Chapter 76: Arrival
Chapter 76: Chapter 76: Arrival
The Academy group’s destination was a fairly common type of shelter, located right next to a mid-sized residential community, less than 200 meters away.
Before the Great Cataclysm, tensions between nations were already running high. Conflicts of all sizes erupted almost daily, and the threat of nuclear war hung over everyone’s heads like the Sword of Damocles.
Nations frantically developed all manner of cutting-edge and biological weapons, while also continuously reinforcing their homeland defenses.
To guard against sudden catastrophes, large shelters capable of holding thousands to tens of thousands of people were built near cities and towns.
In addition, smaller, temporary shelters were constructed near mid-to-large-sized residential complexes, allowing local residents to take cover nearby.
According to Xisuo’s estimate, the shelter before them was likely a small one, capable of holding anywhere from a few dozen to a few hundred people.
The shelter’s exact size and amenities would depend on whether the neighboring community from that time was high-end or low-end.
However, the fact that the Academy would travel such a great distance to retrieve these so-called "documents and files" suggested that even if it was a small shelter, it must hold something special.
Upon reaching their destination, the team didn’t enter the shelter immediately. Instead, Li Wei and the other team leaders methodically began to set up a temporary camp 200 meters away from the entrance.
Clearly, they wanted the Mercenaries to be in peak condition before entering the shelter.
The temporary camp was set up with incredible speed, though this wasn’t due to the Mercenaries’ efficiency.
It was entirely thanks to the five members from the Academy, who had brought along collapsible tents.
These high-tech marvels from before the Great Cataclysm were incredibly convenient.
When folded up, the collapsible tents were only the size of a briefcase.
When deployed, however, each one expanded into a medium-sized tent large enough to accommodate more than a dozen people.
While the tents weren’t particularly durable, they were perfectly adequate for occasional, temporary outdoor use.
Many of the Mercenaries were seeing such a device for the first time. They poked and prodded at it, their faces filled with curiosity.
Seeing that the men weren’t resting, Deng Yu frowned.
"Lino, stop poking it. This thing is woven from fine metal filaments; it’s more for show than durability."
"If you tear it, I’ll have to go all the way back to the Academy to get a replacement."
The young man named Lino sheepishly withdrew his finger.
"Sorry, Team Leader Deng. It’s my first time seeing one of these. I got curious and couldn’t help myself."
This wasn’t Deng Yu’s first encounter with people from the wasteland, so he was already somewhat accustomed to their ignorance.
He waved his hand in resignation.
"Alright, everyone find a spot and get some rest. You only have eight hours."
"I’ll stand watch during that time. You don’t need to worry about your safety. Get a good night’s sleep, regain your strength, and prepare to enter the shelter."
A chorus of uneven affirmations immediately echoed through the tent.
No one objected to Deng Yu’s order.
After all, it was their own lives on the line, and they were due to enter the shelter in eight hours.
No one knew what to expect inside. Conserving their energy was beneficial for both the team and themselves.
The better-prepared members took out sleeping bags or military cots from their packs.
Those who weren’t as prepared had no choice but to sleep on the ground.
No one complained. As Mercenaries and lone wolves who lived on the edge, roughing it like this was second nature.
Having a tent over their heads, shielded from the sun and rain, was a luxury.
Although everyone in the tent was part of the same team, they were merely temporary partners and certainly not close.
The tent was only so large, however, so they simply kept a respectable distance from one another before lying down.
Meanwhile, Deng Yu, clad in his power armor, stood silently in the center of the tent.
Xisuo and Simon, of course, didn’t fully trust Deng Yu’s word.
The two had a tacit understanding. They split the watch; while one rested, the other would only feign sleep, keeping their eyes slightly slitted.
This way, they could ensure an immediate reaction to any danger, preventing them from being caught in a passive position.
Their subtle arrangement didn’t escape Deng Yu’s notice, but he said nothing, simply waiting in silence.
「Eight hours passed in the blink of an eye.」
"Alright, time’s up. Everybody on your feet."
Even though they were resting, these were hardened individuals who lived on a knife’s edge. It was impossible for them to sleep so soundly in the middle of a mission.
The moment they heard Deng Yu’s order, everyone scrambled up from the ground.
Seeing their quick response, Deng Yu nodded in satisfaction.
"Everyone get outside and assemble. Grab some food and water. We’ll be entering the shelter shortly."
Hearing this, the men quickly filed out of the tent.
Once everyone was out, Deng Yu stepped outside. He pressed a button on one of the support struts, and the temporary tent, which spanned several square meters, immediately began to retract and fold on its own.
Ten minutes later, the massive tent had once again shrunk back down to the size of a briefcase.
The ten members of Team Three were already standing quietly in a single file line in the clearing.
After stowing the briefcase back on his massive motorcycle, Deng Yu joined the team.
At some point, ten vials of a red substance had appeared in his hands.
"This is Resolve 01, developed by the Academy. For 24 hours after injection, it will slightly increase your heart rate, focus, adrenaline production, and neural response speed. It also alleviates fatigue and dulls your pain response."
"Of course, after the 24 hours are up, your body will experience some fatigue, but it won’t be severe. It’s completely manageable for an average person."
Deng Yu noticed the varied expressions on the men’s faces but paid them no mind.
He continued to explain as he handed a vial to each person.
"Consider this a perk for this expedition. We won’t force you to inject it."
"We’re issuing it simply to maximize your chances of survival inside the shelter."
"You can inject it now, or you can save it and sell it somewhere later."
"Pharmaceuticals from our Academy are considered fairly popular commodities in the wasteland."
"A stimulant with such broad effects and minimal side effects is especially valuable—a premium commodity."
"Alright, I’ve said my piece. Whether you use it or not is up to you."
With that, he returned to the front of the line and led the group over to Hawkins.
Two floor plans of the shelter were displayed before the group.
At some point, a pointer stick had appeared in Hawkins’s hand.