Chapter 83: The Rhinoceros's Lament

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With the continuous increase in production capacity, the industrial zone of the Hope Base kept expanding, now reaching the old campsite park's walls. The internal residential areas within the base had become insufficient. Seeing the growing number of personnel, Liang Jingyang proposed establishing a new residential management district that would integrate the management of industrial posts.

This plan received the enthusiastic support of Wang Ji, who granted him priority access to resources and authorization to begin construction of this new area.

Around the five watchtowers of Hope Base, the structures were simultaneously being poured, and together with the ongoing construction of the nuclear crystal refinery, the entire base was thriving with vigorous development.

In the morning, Wang Ji led Long Qianwen and her younger brother through training at the military garrison, using the special operations squad’s grounds—only there could they fully stretch their arms and legs.

The special ops squad had now grown into three teams of ten. Lin Zheng had been promoted to platoon leader, with three team leaders under him: the chubby Dong Qi, Huang Ning, and Li Kaiyang.

At this moment, only Huang Ning’s team was on duty at the base; she led her members training at a distant corner of the field, but their distracted expressions betrayed their lack of focus.

Some members kept sneaking glances toward the training ground, provoking Huang Ning’s irritable rebuke.

“All right! Since everyone wants to watch, let’s get closer. Careful observation will benefit you all.”

Her words were met with a cheer from her team.

In the center of the field, Wang Ji was sparring alone against the sibling pair, the wind howling, the exoskeleton armor screeching at its limits.

“Ha!” Long Shanhao shouted, slashing his long blade in a lightning arc toward Wang Ji’s shoulder.

All were armored, fighting with the ferocity of enemies, holding nothing back—just as Wang Ji demanded, for only real combat would improve them.

“Well struck!” Wang Ji praised, sidestepping rapidly and raising his sword to block Long Qianwen’s spear. The two tumbled aside, narrowly avoiding Long Shanhao’s attack.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

“Thirteen Deadly Swords!” Wang Ji rolled to his feet, his massive sword raining blows on Long Shanhao like a storm.

“Again?!” Long Shanhao cursed, swinging his blade in front for protection.

“Blade Mountain and Sea of Fire!”—his self-devised combat technique, a C-level defensive skill.

Sword and blade collided, sparks flying, both wielding excellent-grade weapons, though the intensity left their arms and gear battered.

Wang Ji saw Long Shanhao forced back several meters, then sensed a sharp threat behind him; he quickly turned to parry Long Qianwen’s attack.

She fully exploited the reach of her dragon spear: longer meant stronger. Her agile form made the exoskeleton appear almost graceful.

Wang Ji settled his breath and exchanged several moves with her, gaining a clear sense of their abilities.

Long Shanhao’s talent was indeed formidable, already capable of creating his own techniques, while Long Qianwen’s skills remained instinctive—some moves even showed traces of his own sword style.

“All right, let’s take a break.” Wang Ji swept his great sword in a wide arc, forcing the siblings apart and calling out loudly.

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The three stopped simultaneously, the dust in the arena slowly settling.

Wang Ji tapped the combat AI to disengage his armor. The battered exoskeleton seemed to sigh in relief, collapsing, steam hissing from the power core.

He glanced at the scarred chainsaw sword and lamented, “This is no easy task. Our combat training is too hard on the equipment. Look, these three sets of armor are basically scrapped.”

Long Shanhao emerged from his armor, exhilarated and sweating, his hair matted together. The mecha wasn’t suited for his age or height, but he’d pushed through with sheer mental strength and a few engineer tweaks, indulging in the thrill of armor combat.

“That was awesome! Brother-in-law, this armor isn’t too durable, but it’s a big help for many people.”

The fat fool’s comment drew eye rolls from the approaching special ops squad.

They all grumbled internally: Who do you think you are? The whole month’s wear and tear doesn’t compare to your hour of training!

Wang Ji, hearing this, turned to Long Qianwen, saying, “Your brother’s noticed it too. At our level, the armor isn’t much help—sometimes it’s more of a hindrance.”

Long Qianwen nodded in deep agreement, planting her spear beside her. “Exactly. Wearing all this feels so cumbersome—I’m drenched in sweat. I need to freshen up.”

“Fine… go ahead,” Wang Ji replied.

He and Long Shanhao exchanged helpless glances.

“Girls are always troublesome…” Long Shanhao muttered as Long Qianwen walked away.

Huang Ning happened to approach, laughing, “Well, well… I heard some chauvinistic remarks here. Should I tell your sister?”

Huang Ning and Long Qianwen, close in age, often met at the training grounds and quickly became friends. She was also the only member of the squad who dared challenge Long Shanhao.

Others who tried had been outmatched by this fat little prodigy in every way and accepted him as a force of nature.

“Oh, Captain Huang, I said nothing!” Long Shanhao hurriedly covered his mouth, looking to Wang Ji for help.

