In the name of supernatural powers

Chapter 240 The Post-Cataclysmic Era

Horikita Tao stared blankly at the phone after it had been hung up, speechless for a long time.

He had long since accepted the fact that he was being treated like a dog by the Chinese community, because he couldn't change anything.

In comparison, Kyoto State's situation is not bad either.

The people of this nation are not a single entity; the living conditions of different ethnic groups vary drastically. Generally speaking, the closer one is to the cultural sphere of China, the better their living conditions.

Because the federal government is willing to let them live closer to Chinatown and allow them to take on relatively better industries.

On the one hand, it's to prevent excessive chaos from affecting the order of the Chinese community. On the other hand, it's important that dogs that can understand their commands are available for illegal activities.

Compared to the Indian and Persian cultural spheres, communication costs were lower in places like Japan, Korea, and Annam, and people's ways of thinking were more similar to theirs.

In terms of religion, other civilizations have a theocracy, where religious influence generally outweighs secular power.

However, within the Chinese cultural sphere, secular power certainly takes precedence over religion. Even if some state religions exist, they are mostly merely tools used by rulers to maintain stability.

The Japanese are among the most successful ethnic groups.

Even if they have instigated rebellions and caused huge losses to the Federation, they will still be given important positions as long as they demonstrate sufficient effectiveness.

The fundamental nature of the Chinese regime has always been pragmatism; their history and various classic texts consistently demonstrate the importance of pragmatism in matters of power.

Horikita Tao didn't have any grand ambitions; he felt that life in Heihachi was quite good.

My compatriots are able to have enough to eat and wear, and have a stable living environment. Their material conditions are also better than most Chinese people. Apart from not being able to take the civil service exam, they have no disadvantages.

Even dogs need a safe place to live.

The Chen family, you son of a bitch!
An unnamed anger rose in his heart, but Horikita Tao dared not utter the curse directly.

Because if it gets out, it will only make things worse.

Suddenly, very hurried footsteps came from outside.

"Taojun! Taojun!"

An anxious voice came from outside the door, and then a team leader pushed the door open, ignoring the two guards' attempts to stop him.

"Let me go! I have something important to report. Special forces have entered Ping Hsin State and are sweeping through our territory. Many of our brothers have been arrested!"

Upon hearing this, the two guards' expressions changed, and they stopped trying to stop him.

The team leader went inside, looking extremely flustered, and repeated what he had just said.

"Tao Jun, you need to call your superiors immediately and have Wu Hou intervene! Otherwise, the entire gang will be thrown into chaos by them!"

The Chen family has already sold us out.

Horikita cursed inwardly, but remained outwardly calm, knowing full well that it was crucial to maintain morale at this time.

If the fact that the Chen family abandoned the Kyoto Gang is exposed, regardless of whether the Chen family will seek revenge later, the Kyoto Gang will collapse instantly.

The Kyoto Gang today is no longer composed of former shogunate officials, but rather ordinary people who have been tamed. They would never dare to rebel against the Federation unless they have a powerful military commander as their backer.

The grassroots staff are doing well; many of them are full of enthusiasm.

But those group leaders are all shrewd people. If they knew that the Chen family had abandoned the Kyoto Gang, the ones who would run away the fastest would be these big brothers who always talk about benevolence and righteousness.

What should we do? How can we best protect the Kyoto gang?
In a flash, Horikita Tao regained his composure. Without much time to think, he spoke:

“A high-ranking official just called me about this. Someone in the Ministry of State Affairs has launched an unannounced investigation into the medical aesthetics industry in Binh Khe State.”

In the future, the Kyoto Gang will still have to rely on the Chen family for their livelihood.

Hori Kita was furious at the Chen family's behavior, but sadly realized that he couldn't live without them.

Without Chen Wuhou, I would not be able to maintain my current life, nor would I be able to provide a stable life for the millions of compatriots in Bangping District.

The Federation betrayed them, but there was nowhere else in the world to go but the Federation.

Deep within the Confederate District, there are also Tier 5 beings. In that underground world where there are no laws, there are all sorts of extreme forces.

