190: The Return of the "King" and a Warm "Family Feast"

When the figure of Excellence, surrounded by Su Mu and the elite rescue team, reappeared safe and sound at the exit of the long ramp leading to the surface, everyone waiting outside the isolation buffer zone who had heard the news and could get away burst into a long-suppressed cheer filled with excitement and respect!

Bright searchlights illuminated the exit like daylight, clearly revealing Excellence's small face—tired, yet with bright eyes—and the expressions of relief on the faces of his teammates behind him. The news had already spread through the base like it had grown wings: It was Excellence, the child they once had to protect as carefully as a fragile object, who had relied on his own strength to go deep underground, engage in an incredible "dialogue" with that ancient and violent energy core, successfully soothe it, and in a critical moment, guide it to repel the raid by The Foundation's "Scavenger" squad, ultimately saving all the trapped comrades!

At this moment, the people gathered there—engineers involved in the follow-up support, researchers who had rushed over upon hearing the news, logistics personnel, and even a few off-duty security team members—looked at Excellence with a gaze that had undergone an earth-shattering change. The former affection, curiosity, and the caution of treating him as a "special protected object" had been replaced by a heartfelt, fiery admiration, sincere gratitude, and an indescribable sense of trust. That gaze was like looking at a true hero who had stepped forward in a moment of crisis to turn the tide, a reliable comrade-in-arms to whom one could entrust their back. It was unclear who started the applause first, but immediately, the clapping sounded like a tide, rapidly connecting into a continuous, enthusiastic, and lasting roar that echoed in the empty exit hall, expressing a silent yet most lofty tribute.

Excellence was clearly not used to such a grand scene. Being watched by so many people, he lowered his head slightly in embarrassment, his small hands unconsciously gripping the corner of his clothes, and a shy blush rose on his cheeks. But deep within his flickering eyes, beyond the shyness, there was a trace of warmth and pride—of being recognized and needed—quietly surging. He truly felt that he was no longer that "burden" who could only passively accept protection and occasionally cause trouble due to his out-of-control abilities; he had grown into a valuable existence who could be relied upon and could protect everyone at critical moments. This shift in identity perception, like spring rain nourishing things, was quietly yet profoundly reshaping his heart.

Silent Affirmation: The Highest Level of Praise

Passing through the cheering crowd, Wang Jianguo—the commander who usually carried an awe-inspiring presence and bore the highest responsibility for the entire "Homeland"—was standing quietly at the very front of the passage. He did not clap or cheer excitedly like others; he just stood there steadily, as firm as a mountain. But his gaze held more power than any words. That look was filled with indescribable gratification, an appreciation of "I knew I wasn't wrong about you," and a trust that would entrust even heavier burdens to you.

When Excellence walked up to him, Wang Jianguo said nothing, just reached out his broad, powerful hand and patted Excellence's still-slender shoulder heavily, yet with warmth. This pat was forceful, as if he wanted to instill a heavy recognition and expectation; yet it was also extremely restrained, carrying an elder's care for a junior. All the affirmation, gratitude, instructions, and future expectations were condensed into this silent action. Excellence raised his head, met Wang Jianguo's deep and warm gaze, and nodded vigorously. Everything went without saying. The silent communication between these two, one big and one small, the "Homeland" guardians, surpassed a thousand words.

Scientific Amazement: A Perfectly Balanced Evolution

Subsequently, Excellence was "escorted" by Evelyn, who had been waiting on the side, directly into the base's highest-level medical and life science testing center. Although Excellence repeatedly stated that he "felt very good, never felt better," Evelyn insisted on conducting the most comprehensive examination to ensure that the ancient core's energy gift had not left any potential, uncontrollable effects.

The examination process was meticulous and long, utilizing "Homeland's" most cutting-edge instruments. When the final analysis report was presented to Evelyn, even with her usual calmness and rationality, she could not help but let out a low exclamation! The report data showed that Excellence's physical function indicators had not only fully returned to the level before entering the underground, but several key parameters—such as cellular activity, nerve conduction speed, and metabolic efficiency—had seen significant optimization and improvement beyond normal fluctuation ranges! Even more shocking was his energy system: the extremely subtle energy vortices and unstable Nodes that existed before due to rapid growth and occasional loss of control had now completely disappeared! His entire energy circulatory system, as if it had been reforged and polished by a master craftsman, presented a state of near-perfect, dynamic balance, with energy flowing through it incredibly smoothly, stably, and efficiently! Its stability and coordination even exceeded the theoretical limit calculated by Evelyn based on optimal models! This was no longer just "recovery," but an "optimization" and "evolution" at the level of life! The previous consumption was not only replenished long ago, but it had also laid a solid, amazingly firm foundation for him that was unprecedented!

Cozy Family Banquet: Recognition and Teasing from the Inner Circle

To celebrate this significant success and Excellence's safe return, and to express affirmation in a more private, warmer way, Wang Jianguo approved a very small-scale but high-spec "celebratory family banquet." The participants were only himself, Su Mu, Evelyn, and Excellence, and the location was set in the studio-cum-living room in Excellence's living area, which was decorated with childlike fun but piled with various "hand-crafted" inventions.

Without the noise and etiquette of a grand banquet, the cafeteria's master chef, who was usually stoic but possessed superb skills, had carefully prepared a table of dishes that were not luxurious but absolutely heartfelt and full of the taste of "home": tenderly braised pork belly, golden and crispy fried fish fillets, emerald green stir-fried seasonal vegetables, and a large bowl of steaming, fragrant tomato and egg soup. The aroma of the food, mixed with the familiar, faint scent of electronic components and lubricants belonging to Excellence in the room, created an exceptionally warm, relaxed, and reassuring atmosphere.

