Chapter 135 One Huge Lead
At noon, Richard finalized the acquisition of additional anti-air defense systems for the Blackwatch Oriental Military Camp before his departure to the Rise condominiums. The new arsenal included advanced C-RAMs (Counter Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar systems) and Rolling Airframe Missiles, significantly bolstering their defense capabilities against aerial threats.
As he monitored the process, Richard ensured that each system was optimally placed for a wide defensive range, minimizing blind spots. The C-RAMs were anchored at key points on the rooftops, offering rapid response capabilities against incoming projectiles. Meanwhile, the Rolling Airframe Missiles were set up to provide a second layer of defense, capable of intercepting faster and higher-altitude threats.
Satisfied with the setup, Richard conducted a final review with the installation team, which took five hours to complete and one million and five hundred gold coins.
It was now five o'clock in the evening, and with three days remaining until the expected wave, Richard shifted his focus to his next agenda. He planned to visit the laboratory located outside the Oriental.
To reach the laboratory, Richard chose to travel using the VH-60N. The flight to the laboratory was short, and Richard used this time to review the details of his visit. Ever since they captured the two unknowns that killed Andrea, they were unconscious...until this day. They were non-responsive to the questions they were to interrogate.
Upon arrival at the laboratory, Richard was greeted by Dr. Aaron. Dr. Larson briefed him on the current status.
"They exhibited signs of wakefulness, but presented with a non-responsive, vacant gaze," Aaron explained. "Given your leadership role at the military camp, it's possible they may respond more readily to your inquiries."
"They should be," Richard said confidently. "There are reasons why they are here, and why they possess knowledge about us. It's possible they are searching for us, or they were dispatched by a higher authority, the master. Of course, these are mere speculations, but we need to get some answers."
Inside the observation room, Richard studied the two unknowns closely. They were lying on flat metal beds, their limbs secured by restraints to prevent any potential aggression or escape.
"They're secured for safety," Dr. Aaron explained, noticing Richard's gaze. "We've taken every precaution to ensure they can't harm themselves or others."
Richard nodded. "It's best that they remain that way and not make direct contact. We don't know how they are activating their abilities, so it's crucial to maintain a safe distance," he commented.
He turned back to Dr. Aaron. "Have there been any unusual readings or behaviors since they regained consciousness?" he inquired, seeking any piece of information that could be a clue to their abilities or intentions.
Dr. Aaron shook his head. "Nothing significant yet. Their vital signs are stable, but they haven't communicated or shown any signs of aggression. It's like they're waiting for something or someone."
"Okay, how do you talk to them? Do you use a microphone?" Richard asked, curious about the communication methods being employed.
Dr. Aaron nodded. "Yes, we are using a microphone. There are speakers installed in their room, so they won't have a problem hearing us. The problem is that both subjects looked East Asians, they might be speaking Chinese, Korean, or Japanese."
"Hmm?" Richard looked at the monitor closely, scanning their features. "They do look East Asian, possibly Korean," he mused. "But does it really matter? They spoke English to us." n-.O//v((E-/L-(B-/1-/n
"Well, if we are determining where they came from...sir," Aaron stated.
"Where did they come from...huh?" Richard mused again. Like Andrea, she went to China and was transmitted some sort of an object that went through her body like a conduit. Could it be that they are the same case as Andrea? They visited China and were approached by the progenitor. Or they are from China in the first place and went here?
It's hard to prove both hypotheses as there is no basis for either at the moment. "Let's just assume that both are originally here in the Philippines. If they are kind enough to tell us where they came from, it's better. Okay, let's try talking to them now."
Richard approached the microphone and cleared his throat. "Hello, do you hear me? I'm the boss of the facility—No, I'm the boss of the whole camp."
He paused, watching closely for any reaction from the two individuals. Their expressions remained unchanged, their gazes fixed vacantly ahead.
"Aren't you even curious why you are still alive? Or where are you?" Richard probed. "Don't tell me you have forgotten my voice, I'm the one you were speaking to when you hijacked our frequency."
The girl in the gothic-lolita dress opened her mouth as if preparing to speak. "I remember you..."
"Why are they speaking so weakly?" Richard noticed, turning to Aaron for an explanation.
"The sedatives are not wearing off yet, sir," Dr. Aaron explained.
"I see... but are they conscious enough that they can hold a conversation?" Richard asked, concerned about their ability to communicate effectively.
Dr. Aaron hesitated for a moment before answering. "They should be able to understand us and respond, but their responses might be limited due to the sedation."
Richard nodded, deciding to proceed with caution.
"Alright, let's keep this brief then. I need to know who sent you and why you are here," he said into the microphone.
The girl in the gothic-lolita dress seemed to struggle for a moment before speaking in a faint voice, "Sent... to... find... and eliminate...Blackwatch."
"Can you repeat your last?" Richard asked, leaning closer to the microphone, wanting to ensure he heard correctly.
"Sent... to find and eliminate... Blackwatch."
Richard's expression turned serious. "Blackwatch... our camp? Who sent you for this?" he pressed, seeking more clarity on their mission and their sender.
The girl's eyes fluttered, and she struggled to speak.?"Big...brother..."
"Big brother?" Richard repeated. "I need specifics, who is your big brother?"
"The one...who will conquer this world."
"Yeah this sounds like Andrea when we first caught her," Richard said to Aaron.
"That means they came from the same person. Big brother...master. We have to take advantage of the side effects of the sedative sir, let's find out where that master is."
Richard nodded in agreement with Dr. Aaron. He turned back to the microphone. "Where is your master located?"
"Korea... Master in Korea."
Richard's eyes narrowed. This piece of information was a significant lead. "Do you know where in Korea? Any specific location?" he pressed, hoping to narrow down the search area.
And the girl never spoke again. Her head slumped slightly, indicating that she had fallen unconscious or was too weak to continue.
Dr. Aaron quickly checked her vital signs. "She's still stable, but it looks like she's out for now," he informed Richard. "We won't be able to get any more information at this moment."
Richard stepped back from the microphone, deep in thought. Why the hell is their master from Korea able to send their subordinates thousands of miles away? Nevertheless, this is a huge leap.
"Thank you for this, we'll focus on the upcoming wave first and then tackle this master problem."
"Understood, sir."
