12: Arrival at the government building

After a journey of continuous combat, many more soldiers were promoted to 1-star. The Military Dog, Howling Heaven, also successfully reached 1-star; as a melee unit, his promotion requirements were half those of a soldier.

(Soldiers need 30 zombie kills for 1-star, 100 for 2-star, and 180 for 3-star.)

In other words, fifteen zombies had perished under Howling Heaven's razor-sharp fangs.

The current Howling Heaven had a shoulder height that had expanded to a staggering 90 centimeters and a weight close to 80 kilograms! Beneath his glossy black fur were muscles as knotted as iron, and his four paws stood on the ground with steady power. The four forest-white fangs in his mouth had grown to over 5 centimeters long, like four inverted daggers shimmering with a heart-palpitating cold light! His ferocity and majesty even surpassed the largest wild wolf species on the Blue Planet—the North American Gray Wolf! He crouched quietly at Jiang Xin's feet, a low purr emanating from his throat, his sharp gaze scanning ahead like a scanner. His massive size and fierce aura provided a total sense of security.

Jiang Xin stroked Howling Heaven's head, feeling the warmth of his body. He then looked toward the government office buildings that once symbolized the heart of the county but now stood like giant tombstones. His heart beat heavily and powerfully in his chest. He took a deep breath of air mixed with gunpowder and blood, his voice low yet carrying a determination that could pierce through any obstacle: "Father, Mother... I'm coming."

The Government Building was located in the deepest part of the Yongjiang County administrative cluster, surrounded by the Administrative Service Center, the Cultural Palace, and the Science and Technology Museum. When the disaster broke out, these places were crowded with people handling affairs, so there were likely no small number of zombies in the peripheral areas.

Jiang Xin's eyes flickered as he quickly made a decision. He raised his hand, neatly removing the epaulet from his left shoulder that symbolized a Captain and company Commander, and called out in a low voice, "Zhang Long!"

"Present! Commander!" Zhang Long immediately took a step forward, his posture as upright as a pine tree.

Jiang Xin solemnly pinned the epaulet onto Zhang Long's shoulder strap, lowering his voice and speaking rapidly: "From now on, you are the highest-ranking officer of this unit to the outside world! Remember, we are the garrison force of the 'Red Alert Base' stationed in Lujiang City! I am a reserve officer specially recruited by the base; it is not suitable to reveal my true identity for the time being. All information regarding me is strictly confidential!"

(Setting Supplement: In this world line, information about the 'Red Alert' series has been erased, and no one knows its meaning. Don't worry about Zhang Lei; he is also a protagonist. This book features dual protagonists.)

A sharp light flashed in Zhang Long's eyes, and he instantly grasped the Commander's deeper meaning. He nodded vigorously, his voice steady: "Understood! Commander!!" He was no brute; he was meticulous and knew the Commander was doing this to avoid risks before obtaining personal strength and to protect his kin to some extent.

Jiang Xin ordered again, "You and I will take the Guard Squad and Howling Heaven and fly the hind directly to the roof of the Government Building! Brother Lei will stay behind to command the ground forces, deal with any special threats that may arise, and clear the peripheral corridors!"

The orders were given, and the actions were swift. Zhang Long, Jiang Xin, the Guard Squad leader Li Wei (who had already leveled up), eight Conscripts from the Guard Squad, and the fierce, calf-sized Howling Heaven quickly climbed the rope ladder onto the hovering hind attack helicopter. The roar of the rotors suddenly intensified as the helicopter lifted off, soaring like a falcon over the dilapidated buildings below, heading straight for the roof of the Government Building!

Inside the cabin, Jiang Xin stared intently below. Soon, the scene on the rooftop was clearly visible: dense figures huddled on the open concrete platform, the only entrance sealed tight by a heavy iron door. It was indeed the best refuge in a desperate situation.

"Look! An attack helicopter! It's the military! The military has come to save us!!" A raspy voice filled with wild joy was the first to break the deathly silence of the rooftop.

Like a spark falling into boiling oil, it instantly ignited the hope of all survivors! Over a hundred survivors, mostly male, all looked terrible with cracked lips; more than a day of hunger, thirst, and fear had long exhausted their strength. At this moment, they were like drowning people grasping at a final straw, struggling to stand up, waving their arms desperately and shouting hoarsely, fearing that this helicopter representing life would fly away!

