54: Chapter 54 Lin Mo's New Residence: A National-Level Safe House
At the same time Craig initiated the "Dragon Slaying" plan, inside the "Hidden Dragon" base, several screens in front of Long Zhantian were flashing high-alert signals. Fragmented intelligence from various channels was gradually sketching out a dangerous outline like a jigsaw puzzle: multiple unidentified international mercenary teams were infiltrating Dragon Country through different routes; several signals from "Deep Divers" who had been dormant for years were monitored showing abnormal activation; the intelligence analysis AI's comprehensive assessment showed that the risk level of kidnapping or elimination faced by Lin Mo had soared to an unprecedented "Extinction" level in a short period.
"They're getting desperate," Long Zhantian said, his eyes cold and devoid of surprise. When the opponent suffered a total defeat on the frontal battlefield, they would inevitably turn to the darkest and foulest methods; he had expected this from the beginning. The red secure telephone in front of him rang almost the instant the intelligence was confirmed. The direct order from Supreme Command Headquarters consisted of only four words: "Transfer him immediately!"
Less than three hours after the order was issued. Late at night, outside Lin Mo's rented room, that familiar small van disguised as a community service vehicle stopped silently once again. But this time, it wasn't Long Zhantian in plain clothes who stepped out, but four action team members with restrained auras and eyes as sharp as falcons.
"Mr. Lin, the situation is urgent. Please transfer with us immediately." The leader's tone brooked no argument as he handed over a seemingly ordinary black blindfold. "To ensure the safety of the route, please cooperate."
Lin Mo looked at the blindfold being handed to him, understanding the situation clearly. He didn't ask questions, nor did he even look back at the humble room that held his initial dreams and struggles. He simply nodded calmly, took the blindfold, and put it on. From the moment he decided to hand over the blueprints, this possibility had always existed. He just hadn't expected it to come in such a drastic manner.
He was escorted into the vehicle. The car shuttled through the city's night, following a convoluted and complex route with multiple transfers, eventually driving into a secret underground passage. When the blindfold was removed, he was already in a completely unfamiliar environment.
This was no longer a cramped rented room, but a spacious area of at least two hundred square meters with a ceiling height exceeding five meters. The air was fresh, carrying the characteristic slight coolness of a constant temperature and humidity system. Soft, simulated natural light spilled from the ceiling, making it impossible to tell he was underground.
"Welcome to the 'Torch Dragon' safe house, Comrade Lin Mo." Long Zhantian's voice came from the side. He stepped forward and began a concise introduction: "This place is located 150 meters underground, beneath multiple layers of rock and camouflage structures. The entire facility is built using an enhanced version of the lc-1 composite material you provided, capable of withstanding direct hits from bunker busters as well as nuclear, biological, and chemical attacks."
He pointed around: "It has an independent life support system, with energy supplied by a dedicated line from a miniaturized 'Golden Crow' prototype reactor, and a self-sustenance capacity of over a year. Full-spectrum information shielding is in place, and quantum encrypted communication is the only channel to the outside, directly managed by Comrade Su Xiaowan." He paused and added, "This is also one of the backup command centers for the 'Chasing Light Project' and the 'Golden Crow Project'."
Lin Mo looked around. The living area, workspace, and experimental area were clearly demarcated, with equipment far more advanced than in his rented room. He even saw a small high-precision 3D printer and a brand-new set of material synthesis equipment, obviously prepared specifically for him.
"It's very safe here," Long Zhantian said, looking at Lin Mo, his tone carrying a rare hint of solemnity, "but it's not a cage. Your work won't be disturbed; it will only receive better support. Leave the outside matters to me."
Lin Mo nodded, a complex smile appearing on his face. "Thank you. This place... is very good." He paused, looking at the brand-new experimental equipment, a familiar light reigniting in his eyes. "The conditions are so much better than my previous place."
He showed no signs of panic or discomfort, as if he had simply moved to a quieter laboratory. This composure beyond his years made Long Zhantian sigh inwardly once again.
After seeing off Long Zhantian, Lin Mo stood alone in this national-level fortress of a safe house, pacing slowly. He touched the cold walls with their metallic luster, feeling the majestic power and determination contained within them.
This was not just protection, but a silent promise and entrustment. The country had given him its strongest shield; therefore, he had to use an even sharper spear to repay this trust.
He walked to the brand-new workstation, powered it on, and connected to the internal network. Su Xiaowan's encrypted communication request popped up almost instantly.
"Engineer Lin, communication test. How do you feel?" Su Xiaowan's voice carried a hint of concern.
"Very good, I can start working now." Lin Mo replied calmly, his gaze already fixed on the next technical icon waiting to be lit up in the system—[Aerospace Fighter 'Sky Patrol' Prototype Assembly Technology].
The enemy had already bared their fangs; he could no longer be satisfied with staying behind the scenes providing blueprints. It was time to personally forge the sword for Dragon Country that would pierce the sky and deter all hidden evils!
In this fortress buried deep underground, the guardian and the sword-smith were both in position.