Reborn as the Darling of the Delta

Page 17

Seeing Saeed's concerned gaze, Zhang Hao quickly shook his head.

"It's alright, it was just some personal issues yesterday. Come on, Uncle Said, we'll help you resolve those problems."

Since Zhang Hao said he was fine, Said didn't say anything more. He picked Zhang Hao up and carried him on his shoulders, then walked quickly toward the administration building.

Upon arriving at the administration building, Sayed expressed to Zhang Hao his desire to gather his troops together for unified training and to implement full military management.

"Xiao Hao, I feel that although this will greatly improve the overall level of the dam, we still need to have people guarding many places, and we are also a bit short of supplies. Do you have any good ideas?"

After listening, Zhang Hao thought for a moment and said:

"If you're worried about a shortage of manpower, you can ask Reis for some people during this period. We don't need his elites. We can take his soldiers to guard the area and train our own. Let them stay for a while and observe which ones we can use."

Saeed was a little surprised after hearing this.

"You mean? Try to turn some of Reis's soldiers against him? That's not a good idea. We're allies now, after all. If Reis finds out... you know what I mean."

Looking at Said, who was still somewhat restrained in his thinking, Zhang Hao explained with a hint of exasperation:

“Don’t forget how Reis treated his ordinary men. I remember that apart from training his personal guards, he basically left his ordinary men to their own devices. Besides, you’ve also put them under your training and management to spread our idea of ​​liberating Asara. Even if some of them are willing to go back, as long as the seed is planted in the soil, it will naturally sprout over time.”

After listening to Zhang Hao's words, Said nodded as if he understood but not quite.

"I understand. When they go back, they'll tell their associates about our ideas, right? Then if anyone wants to join, they'll contact us, and our team will gradually grow?"

Zhang Hao nodded in satisfaction, it seemed that Said did have some ideological awareness.

“That’s right. If any of the people left here know someone in Reiss’s group, they will contact them. In this way, our influence will only grow. If you successfully defeat Hamk, the problem of supplies will also be solved. You know, he’s latched onto the Hamk Group, a cash cow.”

After resolving the issue with the prison, Zhang Hao stretched wearily and let out a big yawn.

"Sigh, I still think about how great it would have been if you hadn't been taken away by the GTI people and had stayed with me as my strategist."

Seeing that all these problems had been solved, Sayed couldn't help but sigh again.

"Alright, alright, aren't I your strategist now? I'll come play again next time!"

Zhang Hao comforted Said and then took out his phone to contact Shenlan, asking him to prepare to pick him up.

"Hmm? Leaving already? Not staying for lunch before you go?"

Seeing that Zhang Hao was about to leave, Said wanted to persuade him to stay for a meal.

"No, Uncle Saeed, you're too kind. It's such a waste to treat me to such a nice meal. You don't have many supplies either, so please distribute them to the people below!"

Zhang Hao shook his head; all he wanted to do was go back to bed and get a good night's sleep.

After everyone boarded the plane and said goodbye to Saeed, the vacation came to a successful end.

Upon returning to the Special Operations Unit, Zhang Hao completely ignored Roy, who had come up to him trying to joke around, and went straight to his room. Without even taking off his clothes, he lay down on the bed and immediately turned off his phone.

Roy was momentarily stunned and was about to go upstairs to see what was going on when Luna stopped him.

"Alright, let him rest for a while, he's tired too."

Roy: Dude, you're already tired from a vacation? What about me watching the house these past two days? Sigh, back in the day, I was a guy who could travel to three countries without getting tired. Looking at it this way, I'm practically a superman!

Chapter 35 Blue Eagle Helicopter

Baksh, the highest level of the Tower of Babel.

At this moment, on the uppermost helipad, Rometheus and a foreign woman standing behind him were waiting for something.

"Doctor, will the helicopter you requested be delivered today?"

“That’s right, Ella. The Blue Eagle helicopter, which combines the current cutting-edge technology of the Hafk Group, with the Superman I developed and equipped with the Relink brain-computer interface, means that no one in Baksh can compete with us.”

As soon as the words were spoken, a small black dot appeared in the distant sky, rapidly approaching them.

"Ella, bring me that telescope, my things are here."

He took the binoculars from Ella and looked closely; a weaponized helicopter bearing the logo of the Hafk Company was rapidly approaching.