The hind helicopter landed steadily in a relatively open corner of the rooftop. The violent airflow kicked up clouds of dust, making the survivors nearly unable to stand. The cabin door slid open, and fully armed soldiers emitting a cold, murderous aura filed out, quickly spreading into a security formation. Zhang Long (wearing Jiang Xin's Captain epaulets) stepped out first, his posture straight and his military bearing stern. Jiang Xin followed closely behind, dressed in combat fatigues but without rank insignia, standing low-key behind Zhang Long's side. Li Wei stood guard nearby with a riot shield, while Howling Heaven crouched like a black guardian beast, alertly scanning the crowd at Jiang Xin's feet, a low, intimidating purr coming from his throat.

This team of steel warriors descending from the sky instantly awed the restless crowd.

Just then, a middle-aged man wearing a crumpled suit with messy hair, yet still trying to maintain an air of authority, squeezed through the crowd and hurried toward Zhang Long. His face was piled with an excited smile of survival as he reached out both hands to tightly grasp Zhang Long's tactical-gloved hand, shaking it vigorously: "Oh! Comrade Captain! You've finally come! Fantastic! I am the County Magistrate of Yongjiang County, Luo Xun! We haven't had anything to eat or drink for over a day; many comrades are about to collapse! Which unit do you belong to?" He deliberately emphasized his status as 'County Magistrate,' his tone enthusiastic but carrying a trace of imperceptible arrogance. In the Huaguo system, as a high-ranking county official, he was theoretically higher than a Captain (equivalent to a Lieutenant Colonel or Colonel). His use of 'Comrade' instead of 'Officer' and the hidden superiority in his eagerness revealed the subtle mindset of this political veteran.

Zhang Long calmly withdrew his hand and returned a standard military salute, his movements crisp and his voice calm without a ripple, carrying a sense of detachment: "Hello, County Magistrate Luo. We are the 'Red Alert Base' garrison force. I am Zhang Long." He did not offer much explanation.

"'Red Alert Base'?" County Magistrate Luo's smile froze for a moment, a flash of confusion and subtle displeasure crossing his eyes. "In our Yongjiang County... is there such a military base? How could I..." His words were directly ignored by Zhang Long.

Zhang Long's gaze was like a searchlight, quickly scanning the crowd. Jiang Xin's gaze also anxiously searched those haggard faces. Finally, at the edge of the crowd, he saw those two faces etched into his soul, now filled with exhaustion and worry—his father Jiang Jun and his mother Wang Mei!

"Dad! Mom!" Jiang Xin could no longer hold back; he dashed forward, his voice choking with emotion.

"Xiao Xin?!" Mr. and Mrs. Jiang Jun were shocked speechless to see their son fully armed and with a completely changed temperament. Jiang Jun, the former veteran, instinctively straightened his somewhat hunched back, his eyes filled with disbelief and immense confusion.

"This... what is going on?" Jiang Xin's mother's hand trembled as she wanted to touch the combat fatigues on her son that were stained with gunpowder and dirt, yet she didn't dare to make contact.

Jiang Xin was momentarily at a loss for words, not knowing how to explain this world-shaking change.

Zhang Long stepped forward at the right time, blocking the curious gazes surrounding Jiang Xin. He reached out to Jiang Jun again, this time with a rare, respectful smile, firmly grasping Jiang Jun's calloused hand: "Uncle! Hello! I am Zhang Long! Comrade Jiang Xin is an outstanding reserve officer specially recruited by our base! He performed exceptionally well in this mission!" His words were decisive, carrying unquestionable authority.

Jiang Xin reacted immediately, following Zhang Long's lead with a 'shy' yet 'determined' expression, whispering to his parents: "Dad, Mom, sorry, I didn't tell you before. I... I secretly applied for the military academy. This is Officer Zhang, sent from above to pick me up... along with the troops." Though the reason was a bit forced, in this desperate situation, the status of being 'specially recruited by the military academy' was undoubtedly the best way to explain his current attire and presence in the rescue force.