For example, there has always been a rumor in the Bang District that during the great rebellion, the military commanders of the Sikong faction who were ousted from power did not surrender or get killed; instead, they went into hiding and attempted to restore the regime.

Another group of people claimed that destroying the Federation would bring world peace.

Or perhaps it was some ancient religion whose totems underwent a transformation after the cataclysm, becoming powerful entities similar to ancient gods.

The world is not only home to the Federation's Heavenly and Earthly Fiend supernatural powers, but also to countless other strange and extraordinary powers.

From the Confederate States to the Indochina Peninsula, then to India, and all the way to Persia in the Middle Kingdom, countless forces coveted China.

The more they understand the chaos and danger of the world today, the more they realize the power of the Federation, and naturally, they will no longer want to resist.

Horikita Tao dared not resist, nor could he resist.

"The incident happened suddenly, and it will be difficult for Wuhou to handle it in a short time, so we must lay low for a while."

Upon hearing that Wu Hou had made arrangements, the team leader's expression visibly softened.

As members of a gang, it's normal for them to flee for refuge.

The Kyoto gang has only stabilized in the last five years; before that, they had to compete with other districts for control of Kabukicho.

Whoever wins the fight will be entitled to collect protection money from Kabukicho and control the channels for selling contraband.

With money, one can buy more life-sustaining supplements, cultivate more extraordinary individuals, and further expand one's influence.

They eventually become the dog of some big shot, thus escaping their precarious lives. Their descendants can also become federal citizens through some manipulation, and the family can completely launder their money and go straight.

Rumor has it that Naito's descendants became federal citizens and now live in anonymity, their whereabouts unknown.

He said, "Then I will now notify the group leaders."

"Um……"

Horikita Tao nodded, then shook his head and said, "We can't announce it so openly; we need to do it in an orderly manner."

"what?"

The team leader was a bit confused and said, "Why bother with order when we're running away? Just one phone call and everyone should run."

"This operation is led by the Daozheng Bureau; we cannot be so reckless."

Horikita Tao shook his head and said, "It's not that we won't notify you, but that we will notify you in an orderly manner, prioritizing important personnel. You don't need to be responsible for Inoue-san's matter. Take Inoue-san to rest."

The guards went inside and took the team leader away.

He shouted, "Tao Jun! What are you trying to do? If you don't notify the other team leaders now, the Federation will wipe us all out."

The sound gradually faded away and eventually disappeared.

Horikita Tao pondered for a moment.

In this race against time, he did not choose to hastily dismiss the core members.

When Chief Naito was still around, these group leaders were indeed the most capable men in the Kyoto gang, but now that Chief Naito is gone, how many people are truly loyal to him?

The team leader just now kept calling me "Tao Jun," clearly showing he didn't respect me, the chief.

Although Horikita Tao did not continue his studies after graduating from high school, he has always been learning and has obtained teaching materials and books from top federal universities through various channels.

The Kyoto Gang system is a traditional Japanese shogunate system, with a chief minister leading countless minor 'nobles' and the methods of struggle always being military conquest and assassination.

Overthrowing one's superior has become a tradition. Every year, each group in the Kyoto Gang has someone overthrow their superior, and after succeeding, the person takes over as group leader and is recognized by Chief Naito.

The Emperor is the symbol of national unity, while the Shogunate is the true state apparatus.

As a state apparatus, it engages in unprincipled internal strife and disorderly acts of subversion against superiors.

The federal government is different; it either starts from scratch or prioritizes order.

There is no scenario where a deputy mayor rebels, kills the mayor, and then assumes the position of mayor.

Horikita Tao didn't want this to happen.

One night, someone suddenly killed him.

Then, under the watchful eyes of his bodyguards, Horikita Tao made calls to all the team leaders, addressing them in two parts.

One was to let them run, and the other was to tell them not to panic, as the Kyoto Gang still had a protective umbrella.

At first, Shingo didn't quite understand either, but later he gradually realized Horikita Tao's intentions.

This is to eliminate dissidents.

Many things can be understood when explained, but when they actually happen, they can't react in time.

Just like arguing, after an argument you can always go back and come up with specific solutions, but the next time you encounter the same situation, you can't think of a solution.

