After Xiao Feng laid out his strategy, the entire conference room buzzed with discussion. Ultimately, a vote was held, and the majority endorsed Xiao Feng's plan—to launch a full-scale assault on New City.
Rice nodded approvingly. "With Xiao Feng's aid, attacking New City should pose no great challenge."
Yet at that moment, Xiao Feng declared, "This time, I will not be going. The Seven Gods of the Alliance have already been dealt with by us. There are no longer any powerful psychics within their ranks, so the danger to you is minimal. Besides, with Brownm Company and Victoria Company assisting within New City, your assault should proceed without significant obstacles. I have matters of greater importance to attend to, so I will stay behind."
Rice furrowed his brow in puzzlement. "What is it you intend to do?"
Rolling up his sleeve, Xiao Feng revealed a barcode tattoo. "Do you see this? This barcode symbolizes my identity. I now understand its meaning. See the final digit—9—while the Envoy's is 3. The Envoy told me there are ten individuals who bear such barcodes. I must seek them out. I need to discover our true origins."
Rice and the others were visibly astonished. They eyed Xiao Feng's tattoo curiously, none having expected that a figure of his caliber counted among ten such beings. Should these ten unite, their power would be unimaginable—a thought that even Rice dared not entertain fully.
Rice said to Xiao Feng, "Very well, go then. Would you like company on this journey?"
Xiao Feng nodded thoughtfully. "Their locations are scattered and far-flung. If we had aircraft, distance would pose no issue, but without fuel, returning might prove impossible..." A sudden realization struck him: the fuel problem could be solved by the fuel-free aircraft from Hebrews. "The aircraft problem is resolved. Now, the question is—who shall accompany me? I don't want to bring too many—two or three should suffice."
He considered further: "Tugou counts as one, his weaponry is formidable. Second, it would be ideal if Pandora could come; her strength is impressive. Third, Rush must come—his duty is to protect me."
Rice nodded. "If those three go with you, we can rest easier."
"I'll go discuss it with Pandora," Xiao Feng said.
"She's already left..." Rice informed him.
Xiao Feng's eyes widened in surprise. "Left? I'll have Rush contact Jason and arrange for her to return. She can pilot the Hebrews' plane."
After Xiao Feng relayed this to Rush, he readily agreed and contacted Jason, who consented to dispatch Pandora once more. As for the Hebrews' aircraft, Xiao Feng knew he had to negotiate personally.
Impressed by the offer of ten C-grade magic crystals as rental payment, Hebrews agreed to lend the Trident aircraft for Pandora's use.
The following day, fully armed, Xiao Feng, Tugou, and Rush awaited Pandora's arrival. Xiao Feng still carried his enhanced Black Angel backpack; Tugou's ammunition was replenished, even bringing a box of mini-missiles, prepared for a journey of uncertain length and uncertain resupply. Rush, comparatively relaxed, armed only with an automatic rifle.
When Pandora once again landed a marvelous aircraft at the X Legion's camp, the soldiers were astonished anew.
Stepping from the plane, Pandora—her purple hair whipping, chewing gum—strode forward wearing flashy sunglasses, a scanty vest and shorts, and a pair of sleek leather boots. One could hardly guess she was a mechanical being.
With disdain, Pandora approached Xiao Feng. "Well, well, you actually convinced Jason to let me waste time tagging along."
Chuckling, Xiao Feng replied, "Miss Pandora, it seems you're reluctant."
"Reluctant? Of course! I don't want to waste time with you losers, but the boss gave orders. I have no choice. Damn, meeting you feels like my bad luck."
Having come to understand this beautiful mechanical woman's character after some time, Xiao Feng said no more and led Tugou and Rush aboard the plane.
Rice and the others came to see them off. Alice clamored to join, but Old White held her back—the journey was long and fraught with unknown dangers, and the Alliance forces were still formidable.
Suddenly, Pandora shouted from behind, "One thing—the plane's energy is nearly depleted. We'll need some magic crystals to recharge it."
Xiao Feng smiled. "No problem. We'll hunt magical beasts nearby. As long as there are beasts, crystals are easy to obtain."
As the plane took off, Xiao Feng used the wristwatch communicator to scan for nearby C-grade magical beasts. Spotting a red dot, the plane swiftly soared toward it. After dispatching the beast, they replenished the plane's C-grade crystal energy, officially commencing their journey.
The coordinates Xiao Feng provided Pandora were on the Asian continent.
The Envoy had given Xiao Feng three coordinates: one in Asia, one in Africa, and another on a remote island deep in the ocean.
Being Asian himself, Xiao Feng chose the Asian target first—a fellow psychic of his own race, which he found a fortunate circumstance.
Before the Great Purge, Asia had the largest population in the world. Such a massive base meant the virus spread faster, and the death toll was higher. After the Purge, Asia had become even more desolate than Europe.
Asia's economic strength lagged far behind Europe's, so no booming cities like New City had arisen—only second-tier cities like Black Whale.
The coordinate Xiao Feng had was merely a city. Upon entering, they would have to search on their own.
In Asia, the X Legion held no influence; protection zones bristled with Alliance soldiers.
But their combat effectiveness was evidently weak. They had no means to counter advanced crafts like the Trident.
The plane landed just outside a protection zone. Charging straight in risked being caught in a volley of gunfire, a costly mistake. After hiding the plane, Xiao Feng and his companions proceeded on foot.
Pandora looked at him, puzzled. "Are you sure this is the place? It looks so rundown..."