Nie Yun's garage left one somewhat speechless; its volume could easily accommodate two trucks parked side-by-side. Various miscellaneous instruments were piled everywhere. Bright fluorescent lights illuminated the spacious interior.
"This is for you." Nie Yun slowly walked to a wall where three familiar yet unfamiliar sets of equipment hung quietly.
Just a mental shock. Various armor components shimmered with strange flowing light under the fluorescent lamps, feeling more like glass art pieces.
"Because the Titan raw material ran out, and the equipment Hong Yang could provide was limited, the armor's defensive power hasn't increased much, but it's definitely much lighter than before. There are also some improvements to the weapon systems; hope it can help you." Nie Yun didn't explain in excessive detail, as he noticed the three's gazes only lingered on the armor for a moment before unconsciously focusing entirely on the item below the armor.
It was an all-black firearm, 1.4 meters long. Like a rectangular block of black iron, even the area below the barrel connected flush with the stock, lacking any accessories like scopes. Although the three were quite knowledgeable about firearms, they had never seen such a weapon appear anywhere in the world.
"This couldn't be the Titan raw material brought back, could it?" 36 asked speculatively.
"Yes." Nie Yun nodded. "It's 13's new weapon, COOL-FIRE Type 5 modified version. There's also a combat knife made from Titan raw material."
"The design doesn't seem very reasonable. For a firearm used by 13, it seems too long and large. And being a Titan raw material product, its extreme weight, for 13 already equipped with 'Wing' and 'Night', will surely greatly reduce mobility, significantly decreasing battlefield survivability," 1 analyzed, pointing out the firearm's drawbacks.
"I was worried too initially." Nie Yun looked at his creation. "But seeing his recent performance, my heart is at ease. He's growing quickly."
"Something feels off," 24 thought internally.
"Alright, alright. Stop studying someone else's weapon. Let me explain the differences in the new armor now. I guarantee it won't be worse than what you see now." Nie Yun pulled everyone's attention back to their own equipment.
Night passed quietly. By the time everyone returned to their rooms, it was already 7 AM, but lying in bed, none could suppress their excitement. Nie Yun had created something remarkable again this time.
Exhausted, Nie Yun leaned against the headboard, showing no intention of resting. Glancing at the newly risen sun outside the window, he dialed a long-uncalled number of an old acquaintance.
"Morning, Dr. Nie. Is life on the island comfortable?" In the Beijing Special Operations National Defense Force base, Adam sat in his office answering the phone.
"Unfortunately, I have to tell you, your plan is ruined," Nie Yun said coldly.
"Is that so? I don't seem to have miscalculated anything?" Adam chuckled.
"13 has no intention of going to Korea; only the other three are going. I've seen the thing you gave me. I too worry about the power Japan possesses. If allowed to develop unchecked, the world will be threatened. But..." Nie Yun glanced at the shredded paper in the trash bin, "My true wish is not to let 13 go. For the country, I've already lost the woman I loved most. This time, I really want to be selfish for once. Even if it's 13's own wish, I will stop him from going. You'd better change your plan."
After a moment's pause, Adam chuckled again and said, "No one knows the outcome until the very end. Let's just wait and watch the upcoming 'performance'. I think it will be quite spectacular. By the way, the wind has been strong over there recently, so don't go out. Take care of your health; don't immerse yourself in work day and night."
Adam showed no trace of pretense; he was genuinely concerned about Nie Yun.
"Thanks. I know you've always been monitoring our movements. If you want to arrest me, just say the word, I'll come find you. Please don't appear before 13 again. You should know better than me, truly confronting him will only lead to a stalemate, mutually assured destruction." Nie Yun finished speaking and hung up, sighing incessantly.
What would be the fate of these two? Truly beyond human speculation. Perhaps God would know.
Looking at the distant sun, Nie Yun closed his eyes and fell deeply asleep.
No one knew, 13's room door was slowly opening.
At 2 PM, 36 lazily climbed out of bed. 13 hadn't cooked yesterday, and Nie Yun had kept him explaining things all night. He hadn't eaten anything yet, starving terribly. Squatting in front of the refrigerator in the living room, he found some raw vegetables. It was all 13's fault for being strangely good; the daily meals were not only delicious, but the portions were calculated with uncanny accuracy, just enough to be full with nothing left over. Frowning, he could only grab a cucumber to tide him over for now.