During the meal, Wang Jianguo raised his cup, using tea instead of wine. His gaze swept across Su Mu and Evelyn, finally landing on Excellence's face, his tone steady and sincere: "Excellence, you made a great contribution in this underground operation! Not only did you successfully save our comrades and avoid greater losses," he paused, his voice more solemn, "but more importantly, you have opened a door to an unknown new world for us, for 'Homeland,' and perhaps for all of humanity! The value of that ancient core is immeasurable! On behalf of 'Homeland,' and on behalf of all the people you protected, thank you!" The words were simple and unadorned, but carried immense weight; this was the most formal affirmation and gratitude from the highest commander.

Excellence was caught off guard by the praise. He hurriedly put down the half-eaten chicken leg, picked up his juice cup, his small face turning red, but his tone was unusually natural and firm: "Uncle Wang, please don't say that. This... this is all what I should do. This is my home, Squad Leader, Sister Evelyn, you, and all the uncles and aunts, you are all my family. Protecting my family is a matter of course." This statement, blurted out without any embellishment, truly reflected his most fundamental thoughts and sense of responsibility. The concept of home had taken deep root in his soul, and protecting the Homeland was his unquestionable responsibility and instinct.

Watching Excellence, together with Wang Jianguo and Evelyn, analyzing the technological value, potential risks, and future confidentiality and research strategies that the underground core might contain, although his speech still carried childishness, his thinking was clear, his perspective unique, and he could even raise detailed questions that even adults hadn't thought of. Su Mu sat on the side, constantly picking the food he liked into Excellence's bowl, while looking at him with an expression mixed with the infinite gratification of "my child has grown up" and a subtle, tiny bit of jealousy that "the child is big and no longer listens to his mother." She couldn't help but tap the edge of Excellence's bowl with her chopsticks, pretending to complain: "Oh my! Look at our Consultant Zhuo's posture, he can sit on equal footing with the Commander-in-Chief and the Chief Scientist to discuss strategic matters! Should we add a chair for you next time at the meeting and equip you with a special Chief of Staff?"

Excellence heard this and chuckled, revealing a row of neat little white teeth. Instead of being embarrassed, he agilely picked up a large piece of sweet and sour pork tenderloin, which was Su Mu's favorite, and placed it accurately into her bowl, with a fawning yet sincere smile on his face: "Squad Leader! What are you saying! No matter how much I know, it's still the soldier you taught! You will always be my Commander-in-Chief! Wherever you point, I guarantee I'll strike, and I won't be vague about it!" This remark made everyone laugh, and even the usually cold Evelyn couldn't help but smile.

Evelyn pushed up her glasses and rarely joined in the teasing, her tone carrying a hint of playfulness and pride: "It seems that in the future, when it comes to professional issues, should I change how I address you and respectfully call you 'Consultant Excellence'?"

Joyful laughter immediately filled the entire small living room, and the atmosphere was harmonious and warm. This simple family banquet had a significance far beyond a celebration. It marked that Excellence's status within the core circle of "Homeland" had undergone a fundamental shift. He was no longer just an object to be protected, but was truly regarded as a core member who could communicate on equal footing, participate in major decision-making, and assume corresponding responsibilities. This shift in identity recognition made him exude a steady and confident aura from the inside out; this was a true growth brought about by being needed, trusted, and respected.

Vow Under the Moon: The Inheritance of Protection

After the meal, Excellence didn't dive into his workbench as usual to impatiently study the newly gained energy insights or "hand-crafted" new toys. He took the initiative to suggest accompanying Su Mu and Evelyn for a walk in the small garden inside the base that simulated natural light and ecology.

The night was gentle, and the simulated moonlight system projected soft, mercury-like light, sprinkling it on the lush plants and winding paths. The air was filled with the fragrance of soil and flowers, and the gurgling sound of an artificial stream came from afar. The three walked side by side slowly, enjoying this rare moment of tranquility.

After walking for a while, Excellence suddenly stopped. He turned around, facing Su Mu and Evelyn, the moonlight illuminating his small face, which had shed its childishness and looked exceptionally serious. His voice was very soft, yet exceptionally clear, and every word seemed to carry weight:

"Squad Leader, Sister Evelyn," he said softly, his gaze sweeping over the two one by one, "In the past... I always caused trouble, and my abilities were not well controlled, making you work so hard to protect me and worry about me... Really, thank you for your hard work."

He paused, took a deep breath, and his eyes became incredibly firm, as if making a solemn vow: "In the future... let me protect you. I promise, I will continue to work hard to become stronger, stronger! Strong enough... that no one will ever dare to come and bully our home again, strong enough that I can let Squad Leader and Sister Evelyn never have to worry about me, or this home, ever again."

Listening to these childish yet incredibly sincere words, Su Mu felt her nose sour, and her eyes instantly turned red. She suddenly reached out, hugged Excellence's arm tightly, leaned her head gently on his shoulder, which was thin but already revealed a solid outline, and said with a choked voice, laughing through tears: "You brat... what silly things are you saying! We are a family! A family means protecting each other! Who wants you to carry it alone! If you say such detached things again, Squad Leader will be angry!"

Although Evelyn was not as emotionally expressive as Su Mu, her eyes also shone with crystalline tears. She reached out and gently held Excellence's other hand, a warm and firm strength coming from her palm. She looked at Excellence, nodded vigorously, her voice soft and firm: "Yes. Together. Together, we will protect this home."

Under the moonlight, the three figures leaned closely together, like a Fortress that could not be destroyed. Great power did not make Excellence distant or arrogant; instead, it made him understand the true meaning of the word "protection" more deeply and cherish this hard-won warmth of home more. And this warmth would surely become the most solid and eternal backing and source of strength on his future path. The young boy's growth, at this moment, completed a most important sublimation.