Chapter 199: Mopping Up
Chapter 199: Mopping Up
After the One-Swipe Decapitation, Chen Chuan approached and used his blade to cut open the large man’s outer clothing, revealing a thick black defense armor underneath.
The armor looked high-end, seemingly able to withstand a blade strike without the need for additional strength. Clearly, the man had intended to catch him off guard with this feature. For most people, that would have been a tough move to react to.
While Chen Chuan hadn’t used a heavy slash with his sword force, this kind of defense armor was only owned by a company team. It was easy to imagine that the Blood Ink Guard of Mo Lan Corporation would be equipped with even better armor.
Encountering such well-protected enemies would make the fight much more difficult, and he needed to think carefully about how to handle it.
During the battle, the An Tan Corporation team members had all fled without hesitation. In a fight at this level, others couldn’t really help even if they wanted to. They didn’t know where to aim their guns, and besides, they had just made a good profit and were eager to return and enjoy it. Why risk their lives?
On the high ground, the team leader observed the situation and asked, "Special Agent Feng, should we pursue them?"
Old Feng shook his head. The mission was to ensure the cargo was intercepted; there was no need to waste resources by exterminating the An Tan Corporation people. After all, if one batch was killed, another could be sent.
Earlier, they had intentionally left behind a significant figure, partly to prevent being pursued, but also to give the An Tan Corporation a reason to explain their loss.
He instructed, "Send a telegram to Old Tian, telling him he can act now." Since the Mo Lan Corporation escort team had been intercepted, there was no need to leave the camp they had encountered earlier. It could be destroyed outright.
A nearby team member nodded and immediately went to send the telegram.
At the same time, gunfire erupted on the opposite hillside as the two flanking squads launched an attack on the unknown armed team.
From the gunfire, Old Feng could tell that his side’s attack was well-coordinated, with a good mix of long and short-range strategies, leaving openings for those skilled in hand-to-hand combat to exploit.
In contrast, the enemy’s response was chaotic, with little coordination. Some were simply firing their guns continuously, showing a level of skill similar to some teams in the wilderness.
For a team to survive, they either had to be skilled fighters or have good combat implants. However, his team had the means to deal with such opponents, especially with Chen Chuan’s squad, who, when equipped with defense armor, were excellent for surprise attacks.
After listening for a while, he stopped paying attention to the battle and led his team down to the site of the conflict.
First, a few team members approached to finish off the enemies on the ground. Then, he personally went to inspect the cargo, opening the rear doors of the transport truck. Inside, he saw a truckload of high-energy nutrients.
It seemed that all the high-energy nutrients ordered externally were here. As for the combat mantises, there were fewer than expected—only ten crates stacked in a corner. This was normal, as even if more combat mantises were bought, they couldn’t move without high-energy nutrients.
After confirming everything was in order, he felt relieved. The mission was a success. Those around him turned to look, and he saw Chen Chuan returning.
He praised, "Well done, Chen!"
Chen Chuan replied, "It was thanks to Special Agent Feng and everyone else for creating the opportunity."
Old Feng smiled. This was one of the reasons he had a good opinion of Chen Chuan. The young man didn’t have the arrogant attitude that comes with being skilled, which many others did.
He turned around and said, "The mission is completed successfully. When we return, I will recommend all of you for commendation to Cao Zhuan."
The team members immediately responded, "Thank you, Special Agent!"
The mission had been relatively easy. Although Chen Chuan seemed to be the main force, and Old Feng was clearly grooming him, they had no complaints.
Being able to complete the mission with minimal effort was a good thing. Fighting harder for more bonuses was fine, but if you risked your life, the only thing you’d get was a consolation payment.
They would step up when necessary, but they would also conserve their strength when possible.
At this moment, the two flanking squads returned. The team leader reported, "Special Agent, the unknown armed team has been completely eliminated. Thirty-four were killed on the spot, and five were captured."
"Prisoners?"
The team leader waved a hand, "Bring them forward."
The five prisoners were immediately brought to the front. Xiao Xiao was restrained with special bindings, his hands severed, revealing the cross-section of his combat implants, with tissue fluid still oozing out.
His eyes had been defiant, but upon seeing Chen Chuan standing there with his blade, he remembered the scene he had just witnessed and showed signs of fear, lowering his head.
Mr. Zero, clearly the leader, was brought to Old Feng, who asked, "Which company are you from?"
Mr. Zero clenched his teeth and remained silent.
Old Feng said, "We have many ways to make you talk, but it’s easier if you speak voluntarily. Even if you don’t, I can find out with some effort." As he spoke, a team member produced a pistol and pressed it against Mr. Zero’s head, ready to fire if the answer was unsatisfactory.
Mr. Zero wasn’t a particularly resolute person, but answering immediately would make him seem too cheap. Seeing the situation was dire, he quickly replied, "Ferris Wheel Company."
Old Feng thought for a moment, recalling some vague memories. It was a newly risen small company that had produced various odd gadgets. The Bureau of Administration was currently focused on major corporations, so such a small company wasn’t worth much attention. However, since they had crossed paths, he couldn’t ignore them.
