Chapter 706

Chapter 706

The chaos in the force field subsided, replaced by the heavy footsteps of medics carefully carrying out the wounded and the muffled sobs that hung in the air.

The smell of blood, gunpowder, and the faint ozone scent left after purification mixed together, creating a complex atmosphere of survival after disaster.

Jack was incredibly efficient. The medical team and support staff he had prepared in advance started operating like well-oiled gears.

Stretchers moved back and forth, gentle guiding voices replaced the earlier shouts, and the glow of healing potions flickered on the exhausted warriors.

Gilbert and Cecil sprang into action as well, issuing orders one after another. The chaotic headquarters began to show signs of order. Though the broken walls and rubble were still an eyesore, morale was quickly being restored.

Colt's hand remained on my shoulder, its heavy weight seeming to silently convey something.

"Don't just stand there catching your breath," his deep voice carried a hint of concern that was hard to notice, "Controlling the Spirit Crystal isn't easy. That move just now must've drained a lot of your 'power,' right? Take it easy. The real tough fight is still ahead."

I took a deep breath, suppressing the waves of weakness creeping up from deep within my mind.

Colt's sharp eyes were as piercing as ever.

Purifying hundreds of heavily contaminated people at once took a huge toll on both the Control Spirit Crystal and me. That feeling of having my soul drained and then forcibly refilled—only those who've experienced it can understand how awful it is.

But I couldn't collapse, and I definitely couldn't show it.

"I'm still holding up," I said, trying to keep my voice steady and strong as I turned my gaze to Ronnie, who was rallying the forces, "Ronnie, how's your situation?"

Ronnie strode over with big steps. Behind him, Jack's squad—equipped with special armor and sharp, focused eyes—had already assembled. They merged with a few other units that had maintained their formation and fighting spirit despite the chaos, forming a small but fierce force radiating determination and a thirst for revenge.

Members of the Awakening Legion were mixed in among them, their bodies pulsing with varying levels of supernatural energy, all united by a shared, burning hostility.

"Reporting, Chief Leader!" Ronnie's voice boomed, "The combat-ready forces have been initially organized! Jack's 'Rock' squad is fully intact, well-equipped, and highly resistant to mental contamination—they can take the lead! The Awakening Legion's 'Blade' team is on standby! Additionally, three A-grade combat units and the remnants of two elite guard teams are willing to join the spearhead! Totaling about 200 people, ready for battle at any moment!"

Two hundred people!

Against the vast web the New World Alliance might have set up, this number seemed thin. But their eyes told me these were 200 tempered blades, sharp and ready.

Before seeking revenge on the New World Alliance, though, I needed to figure out how they managed to mark every Elite Alliance warrior with the Mind Control Elixir.

And how was this Mind Control Elixir even developed?

As the old ape-man once said, the Elite Alliance was just a puppet of the New World Alliance, nothing more than their test subjects.

To completely destroy the New World Alliance's control over the Elite Alliance, we had to destroy their samples and experimental data.

Otherwise, they'd keep using the data and samples to mark Elite Alliance warriors with the Mind Control Elixir, forcing them to turn on each other!

I couldn't keep purging the Mind Control Elixir every single day—my strength alone wasn't enough!

"Chief Leader Harvey, Chief Councilor Marshall, do you know where the New World Alliance hides their data and samples for the Mind Control Elixir?"

Gilbert and Cecil shook their heads in unison.

"We don't know! That's their core secret. How could they let us in on it?" Gilbert said, ashamed and angry, "If we knew where their samples and data were stored, we could've broken free from their control long ago!"

Cecil sighed, his gaze distant, "As long as the samples and data exist, we're still under their thumb. Their next step might be to develop an even stronger version of the Mind Control Elixir based on the existing data!"

His words instantly made the atmosphere heavy again.

"Tick!" I immediately called for Tick.

"Here, James!" Tick landed on my shoulder, "No need to say it—I know what you want. I'll start scanning now to find out where the New World Alliance's hidden lab is!"

"Thanks a lot!" I said gratefully.

The scene fell silent as everyone's eyes turned to Tick's screen.

After a while, Tick spoke in its mechanical voice, "According to my scans, there's a very strong, unusual signal coming from the basement in the eastern section of headquarters. This signal is fundamentally different from the Elite Alliance's signal source. I believe the New World Alliance's experimental data and samples are stored there!"

Gilbert was stunned, "They set up a lab right under our headquarters, and we had no idea!"

Lily chimed in, "The most dangerous place is often the safest."

My gaze swept over this makeshift "Spearhead" team as I rallied everyone, "Target: Eastern section of headquarters, deep underground lab! Intelligence suggests the original samples, research materials, and possibly even the formula for an antidote to the Mind Control Elixir are there! The New World Alliance infiltrators likely haven't had time to fully relocate or destroy everything! This is our chance to take back control and uncover the enemy's secrets!"

"Take back the lab! Uncover the truth!" Ronnie roared first.

"Take back the lab! Blood for blood!"

The deafening shouts echoed through the area, as the warriors who had just endured despair poured all their anger and strength into this cry.

At that moment, Sophia, who had been quietly observing the treatment of the wounded, quickly walked over to me.

Her face was still pale from the massive effort she'd put into protecting the injured, but her eyes were resolute.

"James, take me with you! My 'Life Link' ability can work wonders in a complex environment like the lab. I can sense the location of the wounded and provide a life barrier for you all!"

"Me too!" Sabrina pushed forward, gripping a uniquely shaped energy pistol, her eyes sharp as a hawk's, "My 'Eagle Eye' and 'Precision Shot' are perfect for clearing out small fry in tight spaces. I know the lab's layout!"

"James, my spatial lockdown and short-range teleportation might come in handy," Uri said in her cool, calm voice, the space around her slightly distorting.

"Count me in. The skills I honed on Savage Island should be useful against their defense systems," Dane stepped forward, a faint light flowing through his palm.

Looking at their determined, battle-ready faces, a wave of warmth surged in my heart.

They were no longer burdens to protect—they were comrades and strengths I could fight alongside.

"Don't forget me!" Lily raised her crossbow, "If I see anything from the New World Alliance, I'll take it down!"

"Alright!" I didn't hesitate, "Sophia, Sabrina, Lily, Uri, Dane—join the Spearhead! Stay safe and follow Ronnie's unified command! Your tasks are to guide, support, and clear obstacles. Leave the frontal assault to us!"

"Yes!" they responded in unison, quickly blending into the Spearhead team.

"Grandpa, Gilbert, I'm leaving headquarters in your hands!" I turned to the two elders.

"Go without worry! I'm not so old that I can't guard our home!" Colt huffed, though his eyes glanced at the warriors receiving treatment, silently promising to ensure these newly freed fighters wouldn't suffer again.

Gilbert nodded firmly, "Leave the inside to us! Be careful out there! The lab might be more dangerous than we expect!"

"Move out!" I gave the order, wasting no more time.