It was larger than a typical armed helicopter, with heavy machine guns mounted on both sides and four hardpoints under its stub wings capable of launching anti-tank missiles, air-to-air missiles, and rockets.

"Ah! The culmination of Hafk technology, the machine body uses the most advanced metal technology, it can directly withstand the barrage of 12.7 mm bullets, and it can even withstand some 23 mm heavy ammunition. The seemingly fragile propeller can withstand the attacks of armor-piercing and high-explosive rounds."

Rometheus looked at the Blue Eagle helicopter parked in front of him with satisfaction. He believed that with this, the subsequent operation to capture [Zero] would be much smoother.

"Doctor, the Blue Eagle helicopter has been safely delivered. Please check it!"

The pilot, who was piloting the plane, got off the helicopter and spoke to Rometheus.

"No need, thank you for your trouble."

Rometheus waved his hand dismissively. He was just a PhD in biology, not a military expert. As long as the body was delivered safely, that was enough.

"By the way, Dr. Rometheus, Ms. Demulan asked me to pass on a message to you. She said she put three boxes of high-explosive bombs and one box of aircraft-specific incendiary bombs in the helicopter. She hopes to see you next time you bring back [Zero]."

"Hmph! Go back and tell her that this kind of thing is none of her business as someone who guards the space base. If you have a headache, take more medicine. My affairs are none of her concern."

After Rometheus finished speaking, he took Ella and went downstairs, leaving the soldier standing there awkwardly. After waiting for a moment, he sighed and then went downstairs as well.

At this moment, only the Blue Eagle helicopter remained quietly parked on the rooftop, but this underscored that the Asara region would never be as peaceful as it was now.

Upon arriving at the laboratory, Rometheus went inside after passing iris recognition and fingerprint authentication.

What comes into view are rows of futuristic-looking nutrient tanks, where people are immersed in green nutrient solution, devoid of any life.

Inside the largest nutrient tank in the very center, the person inside was significantly larger and more muscular than the others. However, what felt out of place was that the bald head, which should have been round, now looked somewhat pointed. Upon closer inspection, one would find that the face was very similar to that of the previous guard captain.

"Doctor, should we wake them all up?"

Ella stood behind, holding a tablet. All the data displayed on it was currently stable. Looking at the wake-up button on the tablet, Ella asked.

"Yes, it's time. Equip them all with specially made Relink second-generation brain-computer interfaces. It's time to awaken my guards."

As the button was pressed, all the liquid in the nutrient tank dropped and was drained out. Then the nutrient tank's deck opened, and each person's robotic arm held a Relink brain-computer interface, which was then connected to the back of their heads.

"Activate the brain-computer interface."

As soon as Rometheus finished speaking, all the previously lifeless people opened their eyes, but their pupils were unfocused, like a still pool of water.

Looking at these people who seemed to have lost their souls, Rometheus nodded with great satisfaction and gave instructions to Ella:

"Input all those top-notch close-combat skills and firearms techniques into the system. From today onwards, they are the Blue Eagle Squad. Give that arrogant guard captain the highest management authority over his squad. Since he loved power in life, I'll be a good person to the end and let him enjoy these rights even after death!"

Rometheus said in a sickly tone, looking at these soldiers who were all like elite soldiers outside, now all gathered in his Blue Eagle Squad, and they could guarantee their absolute loyalty to him.

"Ah~ wonderful, [Zero] just wait, you are my most outstanding work in this life, the culmination of all my and Zoya's efforts. It's a pity that she may not have even seen you yet. I will prepare the most sophisticated brain-computer interface for you, and you will become my most outstanding [son]."

Every time Rometheus thought of Zhang Hao, he felt incredulous. Someone who had undergone brain surgery, who should have been mentally challenged, and who could soon be fitted with the brain-computer interface he had developed and become the strongest human in the world.

But he somehow developed self-awareness and broke through the defenses like a monster to escape.

Rometheus hated the feeling of not being in control of things, but this time he was surprised to find that he felt no anger at all, and he was not in a hurry to bring him back.

He wanted to see how far his son would grow and how his path would differ from the one he had paved for him.

After all, he was different from others.

Rometheus stepped in front of the captain of the guard and, in his capacity as the superior, gave the order:

"Listen up, I'm giving you the title of captain. Your codename is [Black Hawk]. See this portrait? Starting tomorrow, you'll begin searching for this person. Ideally, you'd find his hideout. Don't lay a hand on him, understand? He can't be injured. As for the rest, eliminate them within your area of ​​responsibility."

