"Is this what you desired?" Observing the cheering throngs on television, Zhao Xiang slumped powerlessly in his chair, his voice profoundly aged.
"Truly despicable. He orchestrated everything, yet feigns utmost patriotism!" Liu Tao clenched his fists tightly.
"Let it be. In a certain sense, Adam is also aiding the nation," Zhao Xiang remarked with a sense of relief. "Have you ever witnessed such unified shouts? The populace has never been so united. When over a billion people identify a common enemy, such extraordinary solidarity emerges. One must concede Adam has masterfully exploited this..."
"But you witnessed his 'performance'. He likely broadcast it nationwide. Now, every individual in China will venerate him, akin to worshipping a deity..." Liu Tao discerned his intentions.
"Perhaps this is the scenario he sought, a spiritual hypnosis of the entire nation," Zhao Xiang sighed. "Now, no one can impede his plan. He has become the symbol of China. One can only hope he refrains from actions detrimental to China."
"That scoundrel," Liu Tao cursed indignantly.
Before Tiananmen, Adam descended the platform. The crowd grew even more fervent; shouts for China transformed into chants of Adam's name. The previous surge reappeared, yet solely to gain a closer view of this "god's" countenance.
Returning to his vehicle, Wu Gang observed Adam smiling—the most joyous smile, like a child who had received a beloved toy.
"Wu Gang, do you know what follows?" Adam, unusually inclined towards conversation, inquired.
"I do not know," Wu Gang answered honestly.
"It is the nation's revitalization! More glorious than ever before. Because our people have all integrated. Their hearts are connected. Behold! China's most formidable power! The power of the people..." Adam's words caused Wu Gang's entire body to tremble.
"They shall be my people, my strength. On the chessboard of the world, I possess the strongest pawns..." This was Adam's innermost thought.
On August 8, 2013, the day the Genesis Turmoil subsided, everyone truly understood the meaning of "Genesis."
The effect of the nationwide hyper-solidarity was the near-instantaneous restoration of production, education, and transportation. It was as if the turmoil had been merely a dream...
To compensate for lost time, all factories worked overtime, accelerating project timelines. Yet, not a single person demanded overtime pay; daily work hours universally exceeded sixteen. When interviewed by a foreign journalist asking why they toiled so desperately, they simply replied with disdain, "For China!"
The situation in schools was even more frenzied. Evening self-study rooms were packed beyond capacity; some students were even forced to study sitting on the floor. Nearby internet cafes ceased all-night promotions—a shrewd move by the owners, as even if offered, not a single student would attend. Schools were compelled to delay lights-out times...
Across all sectors, people used their actions to mend the harm inflicted upon the nation. Everyone worked and studied with a sense of contrition. The result was the nation's economy would undergo rapid development. This was precisely why Adam chose China as the object of his support. While America might possess formidable military power and Japan a robust economy, China possessed something neither had: the resilience of its people and their profound love for their country. Millennia of history had forged deeper bonds to the nation in this populace than in any other. It was this poignant history that made everyone understand the nation's preciousness. Without the need for religious or material hypnosis, the people were already fanatical about the concept of "nation." Adam had discovered the capital for hegemony that no one else had perceived. On the world stage, he possessed the most steadfast foundation. He needed only to quietly observe the unfolding narrative...
Returning focus to the superficially calm South Korea, still on August 5, 2013. While China experienced tumultuous upheaval, the underground of Seoul was similarly unquiet. Whether night or day, the sewers maintained their perpetual gloom. Once accustomed to the pungent odor, it was not as unbearable as initially imagined.
Rats and flowing sewage imparted a unique vitality here. The city's clamor seemed unable to penetrate this subterranean world. Yet, a team operated within this supposedly tranquil realm. Soldiers clad in Japanese special forces uniforms traversed various waterways, their running splashing sewage, startling resting rats. The flashlights mounted on their assault rifles emitted harsh beams of light.
Several hundred of Japan's highest-level soldiers converged here, solely to apprehend eight escaped fugitives. The mission briefing provided no details about the targets. The superiors' only requirement was to capture the group of eight together. Though somewhat peculiar, orders were orders. A soldier's duty was execution, not questioning.
