The system is four years ahead of schedule, but Weird is still a cub.

According to the intelligence provided by this "polluter," this organization, which resembles a "neotheistic cult," has an extremely strict hierarchical system, similar to that of a fanatical religion.

They call themselves "evangelists" and use titles such as "preacher," "bishop," and "saint" as class titles.

The guy in front of us, who's stirring up trouble in Fuzhou, is just the lowest-ranking "preacher" in the organization.

When the last bit of valuable information was extracted, the interrogation ended, the eerie atmosphere dissipated, and the corridor returned to normal. To the outside world, only a single minute had passed.

Shen Ge left the club quietly with his "spoils of war".

……

After successfully capturing the first "polluter" in Rong City, the Special Operations Department immediately launched a secret special research project targeting this new type of enemy.

As a result, the entire city ushered in a rare period of peace and tranquility.

Taking advantage of this tranquility, a joyous occasion that had been delayed for nearly two years was finally put on the agenda—Wang Han's wedding.

This news, like a spring breeze, dispelled the long-standing somber and tense atmosphere that had hung over the base.

The entire Special Affairs Department of Rong City was busy preparing for the wedding, filled with a long-lost, heartfelt festive atmosphere.

On the wedding day, the central auditorium, which usually served as a gathering place and pre-battle mobilization site, was transformed. Red ribbons and evergreen vines, symbolizing eternity, adorned the walls, soft lighting replaced the cold tactical lighting, and the air was filled with the aroma of food and the suppressed laughter of the crowd.

The long-term oppressive atmosphere of fighting against the uncanny, coupled with the pessimistic global situation, made the soldiers eager to relax through a grand ceremony.

In the backstage dressing room, Shen Ge, dressed in a sharp, custom-made dark suit, looked at today's protagonist with a wry smile.

Wang Han, a tough guy who usually charges into the ferocious battlefield without batting an eye, was now as nervous as a student about to take an exam. His forehead was covered in sweat, his bow tie was tugged crookedly, and he kept reciting the wedding procedures.

"Brother Shen, do you think... I might say the wrong words later? What if I walk with my hands and feet moving in unison? What if I lose my grip on the ring and it falls off?"

"rest assured."

Shen Ge stepped forward, skillfully straightened his bow tie, patted his broad shoulder, and teased, "Back then, you weren't scared when you were trapped alone in the bizarre space of a fifth-order monster. Are you afraid of this today? Just show the same spirit you had when you were fighting monsters."

"Huh? I'm hitting my wife with the same weird force I used to hit her?" Wang Han was taken aback.

"..." Shen Ge's eyes twitched, and his expression became somewhat strained. He realized that Wang Han was clearly "stage fright" at this moment, out of sorts, and prone to mishearing anything.

Shen Ge offered a few more words of comfort, then jokingly asked Wang Han what was going on in his head all the time. This teasing finally eased Wang Han's tension a little.

The auditorium was packed with guests.

The core members of the Special Operations Department gathered together.

Lin Yin was unusually not wearing her combat uniform; instead, a well-fitting long dress revealed a different kind of robustness in her usually taut and powerful physique.

She was talking quietly with Feng Chengxiu beside her, her face showing the gentle grace of a wife.

At another table, Tu Doupi was carefully peeling fruit for Yang Yuxin, his "henpecked" demeanor drawing good-natured chuckles from those around him.

The wedding officially began with Deng Yuqi serving as the officiant.

As Wang Han led his beautiful bride step by step onto the vow platform, this man, who usually had a booming voice, was so excited that he could hardly speak.

When reciting that sacred vow, in addition to expressing his deep and sincere love for his bride, he also added an impromptu speech.

He turned to face all his comrades in uniform below the stage, his voice loud and firm:
"...Here, I also assure my brothers behind me that no matter when the alarm sounds, I, Wang Han, will always be the one standing at the forefront, the strongest shield for you!"

This simple yet weighty vow instantly ignited the atmosphere, eliciting thunderous and prolonged applause.

However, just as the wedding banquet was at its most lively, with everyone toasting the bride and groom, an AI notification sounded outside the hall: "A high-level visitor has arrived."

A guard responsible for perimeter security, with a solemn expression, walked quickly through the celebratory crowd to Deng Yuqi's side and urgently reported in a low voice:
"Minister, Director Chen Su, the special envoy from the Dajing Headquarters, has arrived at the main gate of the base without any prior notice. He specifically requests an immediate meeting with you and... Captain Shen Ge."

