In the Beta Universe, somewhere in the Pacific Ocean, a large ocean-going fishing vessel drifted at sea. Several civilian yachts followed nearby, rising and falling with the surging waves.
Judging from appearances alone, any passerby who saw this flotilla would probably have mistaken it for a tourist group out on a deep-sea fishing trip.
But the reality was completely different.
There were no tourists or fishing gear inside the tightly sealed cabins—only armed personnel from top to bottom.
On the deck outside the cabin, a gaunt man leaned against the railing, smoking a cigarette. His naturally curly hair hung down to his ears, making him look unkempt and sloppy.
His name was Fick, a former CIA agent and the current head of the Extraterrestrial Civilization Response Group.
After the massive blackout in Virginia, although the CIA's rash actions had drawn criticism from the top official, they had also made the authorities fully realize the threat posed by extraterrestrial civilizations, prompting the urgent formation of the Extraterrestrial Civilization Response Group.
As the only agent who had participated in the investigation into "Wasteland OL," Fick was quickly summoned by the top official and appointed head of the Extraterrestrial Civilization Response Group.
Being entrusted at a critical moment to face the hostile invasion of an extraterrestrial civilization was undoubtedly the highlight of Fick's life.
The important figures he had once only seen on television had all taken the initiative to shake his hand at banquets. Not only did they treat him as an honored guest, they even regarded him as the savior of human civilization—and he believed so himself.
However, the good times did not last.
Ever since the blackout incident, the extraterrestrial civilization hiding behind "Wasteland OL" had suddenly reined in its aggression and had even begun offering "paid technology transfers" on