(Although it's forced, everyone please don't dwell on it too much, otherwise I really can't make it up.)

Jiang Jun was stunned at first, but then an indescribable sense of pride instantly swept away all confusion and fatigue! His eyes, which had weathered many storms, suddenly lit up. He gripped Zhang Long's hand back tightly, shaking it vigorously, his voice excited: "Officer Zhang! Thank you so much! Thank the military! For giving this kid such a great opportunity!" He swung around to Jiang Xin, his bloodshot eyes shining as he slapped his son's shoulder hard, his voice trembling but incredibly serious: "Jiang Xin! Listen! Work hard for the officer! You must make us proud! Serve the motherland! Protect the people! Do you hear me?!"

"Yes! Dad!" Jiang Xin looked at the expectation in his father's eyes, his heart filled with mixed emotions, and he could only nod vigorously.

"County Magistrate Luo," Zhang Long turned back to Luo Xun, his tone returning to businesslike coldness, "What is the total number of survivors? How many males and females?"

Beside them, County Magistrate Luo, seeing that this 'Captain Commander' Zhang Long was only businesslike and cold to him but so enthusiastic toward that minor, powerless deputy-section-level cadre (Jiang Jun), saw his expression turn somewhat ugly. He felt that his authority as a grand County Magistrate had been slighted. Especially when Zhang Long ignored his question and instead addressed him in the tone of a superior to a subordinate, that sliver of displeasure almost became tangible.

However, the situation was stronger than the person. Having become a top leader, he was also an old fox. Moreover, in this time of disaster, the military held immense power; by that logic, a Captain like Zhang Long was not lower than a full county head like himself.

Luo Xun suppressed the unpleasantness in his heart and forced a formal smile, trying to make his voice sound peaceful: "Comrade Captain, there are a total of 112 survivors on the roof, 72 males and 40 females." He paused, his gaze sweeping over the hind attack helicopter which could only hold about ten people, his tone carrying worry and a hint of probing: "Only... your unit seems to have only one helicopter? Will there be a larger force following up? We have so many people..."

Zhang Long's gaze swept over the faint sounds of gunfire and shelling coming from below; that was the ground troops engaged in fierce battle. His expression remained unchanged, his voice steady and powerful: "Don't worry. The first wave of rescue forces has arrived at the building's periphery and is clearing the corridors. Subsequent reinforcements will continue to arrive to ensure the safe evacuation of all survivors." Zhang Long played it vague; the Commander would definitely produce more soldiers later, so they could be considered the subsequent rescue forces.

"Good! Good! That's excellent! Thank the military! Thank you!" County Magistrate Luo smiled, but his heart was filled with uncertainty. The first wave of troops?

Zhang Long said no more and ordered Li Wei to lead the Guard Squad to establish a simple defensive perimeter centered around the hind helicopter. The soldiers immediately fanned out, their muzzles pointing toward potential threats. Their cold, murderous aura deterred the survivors who had originally wanted to approach and curry favor.

Taking advantage of this gap, Jiang Xin whispered to his parents, "Dad, Mom, it's not safe here yet. Go into the helicopter and rest for a while." Without allowing for argument, he half-supported and half-guided the two still-dazed elders into the hind's spacious troop cabin.

Inside the cabin, the advanced instruments and comfortable seats opened the eyes of Mr. and Mrs. Jiang Jun, making them temporarily forget their fear. Wang Mei touched the cold cabin wall and murmured, "This... this plane is really big..." Jiang Jun looked curiously at the complex instrument panel, his eyes flashing with a veteran's interest in new equipment.

On the rooftop, the other survivors watched as Mr. and Mrs. Jiang Jun were given 'special treatment' to board that attack helicopter representing safety and advancement. Their eyes were filled with undisguised envy and complexity. Someone sighed softly, "Sigh, Old Jiang is lucky to have such a good son..." In this doomsday crisis, having a successful son in the military was the greatest reliance.

Jiang Xin stood at the cabin door, his gaze sweeping over the streets below where the battle was in full swing, then looking at his parents embracing after their narrow escape inside the cabin, and finally landing on the pairs of eyes on the rooftop filled with expectation, envy, and even jealousy.