Moreover, they have different ways of thinking.

The guard felt a chill run down his spine.

Whether Naito's choice of Tao-kun as his successor is a good thing or a bad thing remains to be seen.

While it's certainly good to understand the workings of the Chinese bureaucracy, learning the ways of the Chinese isn't necessarily a good thing.

It's too cloudy.

"Chief, we should go." "You go first, I'm not in a hurry, I need to go to the old house first."

"But……"

Horikita interrupted, "Your identity is sensitive, and you may have already been listed as a key target for arrest. I have no criminal record."

"Even if I get arrested, the Chen family will protect me and get me out."

Unless he's being targeted, it's unlikely he'll get into any trouble. At most, he'll have to pay the police some money to get himself released on bail.

On the contrary, it is more dangerous to have guards who are labeled as separatists by the Federation.

Horikita Tao needs to take advantage of the chaos to eliminate dissidents; it's difficult for him to act if others are around.
-
On the main road connecting Pingtsang and Namtso.

A helicopter flew overhead.

The troops tasked with controlling and sealing off the streets entered first, while the Ninth Detachment, whose mission was to target criminal dens, had to wait until the streets were under control.

Lu Zhao operated with the First Mobile Squadron. As the detachment leader, he had an obligation to personally command from the front lines and could also operate alongside the soldiers.

Generally speaking, the Federation encourages senior military officers to lead the charge.

Because senior officers generally have high levels of life development, their ability to lead the charge and boost morale can greatly increase the success rate of missions.

For his first major mission, Lu Zhao will definitely have to participate in frontline combat.

It was both for the sake of merit and an opportunity to get closer to the soldiers.

Even if he has a thousand faults as the detachment leader, as long as he dares to take the lead in charging forward, everything else is not a problem.

Lu Zhao's prestige at the border post was built by fighting against smugglers.

As for command, it is the responsibility of the Special Counter-Strike Force, and it is not up to Lu Zhao to take charge.

"Commander Lu, we expect to enter the combat zone in 20 minutes. Please put on your tactical equipment."

Cao Yang, wearing a special type composite heavy armor, walked over from a distance.

At this moment, he has reached a height of 2.1 meters and a shoulder width of 70 centimeters, like an iron tower.

The heavy alloy plates clanged as they collided, and their one-ton weight inspired awe.

Lu Zhao followed the other party to the rear of a military truck, where the soldiers of the First Mobile Squadron were putting on their tactical equipment.

Cao Yang asked, "Captain Lu, do you need Type I or Type II?"

Lu Zhaodao said, "Type II, I guess."

The equipment they wore was called special composite heavy armor, a bulletproof system specially designed by the Federation for superhumans.

There are three types in total, with the difference between Type I and Type II being the coverage area.

Type 1 special steel only covers the torso and head, while Type 2 can cover the entire body except for the thighs, but the weight is also twice as much.

They weigh 300 kg and 600 kg respectively.

Type 1 requires at least a second-tier transcendent being, or a physical transcendent being with 30 points of vitality. Type 2 requires twice that amount.

Physically gifted individuals with 100 or 60 points of vitality.

Therefore, special counter-terrorism units prefer individuals with superhuman physical abilities.

The third type features full-coverage armor, which cannot be produced simply through technology.

Lu Zhao suspected that it was a supernatural being with similar medical abilities who used their powers to mass-produce them.

These extraordinary individuals are called strategic-level supernatural beings, extraordinary individuals with strategic roles.

For example, Lu Zhao has a spatial ability teacher in the capital who possesses strategic-level supernatural powers. He can create spaces to store items and quickly deliver supplies when necessary.

A scholar like Han Dongcai, who was able to develop a drug that could break through five barriers, was also a strategic-level extraordinary individual.

Ten minutes later, Lu Zhao also put on the composite heavy armor.

This was the first time he had worn this kind of tactical equipment.

The inner part, which is in contact with the skin, is only a single layer of fabric, used merely as a pad to make the body more comfortable, and does not provide much cushioning.

The special steel plate is attached to the body; when a bullet hits it, the impact is immediately transmitted to the body.

