Chapter 27: Testing the Waters

The group watched numbly as Alice eliminated the zombies around the perimeter one by one, each time using nearly identical methods, yet with remarkably effective results. Thomas understood this only further proved how terrifying that little girl truly was; it meant nothing had interrupted her rhythm, and maintaining such a consistent pace was itself a mark of strength.

After dispatching the last zombie on the outskirts, Alice slipped into the house ahead of everyone, while Guo Lang gestured for Thomas and his team to come over. Thomas, seeing the signal, didn’t hesitate and directed his teammates to move stealthily forward. Laura was surrounded by the soldiers, and the entire group maintained a perfect formation from start to finish, prompting Guo Lang, observing from afar, to nod in quiet approval. His desire to recruit these soldiers grew stronger.

“Mr. Guo Lang, aren’t you going down as well?” Laura asked, more concerned for her daughter’s safety than shocked by what had transpired.

“No need. You saw your daughter’s abilities just now. Back in the Imperial Tower, she moved freely among thousands of lurking zombies. There’s no need to worry—she won’t be in danger in such a minor place.”

“That’s easy for you to say; she’s not your daughter, is she?” Kelly, the female soldier nearby, spoke with a mocking smile. Alice’s performance was undeniably impressive, but as far as she could see, Guo Lang himself had done nothing extraordinary—just cowered behind the group. She felt no respect for him, only disdain.

Guo Lang smiled faintly without retorting. He could sense the group’s attitude, and Kelly’s words were meant to sow discord. After witnessing Alice’s abilities, the team was obviously tempted. The only ones Alice would listen to were Guo Lang and her mother. If Kelly could drive a wedge between them, there might be an opportunity. From their conversation, it was clear that Guo Lang and Laura were not particularly close.

“Sir…” Laura spoke hesitantly, her usual strength faltering, her words almost stuttering.

“I know what you want to ask!” Guo Lang interrupted her with a wave. “Don’t worry. There are no side effects. Because I am just like her—we’re the same kind of people.” As he spoke, Guo Lang’s pupils gradually turned violet, the color soft but unmistakably visible.

Laura breathed a sigh of relief. Her greatest concern was resolved; now she could only observe Guo Lang’s intentions. She believed that something capable of elevating a person to such a level must be incredibly precious. Since he had invested so heavily, he must have his own agenda, though what it was she could only discover in time.

Thomas’s eyes lit up at their exchange, suddenly recalling what Guo Lang had said at their first meeting: he’d come to the Federation to cooperate with Senator Allen, and the reason for that cooperation was that the Crimson Eagle Nation had developed a genetic agent!

Yes, that made sense. Thomas thought everything now fit logically. Otherwise, how could such a young girl possess such superhuman abilities? If it were innate, it would be too discouraging. Even the superheroes in movies gain their powers through accidents—struck by lightning or bitten by a spider. That’s the logical way…

After a brief hesitation, Thomas finally asked, “Mr. Guo Lang, the genetic project your Crimson Eagle Nation recently invested in—is that what you’re referring to?”

As he spoke, the soldiers behind him instinctively stepped back and tightened their grip on their guns. Though they didn’t explicitly aim at Guo Lang, the atmosphere was palpably tense.

“Yes,” Guo Lang replied calmly, as if he hadn’t noticed any of this, smiling benignly at Thomas.

“Is this project something you could cooperate with the Federation on?” Thomas inquired, his tone probing.

“No.”

“Why not? Humanity is facing a global crisis—wouldn’t it be excessive to withhold such technology?”

That logic—Guo Lang rolled his eyes. “Don’t escalate the topic to such heights. If all humanity is involved, this crisis is the Federation’s doing. Second, even if we wanted to cooperate, who would we contact? To put it another way—does the Federation even exist anymore?”

Thomas’s face turned cold. “What are you implying?” The others nearby wore grim expressions, and the tension increased.

“Exactly what I said,” Guo Lang replied, spreading his hands. “Don’t avoid reality. Isn’t this why you defied orders and left on your own? And now you claim to represent the Federation?”

“We’re only rescuing our own families. I’ll take full responsibility for leaving without orders. Once our brothers’ families are safe, we will return to the unit and serve our country.”

“Returning to the unit, I believe. Serving the country, however…” Guo Lang chuckled as Thomas’s face darkened further. “Captain Thomas, what is your definition of ‘country’?”

“Hmm?” Thomas hadn’t expected such a philosophical question and was momentarily speechless.

“Literally—the definition of a country is a collective of territory, people, culture, and government. I’m not talking about lofty ideals, just stating the facts. What remains of your Federation is a warlord faction, not a country.”

Everyone fell silent, the pain of this realization evident. Thomas gazed at Guo Lang, his expression conflicted.

Guo Lang continued to smile at Thomas—a test, the last before he attempted to recruit them.

He had revealed that he possessed something capable of bestowing strength. If others knew, what would happen? Of course, they’d try to seize it. Thomas was certainly considering it. Guo Lang didn’t mind the thought; what mattered was Thomas’s decision.

Everyone has selfish desires and ambition, but there are restraints—reality, moral boundaries, even fear. The conditions were in place: dozens of people, dozens of guns. Alice’s display was formidable, but not so overwhelming as to eliminate all hope of victory. With heavy firepower, there was a chance, albeit with risk.

From a moral standpoint, Guo Lang’s group had provided logistical support—a favor. To forcibly seize his treasure after such help would be a collapse of moral principle, and everything hinged on a single thought.

Guo Lang’s test was multifaceted. Morality was one aspect, psychological resilience another. If they acted, they’d have to betray their conscience—attack a child. Risk was also a factor: his group was not guaranteed to win. If they failed and Alice escaped, with her stealth abilities, she could easily wipe them out over a few days.

So, would they make a move? Guo Lang waited patiently.

If Thomas acted without hesitation, Guo Lang would immediately abandon the idea of recruiting him. Such decisiveness, ruthlessness, and ambition were dangerous—a person with limitless ambition and no scruples, willing to gamble, was truly terrifying. Guo Lang wouldn’t take such a risk.

If Thomas didn’t dare act, Guo Lang would proceed with his plan. Whether it was due to moral restraint or fear of Alice, both were acceptable. The former was ideal, the latter at least revealed cowardice—a local from a lesser world would pose little threat in the future as Guo Lang’s own power grew exponentially. This was, after all, a low-magic world.

In the end, Thomas did not erupt. He sighed, “You’re right, Mr. Guo Lang. We no longer have a country.” He waved his hand, and those around him relaxed their grip on their weapons. The tension dissipated, replaced by a sense of melancholy.

Home can be rebuilt… Guo Lang smiled faintly, his test complete, and was about to say something comforting when suddenly Laura, panic-stricken, rushed behind him. Guo Lang looked on in confusion, only to see Alice standing there, her clothes disheveled and stained with blood.

Guo Lang lost his composure and hurried after her, muttering inwardly, “Is she injured? How could that be possible?”