The apocalypse struck, and I became a druid.

Page 247

This boldness made many people secretly gasp.

This also means that the remaining 21 spots will need to be shared by other factions.

A moment of silence fell over the conference table.

Black Iron level experts are not common; they are basically leaders or deputy leaders.

No one would willingly risk their top combat power.

Now everyone is starting to regret it.

If you support Major Zhou.

If we all launch a full-scale attack together, we might be able to take advantage of the chaos and minimize our losses...

Zheng Weiguo's gaze swept across the numerous leaders, finally settling on Liang Tie opposite him:

"Chief Liang, your White Shark team relies on the sea for its livelihood and has the most skilled swimmers among your men. Shouldn't you be in charge of leading the main force of these two squads?"

brush!

All eyes immediately turned to Liang Tie.

Liang Tie's already gloomy face darkened even more. He snorted coldly and glanced sideways at Zheng Weiguo:

"Commander Zheng, your Judgment Sword faction is large and powerful, with many experts. Why don't you show some appreciation first? Why do you expect my White Shark people to fill the gaps?"

"Because you White Shark are the only force besides the military that can stand firm on the coast."

Zheng Weiguo's tone remained calm, but the sharpness in his words was unmistakable.

"In terms of familiarity with the underwater environment and experience in fighting water monsters, apart from the Navy, no one here can surpass White Shark."

"If this operation succeeds, you will naturally benefit from the resource allocation in the coastal area. How can you, White Shark, possibly remain unscathed?"

"You!" Liang Tie exuded a chilling aura, and frost formed on the table.

"Zheng Weiguo, stop trying to intimidate me with your big accusations!"

"Anyone can make empty promises. My men aren't cannon fodder. Don't you know what a den of dragons and tigers the Deep Sea Source is? If you send ten Black Iron-level soldiers in, how many will come back?"

"It is precisely because it is a den of dragons and tigers that the most professional people are needed to go there."

Zheng Weiguo faced Liang Tie, who was showing signs of anger, but his expression remained unchanged.

His next words surprised everyone.

"Of course, I, the Sword of Judgment, will not just talk the talk; I will personally lead my team captain to join the exploration team."

Upon hearing this, even Liang Tie was taken aback, and the anger on his face subsided somewhat.

The other leaders looked at each other in bewilderment.

As the commander-in-chief of the Sword of Judgment, Zheng Weiguo holds a prestigious position and possesses unfathomable strength. If he were to personally risk his life to infiltrate the deep-sea source, the implications would be far too significant.

He continued:

"The Sword of Judgment is drawn from five Iron-level team members who are skilled in underwater combat or possess special stealth and survival abilities."

"As for the remaining 16 people, we will need your strong support."

Now, some of the pressure has been shifted.

Zheng Weiguo not only promised to provide manpower, but also led the team himself, which greatly enhanced the feasibility of the plan and silenced Liang Tie.

If Liang Tie continues to shirk responsibility, he will appear too cowardly and selfish.

Liang Tie's expression shifted, and he stared at Zheng Weiguo for a few seconds before letting out a cold snort:

"Hmph, if you, Zheng Weiguo, dare to go down there, do you think I, Liang Tie, am afraid?"

"Alright! I, White Shark, will also send five of my best underwater experts, along with myself, to be in charge of one source point. But let me make it clear beforehand, the equipment and logistical support must be in place!"

“Of course,” Lin Chen replied immediately, relieved.

Zheng Weiguo's move of retreating in order to advance, personally taking part in the action, immediately broke the deadlock.

"Director Gao, Colonel Pang, Major Zhou, the Navy and the Army, as well as the research institute, must do everything in their power to provide equipment and technical support."

Colonel Pang and Major Zhou nodded: "Of course."

Director Gao said, "We will be responsible for exploring communication between the teams. In addition, our department is willing to send three people to join the three teams as technical support."

The Navy promised to send fifteen people, the Sword of Judgment five, the White Shark five, and the Atomic Fission three, for a total of twenty-eight.

Major Zhou from the Army, after exchanging words with the other officers around him, immediately stated:

"Our army is also willing to send five people."

That leaves only three spots available.

These last three spots became the new focus of the meeting.

"Three more are needed." Lin Chen tapped his fingers lightly on the table, his gaze sweeping over the leaders around the round table and in the back row.

