Chapter 107: The Textbook Method of World Annihilation (Part Two)

The commander’s words were too shocking. Everyone present was struck with a mixture of fear and disbelief. Yet, knowing the commander’s character well, they understood he was not one to exaggerate. No matter how incredible his statements sounded, their credibility was over ninety percent.

“Mr. Patterson, you’re somewhat exaggerating. Those soldiers were mainly focused on me, which is why such things happened...” Old Wick wore a modest smile, but his tone remained commanding. He spoke calmly, “But one thing I can guarantee: at this distance, none of you here could possibly draw your firearms—especially you, sir!” His voice grew firmer as his gaze fixed upon a young officer lurking in the corner to the right. The officer, sensing the tension, quietly stepped back, his fingers already unfastening the button on his holster.

The man trembled at the words, halting his movement. He cast a deep, wary glance at Wick. Unlike the others, he was a special forces veteran. Though now holding a high position, his skills remained sharp. Upon realizing these two were assassins, his reaction was more aggressive. He thought he had been discreet enough, yet the old man had detected him early on. An old man with such keen eyesight? Knowing the commander’s reputation, he chose not to act rashly.

“Well then...” Wick smiled slightly. Noticing everyone had withdrawn their hands from their weapons, he continued calmly, “Shall we all sit down and discuss the earlier topic?”

Everyone hesitated for a moment but eventually returned quietly to their seats.

“Commander, what do you say?” Wick directed his gaze back to Patterson. Since the unrest began, Patterson had remained composed. That very calmness alone befitted his rank.

“Since we are allies...” Patterson smiled, “Shouldn’t there be some sincerity?”

“Sincerity in what sense?”

“You have an elderly man here and a child under ten years old, both possessing astonishing skills. Don’t tell me this is some nonsense Western martial art. Surely, you weren’t trained to this level?”

“You underestimate the ancient martial traditions of the West.”

“I’ve said it before!” Patterson’s voice rose slightly, his face growing serious. “If we are allies, there should be basic sincerity. Sir, wasting time with such evasiveness is futile!”

Wick furrowed his brow deeply. The commander’s negotiation tactics were shrewd—his composure and tone perfectly measured. That forceful moment earlier was impeccable, backed by solid reasoning and righteousness. This opponent was a seasoned politician, difficult to handle—that was Wick’s thought.

Indeed, it made sense. In peacetime, an officer’s rank wasn’t won through valor on the battlefield but through political maneuvering.

“Yes, that was my oversight...” Wick apologized sincerely, lowering his previously lofty demeanor. His expression turned grave. “So, Commander, what exactly do you propose?”

“I mean, can you share those techniques?” Patterson smiled warmly, sensing he had gained some control over the conversation’s rhythm.

“Sorry, that’s beyond my authority.” Wick answered decisively. Non-believers are forbidden from using any of the Night faction’s genetic serums, not even the most basic inferior ones. It was an ironclad rule. Wick could pretend to agree, but with this man, false promises would be easily exposed. Should that happen, negotiations would collapse.

“You’re honest, Mr. Wick!” Patterson showed no anger at the refusal, only admiration—a reaction Wick had anticipated.

“Alright... we can discuss that later, but...” Wick shifted his tone, “We need some basis for mutual trust. How about you disclose your base’s location?”

“Haha...” Wick laughed softly. “Are you joking, Commander? Tell you our location, and then what? You turn around and launch a missile at us?”

“No, no, no... you misunderstand!” Patterson waved his hand hurriedly. “You know that’s impossible. Someone like her...” Patterson gestured toward Alice, “You have more than one like her, right? With such skills, it’s nearly impossible to prevent your assassins. Even if we knew the location, we’d hesitate to strike, wouldn’t we?”

Wick frowned. Patterson’s reasoning held some truth. Cooperation required mutual checks and balances. From that perspective, the request wasn’t unreasonable. Yet revealing their base outright would make them appear weak.

As Wick was about to negotiate, Alice suddenly stood up.

Everyone’s nerves tensed instantly, including Wick.

“What are you doing?” others stood anxiously. The young officer in the corner sprang up, hand moving to unsnap his holster.

“Calm down, Andy!” Patterson scolded sharply, then turned with a gentle smile. “Miss, may I ask your orders—”

Before he could finish, his vision blurred. Alice’s previous spot was empty. His pupils constricted in shock.

Andy’s vision blurred too. That little girl, once several meters away and separated by the long conference table, now stood nearly beside him. Her speed defied seconds—it was as if she skipped time itself.

“Don’t move!” Her voice, crisp yet childlike, whispered near his ear. His body obeyed, frozen as if under a royal decree.

Alice’s eyes darkened. With a swift flick, her dagger pierced the back of his neck.

A sharp, eerie screech filled the room. Everyone clapped their hands over their ears, frozen. Andy felt a chilling cold spread through him. Only then did he realize something was behind him.

“Oh...” Alice lifted a white, soft, mangled creature, blinking her large purple eyes. “Is this what Dad meant? Hmm... it’s rather cute.”

A collective gasp escaped the crowd as they instinctively stepped back, hands searching for their weapons. Remembering the creature’s nature—able to crawl silently through ears, noses, and mouths to devour organs and drain blood—cold sweat broke out.

“Is this... the thing you mentioned?” a senior officer on the left asked shakily.

“Seems so...” Alice tossed the creature onto the table. Everyone instinctively took a step back.

Perfect timing! Wick’s heart leapt, though his face remained stern as he looked at Patterson. “Commander, forgive my bluntness, but we have no time to waste bickering here!”

All eyes turned to their commander. Patterson’s expression darkened. After a moment of silence, he finally rose, addressing the second officer on the left. “Bart, is the Stellar satellite functioning normally?”

Bart replied solemnly with a military salute, “Operational, Commander.”

“Contact the other military districts via the military channel. I want to speak to their highest commanders immediately!”

“Yes, sir!”

Success! Wick concealed his delight. This creature’s timely arrival saved them from wasting much effort.

Yet Alice frowned inexplicably. In some ways, her temperament resembled that of Guo Lang—whenever things went too smoothly, she grew wary first. She trusted her instincts and felt this entire series of events was somehow off...