The boy clearly had his tongue severed as well. Clutching a notebook and pen, he wrote swiftly: "The Black Dragon fled with the cultists of the Evil Dragon Sect in an aircraft."
"Where did they go?"
"To the Sanctuary."
"How do you know?"
"I was hiding inside a cabinet and overheard them. They said they were heading to the Sanctuary."
After reading the mute boy's note, Xiaofeng furrowed his brows deeply. "The Sanctuary? Where exactly is that?"
Rush explained, "The Sanctuary is the palace where the Seven Gods of the Alliance reside. These Seven Gods are the same ones we captured before—Hades, Ares, and the other five."
"I know of the Seven Gods, but where is this Sanctuary located?"
"Across the ocean, on the North American continent. More precisely, it's at the capital of the M nation, H City, before the Great Purge."
Xiaofeng nodded. "As long as we have a location, that's enough. Prepare a plane—we must continue the pursuit of the Black Dragon."
"Isn't this a bit rash? And going alone makes success nearly impossible. The Seven Gods are overwhelmingly powerful."
"Powerful? Isn't Ares still in our hands? Their strength is only formidable compared to ordinary men."
"No, Xiaofeng, you've misunderstood," Rush replied gravely. "The two strongest among the Seven Gods are the chief deities Zeus and Hera—a divine couple both surpassing the level nine psychics. Their supernatural powers are unparalleled, even the Alliance government cannot command them. They are likely the mightiest beings on Earth. Then there's Apollo, the Sun God, ranked third in strength—also a level nine psychic. Any of us would be dead within three seconds in his presence. Do you believe that?"
Listening to Rush's description of the Seven Gods, Xiaofeng asked, "Is there truly no other way?"
Rush sighed. "If the chief gods and the Sun God haven't already come to trouble us, we should count ourselves fortunate. To provoke them is to invite certain death."
The others listened in solemn understanding, fully grasping the terrifying power of the Seven Gods. A heavy silence fell over the group.
Indeed, while the war god Ares and death god Hades might not be overwhelmingly strong, they have witnessed the power of Poseidon, the Sea God, who ranks fourth among the Seven.
After a moment's thought, Xiaofeng said, "Very well, let's return for now. Rice, send troops to occupy this base. It will become the stronghold of our X Legion."
Rice nodded. "I'll dispatch soldiers immediately."
Xiaofeng instructed Rush and a few mech warriors to escort Rain back to their mercenary camp, leaving several psychics and mech soldiers to guard the base. Then, Xiaofeng and the rest returned to Black Whale City. After all, their enemies were not only the Evil Dragon Sect but also the formidable Alliance Army.
...
When Tugou delivered Rain to their mercenary camp, a burly shirtless man emerged, eyeing Tugou and his three mech warriors warily. "Who are you? Return my daughter at once."
Tugou smiled, handing the sleeping Rain into the man's arms. "No hostility needed, sir. Your daughter was saved from a pack of beasts in the mountains by our leader. If you doubt me, ask these two warriors."
The soldiers saluted the man. "Commander Rando, it's true. We indeed encountered a pack of D-grade beasts. Lately, they've been appearing in large groups. Our squad was nearly wiped out—only the lady and the two of us survived."
Rando frowned. "Were the fallen properly buried?"
"Rest assured, commander, all were laid to rest," one warrior replied, though dejected.
Tugou glanced at Rain in Rando's arms and smiled. "We've safely returned Rain. Now, we must take our leave."
Rando, a hearty man, said warmly, "Don't rush off. I haven't yet repaid you for saving her life. Stay awhile—we'll have a proper drink before you go."
Tugou chuckled. "Thanks, but do I look like I can drink?" He then activated his chest weapon system, revealing his internal frame. Rando stared in disbelief.
"How... how can this be?" Rando gasped.
"Heh, I'm a high-tech creation of Victoria Corporation. No need to be shocked. Our unit is busy fighting the Alliance Army lately, so we must hurry back."
Rando's astonishment deepened. "You're at war with the Alliance Army? So, you're the X Legion?"
"Heh, didn't expect the reputation of our X Legion to have reached here. Yes, that's us," Tugou said proudly.
"If only I could join you," Rando said earnestly. His mercenary band had suffered under the Alliance's oppression, forced to surrender a heavy share of their hard-won spoils.
"Well then, you're welcome to join us. Though this place is far from our X Legion base, you can wait here for now. Soon, our influence will stretch here as well. By then, joining us will be easy. Meanwhile, you can grow your strength, recruit more warriors to your mercenary company."
"That's true," Rando admitted, "but our funds are limited..."
Tugou smiled. "Funds were scarce before, but now you're flush with wealth. Brothers, why not show your haul to your commander?"
The two mercenaries suddenly recalled the spoils in their backpacks. They placed their packs before Rando and excitedly opened the large expedition bags.
Cradling Rain, Rando peered inside. Upon seeing the vivid orange-red crystals mixed with dazzling scarlet shards, he froze, speechless.
"These... these are C-grade magic crystals..."