets stationed at its edge.

Xiao Feng's efforts only deepened the respect the tribal warriors held for him. After all, few on Earth commanded such armaments with ease.

Everyone had grown accustomed to Xiao Feng's modus operandi: when he seized a territory, his first priority was to fortify and hold it—he would never surrender a prize he had claimed.

Thanks to the formidable backing of Sam Corporation, holding the mine was achievable; without such support, it would have been a near-impossible task.

Days passed, and mining operations resumed. However, the iron ore extracted no longer belonged to Hilton Corporation but was now redirected to Sam Corporation.

The two tribes bore the heavy burden of guarding the mine.

The swift transition—from seizing the mine to fully operational extraction—owed much to Xiao Feng's deft coordination. Without his intervention, the mine would surely have become a lifeless relic.

Meanwhile, across Europe, battles near New City were reaching a fever pitch. Around the city, the X Legion faced fierce resistance from the Alliance forces, who understood the city's strategic significance and deployed Europe's full military might to besiege them.

Yet, bolstered by the powerful Sam and Victoria Corporations, the X Legion fought fiercely, vanquishing wave after wave of Alliance troops. Despite significant casualties, they ultimately prevailed and secured New City, marking the conquest of the first-class city in Europe.

This monumental victory marked a qualitative leap for the X Legion.

Upon entering New City, Xiao Feng instructed Rice to exclude personnel from Sam and Victoria Corporations from the critical military defenses. Even the command center was kept free of Victoria staff. Instead, Lin and Leiyan of the K Organization took charge of the city's missile defense systems.

When Rice questioned Xiao Feng's reasoning, he explained in detail that excessive reliance on outsiders risked the X Legion becoming a mere tool controlled by others.

Rice agreed wholeheartedly. The X Legion must never fall under the dominion of external companies. Those who had invested so much heart and soul—Xiao Feng, Rice, Old White, and others—would never allow it.

If rival corporations exploited weaknesses, eliminated the high command, and seized control of the legion, nothing would be impossible.

Rice recognized the wisdom in Xiao Feng's stance. For now, maintaining a friendly relationship with Sam and Victoria was imperative, as the X Legion was not yet strong enough to assert full control. When that time came, the tables would turn.

However, the X Legion's moves did not go unnoticed. Both Sam and Victoria sensed something amiss but attributed the tension to the next generation of leadership. Had Kelly and William not been involved, perhaps none of this would have transpired.

Moreover, the X Legion gradually sidelined not only Sam and Victoria but also the telekinetics under Carey's jurisdiction.

In contrast, key members of the K Organization found themselves increasingly valued. K understood the legion's motives better than anyone and seized this opportunity to advance. If the X Legion continued its trajectory, the veterans of K Organization would reap great rewards.

After concluding affairs in Africa, Xiao Feng returned to New City accompanied by the Giant. Though the Monda tribe was reluctant to see the Giant leave, they understood he was never truly one of their own and could not be retained against his will.

Upon arrival, Rice and others stared in astonishment at the Giant Xiao Feng had brought back. His immense strength rivaled even Old White's enhanced abilities—though it remained partially restrained for the moment.

Xiao Feng's unwavering resolve to bring the Giant back stemmed from a single purpose: to unleash his true combat potential.