Chapter 80: Secrets of the Security Zone

Zhenjiang Security Zone.

After completing his mission, Yenir accepted the insistent invitations of the two and headed to the most upscale restaurant in the Safe Zone.

He did not refuse.

Determined to learn the hometowns of the soldiers involved in the mission, he relied on Chen Yong to contact the Military Department.

The events were so long past that only the Military might know the exact locations; finding another source was nearly impossible.

Although the task would take extra time, Yenir felt it was well worth the effort.

After all, one must have a conscience.

And with all his skills on cooldown and his power stuck at a secondary level, there simply weren’t any worthwhile dungeons to farm.

…

Inside the lavish private dining room, the mahogany floor reflected the bright, golden glow of the crystal chandelier overhead.

When Chen Yong presented his high-ranking military credentials, the premier restaurant in the Safe Zone promptly offered their finest table.

“Sir Ye Lin, as agreed earlier, half of this haul is yours.”

Sitting opposite him, Chen Yong, his expression earnest, slid an unsigned card toward Yenir while glancing at him nervously.

The warm, golden light bathed the young man’s face across the table, yet the shadow of his cloak left his emotions unreadable.

Upon closer observation, it was clear his choice of words was very deliberate.

Before heading into the Ruins Battlefield, both sides used to share the spoils equally—after all, the Soldier Summoning was his creation, a secret known only to him.

However, the credit points he was offering now were solely his share.

“Approximately 2700 points, and with the Safe Zone mission, about 3800 overall. I went ahead and rounded up a bit.”

“That brings us to a total of 4000 points. I hope you won’t refuse.”

With a slight smile, Chen Yong finished speaking and watched Yenir’s reaction.

Saying it doesn’t sting would be a lie.

4000 credit points were no small sum for him, and the sudden disappearance of the Ruins Battlefield made matters even more precarious.

Though he wasn’t sure of the exact cause, he suspected it was linked to Yenir’s dispatching of a third-tier foe.

The Ruins Battlefield was critical—notorious as a cash cow for many factions. Now that it’s suddenly gone, how could he possibly explain it to the Military Department?

He maintained a calm demeanor.

After taking the card, Yenir replied coolly:

“So, what is it?”

He understood all too well why Chen Yong was being so sycophantic—it was simply because his overwhelming power had inspired the desire for an alliance.

Regarding the Chen siblings, he felt no particular fondness. In truth, he was somewhat irritated.

The heroic souls of the Ruins Battlefield had already given their lives, yet later generations exploited their ‘trust’ to create a living hell.

Frankly, such treatment was no better than that of animals! Even if they aren’t immortalized, these young soldiers still deserved a proper resting place!

Yet Yenir knew that lashing out at Chen Yong would be pointless; the other likely had no inkling of the matter, or he would have intervened.

Witnessing the fate of these heroic souls, Yenir silently resolved to seek justice.

Once his power grew stronger, he vowed to fight for them and demand the justice they deserved!

Hearing Yenir’s direct tone, Chen Yong gave a dry, strained laugh, relief evident as he said:

“Sir Ye Lin, my sister and I mean no harm. We simply wish to get to know you better.”

“If you have time, why not take a trip to the North China Battle Zone? I promise to pamper you with a proper welcome. And while we’re at it, I’d like to introduce you to my father.”

While speaking, Chen Yong casually glanced at his sister, Chen Yao, signaling her to pour more tea for Yenir.

Though their status should preclude such behavior, every time he looked at Yenir’s youthful face, he couldn’t help but marvel.

Regardless of his youthful appearance, in his heart he had long recognized Yenir’s immense potential.

Holding on to such an ally meant a guaranteed place in the Military for his future! He was certain his father would be thrilled once he learned of it!

Seated next to Chen Yong, Chen Yao reluctantly rose. Given her standing, when had she ever been involved in such matters?

Lifting his tea cup, Yenir paid no mind to their hidden scheming.

“I’ll find the time to go.”

“But I need your help with one thing—find out the hometowns of the soldiers from the Ruins Battlefield.”

At first he was delighted, then utterly taken aback.

Seeing Yenir accept without protest, Chen Yong was over the moon, though his confusion grew as he listened to the request.

After a moment’s hesitation, he let it go without overthinking.

“No problem, Sir Ye Lin.”

“I’ll contact the Military Department immediately to verify where these soldiers were recruited from—no time to waste.”

“But the records might be missing. You know how, in the early days of the apocalypse, everyone was out for themselves.”

He spoke with earnest courtesy.

He had assumed Yenir might have another request, but he never expected it to be this.

But it didn’t matter. As long as it built rapport, he’d even secure a cache of arms for Yenir without hesitation.

Before long, Chen Yong, his face impassive after finishing his exchange with the Military Region, forced a smile as he looked at Yenir.

“The information has been retrieved.”

“If the records are correct, most of these soldiers were recruited from Wenshan and Beibuwan.”

“At the onset of the apocalypse, many major cities were decimated. In contrast, remote autonomous regions preserved more of their young, which led to the formation of a battalion there.”

As he spoke, Chen Yong thoughtfully grabbed a sheet of white paper and sketched a rough map.

“Zhenjiang isn’t far—roughly 600 kilometers away.”

“However, there’s only one gathering point over there, now controlled by a private force. If you wish to go, I can arrange a helicopter for you.”

“If you need speed, it should only take a few hours.”

Listening, Yenir simply took the map. One had to admire Chen Yong’s knack for networking; children raised by such formidable forces always exhibited exceptional insight.

Leveraging his father’s influence within the Military, Chen Yong managed to pull up the data in just over ten minutes.

If Yenir were to investigate on his own, it would have taken him at least ten days, if not half a month.

The efficiency of organized resources was indeed impressive.

Not willing to waste another minute, Yenir stood up and prepared to leave.

“Arrange a helicopter immediately—I’m in a hurry.”

At these words, Chen Yong was startled and quickly rose. He hadn’t expected Yenir to skip his meal altogether.

“Sir Ye Lin, there’s no need to be in such a rush.”

“Please, join us for a meal before you leave. You’ve had quite the day, and I’ve already arranged your rest…”

In his urgency, Chen Yong planned to probe Yenir’s background further. To solidify their ties, he had even coordinated with the deputy commander before entering the restaurant, arranging exclusive activities. Despite the tight schedule, he had summoned the highest-tier resources within the Safe Zone. With just a request from Yenir, he promised to impress this enigmatic powerhouse.

“Not necessary.”

Without further ado, after Yenir’s curt refusal, he simply gave a subtle nod, accepting the courtesy.

Observing Yenir’s unwavering resolve, Chen Yong managed a rueful laugh and ordered the helicopter to be readied.

Soon after, he helplessly watched Yenir’s retreating back, exhaling a long, resigned sigh.

At the entrance, the restaurant owner—who had just come in to greet them—was taken aback by the dejected look on Chen Yong’s face.

In the owner’s memory, a man of Chen Yong’s caliber rarely showed such distress. In the North China Battle Zone, what could have possibly brought him to this state?

“Mr. Chen, what happened? Who was that distinguished guest earlier…?”

At the owner’s question, Chen Yong’s expression hardened as he looked up with a cold gaze.

“Today’s events are confidential. That guest’s identity is not for you to know!”

The mood instantly cooled. Even a well-known restaurant owner in Zhenjiang was thrown off and nervously complied, realizing just how much this general’s son treasured his guest.

Recalling Yenir’s departure, curiosity welled up inside him.

Who is this influential figure…?

……….