Chapter 49: Individual Combat Armor

The unlocking of the X System Research Center will bring about a qualitative leap. Wang Ji thought silently, his eyes gleaming with determination as he sat on the sofa in his room, gazing at the dawn light streaming through the window.

He had spent the entire night here, digesting the latest major update to the X System, and had sketched out a far more detailed development plan in his mind.

"A powered metal exoskeleton unlocked for 500 energy points—personal soldier attachments are now possible. Is Iron Man still just a fantasy? How thrilling!" Wang Ji, exhilarated, materialized the production data for the exoskeleton and picked up his tablet to transmit it remotely to the primary soldier production line in the industrial district.

With the completion of the communications tower, Wang Ji could operate all relevant tasks via the X System and terminal within the signal range, enjoying the highest authority.

All his senior officers had been issued terminal tablets equipped with advanced defense systems.

A few seconds later, the tablet signaled that the transmission was complete.

Wang Ji set this production project to top-level authority—a secret project that only he could authorize for production.

He then picked up the communicator and sent Liang Jingyang an arrangement for preparing to manufacture the secret weapon, along with plans to add facilities for exoskeleton use in the military camp.

Exoskeleton soldier weapons required corresponding maintenance staff, care facilities, and recharging stations.

After a moment's consideration, Wang Ji remotely programmed the soldier production line to produce ten sets of exoskeleton armor on a regular schedule, planning a logistics team of twenty to support them, and establishing a separate mobile reinforcement squad whose members would be drawn from those participating in the current competition.

Because exoskeleton weapons demanded that users have a physical fitness score of at least twenty points to perfectly operate the system and adapt to the amplified strength and responsiveness.

The single soldier armor could boost a user's overall abilities by up to three times, with strength enhancements reaching six to ten times, depending on the user's skill and whether they could fully unleash the exoskeleton's potential.

In the nearby staff dormitory, Liang Jingyang, who had woken early, suddenly heard the special notification sound from his tablet—a tone he had set exclusively for Wang Ji. He quickly unlocked and checked it.

Inside was Wang Ji's request for exoskeleton production arrangements and the construction plan for logistics and maintenance measures, along with an attachment containing personnel training materials.

The work was designated S-level—the highest priority and confidentiality.

Liang Jingyang did not hesitate, his expression grave as he hurried through his morning routine and rushed to the industrial district.

He needed to quickly resolve staffing issues and allocate an area in the independent company camp for the new troop measures.

Wang Ji, via his tablet, swiftly assigned new tasks to Chen Lin, Xiao Liu, and others. Marveling at the efficiency brought about by technology, he quickly tidied himself and headed out to the training camp.

Today was the second round of his competition with Cao Muhua: marksmanship!

With Haozi still bedridden, the underground training room now assembled nineteen officers led by Yan Song.

Having been enhanced by genetic capsules, they automatically gathered at dawn for intense training, relaxing only when Wang Ji arrived to recover their stamina.

"All personnel, assemble! Salute!" Yan Song was the first to spot Wang Ji and roared out.

Within three seconds, the nineteen spirited men lined up smartly before Wang Ji, saluting sharply.

"Good morning, Company Commander!"

Wang Ji calmly returned the military salute.

"Thank you for your hard work, everyone. At ease!"

"Today is the second round against Company Two, the marksmanship event. Although I don’t know what rules Chief Chen has arranged, I believe you need not worry given your strengths!"

"But the important thing I must tell you is that you are the undisputed elite of the independent company. Regardless of the competition’s outcome, I will arrange for you to become officers in the company."

Among you, ten will be selected to form an independent squad. This special operations squad will be the sharpest blade of the independent company, enjoying the best treatment, wielding the most advanced weapons, and receiving the most training resources!

The eyes of the nineteen officers shone brighter and brighter.

They were indifferent to the officer positions, but the prospect of the squad’s privileges was irresistible, having already tasted the thrill of power enhancement.

Because this squad would receive our best and most resources, they must also shoulder greater responsibilities. After today’s competition, I will announce the list here—do you understand?

Wang Ji could see from their rising and falling chests that their enthusiasm was well stirred.

"Understood!"

"Good! Prepare to depart for the abandoned village."

Meanwhile, Cao Muhua, his face gloomy, stood in the camp before twenty soldiers.

These were his hand-picked men, selected overnight. With Wang Zhenhuo having self-destructed, Cao Muhua had picked a temporary deputy as team leader.

This leader, Zhao Jiang, was one of Cao Muhua’s confidants, not outstanding in ability but deep in cunning—chosen because there was no one else available.

These twenty, having just taken the genetic agents provided by the IAF Inspector, had received comprehensive enhancements and now stood confidently, listening to Cao Muhua’s instructions.

