“The command center’s rules are strict—I can’t break them,” Zhao Tinglong said, rejecting Chen Liu’s pistol request. Expected, but still stings, Chen Liu thought, the tight control over firearms a looming issue. Ability users won’t stay leashed forever, he mused, sensing future unrest. Gao Xiaomei and Fu Guo’an excused themselves, unable to console him. As Chen Liu turned to leave, Zhao muttered, “Dropped my pistol fighting the berserker… maybe near the guard post? Hope it’s not blown up.” Chen Liu paused, nodding subtly. A trade, he realized—Zhao’s sidearm for the six nine-star white crystals, reportable as “destroyed.” Worth any price, Chen Liu thought, grateful for Zhao’s risk, knowing the command’s wrath if caught.[^1] Zhao admired Chen Liu’s cunning and courage, trusting him with the discreet deal.
In the classroom rest area, Gao Xiaomei charmed Zhang Chong, extracting Jinghu Squad details effortlessly. She’s a natural, Chen Liu thought, amused. Nightingale’s girls bonded with Yu Na, their chatter lively. “What’s the topic?” Chen Liu asked, sitting cross-legged on the dusty floor. Gao, half-joking, said, “Captain Chen, Nightingale’s hit rock bottom. Take us in?” “Serious?” he asked, intrigued by her force field’s potential for Jinghu’s small team. She nodded. “Why?” he pressed. “You’re strong, worth following,” she said. “Not enough,” he countered, knowing he wasn’t top-tier yet. Gao smiled, “You don’t discriminate against women.” Zhang Chong had shared Yu Na’s story and Chen’s training of female recruits, swaying Nightingale. They’ve faced too much prejudice, Chen Liu thought, recalling the Zhong brothers’ harassment. “Men and women have equal roles,” he agreed, rejecting shallow biases.[^2] Consulting Zhang Chong and Yu Na, both approved—Zhang Chong smitten, Yu Na craving female camaraderie. “Welcome to Jinghu,” Chen Liu said, shaking Gao’s hand and naming her vice-captain, outranking the others. No half-measures, he thought, trusting her fully. The merger stirred whispers among the Brothers and Groundhog Squads, but it was Jinghu’s call.[^3]
At night, Chen Liu slipped to the guard post ruins, finding Zhao’s package: a handgun and two ammo boxes. Perfect, he thought, hiding it in his backpack to avoid command scrutiny. A gun changes everything, he mused, relieved. Morning brought chaos—alarms blared. “Enemy attack!” Chen Liu grabbed his axe and rushed out, freezing at the sight: countless wild boars surrounded the school. A sea of them, he thought, grim. “Where’d they come from?” Zhang Chong gasped. The male teacher answered, “Meishan’s pig farm—about 500 heads.” Mutated and organized, Chen Liu thought, eyes narrowing. “This is serious trouble,” he said, steeling for the next fight.[^4]