It doesn't matter for second-tier extraordinary individuals, but first-tier or ordinary people are easily injured by the attack.

Therefore, most bulletproof vests use ceramic inserts.

It was heavy, stuffy, and had a foul smell.

Lu Zhao asked, "Composite heavy armor isn't usually cleaned, is it?"

Cao Yang replied, "Report: We clean the area after each mission, but the odor is difficult to remove."

"Then this should be considered a design flaw."

Lu Zhao swung his arm and picked up a 7.62 caliber squad machine gun.

This machine gun is the most widely used firearm in the Federation's arsenal; it can be used to deal with monsters and also for counter-terrorism.

It may not be the most technologically advanced firearm, but it is certainly the most widely used.

There is also a 10ml bottle of advanced life supplement for replenishing energy during battle, and a special medicine that can quickly stop bleeding.

Cao Yang stood to the side, seemingly wanting to say something but then stopping himself.

Lu Zhao inspected the gun, glanced at him out of the corner of his eye, and said, "Just say what you have to say. What are you beating around the bush for?"

"Captain Lu, I was rude to you before."

Cao Yang bent slightly, his rugged face turning somewhat red.

He had previously argued with Lu Zhao for the sake of the entire detachment, for his comrades who had risked their lives together.

At that time, half of the Ninth Detachment supported him, and Cao Yang was prepared to fight to the death.

At worst, he'll be kicked out of the military. With his life skills and talent, he could certainly have a promising future in other units.

But Lu Zhao did not do as he wished and actually confront him head-on.

They simply followed the rules and regulations, constantly holding talks with officers such as captains, platoon leaders, and squad leaders, and even specific sergeants and soldiers.

They were given advice on career transition, helped to secure better employment opportunities, and even organized a special social training program.

Help soldiers preparing for discharge adapt to society in advance, for example, by teaching them how to use computers, top up mobile phone credit, and access the internet.

These are all emerging industries in today's society, and the federal government is also vigorously promoting them.

By the time Cao Yang came to his senses, no one was supporting him anymore.

"stand at attention."

Lu Zhao's calm voice came through.

Cao Yang subconsciously straightened his back and looked up to see that cold and stern face, with bright and clear phoenix eyes.

"Squadron Leader Cao, you are not mature enough as an officer, but you are undoubtedly excellent as a soldier."

“Stand up straight. I don’t need soldiers who grovel.”

Lu Zhao patted him on the shoulder, walked past Cao Yang, and said in a clear voice, "Everyone, assemble!"

The sixty soldiers of the First Mobile Squadron quickly assembled, their armored vehicles resembling iron towers.

Their bodies were like iron, and their eyes were like fire.

3:20 p.m.

The 1st Mobile Squadron entered Pingkai State.

Gunshots rang out intermittently, accompanied by occasional explosions.

Members of various gangs have begun to resist.

As the saying goes, ignorance is bliss. The gang members in the State who curse the Federation every day are the least afraid of the Federation, especially those at the bottom of the social ladder.

They were worthless, yet they dared to engage in a shootout with special agents armed with machine guns, armed only with a pistol.

While consuming some kind of drug, they uttered various incomprehensible shouts and clashed with special forces while wielding various weapons.

Or perhaps ordinary people were mobilized, armed with knives, guns, and clubs, with men, women, and children all joining the fray to confront the police on the streets.

Superhumans, armed rioters, rioting crowds, tear gas, Molotov cocktails... all seem to be singing together, jointly constructing this post-apocalyptic world.

The federal government's maintenance of order is not necessarily just; it exploits everyone, whether they are citizens or Chinese, using them as fuel to fight against the ancient gods and continue production.

He was once the sublime light of civilization, but now only a broken body remains, barely clinging to life.

The people of the nation are weak, but not necessarily good. They believe in evil gods, use drugs, and are aggressive and belligerent. They gather together by ethnicity and religion, and while being exploited by the federal government, they also spare no effort in persecuting other races.

Everyone is like a jackal or a tiger, vying for survival space.

Meanwhile, development continued, with the popularization of television, the moon landing program, smartphones, and the booming development of the wide area internet.

(End of this chapter)