"...If you lose today’s marksmanship contest, you can all get out! Understood?"

Under Zhao Jiang’s leadership, the soldiers responded spiritedly.

"We will complete the mission!"

"Good! Get ready to board and depart!"

After Zhao Jiang led his men to the vehicles heading for the abandoned village, Cao Muhua turned and entered an inner room.

The Inspector was leisurely enjoying fine wine and food.

"Inspector, will this batch of agents cause any problems?" Cao Muhua asked, sitting down and taking a sip of wine.

The Inspector gave a pained smile. "I paid a hefty price for these twenty new genetic agents. If you don’t trust me, I’ll take the twenty men away—waste can still be put to use!"

Cao Muhua, slightly embarrassed, shifted the topic with a drink. "Thank you for your generous support, Inspector. I’ve already assigned someone to handle your request!"

"Good, then I await your good news," the Inspector continued slicing his steak.

Cao Muhua glanced over, feeling a touch of annoyance, and stood up. "Then I’ll go observe the competition myself."

Wang Ji and Yan Song’s group passed through the military checkpoint, arriving at the abandoned village.

Chen Yukai had brought his team to set up the site early. Upon hearing of Wang Ji’s arrival, he and Sun Guoyao came directly over.

"Company Commander Wang, you’re early. There’s still half an hour before the contest starts," Chen Yukai said warmly, eyeing this young man who seemed transformed.

After a night of enhancement, Wang Ji emanated an aura of strength, his previously gentle demeanor now tinged with authority and sharpness.

Wang Ji smiled, inviting Chen Yukai to sit beside him, and spoke directly.

"Chief Chen, I assume you have something important to discuss?"

"Indeed, Company Commander Wang, you’re straightforward, so I’ll be frank." Chen Yukai said thoughtfully, "The base now faces a grave crisis. I need your help."

Wang Ji asked in surprise, "Is it a powerful beast attack?"

Chen Yukai shook his head heavily. "No, it’s the darkness of human nature. Despite our crisis, some people will stop at nothing for their own ends, causing harm to the innocent!"

Wang Ji realized at once that the situation was not simple.

He gestured for the soldiers to spread out and keep watch, then asked, "Chief Chen, are you referring to Cao Muhua?"

"Yes—and no," Chen Yukai replied after a pause. "I have concrete evidence that Cao Muhua and the international organization IAG are conducting mysterious operations at our base!"

"IAG?" Wang Ji looked puzzled, hearing the name for the first time.

Chen Yukai studied Wang Ji carefully, but found no clue in his expression, so he quietly explained the background and history of IAG.

"I see—so Cao Muhua has somehow connected with IAG, obtaining their genetic agent support! No wonder, no wonder—yesterday’s incident with Wang Zhenhuo must have been caused by those genetic agents!"

Wang Ji spoke in realization, gaining some understanding of the forces behind Cao Muhua.

"That’s right, Company Commander Wang. For these genetic agents, Cao Muhua will do anything. Our base, with its hundred thousand souls, is in tremendous danger."

Hearing Chen Yukai’s words, Wang Ji thought of the power of such high-tech genetic agents. If IAG’s infiltrators held agents capable of mass distribution, the base could be shattered in an instant.

With the lives of over a hundred thousand people, and his own assets at stake, Wang Ji could not ignore the seriousness of the consequences.

"Chief Chen, tell me—what do you need from me?"

Hearing Wang Ji’s agreement, Chen Yukai sighed with relief and quietly outlined his plan.

The two discussed the details in a corner, confirming everything before the marksmanship contest was about to begin. Wang Ji handed a tablet to Chen Yukai as their communication device.

"Oh? You two seem quite friendly—plotting in secret how to cheat me out of victory, are you?" Cao Muhua said angrily, seeing Wang Ji and Chen Yukai emerge together, chatting and laughing.

Chen Yukai’s face hardened. "Don’t insult us with petty suspicions! Company Commander Wang and I hit it off from the start, but a contest is a contest—I would never resort to such tactics, even for a friend!"

Chen Yukai’s fury made Cao Muhua’s arrogance falter.

"Hmph! Even if you scheme, I’m not afraid. In the face of true strength, all plots are meaningless!"

Wang Ji smiled in agreement. "Well said, Company Commander Cao! Indeed, all schemes are meaningless before true strength." He looked at Cao Muhua with a gaze full of enigmatic meaning.

"Alright! Since both sides are here, today’s marksmanship contest will begin."

"The rules are simple. Ahead are two shooting platforms. Within the bounds of this village, we’ve released a hundred wild beasts, each marked with two circular signs—one red and one green."

"Both teams choose their color. Twenty participants each, using the provided weapons, will shoot at the colored marks on the roaming beasts. After three hours, whichever side scores higher wins!"