A rookie wearing a gas mask lay in ambush at a corner, exceptionally nervous due to it being his first mission. The briefing indicated the eight were extremely dangerous individuals, and the capture operation specified taking them alive, undoubtedly increasing the mission's difficulty.
He took deep breaths to alleviate his tension. Switching off his weapon's flashlight, the surroundings returned to dimness. His heartbeat synchronized with the sound of dripping water. Sweat increasingly pooled in his palms as footsteps from afar drew nearer, their steady pace resembling a stroll. Three minutes prior, the rookie had reported the situation and requested reinforcements, but the distance seemed too great; not a single comrade had arrived yet.
A consequence of watching too many movies, the rookie felt the impulse to be a hero, believing he alone could capture them. When the footsteps were merely five meters away, the soldier abruptly attempted to dash out but was unexpectedly pulled back by an arm from behind, locked firmly in an embrace. From the corner of his eye, he saw those four blue eyes. Fear extinguished before it could even arise...
13 twisted slightly; the soldier's neck emitted a crisp snap. A life ended in that instant.
At this moment, the footsteps reached their side.
"It appears they have detected our movements," 1 stated calmly.
"It's best to leave this place promptly," 24 showed no inclination for a fight, offering the most composed analysis.
"But those children in the guerrilla unit..." Zhen Xian worried habitually.
"Don't entertain illusions. If they can ambush us here, those so-called guerrillas wouldn't even be a mouthful for them. Perhaps they're currently guarding those people's corpses, waiting for us to take the bait?!" 36 uttered cynical remarks nonchalantly.
A slender fist swung towards 36's nape. With a leaping turn, a massive arm intercepted it firmly.
"Seeking death, kid?" Bao Zhu spoke coldly.
"Are you capable, old hag?" 36 had addressed Bao Zhu thus ever since learning her true age. Consequently, within the few hours of their acquaintance, the two had already fought over a dozen times.
"Alright, alright, just quiet down for me!" 1 pulled away the expectant 36.
"Stop quarreling, Bao Zhu!" Zhen Xian commanded, her tone unusually authoritative.
"24's analysis is quite correct. If we persist in searching for the guerrillas, we might all be endangered," Feng Zi offered a fair point.
"But we cannot simply abandon them, can we?" Da Shu questioned himself.
A period of silence ensued...
"How about this: you proceed with the original plan to leave. I will go find them, then rendezvous with you afterward," 13 proposed a solution. It had to be admitted this was the best of both worlds.
"No, your injuries haven't healed!" 24 spoke sternly, yet his words conveyed only concern.
"I think we should forget it. Everyone's safety is paramount..." Zhen Xian stated hesitantly.
13 walked up to her. On the holographic screen, Zhen Xian's worried face was clearly visible. He gently caressed her face with his palm. The gesture was so tender, it induced an involuntary intoxication. Yet, for the nearby 24, it was more agonizing than death itself...
"Are you very worried about them?" 13 asked softly.
Zhen Xian's trembling body nodded. Remembering the impetuous Zheng Xuan, tears slowly trickled down.
"It's alright. I will help you retrieve them. So, please, cease showing that sorrowful expression," 13 wiped the tears from the corners of Zhen Xian's eyes.
"But you just finished fighting, your injuries..." Zhen Xian simultaneously worried about 13's safety.
"Say no more," 13 placed a single finger upon Zhen Xian's lips.
"1, lead everyone away first. Wait for me outside the city. I have already locked onto your armor identification codes; finding you won't be difficult. Alright, it's settled then. Help me take care of Zhen Xian. I trust you," 13 gripped 1's shoulder forcefully. The pressure conveyed Zhen Xian's importance to him.
Before anyone could react to stop him, 13 dashed into the darkness. His retreating figure seemed incredibly dependable.
"Zhen Xian..." Gazing at 13's back, 24 spoke coldly, "If anything happens to him? I will definitely kill you."
At this moment, Zhen Xian was also preoccupied with 13's safety, completely oblivious to 24's words.
"Alright, alright..." 1 prompted, "We should leave quickly. Otherwise, all of 13's efforts will be in vain."
With that, he led everyone into the darkness as well.
Unbeknownst to them, everything had been witnessed by Xiu Ming.