Go out and have fun.

The next morning, after waking, Xiao Feng took Bai Bai for a lap around the camp. After a light meal, he went straight 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 serious. He knew that when Xiao Feng wanted to talk, it was never trivial. Usually, it wasn't a discussion but more of a briefing on what needed to be done. Sitting upright, Rice asked, "What is it? Speak."

Xiao Feng replied, "Put the satellite map of New City on the screen; I'll explain."

Rice nodded and called out to several rows of staff below, "Please display the miniature map of New City on the big screen."

"Yes, sir."

Instantly, the massive screen before them flickered to life, revealing the satellite view of New City.

Xiao Feng picked up an infrared pointer and gestured at the screen. "Reduce the scale by half, please."

The image zoomed out, revealing New City along with several surrounding smaller towns.

Pointing at New City, Xiao Feng said, "This is our stronghold now, and it will remain so for a long time. Before we are ready to take North America, this will undoubtedly be our base on the Eurasian continent, right?"

"Right, we'll be here for a while," Rice agreed.

"So, do you think our current defenses here are sufficient?" Xiao Feng asked.

Rice shook his head. "If it's just defending against the Eurasian Alliance forces or the monsters, it's probably enough."

Xiao Feng smiled. "The previous defense systems of New City were quite decent, but if the Alliance strikes from North America, I think we're lacking. If they use weapons of mass destruction, we probably won't even have a chance to retaliate."

"You mean they might deploy nukes?"

"Yes. That's exactly what worries me. If they truly want to annihilate us, nuclear weapons are inevitable sooner or later. The missile defenses of New City alone cannot guarantee the city's safety. We need to build a far larger system to solidify our hard-earned victory."

Rice's interest was piqued. "Such as?"

Xiao Feng tapped the surrounding towns on the map with his pointer. "See these towns? They form a ring around New City. We can turn these into a circular military base and build a stronger defense system relying on them. What do you think?"

Rice nodded. "Good idea, that could work."

"Arrange it as soon as possible. We can redeploy the armored and missile units we recently captured into these towns. Of course, these towns will need renovation."

"I'll take care of it. Looks like you won't be involved in this one," Rice said knowingly.

"Nope, I have to go bother the Alliance headquarters. Can't let Zeus and Apollo sit idle. Also, I'm concerned about the envoy's safety at Alliance HQ."

"All right, I get it. Do whatever you think is necessary. Safety first."

Xiao Feng stood. "Got it," then turned and left.

Rice watched his retreating figure, shaking his head. "How does that kid always manage to think one step ahead of me?"

...

Back at the military base, Xiao Feng gathered Pandora, Giant, Tu Gou, and Qin Tian to brief them on the situation.

Pandora smiled, "Great, another mission — time to have some fun."

Tu Gou looked worried. "Just the few of us heading into the Alliance HQ—isn't that too risky?"

"More people mean bigger targets. We find the envoy, rescue him, and come back. You really planning on going to war with the Alliance?" Xiao Feng asked.

Tu Gou nodded. "You have a point."

Qin Tian, naturally reserved, said nothing. He knew better than to question the plan—just follow orders.

"All right, get ready. Tu Gou and Qin Tian, come with me to retrieve Zeus. In two hours, meet at the airport. We're heading straight to the Alliance headquarters."

The four dispersed. Giant and Pandora prepared the aircraft—a Trident and a Black Dagger. Two planes were sufficient, and the Black Dagger's weapons system was formidable. Even if they faced the Alliance army in combat, the Black Dagger's presence ensured a clean retreat.

Xiao Feng and Tu Gou drove to a concealed warehouse and extracted Zeus, who looked at Xiao Feng with surprise. "Where are you taking me?"

Xiao Feng grinned, "To the Alliance HQ. I need you to guide us."

Zeus's expression soured, but he couldn't refuse.

They left the warehouse and headed to the airport, where the two jets stood ready. Xiao Feng, Zeus, and Tu Gou boarded the Trident; Qin Tian and Giant took the Black Dagger, with Giant piloting alone. Giant's personal weapons were aboard the Black Dagger.

Around noon, both planes took off, speeding westward.

Equipped with the most advanced magic crystal engines—not even possessed by Alliance aircraft—these jets streaked above the clouds, rapidly cutting toward North America.

...

On a beach along North America's east coast, a group of soldiers frolicked joyfully in the ocean, seemingly oblivious to the war raging across the Atlantic. They were savoring a rare and carefree holiday.

Among them were several petite female soldiers, clad in bikinis, playing happily alongside their male comrades.

Two burly men wearing sunglasses lounged on deck chairs, basking in the sun.