After showing Zhang Hao's portrait to Black Hawk, Rometheus left the laboratory without looking back, leaving Ella to handle the rest.

"Zoya, I will show you that the fate of androids will not be destruction, but will be the light of hope for the future."

After finishing his speech, Rometheus turned and went to the research department to continue refining the "Zhang Hao version of Relink brain-computer interface" he had prepared for [Zero].

Chapter 36 A Bowl of Hot Rice

Zhang Hao lay on the soft, large bed specially prepared for him and slept from noon until night. When he opened his eyes again, it was already dark outside.

After standing up and stretching his stiff body, Zhang Hao's stomach started growling.

"Mmm, I slept so well. It's true what they say in novels about the happiness of having a group of female confidantes. Sigh, if they were to do what they did last time, my body might really not be able to handle it! Never mind, let's see if there's anything else to eat."

Looking at his watch, Zhang Hao saw that it was almost 8 o'clock. Thinking about eating some leftovers, he put on his slippers and prepared to go downstairs to find something to eat.

When they got downstairs, they saw Mai Xiaowen and Weilong chatting, Red Wolf playing soccer with Terry, Uluru and Luna discussing something while holding a weapon blueprint they couldn't identify, and Roy talking on the phone with his precious daughter.

Shen Lan, who had just finished washing the dishes in the kitchen, immediately saw Zhang Hao coming out of the door. She waved to him, signaling him to come down, and then turned and went back into the kitchen. When everyone saw Zhang Hao, they quickly got up to greet him.

"Xiao Hao, are you awake? Are you still sleepy? Do you want to come to my room tonight? I'll hold you while you sleep, and you'll definitely have sweet dreams."

Mai Xiaowen raised her eyebrows at Zhang Hao and even whistled at him like a delinquent girl.

"Alright, Xiaowen, you need to be more serious in front of children, you know? Xiaohao, next time if you feel tired, you can always postpone things that aren't urgent. You're still growing, you can't do that, you know?"

Wei Long patted Mai Xiaowen on the head, then turned to Zhang Hao and spoke gently.

"Oh, can't sleep? No big deal. Come on, Xiao Hao, next time you can't sleep, Uncle Uluru has a way to make you fall asleep quickly! Just drink some alcohol, and that'll do. If vodka doesn't work, try drinking some of that Chinese liquor, right? Drink a lot, and you'll definitely fall asleep. I once drank too much and slept for a whole day and night. My sleep quality was amazing."

Uluru spoke to Zhang Hao with an air of experience, but as soon as he finished speaking, Shenlan, carrying a plate of heated food, appeared behind him without his noticing. Shenlan's previously cheerful face immediately darkened.

"So you understand a lot?"

"Just kidding, I've been drinking for so many years, I know it all!"

"Luna, I think Uluru's had too much to drink. Why don't you go and spar with him to sober him up!"

Upon hearing this, Uluru looked back in terror, only to see Deep Blue "gently" gazing at him. Luna, who was already itching for a fight, grabbed Uluru by the collar and dragged him outside. When they reached Zhang Hao, she didn't forget to ruffle his hair a couple of times.

"Come on, Xiao Hao, I've saved your food. Eat it while it's hot. Next time you stay up all night, remember to roughly estimate your physical limits. After all, sleep is very precious on the battlefield. Wei Long said you're still young, which is true, but war never shows mercy to you because of your age. I was planning to come and let Roy see where your mental limits are. It seems like this will be the lesson I'll have to teach you from now on."

Shen Lan looked at the small Zhang Hao in front of him. He did love him quite a bit, but he knew that Zhang Hao's path would not be the same as that of ordinary children. It would be better to train him early and teach him the cruelty of war and the way of survival than to keep protecting him in GTI.

“GTI can’t protect you forever. Our relative safety right now is entirely based on the fact that Asara and Hafk are fighting each other. I know what you’re trying to say. Even if Said is a good person, he doesn’t carry much weight in Asara. The real power has been mostly taken over by Reis and Hafk. What we’re doing now is trying to mediate the conflict between the two sides, but so far it seems to be having little effect.”

Deep Blue stopped Zhang Hao from saying what he was about to say. He didn't want Zhang Hao to trust someone too much. He remembered how Zoya looked after being betrayed by that kid named Rometheus. He hoped that Zhang Hao could survive well on his own.