Chen Su?

When Shen Ge heard this name, his first thought was, "Hasn't this guy gone back yet?"
Because Chen Su had been "forced" to establish a relationship with the Rongshi Special Affairs Department, and with the support of Deng Yuqi, he successfully secured his position in Dajing.

But sometimes people like to "forget their roots." After taking power, Chen Su did not fulfill all his promises. Instead, he showed signs of wanting to take back what he had been exploited by the Rongshi Special Affairs Department.

The joyful atmosphere quietly cooled down at that moment.

They exchanged a glance and saw the same solemnity in each other's eyes.

No one visits a temple without a reason. This high-ranking official from headquarters, known as a "smiling tiger," chose to make a sudden visit at this most relaxed time for everyone. His intentions were definitely not simple.

Twenty minutes later, in the base's VIP reception room.

Shen Ge and Deng Yuqi, who were just chatting and laughing at the wedding, have changed back into their uniforms and their expressions have returned to their usual calm.

"Oh dear, Captain Shen Ge, Minister Deng Yuqi, I'm so sorry to interrupt your pleasant time." Chen Su still had that kind, smiling face, like a friendly uncle next door, giving the impression that he had just happened to be passing by.

"Upon hearing of Captain Shen's miraculous return, our entire headquarters is overjoyed! I am here on behalf of headquarters to extend our warmest congratulations and best wishes to you!"

After a series of meaningless pleasantries, he abruptly changed the subject and finally revealed his true colors.

"Of course, it's all official business. Chief Shen, you've been 'missing on duty' for three years. According to our Special Operations Department's internal regulations, your position as chief and your highest operational authority are currently 'frozen.' Now that you're back, shouldn't we... go through the process with headquarters again and have the experts conduct a comprehensive assessment of your... uh, physical and mental condition?"

"Furthermore," he dropped another bombshell before Shen Ge could respond.

“In the past six months, the threat of the ‘polluters’ has spread out of control from the Kingdom of Thailand to the rest of the world. Our headquarters in Dajing has also suffered greatly. Several important outposts have been silently infiltrated and dismantled. We are in a terrible mess!” He paused, a sincere expression of “sharing the nation’s burdens” on his face, and took out a secret order with a red seal of the highest level from his briefcase.

"By an emergency resolution of the headquarters' Supreme Council, it has been decided to establish a 'national-level special response force' with the highest priority, specifically responsible for eliminating the threat of 'polluters'."

His gaze finally settled on Shen Ge, revealing his true intentions.

"As for the selection of the commander of this unit, after repeated and careful discussions, the headquarters unanimously agreed that only one person is qualified. That is you, Commander-in-Chief Shen Ge."

"This is your transfer order. Please pack your belongings immediately and come with me... to the headquarters in Dajing to report for duty!"

The air in the meeting room instantly dropped to freezing point.

This visit, which appeared to be a "congratulatory" and "condolence" visit, was actually a naked political game and a power grab centered around the ownership of Shen Ge!
As soon as Chen Su finished speaking, the atmosphere in the reception room instantly became as silent and oppressive as the deep sea.

That transfer order, which seemed to be an unparalleled honor, now felt like a hot potato, revealing naked political calculations.

Shen Ge actually found it somewhat amusing. He couldn't understand where a commander from headquarters got the confidence to "order" him, an eighth-tier Ghost King.

Oh.

They only knew that they had returned, but they did not realize that they were a change in history.

They still fantasized that with Shen Ge gone for the past few years, the Dajing headquarters had gradually regained its "voice" from the Rongshi Special Affairs Department, and wanted to use this to exert pressure.

Deng Yuqi is now not only the head of the Rong City Special Operations Department, but also the head of the entire Southwest region. When she reached this position, she had to consider more than just the Rong City Special Operations Department. She had to make concessions to the headquarters to a certain extent for the sake of the stability of the anti-treachery cause in the entire Southwest region.

This also led to the Dajing headquarters becoming increasingly emboldened during the three years that Shen Ge was away, even considering a major reshuffle of the Rong City Special Forces' commander-level combat force, dispersing them to various branches.

Fortunately, thanks to Deng Yuqi's efforts, some members were transferred away, but the core members were retained.

