Wow! The item-dropping rate is really high!

...

The young girl came and went.

Just as everything familiar in these chaotic times can undergo drastic changes under the tides of the era.

Returning to the military camp, Bai E immediately noticed the changes within.

Countless shirtless recruits were sweating under the sun, training with maximum efficiency to cultivate their attributes and meet the requirements for injecting the Gene Optimization Solution as soon as possible.

After the city's sovereignty transferred into Bai E's hands, the supply of Gene Optimization Solution no longer prioritized those so-called noble heirs.

In contrast, ordinary civilians no longer needed to consume such precious resources.

From now on, there were only two ways to obtain the Gene Optimization Solution—

Joining the military or venturing into exploration.

Exploration units sent beyond the city would also receive certain technical support, enabling them to manufacture and inject the Gene Optimization Solution independently.

Under such a policy, apart from joining exploratory missions outside of Blackwater City, those who sought strength had no choice but to enlist in the military, serving for a certain term to gain personal power.

Upon hearing the news of Bai E's return, Rose immediately came to greet him. The valiant female warrior was as vibrant and bold as ever, and her time steering major military affairs in Bai E's absence had lent her a sense of dignified authority.

Now that handling broader fields was required of him as the city's ruler, Bai E wondered if entrusting all military affairs to her might be the best choice.

Bai E entertained such thoughts as he extended his arms for a warm embrace with the spirited Rose.

Rose, ever direct and unreserved, let go quickly. She took two steps back, cheerily examining the man before her, "Gone so long—why does it feel like you've changed again?"

"Have I?" Bai E smiled indifferently.

When external threats diminish, the reawakening of one's personality may lead to subtle shifts in demeanor.

That Rose, who spent the most time with him, noticed these imperceptible changes instantly was not surprising.

Rose shook her head, choosing not to dwell on the matter.

She simply felt that the man before her had become even more approachable and confident, his aura deepening into a mesmerizing charm.

It overlapped more and more strongly with the perfect image in her heart.

"What you instructed before leaving has mostly been completed. Although we aren't sure what kind of talents you're specifically looking for, based on your criteria, we've preliminarily classified personnel across all military regions and combat institutions in the city. However, for certain specialized fields, there aren't many warriors. If you'd like to form a dedicated army, the numbers... might not be enough."

"Just a temporary idea. For now, let's focus on identifying and nurturing talents in all domains. Dividing the units must proceed gradually; there's no need to rush."

"..." Rose arched her brow deliberately, sensing something, "What's this? By the sound of it, these matters still fall to me? You're heading out again?"

"Indeed," Bai E chuckled helplessly. "World peace is still a long way off. During this trip to the Imperial Capital, I had a delightful chat with their legendary War God. The alliance's primary purpose is to help all humanity reclaim absolute sovereignty on this planet. So, in the days to come, we'll all be busy. Regarding the camp, I may have to leave everything to you. You've been doing well, and frankly, I trust no one else."

"..." Rose's eyes glimmered briefly before she smiled, "You really know what to say to put pressure on me. But for your trust, fine—I'll take good care of this military region for you."

"There's no choice..." Bai E sighed softly, "After all, the number of people I can trust completely is but a few. Once the alliance sends over its finalized rescue list, I'll embark on worldwide actions."

"From the way you say it, it feels as if our earlier adventures as a team happened years ago."

"Doesn't it?" Bai E laughed heartily, "I just wonder whether we'll have more of those carefree moments in the future."

"Since you're not planning to stay long upon returning, I won't occupy your precious time." Rose suddenly winked playfully, grinning mischievously, "There's someone waiting for you in your room. During your absence, she asked me several times about the date of your return... Now, don't keep her waiting."

"Someone? Who?" Bai E was momentarily surprised, "What someone?"

"You'll find out when you get there." Rose waved her hand and turned away, "I have things to do. Off I go ~ "

Curious, Bai E returned to the room he'd been away from for so long.

From a distance, he extended his senses but couldn't detect any trace of a living presence.

'Could it be empty?'

As this question flashed through his mind, Bai E pushed open the door and stepped inside.

A shadow darted toward him instantly, and Bai E instinctively raised his hand to block.

However, upon seeing who it was, Bai E abandoned resistance.

In the next moment, Bai E found himself pinned against the closed door.

Staring at the close, flawless face emitting a sweet fragrance, and the soft, cold body pressed against his own, Bai E felt a wave of heat surge through him.

"You..."

Before he could finish his sentence, his lips were sealed by soft lips.

Pale pink lips were cool, tender, and silky, their sweet scent flooding Bai E's nostrils.

Delicate hands moved instinctually over his body, sending electric tingles coursing through him.

Once there's a first time, a second always follows...

Yue Ying, too proactive.

For a moment, Bai E's mind embraced only this final thought.

...

Such reckless days are always fleeting. The Imperial Capital's efficiency was high, quickly categorizing all globally endangered cities by risk and proximity for Bai E.

Some cities' situations weren't much different from that of Eternal Night City.

Previously, many believed that the Bug Race's ultimate beasts were incapable of actively attacking human territories, which allowed certain cities to withstand their onslaught.

But with Eternal Night City's experience in hindsight, everyone realized one truth.

For the majority of threatened cities, the Bug Race had always possessed overwhelming superiority.

Their restraint in attacking was merely to facilitate the infiltration of their "lurker" mutants, unknown to human society.

No one knew why the bugs chose to infiltrate humanity via "lurker" mutagens.

But whatever their goal, eradicating them from this planet remained an imperative.

In the region closest to Blackwater City, a city named "Thorn City" became Bai E's first target for rescue after the alliance's formation.

There was no need for an army, no need for convoys.

Bai E alone was enough to be a force unto himself.

Piloting a mecha, he sped across the terrain, covering in less than a day a distance that would normally take one or two days.

Under the twilight, the city lay in ruins, its walls marred by craters, the scars of war evident everywhere.

The sentries stationed on the city's defenses were tense, vigilantly watching for movement from the wilderness beyond.

Any trace of rustling grass or shifting winds would instantly trigger their alert.

Blackwater City, which once fought its way to the Bug race's nests, now carried the reputation of being an elder brother figure among neighboring cities.

And as Blackwater City became one of the alliance's five eligible members of the Supreme Council, this city immediately called for assistance from the alliance.