Chapter 125 Troop Deployment

Chapter 125: The Investigation

Having been mentally prepared, Levin remained calm.

"It's him."

Lin Dusheng, who had been scrolling through news, bolted upright, wondering if he was right.

Seeing Levin nod slightly, Lin Dusheng slumped back into the soft chair. So it really was...

General Hong, standing to the side, was completely in the dark. She tried to look at the results on the display screen, only to find Levin had already cleared them, so she had to look away, disappointed.

What on earth was it? And they were keeping it from her...

Levin looked at General Hong and said, "General Hong, don't discuss today's events with anyone outside."

General Hong nodded, curious. "Who exactly are you investigating? Is it something you can share?"

"No. Just make sure nothing about today gets out. It's classified at the highest level."

Hearing 'top-secret', General Hong's eyes widened in shock. Top-secret information was different; things like Queen Bug intel were top-secret. What kind of person warranted that level?

After reiterating the point a few more times, the two left the research institute and returned to the marshal's office.

"What are your thoughts?"

As soon as they entered the office, Lin Dusheng asked for Levin's opinion.

Levin called up the report from before he deleted it. "Ji Anzhi's body does have problems."

As he spoke, he handed one copy to Lin Dusheng. Both had been groomed as successors and could naturally understand this data.

Lin Dusheng scanned it, his gaze stopping on a data point marked in red.

It showed that a single strand of hair contained two segments of aberrant genetic cells, which was clearly not normal.

It seemed similar to before, but there were still subtle differences.

The older the sample, the higher the repair level of the genetic cells, but they could never return to their original state.

Was this the reason Ji Anzhi's physical fitness was only E-grade?

How on earth was it caused...

Lost in thought, Lin Dusheng's gaze happened to fall out the porthole at the floating insect specimens. They looked as preserved as they did a year ago; without knowing better, one might think they were alive.

A thought suddenly struck Lin Dusheng.

Could it be that Ji Anzhi stopped the Bug Swarm by sacrificing his own body?

Lin Dusheng shared his conjecture with Levin, who was visibly taken aback. After a moment's thought, Levin said,

"Ji Anzhi likely forcibly raised his psychic power to an inconceivable level in a short period. His body couldn't withstand that psychic power, causing genetic issues. That would also explain the large amount of Ji Anzhi's blood found in the mecha cockpit."

This could also explain why that blond man purchased nearly ten billion star credits worth of genetic repair fluids and physical enhancement potions.

Lin Dusheng murmured, "Then the Federation is in their debt..."

Levin added, "More than that. If not for Ji Anzhi back then, that defense line might have been breached."

A total of sixty-two White Worms, plus one Green Worm, had attacked amidst the Bug Swarm. Without Ji Anzhi's intervention, the Federation would have sacrificed at least two military districts.

And he, as the only SSS-grade psychic capable of piloting a mecha, would have inevitably had to plunge deep into the swarm to deal with the Green Worm.

Lin Dusheng also realized that, by this calculation, Levin owed him his life.

Lin Dusheng continued flipping through the report while asking Levin, "Should we send over the formula the research institute developed a few years ago? It's highly effective..."

As if remembering something, Lin Dusheng paused and reconsidered. "No, if Ji Anzhi's body is as the report indicates, he likely can't withstand its effects. It might backfire."

Levin had no objection; they had to be careful.

"But... what was Ji Anzhi's original psychic level? And what method did he use to raise his psychic power to a level even his body couldn't bear?"

Lin Dusheng continued, "I've seen his physical assessment files from the military academy. Given his original physical strength, he should have been able to withstand SSS-grade psychic power..."

The two discussed for a long time but couldn't reach a definitive conclusion.

Levin put down the documents. "For now, don't show that we've discovered Ji Anzhi. That kid is indeed jumpy. Let's just pretend we don't know. Fast-track approval for any meds he requests."

Levin suddenly remembered Qi Yanshen...

He massaged his temples.

Seeing Levin's pained look, Lin Dusheng asked with concern, "What's wrong?"

Levin took a few deep breaths, his expression complex. "I previously assured Qi Lan that He Zhi was truly an omega..."

Lin Dusheng also fell silent.

They looked at each other, an awkward silence hanging in the air...

Finally, Lin Dusheng made the decisive statement. "What does it have to do with us? Her son was the one who latched onto him, couldn't forget him even after amnesia. It's just fate."

Levin sighed. They could only keep it secret for now. He felt sorry for Qi Lan, thinking her son had finally accepted an omega, only for it to turn out to be a beta—and the same person at that.

He never even climbed out of the pit; he just made a home at the bottom.

Who knows how Qi Lan and Yun Huaifeng will react when they find out...

...