Returning to his room, he unintentionally noticed the garage door wasn't properly closed. Habitually walking closer to shut it, but upon seeing the situation inside, 36's cucumber dropped to the ground.
"Now things are complicated," 36 muttered to himself,嘴角抽搐 (zuǐjiǎo chōuchù - corner of mouth twitching).
After careful inspection by everyone, one conclusion was reached: 13 had left the island with his equipment. Only a short note remained:
"If someone really has to die, one is enough."
Looking at the familiar handwriting, 24 knelt on the ground, weeping.
This was 13, this was 13's way of showing tenderness. Like an idiot, exuding foolishness, yet so direct and simple, pure like an ignorant child. It was precisely this character of his that made everyone unable to forget his existence.
At this time, Shanghai International Airport was a scene of bustling activity. Due to the recent war, various international routes were working overtime. Travelers of all kinds crowded the spacious hall; the scene was somewhat chaotic.
In the staff lounge, Sun Hui, just off a flight, leaned back lazily on the sofa, asleep. Her open collar revealed fair skin, her hair was messy, work shoes tossed aside. Her professional suit was crumpled into a ball. It was impossible to associate her with the fresh and bright image of a flight attendant. The supervisor looked over several times but surprisingly didn't reprimand her, even trying to reduce noise to avoid disturbing her rest. It was truly hard on her; having just passed her exams, she ran right into the chaos of war. International routes were unprecedentedly busy. Flight attendants had basically no chance to rest. Even this newcomer had worked continuously for fourteen days, covering twenty flights. But the gratifying news was, despite such busyness, no one had requested leave, including the newcomers. The dedication of Chinese flight attendants was admirable.
Work was work. Although extremely reluctant, she had to wake her up, because work called again.
"Wake up, Sun Hui, it's time for your flight," the supervisor gently nudged Sun Hui's shoulder.
"Just a little longer, Mom, I'll go to school right away." Turning over, Sun Hui continued sleeping.
Colleagues in the lounge were amused.
"Time for work, not school," the supervisor also chuckled, adding a bit more force.
Finally, she woke up. Struggling to open her sleepy eyes, she scratched her already messy hair. Suddenly seeing the clock on the wall, she leaped up from the sofa.
"Oh no! I'm going to be late!" She frantically started tidying her appearance. Perhaps too flustered, she even put her shoes on the wrong feet, only realizing her mistake when trying to stand. Seemingly a bit late, she fell heavily onto the ground. Colleagues burst out laughing, while the supervisor beside her just sighed helplessly and shook her head.
After tidying up, standing before the large vanity mirror in the changing room, the image of a short-haired flight attendant appeared. Sun Hui solemnly adjusted her cap brim, a kind smile gracing her face.
"Start work!" Dragging her suitcase from the floor, she headed towards her next "workplace."
Meanwhile, at the main entrance of the airport, a young man carrying a large backpack entered the hall. Dressed in ordinary light blue T-shirt and faded jeans, his attire was extremely common. Yet, some gazes still unconsciously focused on him. His handsome face felt incredibly familiar, yet one just couldn't recall where they had seen it. After several months, 13's hair had grown a bit longer; the unkempt hairstyle exuded an alternative kind of charisma.
He carefully watched the huge flight information board, his expression changing strangely. When the sign for Flight 753 flipped out, a smile appeared on the young man's face.
"This is it."
"What bad luck, it's Flight 753," Sun Hui complained as she boarded the Boeing 747. "Why am I the only Chinese flight attendant, while the others are all..." Looking around, the crew list, from captain to flight attendants, were all Japanese personnel. This flight was a private charter for some major Japanese investors in Shanghai. Under the strong request of the Japanese airline, all staff were specially flown in from Japan for reception. But new aviation regulations stipulated that the Chinese side must dispatch one accompanying crew member. Coincidentally, currently, Sun Hui's Japanese was the most fluent in the entire airport. So this newcomer had to attend this flight alone.
Glancing at the scene outside the window, Sun Hui could only sigh and endure.
Thus, Volume One ends!