The helicopter skimmed over the highway as dense traffic flowed below.
This highway had been locked down, with all other vehicles prohibited, yet the CCG convoy progressed slowly; there were simply too many vehicles.
In front, the police cleared the way as helicopters roared overhead, creating an enormous spectacle.
At this moment, all TV stations in Tokyo were broadcasting the scene.
"This time, CCG and the police are conducting a collaborative operation, launching an advanced strike on the 11th District. The scene is overseen by First-Class Investigator Marutei, and several First-Class Investigators have been deployed for this mission.
Next up is a speech from First-Class Investigator Marutei."
Nearly all citizens in Tokyo were attentively watching this scene on their televisions, eagerly anticipating Marutei’s speech.
In the command vehicle at the front of the convoy, Marutei was directing operations in an orderly fashion, with Su Xiao also present in the command vehicle.
The interior of the command vehicle was spacious, with dozens of screens installed on three sides of the compartment, varying in size, allowing Marutei to perceive the battlefield more intuitively.
"Bai Ye, help me deal with the TV stations for a bit; I don’t have time now."
Marutei picked up a camera, indicating that Su Xiao should handle the interview for him.
Su Xiao’s face darkened; he really didn’t want to be interviewed—this seemed like a hassle.
"Well, I don’t have any interview experience."
Marutei thought for a moment and finally removed his Bluetooth earpiece.
"See that white cloth? Hold it up to cover my back."
The white cloth bore CCG’s badge. Su Xiao pulled it up to shield Marutei’s back.
Marutei tidied his hair, cleared his throat, and turned on the camera.
"I am Marutei. The early stages of the operation went smoothly, but... "
Marutei paused here to consider his words.
"99% of residents’ safety is guaranteed by our risking our lives, but the remaining 1% requires cooperation from all residents. We hope everyone will cooperate wholeheartedly with us to restore peace in the 11th District."
After speaking, Marutei turned off the camera and exhaled deeply.
This was a live broadcast, delivered directly to the citizens of Tokyo.
"Hey, is it done? This pose is unbelievably dumb."
"It’s done. What were we discussing before?"
Su Xiao put down the white cloth and tossed it aside casually.
"We were talking about me guarding the rear..."
Halfway through the sentence, a loud voice came through the earpiece beside Marutei, loud enough for Su Xiao to hear.
"Marutei, the camera isn’t off—what are you and Bai Ye up to?"
Marutei was stunned and hurriedly picked up the camera, his large face now appearing on thousands of TV screens.
This was a live broadcast with less than a minute of delay.
To boost ratings, the TV station hadn’t cut Su Xiao and Marutei’s conversation.
At this moment, the citizens of Tokyo were a bit bewildered. It turned out the CCG emblem they saw was being held temporarily by a young man in a white windbreaker.
This amusing scene became a topic of conversation among many viewers.
"This damn machine is getting more complicated."
Marutei searched fruitlessly for the switch for some time before finding something that seemed like a battery.
With a crisp snap, the expensive camera was discarded.
Su Xiao clearly saw Marutei’s body shudder, testament to the device’s high price.
Half an hour later, the CCG convoy arrived in front of the 11th District Bronze Tree Base.
The convoy stopped, and a large group of investigators clad in battle suits disembarked, setting up a defense line in front of the Bronze Tree Base.
The Bronze Tree Base was actually an abandoned building.
Marutei was busy in the command vehicle, and Su Xiao stepped down from the command vehicle, jumping atop its roof to sit comfortably on the radar antenna, a vantage point to clearly observe the battlefield.
Sounds of running and urging were everywhere.
"Hurry! A defense line must be established in one minute."
CCG’s defense line was simple: a bulletproof shield wall formed in front of the vehicles.
This formation had two advantages: it was convenient for retrieving ammunition from within the vehicles, and in case of injury, they could retreat into the vehicles—all of which were bulletproof and of a high shield level.
The defense line was quickly established, and CCG’s combat personnel, well-trained, maintained silence after laying the defense.
It was around eight in the evening now, pitch black, and the Bronze Tree Base ahead was completely dark.
The decaying building of the Bronze Tree Base had large sections of the outer walls crumbling, with all windows violently torn down by Ghouls.
Despite the darkness, Su Xiao faintly sensed there were many Ghouls inside, at least several hundred.
Marutei hadn’t given the attack order immediately; he seemed to be waiting for something.
On a rooftop nearby, several Ghouls were standing or sitting.
"Quicker than expected."
Takatsuki Sen, wrapped in bandages, sat by the edge of the building, gazing at the CCG below.
Duduo Liang replied, turning to the few people behind him, all senior members of the Bronze Tree, and began issuing combat orders.
After giving detailed tasks, Takatsuki Sen and Duduo Liang left.
"Are you sure about this? I saw that guy."
With only Duduo Liang accompanying her, Takatsuki Sen didn’t disguise her voice, and Duduo Liang said nothing, also a bit worried.
Within the Bronze Tree, Duduo Liang and Marutei were somewhat similar, both serving as battlefield commanders.
"Even if he’s strong, there’s a limit. At most, we’ll lose some subordinates. As long as we can weaken CCG’s power, it’s worth it.
CCG’s top brass intentions are clear: we’ve upset the ’balance,’ so they’re sweeping us clean."
By the end of his words, Duduo Liang was gritting his teeth.
Takatsuki Sen looked up at the sky, her eyes showing reluctance and resentment.
Resentment for the world’s unfairness, reluctance for having to live in this world.
"One day, I’ll make it so Ghouls don’t have to hide in the darkness underground. I swear."
Takatsuki Sen recalled her childhood, in the pollution-filled underground world, spending her early years there, until she came to the surface at fourteen, picked up a pen, and wrote a novel. That same year, she formed the Bronze Tree.
After a long wait by CCG’s members, Marutei received orders from headquarters.
"Prepare to fire flares. Suppress with firepower once the flares are launched."
Following Marutei’s command, a flare was launched, flying diagonally into the sky.
A sun-like strong light illuminated the surroundings, lighting up the entire Bronze Tree Base.
In the two rows of windows high up in the Bronze Tree Base, some Ghouls in red robes were raising their rifles.
"Open fire!" The source of this content ɪs 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭⟡𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦⟡𝘯𝘦𝘵
CCG and the Ghouls almost simultaneously gave the order, and gunfire erupted like exploding beans.
Sparks flew, and stray bullets ricocheted across the battlefield.
Su Xiao jumped down from the car roof; he didn’t want to be a target.
The situation was not as imagined, though CCG’s equipment was more advanced, the Ghouls had better defensive measures, and Armor Heko were naturally bulletproof shields.
The battle started at a peak, with both sides unleashing their strongest firepower, each intending to annihilate the other.
Su Xiao hid behind a tall bulletproof shield, a cigarette hanging from his mouth, and didn’t even have a gun in hand.
It wasn’t time for him to act yet. Something more important awaited him.
If everything went smoothly, after this operation, he would be able to exchange for that bottle of "Human Gene Enhancement Liquid."