Wang Ji shook his head with a smile. “Captain Huang, has everyone finished morning training?”

Faced with Wang Ji, Huang Ning didn’t dare be flippant. She saluted with her team, her face full of admiration. “Reporting, Commander, Second Team’s training is mostly done. Seeing your live combat, I took the liberty to bring them to observe and learn.”

Wang Ji nodded with satisfaction. Huang Ning’s abilities were well known. He smiled, “No need to be formal, everyone. Observing and learning is good, but real combat is crucial. Remember, nobody succeeds without effort!”

“Yes, thank you for your guidance, Commander!” the group responded in unison.

Long Shanhao, unconvinced, joked, “This isn’t fun. Everyone’s saluting and calling Commander. I’m off to shower.”

Wang Ji, hearing this, looked at him with a hint of mischief. “Looks like someone has energy left for extra practice. I don’t mind sparring, you know!”

Long Shanhao bolted for the rest area like a mouse fleeing a cat. “No way, brother-in-law—I won’t dare again!”

His comical retreat left everyone chuckling.

Wang Ji was about to speak when a soldier rushed in from outside.

“Commander! Urgent military report!”

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Wang Ji’s heart tightened. “What’s happened?”

The soldier saluted and said, “Captain Zhao has returned from outside, bringing with him the leader of the Rhino Base. Our special ops teams have all returned and are on their way to the camp. I’m here to inform you.”

Wang Ji frowned, taking Huang Ning’s towel to wipe his face. “Very well, let’s go greet them.”

Soon, at the camp gate, a column of hundreds approached, led by Haozi and Li Chengming.

“What’s this?” Wang Ji asked in confusion.

Haozi sighed. “Boss, I’m back. The nuclear crystal ore has all been transported. I left men at the iron mine for watch. A couple days ago, an emergency arose, so I went to support the Rhino Base.”

“What happened at Rhino Base? Wasn’t it beasts rioting? With two special ops teams there, it should’ve been handled.”

He looked over the crowd, all dust-stained and weary.

“Let me explain.” The Rhino Base leader, Zhang Xiong, stepped forward, embarrassed, before Wang Ji.

Wang Ji noticed his arm in a sling and grew uneasy. “Leader Zhang, what happened?”

Zhang Xiong’s face grew more awkward, forcing a bitter smile. “We were ambushed by people from the Monkey Nation. The beast horde was broken by their schemes. When we returned to reorganize, a major warlord faction from Monkey Nation launched a surprise attack. We lost our base and have come to seek refuge with you, Commander Wang.”

Wang Ji was shocked—the Monkey Nation had such power, crushing a base of 100,000 with ease.

“Leader Zhang, whatever the circumstances, you’re welcome here. Settle everyone in first; we’ll talk in the conference room later.”

After some time, Wang Ji sat with Haozi, Li Chengming, and Zhang Xiong at the table to understand the situation.

“It’s just as I said. Their overwhelming strength drove us off the walls. If not for… ah.” Zhang Xiong’s face darkened, thinking of the brothers who sacrificed themselves during the retreat and his comrade, Rhino King.

Looking at the stubbled, gloomy leader, Wang Ji sympathized and offered reassurance: “It’s all right, Leader Zhang. Since they dared to use tank regiments and heavy weapons to invade our land, I won’t stand by idly.”

A faint hope appeared on Zhang Xiong’s despondent face, but remembering his scattered men and lack of resources, he slumped again.

“Thank you, Commander Wang, for your kindness. Since we’ve sought refuge, these hundreds of lives are yours. I only hope you’ll help us avenge this blood feud. I worry the ordinary citizens are still enslaved inside the base.”

Wang Ji replied sternly, “If they dare enslave my countrymen, they’ll regret ever coming to this world!”

After a pause, Wang Ji continued, “Leader Zhang, fate has brought us together. I don’t want to see you so defeated. I know you’re not one to give up easily! If you rally yourself, I can help you reclaim your base and, in the future, supply you with simulated beast robots.”

Repeatedly encouraged by Wang Ji, Zhang Xiong’s fighting spirit finally revived. He looked to Wang Ji with renewed hope.

Wang Ji didn’t leave him guessing. He picked up his tablet and projected an image—a giant wolf, calf-sized.

“Primary AI Giant Wolf: simulated bio-tech, high-density steel, combat power comparable to an A-grade beast, powered by a miniature nuclear loop, so you won’t have to worry about energy for ten years.”

“I’ll send maintenance personnel and support after you retake your base. Additionally, I’ll allocate two tank platoons, an artillery platoon, armored vehicles, two infantry companies, and two special ops teams to help you. How does that sound?”

Zhang Xiong was stunned by Wang Ji’s show of strength, rising with heroic fervor.

“No problem, Commander Wang. What do you need me to contribute?”