Recently, Ji Anzhi had been quite leisurely. Since the last encounter with the marshal and the principal in the cafeteria, he hadn't run into them again. At first, he thought there might be a follow-up.

After waiting a few days, he realized they truly hadn't discovered him, which let him relax a little.

Moreover, over the past month, both Chi Yan and Qi Yanshen had been sending physical enhancement potions. Many were products of the Military Academy Research Institute, only accessible to generals upon application.

Ji Anzhi didn't think much of it. After all, Qi Yanshen had a Commander mother, and Chi Yan had a general as his master. It wasn't surprising they could obtain such potions.

The effects of these potions were indeed excellent. Previously, Ji Anjue had bought medicines everywhere, even studied pharmacology himself, setting up a lab to make his own. The effects could only stabilize the genes, preventing the cells from easily collapsing again.

This was also why Ji Anzhi constantly suffered from various minor ailments.

The research institute's medicines not only stabilized the genes but also slightly repaired the damage, reducing the frequency of Ji Anzhi's dizziness compared to before.

If he could maintain this identity until his body fully recovered before leaving, that might not be bad.

Ji Anzhi thought this as he lounged on a recliner in the greenhouse garden, petting a cat.

Now, he and Qi Yanshen have become fixtures at the greenhouse garden. You could see the two of them there every afternoon. Qi Yanshen somehow managed to get a lounge chair, allowing Ji Anzhi to lie back comfortably while petting the cat.

Speaking of Qi Yanshen, Ji Anzhi could sense that Qi Yanshen was suspicious of him. However, due to his lack of memory and the fact that all information about him is strictly controlled by the Federation—coupled with his current identity as an omega—Qi Yanshen had no way to confirm his suspicions.

Even if Qi Yanshen wanted to take him for a physical exam, just a little whining, squeezing out a few tears, and pretending to be scared would make Qi Yanshen immediately back down.

Hmm... I'm really becoming more and more of a jerk.

Ji Anzhi reflected on himself for three seconds, felt a twinge of pity for Qi Yanshen for two seconds, and then continued to leisurely enjoy his carefree, cat-petting life.

After all, he was the one who latched onto me first. If he wants to endure this hardship, he can't blame me.

Qi Yanshen sat upright on a nearby blanket. The Bug Swarm is divided into four stages.

The Incubation Period, the Sporadic Period, the Concentrated Period, and the Receding Period.

The Incubation Period, often referred to as the early stage, is when the King Insects begin to reproduce in large numbers. During this time, the insectoids on the front lines are relatively fewer than usual. Once the number of King Insects reaches a certain level, it transitions into the Sporadic Period.

In the Sporadic Period, as the King Insects have just matured, their strength varies greatly. Compared to humans on the front lines, their weaker kin are closer and easier to prey upon. They first engage in internal cannibalism, while some lead a portion of the insectoids to attack and feed on humans, resulting in small to medium-sized bug swarms.

Of course, due to special circumstances this year, several small bug swarms hit even before the Sporadic Period began.

Once the weaker ones are eliminated and consumed internally, the Concentrated Period begins.

During the Concentrated Period, all King Insects will, as if by agreement, simultaneously command the insectoids to attack humans. This is the large-scale bug swarm, the true bug swarm.

The Receding Period is easy to understand: when King Insect casualties reach just one percent, the bug swarm will gradually retreat.

Based on past experience, the Sporadic Period lasts for a year, followed by an uninterrupted six-month Concentrated Period.

Once the Concentrated Period arrives, casualty rates and resource consumption will rise at an alarming rate until the Receding Period, when casualties gradually decrease.

However, the Bug Swarm Monitoring Bureau has sent word that this year's Concentrated Period will arrive early, possibly starting by the end of this month.

It's now mid-month, with only about ten days left until the end of the month. That's too rushed.

Just as Qi Yanshen was considering whether to speak with the marshal and return to the military district to prepare for battle, he received a communication from his mother.

"He Zhi," hearing the ringtone, looked toward Qi Yanshen.

"I need to take this call."

"He Zhi" nodded slightly to indicate he understood, then started listening to music via Bluetooth and continued petting the cat.

Qi Yanshen walked over to a tree and answered.

"Mother, what is it?"

Qi Lan was clearly in the command center, taking a moment to call Qi Yanshen. Behind her were soldiers moving at a brisk pace, the sounds of various commands, and flashing red lights.

Qi Lan spoke rapidly, "Stay in the ruins area and don't wander off. The marshal will remain there until the Green Insect or Queen Insect appears. It's the safest place."

Qi Yanshen immediately retorted, "Mother, I also want to—"

"Shut up. Don't you know your own physical condition?"

Qi Yanshen: "…………"

Qi Lan continued quickly, "Just remember, you're still young. These are matters for adults to handle. If there's danger, stay back. No one will look down on you."