He said, "Take them all back and set up a file. In the future, keep a closer eye on this company."
After the others had left, he asked, "Have you found out about the team that attacked Mo Lan Corporation?"
"Yes, they're just a hired team, but we don't know who hired them."
Old Feng said, "There must be someone in charge, coordinating things. Otherwise, an armed team like this would just take the money and disband. Old Zhao, find a way to bring that person to justice," he instructed.
"Yes, sir," responded a tough-looking team member.
At that moment, a telegraph operator approached and saluted, "Special Agent, Director Cao has sent a telegram asking if the matter has been handled."
Old Feng glanced at his watch and said, "It's only just past four, and he's already sent a telegram. Director Cao is a bit too hasty. Send him a reply, informing him that the matter has been resolved. As for the rest of you, clean up here quickly, and let's head back."
The team members chorused their agreement.
Half an hour later, after the scene had been cleared, everyone began their journey back. By the time they reached Yangzhi City, it was almost nine in the morning.
This time, the Bureau of Administration had set up a temporary base within the Patrol Bureau Headquarters. The base was equipped with a well-preserved fortress and underground fortifications from the Great Expansion era, ensuring they could hold out for an extended period, even in unexpected situations.
As Old Feng and Chen Chuan entered, it seemed like a strategy against Mo Lan Corporation was being discussed. A deep voice was heard saying, "I suggest focusing our forces on attacking the Mo Lan Corporation Tower. That way, not a single one of them can escape, and we can resolve all the problems at once!"
Director Cao's voice followed, "The Mo Lan Corporation Tower is in the city center, just a kilometer away from the Government Hall's conference room. It's a densely populated area. Choosing to engage here will result in many casualties."
"Can't we evacuate the area first? Sacrifices are inevitable in such operations, and the faster we act, the fewer casualties there'll be. If you keep delaying, I foresee a leadership change."
A 6-9-1-9-1-6 book version, all correct!
"I still stand by my original proposal. Let's force Mo Lan Corporation to come out of their shell, and then we can surround and eliminate them."
"How do you plan to get them out?"
Director Cao simply said, "They will come out."
"I'll wait. You have ten days. If you can't handle it within that time, I'll activate the second contingency plan. The sacrifices you're concerned about will only increase."
After the debate, the speaker stepped out, a tall and robust man, around fifty years old. There was a vertical scar at the corner of his eye, and his lips were tightly pursed. His muscles seemed to strain against his clothes, and the ground shook with each step he took.
He exchanged glances with Old Feng and then focused on Chen Chuan. "So, you're Chen Chuan? I've read the speech you gave at the Adjudication Court. Well done! When dealing with these unstable elements, we should take the initiative and leave none behind. After the national conscription is over, you can come to me. I have the right stage for you to shine."
Without waiting for Chen Chuan's response, he strode away.
Chen Chuan asked Old Feng, "Who was that?"
Old Feng explained, "He's from the National Temporary Special Operations Committee. They're overseeing our work on behalf of higher-ups. That guy is a bit extreme, so keep your distance. Not many who follow him have a good ending." He gestured inside, "Let's go in."
The two entered a spacious operation room. On the front wall hung a large map of Yangzhi City, with certain areas marked by black lines and red dots. In the center of the room stood a scaled-down terrain sandbox, the most eye-catching feature being the Mo Lan Tower.
Director Cao was standing next to the sandbox, studying it intently. Without looking up, he said, "The task was executed well. Mo Lan Corporation should have received the news by now, and I estimate they'll start their move within the next two days."
Old Feng asked, "Director Cao, are you certain they'll leave?"
"Staying here is a dead end. Why wouldn't they leave?"
Old Feng said, "Ten days... " He pondered for a moment, "Even if we force them out, how do you plan on dealing with them outside? A siege will undoubtedly be more challenging."
Director Cao assured him, "I already have a plan." He turned to Chen Chuan, "I've received Old Feng's telegram. Well done on this task. As for the next one, you'll be joining us."
Chen Chuan asked, "What is it?"
Director Cao explained, "Participate in the attack on the Mo Lan Corporation Tower. Even if they leave, we'll keep a portion of our forces to hold them off and buy us time."
Chen Chuan asked, "Director Cao, may I ask about the timing?"
Director Cao confidently replied, "Three days. Go and prepare well. During the national task, the state will provide for your needs. Make the most of this opportunity."
Chen Chuan nodded. It seemed like a benefit of participating in a national task. He said, "If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave first." After bidding farewell to the two men, he left the room.
For a moment, only Director Cao and Old Feng remained in the operation room.
Old Feng's expression carried a hint of concern, "Director Cao, eliminating Mo Lan Corporation is important, but retrieving the item is equally crucial, perhaps even more so to those above. By letting them go, finding it later will be exponentially more difficult."
Director Cao analyzed calmly, "Even if they stay in the company, they have means to smuggle it out. Let's just ensure they can't escape," he said, his gaze fixed on the sandbox, "They won't get away."
...
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(End of Chapter)
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