The Tsunami

The following morning, after waking, Xiao Feng took Bai Bai for a run around the camp. After a simple breakfast, he set out to find Rice.

Inside the command center, Xiao Feng sat beside Rice and said, "I need to discuss something with you."

Rice sipped his coffee, his expression suddenly turning grave. He knew whenever Xiao Feng sought him out for counsel, it was never trivial; it was usually a directive cloaked as discussion. Sitting upright, Rice asked, "What is it? Speak freely."

Xiao Feng instructed, "Display the satellite map of New City on the screen. Let me explain."

Rice nodded and called to several staff seated below, "Please project the miniature map of New City onto the large screen."

"Yes, sir."

In an instant, the massive screen opposite them flickered to life, revealing the map of New City.

Holding an infrared pointer, Xiao Feng directed it at the display. "Zoom out the view by half."

As the image contracted, New City and the surrounding smaller towns all came into view. Xiao Feng tapped New City and said, "This is our stronghold, and it will remain so for a long time. Until we are ready to claim North America, this will be our base on the Eurasian continent, correct?"

"Indeed. You're right; we will be stationed here for some time."

"Do you think our current defenses here are sufficient?"

Rice shook his head. "If we're merely fending off the Alliance forces or beasts within Eurasia, perhaps. But—"

Xiao Feng smiled wryly. "New City's defenses were formidable, but if the Alliance attacks from North America, I fear they are inadequate. Should they deploy weapons of mass destruction, we might not even have the chance to retaliate."

"You mean… nuclear weapons?"

"Exactly. That is my greatest fear. If they truly intend to annihilate us, nuclear strikes are inevitable. New City's missile defense alone cannot guarantee the city's safety. We must construct a far grander system to consolidate our hard-won victories."

Rice's interest was piqued. "For instance?"

Xiao Feng traced the surrounding towns encircling New City with the pointer. "See these towns? They form a ring around New City. We should transform them into a circular military bastion, leveraging these towns to erect a more formidable defense network. What do you think?"

Rice nodded approvingly. "A sound plan. We can proceed."

"Arrange it swiftly. We can redeploy the recently seized armored and missile units into these towns, which must also be remodeled."

"Understood. Looks like you won't be involved in this one."

Xiao Feng chuckled. "I won't. I need to harass the Alliance headquarters—can't let Zeus and Apollo idle. Plus, I'm worried about the safety of the envoy within the Alliance command."

"All right, I get it. Do what you must... Safety first."

Xiao Feng stood. "Noted." Then he turned and left.

Watching his retreating figure, Rice shook his head in admiration. "This kid always seems a step ahead of me."

Back at the military base, Xiao Feng summoned Pandora, Giant, Tugu, and Qin Tian, briefing them on the matter.

Pandora grinned. "Great! Another chance to get out and play."

Tugu appeared worried. "Just the few of us going to the Alliance HQ—isn't that a bit thin?"

Xiao Feng responded calmly, "Too many would draw attention. We just find the envoy, rescue him, and return. You're really expecting a fight with the Alliance troops?"

Tugu nodded reluctantly. "You're right."

Qin Tian, reserved as ever, remained silent, ready to follow orders.

"All right, prepare yourselves. Tugu and Qin Tian will come with me to retrieve Zeus. Airport rendezvous in two hours; then we head straight to Alliance headquarters."

They dispersed. Giant and Pandora readied the aircraft—a Trident and a Black Dagger. Two planes were enough; the Black Dagger's weapons were so advanced that even in direct combat with the Alliance's forces, its presence guaranteed their safe retreat.

Xiao Feng and Tugu drove to a concealed warehouse and retrieved Zeus, who looked at Xiao Feng in surprise. "What are you planning?"

Xiao Feng smiled. "To Alliance HQ. I need you to lead the way. Heh…"

Zeus's expression darkened but he could not refuse.

They left the warehouse and drove toward the airport, where the jets awaited. Xiao Feng boarded the Trident with Zeus and Tugu; Qin Tian and Giant occupied the Black Dagger. Giant piloted the Black Dagger alone, his individual armaments mounted aboard.

Near noon, the two aircraft roared into the sky, racing westward.

Both planes were equipped with the most advanced magic crystal engines—technology even the Alliance jets lacked. Above the clouds, they sped relentlessly toward North America.

On a sandy beach along North America's eastern coast, a group of soldiers frolicked gleefully in the sea, seemingly oblivious to the distant war raging across the Atlantic. They cherished this rare moment of leisure. Among them were several petite female soldiers, clad in bikinis, playfully splashing alongside their male comrades.

Two burly men wearing sunglasses lounged on deck chairs, basking in the sun with half-closed eyes, savoring their peaceful respite.

Suddenly, a towering wave surged from the ocean—a monstrous wall of water, like a tsunami, hurtling toward them with merciless fury.

One female soldier, eyes wide with terror as the wave loomed nearly two stories high, screamed out loud, "Ahhh…"