"Gentlemen, this is a matter of great importance. We need everyone's concerted efforts to secure these last three spots."

After speaking, he added:

"Our Aoki Group lacks elite underwater combat personnel and cannot send anyone into battle, but we will do our best to ensure the logistical support for everyone."

After he finished speaking, the meeting room fell into a brief silence.

No one sitting here is stupid.

With top powers like the Navy, the Sword of Judgment, and the White Shark leading the way, and Atomic Fission and the Army following suit, it's no longer appropriate for anyone to openly oppose the reconnaissance plan.

But when it came to sending their own people to fill the quota for the Deep Sea Source Point, which was widely recognized as a "meat grinder," everyone started making calculations.

The risk is too great.

Iron-level experts are the backbone of every settlement; losing even one is a devastating blow.

What's more, what are the chances of survival if one dives into a completely unfamiliar and perilous deep-sea area?

Lu Bancheng spoke first, his usual smile on his face:

"Commander Lin, it's not that we're unwilling to contribute, it's just... although our Blue Lake is called Blue Lake, most of the awakened ones are landlubbers. Let alone deep-sea diving, there are very few who can even swim."

"Forcing this in will not only be useless, but it will probably also drag down the whole team."

His words immediately resonated with many leaders of the settlements.

"Yes, Commander Lin, this is not a good fit for our profession. Going there would be suicide."

"Our settlement is counting on those two Iron-level warriors to hold the line. What if they get wiped out inside..."

"Could we offer support in a different way? For example, with supplies and equipment? We'll definitely provide that!"

The sounds of shirking responsibility and haggling gradually rose.

Nobody wants to be the sucker.

Liang Tie crossed his arms and snorted coldly:

"Hmph, all talk and no action. So you're saying we'll bear the risks and then we'll share the profits? There's no such thing as a free lunch!"

Although his words were harsh, they also expressed the sentiments of powerful beings like White Shark and the Sword of Judgment.

Zheng Weiguo didn't speak, but calmly looked at everyone.

Colonel Pang remained calm.

The army officers behind Major Zhou looked disdainful, clearly looking down on the petty nature of these tribal leaders.

Director Gao was shrouded in a gray robe, and no one could see her expression.

The meeting reached a stalemate once again.

Those three spots were like hot potatoes; nobody wanted to take them.

Looking at the situation before him, Lin Chen understood.

He knew that forcing the issue would be useless and would only escalate the conflict.

He raised his hand in a gesture of suppression, silencing the crowd's discussion.

"I understand your difficulties."

Lin Chen's voice remained gentle.

“But the ‘Deep Tide Decapitation’ plan concerns the survival of all of us, not just one family’s business. Reconnaissance is the first step, and also the crucial one. The selection of personnel must be done carefully.”

"Let's adjourn the meeting. Everyone has come from afar and has had a long journey."

"I've already had a simple meal prepared. Let's eat and talk, and perhaps we can change our perspective and find a better solution. We can discuss this later."

Upon hearing this, everyone readily agreed and nodded in agreement.

The meeting, which lasted for half a day, has temporarily come to an end.

“Sigh, this is what happens when there’s a lack of collective consciousness. Ordinary people haven’t received the relevant education. Even if they’ve experienced life and death and become leaders, it’s only been a few months, so it’s hard for them to understand the implications.” Li Feng sighed beside Han Ning.

The meeting room doors opened, and staff from the Aoki Group guided everyone to the dining area.

The so-called "simple meal" was not particularly lavish, but in the post-apocalyptic world, it was already considered a very high standard.

The long table was laden with food.

A large pot of stewed, well-cooked meat from an unknown animal emitted a rich aroma.

Toasted bread slices and flatbreads until golden brown.

A medley of several root vegetables that looked fairly fresh.

There were even bottles of alcoholic beverages that looked quite old.

In these end times, this is a rare feast.

People from all sides gathered, talking in hushed tones. The atmosphere seemed relaxed, but undercurrents were swirling beneath.

Leaders of smaller settlements kept approaching the table of the leaders of the five major settlements, carrying water cups or simple drinking vessels, to offer toasts and strike up conversations.

"Commander Lin, let me toast you to thank the Aoki Regiment for their previous material support."

"Brother Lin, next time you make a deal, you have to leave us a bigger share of those herbs."

"Mr. Lu, about the three tons of ore we talked about last time..."