Deng Yuqi's fingers tightened slightly, her eyes turning cold. A diversionary tactic, a strategic maneuver to undermine the enemy's strength. The headquarters' plan was undeniably shrewd.

Once Shen Ge, the pillar of strength, is transferred away from Rong City, the Rong City Special Operations Department, which relies on advanced technology and top-notch combat power, will be like having its backbone removed. At that time, it will be easy to bring it back into the absolute control of the headquarters.

However, to Chen Su's surprise, Shen Ge did not show the slightest anger or resistance in the face of this secret order, which was almost equivalent to an ultimatum.

He simply looked calmly at the high-ranking headquarters official in front of him, who was smiling but hiding a knife, as if watching a drama that had nothing to do with him.

"Director Chen."

Shen Ge spoke slowly, her voice soft, yet it made Chen Su's heart skip a beat: "We understand why you've come. We naturally support headquarters' decision. However..."

He changed the subject, a playful smile curving his lips: "My friend's wedding isn't over yet. Such an important event, I need to finish the wedding banquet, calm down, and 'think it over' properly, right?"

After saying that, he picked up his teacup, said nothing more, and gestured as if to see the guest off.

Chen Su's smile froze slightly. He hadn't expected the other party to so casually push this hot potato back to him.

But being a seasoned veteran of the political arena, he immediately reverted to his amiable demeanor, stood up, and said with a smile, "Of course, of course. Captain Shen must be tired from his journey and deserves a good rest. I'll stay in Rong City for a few days and await good news."

That evening, after the wedding banquet, the atmosphere in Deng Yuqi's office was heavy and tense.

"Too deceiving!"

Lin Yin slammed her fist on the table, making a dull thud: "At worst, we'll turn against them. The Rong City Special Operations Department was built by us with our own blood and sweat. Why should they take people away with just a transfer order?"

The other team leaders were also filled with righteous indignation and expressed their determination to fight the headquarters to the end.

“To hold firm is the most unwise choice.”

Amidst the uproar, Shen Ge's unusually calm voice instantly silenced everyone. Looking at the strategic map on the wall, he slowly said, "Headquarters' concerns are understandable. An uncontrolled and powerful force is a major threat to any leader. The tougher we are, the more we will confirm their suspicions, ultimately leading to a lose-lose situation."

"So... you're just going to go to Dajing like this?" Cheng Shengnan's delicate brows furrowed.

"Of course I'll go."

A mysterious glint flashed in Shen Ge's eyes: "But we weren't 'transferred' there by them; we 'delivered' ourselves to them. And it wasn't just me who went."

He turned around, looked at everyone, and proposed a plan that caught everyone off guard: "Dajing, we won't go. But, this 'Special Response Force,' we in Rong City... will take it on! The research and development center, training base, and command headquarters of this force must, and can only, be located in Rong City!"

The next morning, Chen Su, who was leisurely enjoying tea in the hotel, received a “warm” invitation from Deng Yuqi to visit the Rongshi base and see the “small” scientific research achievements made over the past three years based on the “technical legacy” left by Shen Ge.

Chen Su gladly went, wanting to see what kind of confidence this southern base had to negotiate with him after Shen Ge's return.

However, when he stepped into the top-secret exhibition hall codenamed "Future," the smile on his face froze inch by inch.

Li Xiang and Jiang Peiwen, like two proud craftsmen, showcased their masterpieces to this "distinguished guest" from headquarters.

First, there was the "V-shaped living alloy" that was slowly suspending in the field of supernatural energy. When Li Xiang used a specially made supernatural energy cutting gun to make a deep cut on its surface that revealed the bone, and the cut then visibly crawled and healed within a few dozen seconds, eventually returning to its original state, Chen Su's eyes almost popped out of their sockets.

Next came the holographic projection of the "Raider" mech.

The grotesque design, a fusion of biological and mechanical aesthetics, along with the terrifying combat data simulated on the screen that far surpassed any existing mech model, left this seasoned headquarters official, who was used to seeing big scenes, feeling his mouth go dry.

Just as Chen Su was dumbfounded, Shen Ge walked up to him, put her hand on his shoulder, and said calmly, "Actually, Minister Chen, I admire your courage. You actually dared to come all the way to Rong City to negotiate with me. I'm very curious to know..."

"Have you ever considered that you might disappear in Rong City due to an accident?" (End of Chapter)