Chapter 367: Recently at the Camp
Translator: _Min_ Editor: Caron_
The area inside the camp walls more than doubled and extended from outside the square to the bus stop. The four corners of the camp had patrol towers ten meters high. Each of the towers was equipped with four 20mm cannons. The large caliber stationary machinegun could not only easily rip Death Claw’s armor, but it could even do damage to Roshan’s high-density fat. Of course, the machinegun was primarily targeted towards the Roshan, since the Death Claw was limited in number and hard to hit, while the Roshan could bite with eyes closed.
Compared to when Jiang Chen left, the changes inside the base were also astonis.h.i.+ng.
The tent area was messy as the ghetto was removed and replaced by rows of concrete apartment buildings. Because of the improvements in living conditions, the mood of the fallout shelter residents was more pleasant – at least few people had despair on their faces while walking on the streets.
Based on the directions Jiang Chen gave before he left, Xu Lu built another lab on the surface. However, due to lack of experimental equipment, the lab on the surface couldn’t be put into service and most of the experiments were still conducted underground.
Jiang Chen didn’t have to wait too long before w.a.n.g Zhaowu and Xu Lu came to greet him.
After some catching up, Jiang Chen began to ask about the status of the camp.
“… The number of stationed troops increased from 80 to 200. To adjust for the lack of personnel, a new drone control terminal was established in the camp with an attack fleet of 400 drones being deployed.” w.a.n.g Zhaowu reported the defense status of the base.
“Have there been any security concerns?” Jiang Chen raised his eyebrows.
“The activity of the zombies from w.a.n.ghai is increasing. Also, mutants are becoming more active. Last month, there was an incident where a Death Claw attack caused 14 casualties…” w.a.n.g Zhaowu lowered his head in guilt.
An incident like this occurring was completely his fault. The Songjiang area didn’t have any Death Claw nests, so no Death Claw should’ve been active in the area – this was almost common sense to the w.a.n.ghai survivors. It was enough of a coincidence that Jiang Chen encountered a Mother of Death Claw last time, but no one expected that another Death Claw would be active in the area.
“Raise your head, Death Claw attacks weren’t your fault. Your responsibility is to react and handle this type of emergency situation. But from what I see, you are doing very well.” Jiang Chen scanned the walls surrounding the base.
w.a.n.g Zhaowu raised his head and looked sincerely at Jiang Chen.
“Also, do you have any more intel from the last explosion at the camp?”
Jiang Chen had a sense that the death of the elder man and the Golden Apple might be connected somehow.
“Not for the time being, but we found a digitalized human body on the adjacent block. While there was no direct evidence linking him and the explosion, based on the time of destruction, the body was destroyed on the day of the explosion,” w.a.n.g Zhaowu said.
[Digitalized human?]
A frown appeared on Jiang Chen’s face.
“Do you have pictures?”
w.a.n.g Zhaowu nodded, brought out an image from his EP and pa.s.sed it to Jiang Chen.
Jiang Chen’s pupils gazed at the distinct figure.
[Lin Chaoen.]
Although the face was barely recognizable, from the remaining few facial traits, Jiang Chen could still recognize his ident.i.ty.
“We also found a laser sword and a dagger nearby.”
“Mhmm, I see.” Jiang Chen nodded.
Regarding the mysterious digitalized human with ill-intentions, he currently had no solutions. Even with his body destroyed, he could very possibly revive at some unknown location. The bearded mercenary EP provided some clues, but because of their high firepower, the helicopter couldn’t get any closer. While Cheng Weiguo did try to investigate the issue through drones, they were still intercepted.
“Let’s put both issues aside. For now, focus on the defense of the camp and ensure the safety of the fallout shelter residents. They are highly-valued experts in different fields. That is all.”
“Yes, Sir!” w.a.n.g Zhaowu saluted and left.
Then Jiang Chen looked at Xu Lu, “What about the internal affair?”
She smiled with confidence and said, “The research project team has increased from 10 to 17 members. The research results include four sub-projects related to T-4 power armor, 20mm transportable cannon, Tiger II, and improved nutrient supply.”
“Tiger II is completed?” Jiang Chen was shocked.
“Mhmm. Since it was limited by the lack of raw materials, the test model could not be produced. But the researchers built a mathematical model to verify the combat ability of this Tiger model.”
“Perfect! Where’s the lead for this project?” Jiang Chen was jubilant.
“Inside the fallout shelter. Do you want me to call him up?” Xu Lu said.
“No need, I have to go down anyways.” Jiang Chen waved his hand.
“Anything else I can help you with?” Xu Lu said.
“N…. Hmm, take me to the bas.e.m.e.nt.”
“Roger,” Xu Lu said respectfully.
It was already approaching June, but the bas.e.m.e.nt was still cold and damp.
The guard opened the metal gate for Jiang Chen and he waited outside with Xu Lu.
Jiang Chen wavered in front of the door, but he still walked in.
Han Junhua raised her head and looked peacefully at Jiang Chen.
“… Are you going to surrender?”
No response.
With eyes as composed as still water, she made Jiang Chen frustrated.
How could one person be stubborn to this extent?
An evil thought flashed through his head, but he took a deep breath and restrained his desires. The longer he stayed in the apocalypse, the more blurry his boundaries became. Since he had just come back, however, rationality won this battle.
“I hope you seriously reconsider.”
Jiang Chen gave her a long, meaningful look and left the bas.e.m.e.nt.
With the closing of the metal door, Han Junhua felt relieved.
Although she didn’t know why he didn’t do anything this time, to her, it was a relief.