Both sides had expressed goodwill, and the Special Defense Department players temporarily called off the alarm before approaching to ask Xu Huo who he was.
Xu Huo showed them his ID and said, "I'm heading to Lian City. Does the Special Defense Department have any convenient transportation?"
Ting City was only a small city. Its people couldn't possibly know all the Special Defense Department's important information. They had only heard scattered rumors about the contagious disease and knew nothing about what was really going on. So they had no idea that the Special Defense Department was waiting for Xu Huo to return.
Still, they knew his name. After all, as more and more players had begun leveling up, some of the rumors from the past had become less mysterious.
"You're Mr. Xu!" One of the three was a fan of his. He excitedly waved his arms. "I've always looked up to you. You're the reason I transferred to Ting City. I can't believe I actually ran into you! Could we shake hands?"
Xu Huo didn't refuse. Looking at the man, who was clearly older than him, he said, "Just call me by my name."
"I've been following your exploits," the man said, lowering his voice. "I know everything you've done with the Special Defense Department. In District 014, you're definitely one of the top players—not just because you're strong, but because no player at your level can surpass you!"
"I hope that one day I can protect my fellow countrymen just like you!"
"You're too kind. The Special Defense Department is the one truly protecting the country," Xu Huo said.
The man was outgoing and enthusiastic. He immediately invited Xu Huo to breakfast, seemingly oblivious to his two companions' repeated attempts to catch his eye.
In the end, they all