In such hot weather, the water level naturally went down. But for it to drop a lot? That was impossible. The original flood had been severe.
Still, the water outside was so deep that walking on land was impossible. Did that mean they had to take boats? Large boats or small boats? Could so many people fit? If there were mutated creatures on land, would there be some underwater too?
Lan Jin had too many questions. Asking them all was pointless. But the boat problem could be answered.
Shen Zhiyan said, "We came here by boat because we started directly from H City base. Large boats, small boats, everything was prepared in advance. If nothing goes wrong, everyone will go by boat."
Lan Jin asked, "So is it faster to walk on ice or row a boat?"
That was hard to say.
Shen Zhiyu explained, "Both are average. It mainly depends on the geography. On ice, vehicles can move, but ice is slippery. You cannot go fast. On water, boats work better, but if you hit tree branches, small boats cannot pass. If you meet a building, large boats cannot pass."
So neither option was perfect. But for this trip, there were too many people. Using something else was impossible.
Huang Jinghe whispered, "Do you know what the mission is?"
Shen Zhiyan's eyes widened, looking at them in shock.
Lan Jin asked, "What's wrong?"
Shen Zhiyan said, "You don't know? You joined the special training without knowing anything?"
"Ah." Lan Jin asked again, "Are we supposed to know something? Or did you know the mission before joining the training?"
The Shen siblings nodded. Not just them, but even Lao Shi and others had been informed. "We only knew a little, not much. We just knew this mission would be difficult and take a long time."
Lan Jin and the others looked at Doctor Zhou. He said, "Not knowing is fine. You four have to go no matter what, even if forced."
Shen Zhiyan was puzzled. "Why? Because we are mutants? Even then, can't we choose not to go? The base needs people to stay behind anyway."
"No. Their abilities are very strong. The danger this time is high. No matter what, the base will send them. Not to mention protecting the powerless professors."
Yes, the professor team led by Professor Pei would also participate. That was why Pei Xin always fell last but was never dismissed. She had some ability to protect herself.
After roughly understanding the mission, Lan Jin said, "Just don't make me be with that person. If anything happens, I will not save her."
Ling Jiang agreed. "Me too. Besides, the rule during training was that we couldn't split up. If one objects, others cannot be forced."
Both were firm. Whether their wishes would be respected was unknown. As for who that person was, it was obvious. You could imagine how annoying Pei Xin had been over the past two months.
…
They rested properly in the base for three days. On the third day, the mission notice finally arrived on their phones. After reading carefully, Lan Jin and the others realized the mission had several parts. Basically, there was no time to be idle along the way.
First, rescue mutants in various cities, persuade them to join the mission, and after the mission, they could return to whichever base they wanted.
Second, eliminate mutated creatures along the way. Capture those with research value.
Third, protect the professor team members at all costs.
Fourth, reach the destination and complete the final task.
The final task was not detailed in this notice. But one thing was clear: the journey would be long. They could not return in just a few months.
So the base adjusted rules. Those who participated in this mission would not need to take other missions for a full year upon return. They would just protect the base.
Additionally, each participant would receive 10,000 contribution points as a reward. In fact, daily outings gave 20 contribution points. This counted toward the 10,000 points, starting from the departure day. Whether the mission succeeded or not, they would get it.
Each person would get three meals and two bottles of water per day. Mutants would also have crystal stones to restore abilities. The number of stones varied.
All necessary equipment, like wooden guns and bow grenades, was provided to everyone. There would be medical support along the way, like Doctor Wang, to help with rescues. The base worried that a long trip could affect mental health, so Doctor Zhou Zhiye, a psychologist, would accompany them.
With such thorough support, curiosity about the mission grew.
According to the plan, the next day Lan Jin and the others went to the hall to collect all personal supplies. Besides them 34, the 200+ people previously trained separately were also collecting supplies.
The water outside was still high, so vehicles were impossible. But there were plenty of boats, both large and small.
After confirming their final boat, Lan Jin said happily, "I didn't expect us to be together."
The four of them were not separated. Besides their prior request, they were originally from the same base.
As for the Shen siblings and Doctor Zhou… well, Lao Shi was also on the same boat. Could that be surprising?
Actually, because the mission was to protect the professor team, this boat was full of capable people.
Lan Jin tried not to lose face, but could not help it. Finally, Captain Zhang looked at her, sighed, and reassured her, "It's fine. I already put you together. Only one person matters. Whatever she says, just ignore it."
He added, "I heard you took long leave for Qiao Qiao yesterday. Why? No kindergarten?"
"No. Wait until I come back."
"I see…" Captain Zhang sighed, thinking he would lecture. But before finishing, he stopped. "Fine, handle it yourself. Not going is fine. It's just kindergarten."
Captain Zhang moved back to the crowd, looked at everyone once more, and said, "Rest well tonight. Tomorrow morning, 8 a.m. departure. Dismissed."