"Alright, I'm getting old and a bit of a nag. Hurry up and eat. You must be starving after sleeping all day. Just put your food in the sink after you finish eating, and I'll wash it later."

Shen Lan vigorously rubbed Zhang Hao's head before returning to his room. He felt a pang of disappointment thinking about how his student was still delayed in returning to the team because of that incident.

After finishing his meal, Zhang Hao washed the dishes himself, said a few words to the others, and then got up to go to Shen Lan's room.

"Uncle Shenlan, may I come in?"

After receiving permission, Zhang Hao opened the dark blue door and went inside.

This was Zhang Hao's first time in Shen Lan's room. The room was spotless, with Shen Lan's large shield behind the door. The bed was also tidy, and besides a few combat uniforms, there was a dark coat hanging on the clothes rack.

However, what felt somewhat abrupt was that the back of the garment was patched with a piece of fabric printed with rock instruments, which suddenly made the overall style strange. From that piece of fabric, it was clear that this garment had been with Shen Lan for a very long time.

"Hey? Uncle Shenlan, who's the lady standing next to you in this photo?"

Zhang Hao watched as Shen Lan sat in a chair looking at a yellowed photograph. In the photo, Shen Lan was smiling and posing for a picture with a blonde woman. Although Zhang Hao knew that this was Zoya, he thought he had nothing to talk about, so he decided to borrow Zoya for a while.

"Sister? Xiao Hao, next time you see her you might have to call her auntie, hehehe. Of course, she'll probably be happier if you call her sister."

When Shen Lan heard Zhang Hao ask about Zoya, he immediately became interested as well.

"Her name is Zoya Ponchenkova, my student. She is outstanding, both in the medical and scientific research fields. She was also one of the inventors of the Relink brain-computer interface prototype. However, she was targeted by Rometheus, the current controller of the laboratory in the Tower of Babel. We suspect that your appearance is related to him."

“I invited her to GTI many times, but because of the betrayal and the fact that her brother died on the battlefield, she hid at home for a long time and closed herself off. When I went to comfort her, she couldn’t help but cry to me. To be honest, it was the first time she had cried in front of me in so long. She told me that her mentor was shot and killed by Hafk’s soldiers to save her, and that she risked her life to escape with the experimental data. She didn’t cry.”

Deep Blue stroked the photo of Zoya, as if recalling the scene from that time.

"After learning of her brother's death, she only cried for a few days and thought about working hard to prevent the war as much as possible. However, she saw another person with brain-computer interface experimental data, Rometheus, who was standing at Hafk's press conference, introducing his work to everyone, which could restore sight to the blind and restore brain damage to its original state."

"At the time, Zoya naively thought that Rometheus was just changing the way he promoted brain-computer interfaces to bring hope to more people. However, the situation later turned out that more and more people experienced adverse reactions. Meanwhile, the Hafk Group, as if it had been premeditated, began to vigorously promote the special drug they had developed. But the high price was not something that everyone could afford. Many people were tortured to death by the side effects of brain-computer interfaces."

"Zoya was also in complete despair. The things she and her team worked so hard to develop were meant to benefit humanity, but now they had become weapons that took the lives of innocent people. The Hafk Corporation, in pursuit of maximum economic profit, didn't care about the lives of ordinary people at all. After that, Zoya only left me a letter telling me to go on vacation and not to worry. She said she would come back if she figured things out."

After telling Zoya's story, Shenlan sighed deeply and looked at Zhang Hao earnestly, saying:

"So, Xiao Hao, the battlefield is incredibly cruel. You can't trust someone too much. Do you really know the real person? We fight for peace, but the price of peace is far greater than the price of war."

"I understand, Uncle Shenlan. I've remembered what you said. I didn't expect Aunt Zoya's situation to be so complicated. Uncle Shenlan, don't be sad. Aunt Zoya will definitely pull through. You should get some rest. I've finished washing the dishes. Goodnight!"

Seeing the little guy still comforting himself, Shenlan couldn't help but smile and pat Zhang Hao's head again.

"Okay, Xiao Hao is so sensible. I'm fine, don't worry, I'll protect you."

Chapter 37 The First Patrol

When evening came, Zhang Hao returned to his room. After washing up and lying in bed, he found that he had slept for too long and was no longer sleepy at all.

"9527, please help me! Is there anything good that can help me fall asleep quickly?"