First-stage results

Victor nodded in satisfaction at the assembled men. Though every one of them was dressed as a farmer, they still carried the iron-and-blood bearing of soldiers. He addressed the man at their head. "Vajic, you've done well. Even sending you here to take up positions under concealed identities hasn't affected the combat strength of the internal security troops!"

Vajic immediately saluted and answered with meticulous seriousness, "My lord Marquis, it is our duty. Even while guarding the territory's important facilities, we cannot neglect our training!"

The Vajic standing before Victor might have been working in the fields just moments earlier. Grass and dirt covered his clothes. Without their exchange just now, anyone who saw him would have taken him for an ordinary farmer.

"All right, Vajic, you stay. Everyone else, dismiss. I came this time under the pretext of inspecting the Medical Department's cultivation base. A display like this could cause unnecessary trouble!"

"Yes, sir!"

Vajic soon dismissed the assembled soldiers of the Internal Security Bureau's First Battalion, and they returned to their respective fields to continue working.

He himself accompanied Victor toward the Medical Department's base within the village.

Victor asked directly, "How have things been lately? Have there been any problems?"

"No problems at all. Over the past three months, our battalion has established a comprehensive surveillance and defense network around the base. Thanks to our camouflage, this looks like an ordinary little village from outside, but the moment an unfamiliar face approaches, we can detect them.

"We have also assigned personnel to form two dedicated emergency squads. If we discover enemy infiltration or a problem inside the base, they will engage immediately, buying time for the entire battalion to arm itself.

"We also keep watch over the base's personnel. Whenever they go out, designated men follow, guard,