Chapter 502: Curfew of Chaos

What’s happening?! A citywide curfew?!

Holy shit, why are so many Third-Stage fighters being deployed? Could this be a zombie siege?!

I don’t know! Look over there—so many fighter jets are taking off!

…

It’s already three in the morning. The Capital Zone, which should be deep in slumber, has been jolted awake by the relentless roar of fighter jets.

A throng of survivors stared in panic as troops steadily gathered outside the Safe Zone, utterly at a loss.

They lifted their heads, craning their necks upward.

The rhythmic, synchronized marching footsteps echoed throughout the entire city.

Anti-aircraft searchlights on the City Wall lit up the night like day, while a host of fully armed soldiers lined up under the command of the Third-Stagers.

This sudden upheaval sent shockwaves of panic throughout the Capital Zone.

Even the best-connected couldn’t get any reliable news.

In the normally peaceful Capital at the heart of the Huaxia Battle Zone, if the Military hadn’t yet announced an evacuation, even the timid survivors would have already fled.

…..

‘How long until he arrives?’

‘How many did he bring?’

Outside the Military Region’s defense line, four Third-Stage Advanced Awakeners in full Combat Uniform stood, their voices low as they questioned the Intelligence Department below.

Gazing into the distance, even though they knew the coming force wasn’t the enemy, they still felt an overwhelming weight of pressure.

The General replied, ‘He should be at the outskirts of the Capital in about seven minutes.’

The Northern Battle Zone isn’t far away, and Lu Haishan is barreling in at full speed. His pace is truly impressive…

‘As for the numbers…’

A reporting officer let out a bitter smile as he glanced at his handheld Portable Electronic Map, where the enemy’s movement coordinates were clearly marked.

There was no disguise—nor was there any need to hide anything.

The map displayed over forty Third-Stagers, with Lu Haishan leading the charge.

It broke down into three Third-Stage Advanced, seventeen Third-Stage Mid-level, and twenty Third-Stage Beginners.

Including Lu Haishan, a Peak Third-Stage, this force was formidable. To put it bluntly, just his personally trained men could sweep through most of the Safe Zone in under an hour…

‘What about the rest of the units?’

‘Didn’t he deploy ground forces? Weren’t there signs of mobilization earlier?’

After a brief silence, the lead Third-Stage commander sighed internally. Staring into the dark distance, he could almost see the enemy’s fierce advance.

The Capital’s higher-ups had mostly kept a low profile, merely trying a tentative persuasion.

Frankly, they were just there to take the blame.

After all, that old chief held such a high rank that if they truly made a show of intercepting the enemy, it’d spell major trouble.

‘No mobilization for now, though there are signs of an assembly.’

‘That gentleman… must have told his old subordinates not to redeploy troops. Several generals in the Northern Battle Zone all indicated…’

It’s hard to say it bluntly.

A wry look crossed the face of the intelligence officer. In fact, their intel showed that the Northern Battle Zone had urgently mobilized a large force from the start.

It wasn’t technically a violation of orders.

The reinforcements were all former subordinates of Lu Haishan. These officers, under the pretext of seeking justice, claimed they would accompany the old chief to confront the Capital on why their leader was being ‘bullied’!

That excuse was barely acceptable and didn’t technically breach military regulations.

But the mobilization—from ground to air units—was so astonishing that it nearly gave the entire Capital Military Department a heart attack.

Fortunately, afterward Lu Haishan insisted there was no need for such measures; he believed the Military would eventually right this wrong, averting a major disaster.

Of course, the Capital’s military higher-ups knew Lu Haishan’s words were directed at them.

His so-called quest for justice—bringing in Third-Stagers—was really loaded with deep-seated resentment and discontent, as if he were challenging the regime.

In many ways, it already threatened the Capital’s security.

Yet even at his wits’ end, Lu Haishan maintained his trust in the Military, smoothing things over so no one could fault him.

‘No mobilization then?’

‘Good—because if they brought troops into the Capital, it would spark major chaos.’

‘What on earth is going on…’

Another long sigh escaped as the lead general’s face turned grim, burdened with heavy concern.

Although the situation had slightly improved, no one knew what Lu Haishan would do when he arrived. The Prime Minister had already held a meeting, and the resulting plan would likely leave the old chief dissatisfied.

Yenir: The Capital intends to be protected.

Lu Haishan: The Capital isn’t looking to make enemies either.

But is that even possible?

When that time comes…

It’s all because of that brat, isn’t it!

Ever since the Awakeners appeared in Huaguo—with so many geniuses and prodigies—has anyone ever stirred up trouble like he does?!

Without the Military’s protection, he’d have been dead a thousand times over by now!

And now, after killing Commissioner Lu Tianming, we’re expected to clean up his mess!

In my opinion, Commissioner Hong was right! That second son is bound to become a huge problem in the future! Who can say they won’t be next?

Every word cut deep.

Short-tempered, a middle-aged officer—also tasked with ‘welcoming’ Lu Haishan—snapped at him, his eyes flashing with concealed resentment and jealousy.

He had been on decent terms with Lu Tianming—even secretly placing a bet during the Death Duel.

To him, Yenir wasn’t merely the killer of his friend; he had also left him utterly ruined.

Moreover, just the thought that an eighteen-year-old kid could so easily rouse the higher-ups and get special treatment…

Stirred an indescribable jealousy that nearly made him seethe with hatred!

An eighteen-year-old Honorary Commissioner! An eighteen-year-old Third-Stage Mid-level! His combat power is nearly on par with Peak Third-Stage!

A brash kid still wet behind the ears, drawing more attention than he deserved, repeatedly making colossal blunders yet shielded by the Military! And to think, this kid is destined to become a regional commander—a position he’ll never reach!

Why?! Why?!

He joined the Military at sixteen, with a father who was also a Military Awakener! Thanks to his father’s favoritism and over thirty years of grueling effort, he clawed his way to his current rank.

Frankly, if he had killed Lu Tianming… no, even if any disaster caused by Yenir were pinned on him, he’d have been dead a thousand times over by now!

That kid hasn’t done the country any service—he just got lucky with a Dungeon run and picked up a few trinkets.

And what was the result?! He ended up with an even higher status!

Alright, Brother Huang.

Yenir’s talent is undeniably terrifying; the Prime Minister and his circle made these decisions only after considerable deliberation.

You and I are soldiers—following orders is our utmost duty.

When Lu Haishan arrives later, let’s do our best to lay out the truth so we can avoid any conflict…

With a bitter smile, the lead officer glanced at his enraged colleagues, assuming they were upset about having to play peacemaker. After all, who likes being yelled at? If things got physical, they’d all suffer the consequences…

Unbeknownst to him, right under his nose, a cold glint flashed in Commander Huang’s eyes.

Explanation? The truth?

Ha! The truth is, Yenir chopped Lu Tianming into minced meat! He wants to see if Lu Haishan will lose it when he witnesses the Military’s deliberately hidden horror!