University City Base, Supreme Command Center.
The faint blue holographic screen vibrated slightly in the air. As the last mutant in Qingyun Town Square was completely wiped out, the cold and pleasant system notification instantly exploded in Lin Xuan's mind like a magnificent symphony.
[Ding! Congratulations to the host for completing the "Hammer Heart Acupoint Strike" operation and successfully taking Qingyun Town. Rewards have been issued!]
[Obtained: 5000 Biomass, virus detector *5]
[Current Biomass Total: 7466]
Lin Xuan took a deep breath, feeling the thrill brought by the sudden surge in power and resources. He casually selected several key coordinates on the map—the granary, the hospital, the town government building, and the two main entrances—and deployed the five red-flashing "virus detectors." From this moment on, any viral fluctuations appearing in any corner of Qingyun Town would not escape his eyes.
But these were just appetizers. His gaze was fixed on a golden icon in the system mall that had remained locked until just now.
"Finally enough..." he murmured softly, his finger hovering tremulously over the name.
[Robert Cross Elite Squad Bundle (Includes Captain Cross himself and 6 top elites): 5000 Biomass (Limited to one purchase)]
The system's introductory text appeared again, every word reeking of chilling bloodlust:
"captain Robert Cross, a legend of the Black Watch and the human faction's final insurance policy. He is the only human capable of engaging in direct combat with the fully-formed Prototype Alex Mercer and escaping unscathed. He is not only a tactical master but also a nightmare for the Infected."
Lin Xuan did not hesitate; his fingertip landed heavily on the "Purchase" button.
"Confirm Summon!"
[Command confirmed. Consuming 5000 Biomass. Remaining Biomass: 2466.]
[Reconstructing units... Spatial anchor locked.]
Inside the spacious central hall of the Command Center, the previously steady airflow suddenly became violent. Dark red arcs of electricity generated out of thin air, tearing through the dimensions of reality. In the center of that distorted light and shadow, seven tall figures gradually solidified from phantom to reality, accompanied by a heavy, suffocating pressure.
The man standing at the forefront wore a special black, full-coverage reinforced combat suit. His build was stalwart without appearing bulky, and his muscle lines were faintly visible under the tight fibers, exuding an explosive power like that of a prehistoric behemoth. He slowly removed his tactical helmet, which integrated a multi-functional sensory array, revealing a weathered face with eyes as sharp as a hawk's.
Short gray hair, cold green eyes, and an aura of absolutely rational killing intent.
He was Robert Cross.
Behind him, six Black Watch Elite Soldiers stood in a neat line. Each of them possessed the same temperament and strength as Chu Wenhai, whom Lin Xuan had summoned at the start.
Cross scanned the modern Command Center, finally letting his gaze fall on Lin Xuan. There was no superfluous emotion in his green eyes, only obedience.
He strode forward, his leather boots striking the metal floor with crisp, heavy echoes.
"Black Watch Elite Squad, captain Robert Cross, reporting to the Commander."
His voice was low and powerful, carrying a certain unquestionable metallic quality.
"captain, I've truly been looking forward to meeting you."
...
The conversation between Lin Xuan and Captain Cross did not last long. Lin Xuan simply explained his views and the high expectations he had for Cross. Cross responded with his own suggestions in the most concise language.
"Go and rest, captain. Soon, I will let this sharpest of blades draw blood."
In the base's corridors, the emergency lighting tubes cast a pale, heatless light, reflecting off the polished metal walls like a cold operating room. The air was filled with the unique scent of disinfectant mixed with machine oil.
Robert Cross's footsteps were steady and powerful, every step's distance and frequency as precise as a metronome. His sharp green eyes did not look straight ahead but were rapidly scanning everything around him—the welding craftsmanship of the wall joints, the distribution angles of the cameras on the ceiling, the air vents of the circulation system... He was analyzing every detail of this base in a nearly instinctive manner.
Just as he led his six elite members, who stood like silent statues, around a corner marked "Area A-3," a familiar figure approached from the opposite direction.
Chu Wenhai.
This man, who was now a general Commander and the very first unit summoned, froze the moment he saw Cross. On his usually steady face, a complex mix of ecstasy and a hint of awe surfaced for the first time.
"Sir... how did you get here?" Chu Wenhai's voice carried an imperceptible tremor. He subconsciously straightened his back and snapped his heels together, as if he had returned to the time when he was a soldier fighting bloodily behind this captain on the streets of Manhattan.
Cross stopped in his tracks, and the six Black Watch Elites behind him stood like shadows.
His sharp green eyes sized Chu Wenhai up and down, his gaze like a precision scanner. From the wear on Chu Wenhai's combat suit to the position of the holster at his waist, and then to the flash of excitement in his eyes, every bit of information was rapidly captured and analyzed by Cross's brain.
"Just arrived today," Cross's voice remained as flat as ever. "Soldier, how have you been?"
This simple greeting made Chu Wenhai's eyes moisten. In that bloody hell, Captain Cross was the idol of all Black Watch Soldiers. He was cold, but he was fair; he was ruthless, but he was always at the front of the most dangerous missions. To be called "Soldier" by him was an endorsement in itself.
"Reporting to the Sir, everything is well."
Cross nodded, and a slight ripple finally appeared on his face, which was like a frozen lake.
"I see. Tanks, armored vehicles, a steady stream of soldiers... and this orderly base." He turned his head and glanced at the heavy door at the end of the corridor. "Our new Commander, Lin Xuan. He is an interesting person. In his eyes, I see the ambition of Peter Randall, but without Randall's bureaucracy and muddled thinking. He is very pure."
"Yes, Sir!" Chu Wenhai immediately agreed.
Cross reached out—not for a handshake, but to pat Chu Wenhai's shoulder heavily with his tactical-gloved palm. That strength was heavy and stable, as if conveying a silent conviction.
"You have done well, soldier. Keep it up."
After saying that, he withdrew his hand and turned to leave.
Chu Wenhai watched Cross's back disappear at the end of the corridor.
It wasn't until the alloy door slowly closed that Chu Wenhai let out a long breath. He leaned against the cold wall, feeling his back drenched in cold sweat.
The brief encounter with this legendary captain was more mentally draining than fighting through a tide of corpses for three hours. But in his heart, a surge of unprecedented excitement and reassurance welled up.
Captain Cross was here.
This meant that no matter how troublesome future missions were, the Black Watch now had a trump card in hand.