"They're… in the underground city."
Wang Lei held the rank of Captain, so he naturally knew where the joint high command was stationed.
However, when facing Yuzhou—a man of unknown background and clearly beyond ordinary humanity—Wang Lei was reluctant to speak the truth outright.
At the very least, he needed to understand this young man first.
"Which underground city?"
Yuzhou pressed calmly.
"I'm afraid I can't say more."
Wang Lei refused.
"You're sure you won't?"
Yuzhou smiled faintly. "Perhaps I can save this planet."
A joke.
That was Wang Lei's immediate reaction.
Aside from Zhao Zhigang and Han Zi'ang, nearly everyone present shared the same thought.
One man saving the Earth? Impossible.
Liu Qi and the others might not know the full situation but rescue team members like Zhao Zhigang did. The Earth was already teetering on the brink of extinction.
The most critical issue was the planetary trajectory deviation—Earth was on a collision course with Jupiter.
And this self-proclaimed "Wanderer" claimed he could change that?
Absurd.
"Captain… maybe he really can."
Zhao Zhigang stepped up beside Wang Lei and spoke quietly.
"Zhigang, have you lost your mind too?"
Wang Lei stared at him in disbelief.
"I'm not crazy." Zhao Zhigang shook his head. "I've seen what he can do."
"Can an ordinary person pull us out of a collapsing skyscraper?"
"This…"
Wang Lei froze.
Indeed, this was already beyond his authority.
Discovering a superhuman existence like Yuzhou had to be reported. Especially when that person spoke of saving the planet so casually.
Communication channel opened.
A short while later, Wang Lei finished reporting.
Though he was scolded and called insane, the higher-ups reluctantly chose to believe him—for one simple reason: Wang Lei was known for being level-headed. He wasn't someone who panicked or hallucinated.
"I've contacted headquarters," Wang Lei said to Yuzhou.
"But we still need to proceed with the Hangzhou planetary engine rescue, so we'll move out first."
Thousands of planetary engines had already shut down. If they weren't restarted soon, humanity's last hope would vanish entirely.
"However," Wang Lei paused, "you may travel with us. I'll have personnel wait for you in the Hangzhou Underground City."
"Very well."
Yuzhou had no interest in lingering in the frozen wasteland. Heading underground first was a sensible option.
In the original timeline, a massive earthquake would cause magma to flood the Hangzhou Underground City, leading to its destruction.
But the timing wasn't there yet.
There was still a chance to save it.
"I'll take you there."
After some thought, Yuzhou spoke.
If he wanted to negotiate with the joint high command, the underground city—the last refuge of human civilization—was unavoidable.
If he arrived too late and Hangzhou fell, the trip would be pointless.
"Take us?"
Everyone looked at him in confusion.
Yuzhou said nothing.
He raised his hand.
A spaceship materialized out of thin air before their eyes.
"…Get on."
The boarding ramp extended as Yuzhou stepped aboard first.
The group stared at one another in utter shock.
Who the hell had ever seen something like this?!
A casual wave of the hand—and a spaceship appeared?!
The sheer information overload left everyone momentarily brain-dead.
Yet, under Yuzhou's direction, they boarded one by one.
Even the planetary engine ignition stones were brought along.
As the scenery raced past the windows, waves of disbelief surged through their minds.
This had to be divine power.
But… did gods use spaceships?
Or was this an alien?
The ship was incredibly fast. In just minutes, they arrived at the Hangzhou planetary engine site.
Even Yuzhou couldn't help but marvel at the colossal structure.
When faced with extinction, humanity's potential truly was limitless.
Only humans could conceive something as insane as a planetary engine.
"You go load the ignition stones," Wang Lei said.
"I'll take Mr. Wanderer to the underground city."
Having witnessed Yuzhou's abilities firsthand, Wang Lei finally believed—this young man might actually save the Earth.
He sent his team to handle the engine while personally escorting Yuzhou to meet higher authorities.
Han Zi'ang also took his grandchildren and returned underground.
At this stage, the tectonic disaster hadn't occurred yet. No magma. No collapse.
They were still safe.
Soon, a representative sent by higher command arrived.
"Captain Wang Lei—this is the 'Wanderer' you mentioned?"
The man outranked Wang Lei and spoke bluntly.
"Yes. I'll leave him to you."
Wang Lei nodded. He knew this superior wouldn't believe easily.
All he could hope for now was that this young man would bring humanity a miracle.
"Wanderer?"
The official looked at Yuzhou cautiously.
Without another word, Yuzhou grabbed the man's hand—
—and dissolved into particles of light.
In the next instant, they reappeared over a hundred meters away.
Yuzhou's objective was simple: shock them into taking him seriously.
And it worked.
The official was completely stunned, mechanically pulling out his communicator to contact his superior.
From that point on, Yuzhou was escorted directly to the Joint High Command.
Individuals with real authority.
Once again, he demonstrated his abilities.
Then he stated his demand plainly:
"Give me MOSS's core chip. I will save this planet."
"…That's it?"
The high command had expected a far greater demand.
"Mm. That's all."
Yuzhou nodded.
There wasn't much on this Earth that interested him. MOSS was barely worth the effort.
The official whispered something to an aide, who immediately sprinted out of the room.
"I've had the application submitted. Please wait a moment."
He poured Yuzhou a cup of tea and placed a box on the table.
"This is one of our local specialties—aged dried earthworms. Please take some with you."
Yuzhou: "..."
"I… thank you."
Maintaining a polite smile, Yuzhou waved his hand.
Boxes upon boxes of food appeared, instantly filling the reception room to the brim.
End of Chapter