The previous night's savage slaughter of the corrupted buffalo by Xiao Feng and Rush had become the talk of the town by dawn. Though some accounts were exaggerated, the heaps of buffalo carcasses littering the eastern district of the city stood as undeniable proof of the night's grim reality.
The next morning, Xiao Feng rose early as usual—a habit ingrained from his days in Protection Zone 64, where dawn hunting was routine.
Rubbing his temples, he stretched and rose from bed, only to find the irate Ivy standing before him.
Ivy's voice brimmed with frustration: "Xiao Feng, what on earth do you mean by that?"
Xiao Feng chuckled lightly. "What's the matter? Who's got you so riled up?"
With a frosty tone, she replied, "Who else but you?"
"And what have I done now?"
"Why didn't you touch me last night? Am I not beautiful? Not desirable? Don't I love you? Answer me!" Ivy fired off a rapid volley of questions.
Xiao Feng laughed softly. "Didn't we have a bit of trouble last night? If not for that, I'd have surely..."
"You're lying!" Ivy snapped.
At that moment, Old White entered, smiling at the sight of the flustered Ivy. "What's all this about, Ivy?"
"She's mad at me!" Xiao Feng confessed.
"Nah, I don't believe that for a second. My child never bullies anyone. Seems to me you're the one giving him a hard time..." Old White teased before turning to Xiao Feng. "Get ready, we've got a meeting."
Xiao Feng hurriedly followed, and the two exchanged knowing glances as they left his room.
Inside, Ivy stomped her foot in frustration. "Xiao Feng, you better explain yourself when you come back..."
…
In the camp's conference hall, nearly all the regimental officers of the X Corps had gathered.
Rice addressed the assembly: "Two days ago, we officially engaged the Alliance forces. Last night, the Alliance unleashed another attack via the Evil Dragon Cult, sending a pack of corrupted beasts against us. These events prove beyond doubt that the Alliance is bent on striking us. After discussing with several brothers, we think it's better to expand our territory proactively than wait for the Alliance to crush us. What do you all think?"
Murmurs erupted among the mercenary officers.
"Isn't it too soon to openly declare war on the Alliance?"
"We're still a bit weak."
"You're mistaken. Don't forget, we have Brom Company backing us up. They'll support us."
"Yes, and with an eighth-level psychokinetic on our side, we should push forward with determination."
The officers debated heatedly.
Rice raised his hand to silence them. "Alright, let's vote. Those in favor of launching an expedition, raise your hands. Those opposed, keep yours down." He was the first to raise his right hand.
Following his lead, a handful of officers raised their hands, while only two or three abstained.
"Good. Since the majority agrees, let's discuss our next target."
Xiao Feng pondered deeply. His mind had long been set on Black Whale City—not due to its weak defenses, but because Brom Company maintained a major branch there. Seizing the city would facilitate resupply and armament. Moreover, Carrie remained in Black Whale City, where her leadership at the Psychokinetic Bureau's first division would prove invaluable.
Hearing Rice's call for suggestions, Xiao Feng raised his hand: "I have a proposal—we should strike Black Whale City."
All eyes turned to him, their expressions a mixture of intrigue and skepticism.
No one doubted Xiao Feng's prowess; the X Corps' current strength owed much to him. Yet Black Whale City was a level-two city—too ambitious a target for the fledgling corps.
Rice smiled knowingly. "Xiao Feng, your talents and courage are undeniable, but attacking Black Whale City now is too risky. We should focus on capturing smaller surrounding towns first, expanding our territory steadily, don't you agree?"
Many officers voiced their approval.
"Yes, we must consolidate our power methodically, taking towns one by one."
"Agreed. Following Rice's strategy is prudent."
Xiao Feng approached Rice and addressed the assembly: "Taking smaller towns is safer and easier, but what use is that? We'd have to split forces to defend each and build another stronghold like Godo City, which is incredibly challenging."
"Though Brom Company supports us, transporting arms carries great risk—whether by air or land, we face threats from Alliance warplanes. Shouldn't we consider their plight?"
"In my opinion, striking Black Whale City is viable. I've already negotiated with Brom Company—they will deliver twenty infantry armored vehicles and twenty armed helicopters today to support our assault. Additionally, Brom's second-largest shareholder, Hebra's son, heads the Psychokinetic Bureau's first division in Black Whale City and will aid us. Have you noticed those eight mech warriors guarding him? They're probably the most advanced personal combat suits in existence—formidable indeed."
"Once we capture Black Whale City, we gain access to Brom Company's arsenal there. We can freely expand the X Corps into a division, a corps, even a coalition army. With control of that arsenal, none of this is mere fantasy!"
Xiao Feng's words stunned everyone, revealing how well-prepared he was. His argument was compelling, sowing seeds of doubt and stirring ambition in the officers' hearts.
To attack Black Whale City!