Kelly steered the car into a gated villa community. Kerry had always been a man who relished the finer things in life, so even in this fractured world, he still enjoyed the pinnacle of luxury—no doubt a privilege afforded by his father's status as the second-largest shareholder of the Brownm Corporation.
The villa district was exquisitely landscaped, a veritable paradise compared to the harshness of Protection Zone 64.
At a corner, Xiao Feng leapt from Kelly's vehicle and, with a fluid motion, vanished into the shadows of the surrounding trees.
Upon arriving at Kerry's residence, Kelly drove the sleek sports car directly into the private garage.
Kerry's gaze was icy as he asked, "Sister, is what you said truly the case?"
Kelly nodded solemnly. "Those bastards at the Sam Corporation have already made their move. We've likely been under surveillance for days. If not for Xiao Feng, I would never have uncovered this."
"Damn them. Their treachery knows no bounds."
"Yes, thankfully it was Xiao Feng. Otherwise, we might have died without even realizing it. And if they strike, the losses on our side will be devastating."
Kerry frowned deeply. "Where is Xiao Feng now?"
"He's taken it upon himself to deal with whoever is watching you."
A sudden smile crept across Kerry's face. "Is this the way a prospective brother-in-law tries to win favor with his future brother-in-law?"
Kelly blushed slightly and playfully punched Kerry's chest. "What nonsense are you spouting?"
Shaking his head, Kerry stepped into the house. "I need to alert my father and get everyone on high alert…"
He began tapping rapidly at his computer keyboard. After a moment, a sharp beep sounded, and on the monitor appeared a woman clad in formal business attire.
"Mr. Kerry, it's late. What urgent matter requires Director Hebraeus at this hour?"
Kerry's expression grew grave. "This is extremely important. Miss Lily, no matter what my father is doing, you must get him to me within three minutes—unless you wish to be dismissed."
Sensing the gravity, Lily quickly stood and left.
Two minutes later, Hebraeus appeared before the screen, clad in sleepwear. A vivid red lipstick mark adorned his neck. Frowning, he addressed Kerry with mock severity, "My dear son, you'd better have a good excuse or I'll cut your allowance by ten percent…"
Kerry's tone was serious. "I'm past the age of tantrums. This matter is truly urgent. Let my sister explain."
Stepping aside, Kerry gestured for Kelly to take his place. She began to recount the details of the surveillance.
···
In the towering redwood of the villa grounds, a lone figure crouched silently. A voice crackled through his earpiece: "Eliminate targets nine and ten. Secure the perimeter…"
The soldier's painted face tightened with concern as he grasped the severity of the orders. Yet as a soldier, he had no choice but to obey—disobedience meant certain death.
Swiftly rising from the branch, he prepared to descend when a chill crept along his neck. His brow furrowed as he spotted a shadow beside him—an obsidian combat knife pressed firmly against his throat.
Xiao Feng clamped a hand over the soldier's mouth and without hesitation snapped his neck. The elite Alliance soldier never even glimpsed his assailant before succumbing.
Without pause, Xiao Feng shed his own clothes and donned the soldier's combat uniform. Armed with the Blood Ghost sniper rifle slung on his back, a black alloy combat knife at his side, and an automatic rifle in hand, he descended the redwood.
He had no inkling how much time he had left or how many Alliance sentinels lurked around Kerry's residence. He only knew he must eliminate them all swiftly.
Listening intently to commands flowing through his earpiece, Xiao Feng sprinted toward the next position.
There, a fully armed Alliance elite awaited.
A free hunter by trade, Xiao Feng was far more adept at concealment and tracking prey than these soldiers.
He approached with lightning speed, brushed a hand over the soldier's neck, and discharged a jolt of electricity. The soldier had no chance to react before falling silent.
After dispatching three Alliance operatives near Kerry's home, an order finally crackled through the earpiece.
"Operation compromised. All units, withdraw immediately…"
Clearly, Xiao Feng's lethal efficiency had unnerved the Alliance soldiers—losing three elite operatives silently was a blow none could afford. Retreat was their only sensible option.
Having scoured the villa grounds and found no further threats, Xiao Feng appeared at Kerry's door and pressed the doorbell.
Kerry opened, his surprise evident at the sight of Xiao Feng's gear.
Without a word of thanks, Xiao Feng strode inside. "No need to thank me. If anyone deserves gratitude, it's your sister…"
Kerry, already less than cordial toward Xiao Feng, scowled. "I never asked for your help… I didn't order you to do this!"
Xiao Feng ignored him, sinking wearily onto the sofa. He needed rest.
From the monitor opposite, Hebraeus spotted Xiao Feng and immediately queried Kelly, "How did an Alliance soldier get into your home? Are you in danger?"
Kelly smiled calmly. "He's a friend. Let me introduce him—this is Xiao Feng. Without him, Kerry and I would have been lost."
"Oh, so you're Xiao Feng…"
Xiao Feng nodded quietly, offering a brief greeting.
Hebraeus turned to Kelly. "I'll arrange protection for you immediately. Stay vigilant for the foreseeable future. We will negotiate with those bastards at Sam Corporation. Rest assured, we're not so easily intimidated…"
Kelly hesitated, then asked, "When will they arrive?"
"Within a few hours. Keep your friend close for now. I can tell he's no ordinary man. Kelly, be honest—are you two involved?"
A blush crept over Kelly's cheeks, and she nodded shyly.
"Good. I trust my daughter's judgment. When you have time, bring him to meet me. If you're truly together, you'll have my blessing."
Kelly beamed warmly. "Thank you, Uncle."