"And how long are you going to take to win over that omega? I'm about to lose the bet with your dad."

Qi Yanshen: "...I don't have that intention."

Qi Yanshen was met with Qi Lan's disdainful gaze.

No intention? Ask yourself, do you believe that?

Qi Lan originally wanted to retort, but at that moment, her adjutant ran over to report that a section of the defense line had been breached. After acknowledging, Qi Lan said to Qi Yanshen, "Just hurry up. I hope to hear good news before the Concentrated Period arrives."

With that, she hung up directly, giving Qi Yanshen no time to react.

Qi Yanshen felt a headache coming on. He didn't even know if he truly liked "He Zhi" or if it was an illusion of affection because he liked Ji Anzhi.

Calming his emotions, Qi Yanshen returned to "He Zhi's" side and found that "He Zhi" had dozed off again, sleeping soundly. Qi Yanshen sighed helplessly.

"He Zhi" sleeps so much, spending most of the day asleep. Doesn't it make him uncomfortable?

However, smelling the faint citrus scent and looking at "He Zhi's" peaceful sleeping face, Qi Yanshen felt it was fine. Being able to sleep is a blessing.

Many veterans on the battlefield are so tense that even in safe areas, they remain highly alert, unable to sleep, or waking at the slightest disturbance.

Sitting back on the blanket, Qi Yanshen planned to visit the mecha training ground soon. Thor had been having a blast with Siren lately—either playing Star War or going to movie amusement parks. If they hadn't been short on credits, they'd probably have gone on a shopping spree.

"Thor."

"Thor, respond."

No reply. Qi Yanshen called several more times before Thor finally responded.

"Here, what's up? Are we preparing for battle?"

"No. Cancel all plans with Siren starting tomorrow. We're training."

Thor replied guiltily, "I don't have any plans with Siren. Don't you trust me?"

"I do. I'll check the records right away."

"...Haha, well, um... I don't think that's necessary. Training tomorrow, right? I'll be ready."

"Mm."

"Qi Yanshen: Are you there?"

Lu Yan replied instantly.

"Lu Yan: What?"

"Qi Yanshen: The Concentrated Period is coming. What are your arrangements?"

"Lu Yan: Just got the message. Heading to the ruins area to transfer valuable insectoid remains to the rear. That means all Advanced Insectoids and above need to be moved. For mid- and low-level ones, select ten of each type. Install explosives on the rest to create a buffer zone on the battlefield."

"Qi Yanshen: Are both you and Jian Fuxu coming?"

"Lu Yan: Yes, the Ninth Legion will also go."

"Qi Yanshen: When will you arrive?"

"Lu Yan: The morning of the day after tomorrow. We're setting off tonight."

"Qi Yanshen: Alright, text me when you get in. I'll come get you."

"Lu Yan: Forget it, I'm afraid you'll trick info out of me again. Gotta go; I still need to call Little Madman."

"Qi Yanshen: Okay."

He closed the chat and zoned out for a bit, then checked the star-net for updates on federal affairs and major news from other countries. When it was about time, he woke up "He Zhi."

He took a walk, had dinner, and that was another ordinary day.

From initially being unaccustomed to now adapting well, Qi Yanshen even felt like he was living a retired life.

But his retirement life would be completely over the day after tomorrow.

...

"Finally! We're finally here! Ah... crap!"

"Out of the way."

After being kicked, Lu Yan turned around to see Jian Fuxu, with an air of disdain, pull his foot back and walk right past him toward Qi Yanshen.

Qi Yanshen and "He Zhi" had been waiting a while. Seeing Jian Fuxu approach, "He Zhi" shrank fearfully behind Qi Yanshen.

Jian Fuxu and Lu Yan, who followed behind, glanced at "He Zhi." They looked somewhat alike and were similar in build, but he was way too timid.

Jian Fuxu spoke first, "Long time no see."

Qi Yanshen replied, "It really has been a long time."

Lu Yan also greeted them, then secretly glanced at the omega behind Qi Yanshen who was practically trying to vanish, he thought with a sigh.

His childhood friend was finally on the right track—not easy...

Lu Yan took out the prepared gift, a small fruit cake, something you couldn't find for sale out on the insectoid front lines.

"Hello, I'm Brigadier General Qi's childhood friend. My name is Lu Yan. This is a gift for you."

After a few seconds, "He Zhi" realized he was being spoken to and hurriedly waved his hands, saying it wasn't necessary.

In the end, "He Zhi" couldn't resist Lu Yan's enthusiasm and accepted the gift awkwardly and cautiously, thanking him.

"No need to thank me, no need."

Also, Qi Yanshen, you can stop staring.

I'm not a human trafficker.