Departure! To the Imperial Capital!

"Orders will be obeyed."

After listening to Zhao Dingbang's explanation,

Lin Yuan's face showed a look of understanding.

This was indeed the wisest choice.

Martial artists were scattered across the country. While they could deter threats in their respective regions, their rate of growth was far too slow.

Only by concentrating the nation's resources on them

could Dragon Country produce Fourth-Tier and Fifth-Tier powerhouses before an even more terrifying Beast Tide descended.

What's more,

the information database held by Su Qingxue, the reincarnator, also needed to be utilized to the fullest.

Only the Imperial Capital's team of experts could make better use of that intelligence from the future!

"The third matter."

"Before you report to the Imperial Capital, the higher-ups have approved three days of family leave for you."

"Go back to Shu Capital and spend some proper time with your family."

"Also..."

"The higher-ups suggest that you persuade your parents and sister to relocate the whole family to the Imperial Capital."

Seeing Lin Yuan's reaction,

Zhao Dingbang's expression softened slightly as he patted Lin Yuan's shoulder.

"Centralized housing for military families?"

Lin Yuan raised an eyebrow.

"This is a privilege."

"You are Dragon Country's pillar of stability."

"Nothing can happen to your family."

"A highest-level family compound has been set aside in the Imperial Capital's inner city, guarded around the clock by heavily armed troops."

"You fight and bleed on the front lines. Naturally, the nation must ensure that your families can live in peace."

Zhao Dingbang did not try to hide it in the slightest.

Because this was both protection and a bond.

As for that,

Lin Yuan did not dislike it.

In this apocalyptic crisis, ordinary lives were as worthless as grass.

If he could let his family live in the safest place possible, why would he object?

"I understand."

"I'll discuss it with them."

"But I'll respect their wishes. I won't force them."

Lin Yuan set down his teacup.

"Good."

"The military vehicle is ready."

"Lin Yuan, send my regards to your parents."

"And remember, the Southwest Military Region will always be your home."

"..."

Shu Capital.

A military off-road vehicle sped through the streets.

Lin Yuan sat in the back seat, looking out the window.

Patrolling soldiers armed to the teeth could be seen everywhere.

Though the civilians looked exhausted, their eyes shone with the light of those who had survived a disaster.

There was no panic.

Only the drive to rebuild their homes.

The nationwide livestream had played a decisive role.

When the people saw with their own eyes how Dragon Country's soldiers had used their flesh and blood to build a defensive line,

all their fear had been replaced by national pride.

With a country like this, even if the sky fell, someone would hold it up!

"Colonel Lin."

"The military family compound is just ahead."

The driver's tone was filled with admiration.

Lin Yuan withdrew his gaze.

At the intersection ahead, guards stood at every few steps.

The security level of the military family compound had risen several levels since before the Beast Tide erupted.

Even heavy anti-aircraft machine guns had been mounted on the rooftops.

After passing through layer upon layer of inspection, the off-road vehicle came to a steady stop before the detached villa where Lin Yuan's family lived.

The door opened.

Lin Yuan had just stepped one leg out.

When the front door burst open with a bang.

"Brother!"

A petite figure rushed out and crashed straight into Lin Yuan's arms.

Lin Yuan instinctively tensed his muscles, then immediately realized what was happening and quickly dispersed his true qi.

If his sister were struck by the protective true qi of a Third-Tier Martial Artist, her tiny frame would definitely suffer fractures.

"So careless."

"You don't have the slightest bit of grace expected of a young lady."

Lin Yuan rubbed Lin Xiaoxiao's head, a smile tugging at his lips.

"You're a great hero!"

"The TV is full of footage of you fighting monsters. It was so cool!"

Lin Xiaoxiao lifted her head.

Her eyes were red-rimmed, but her face was full of pride.

Just then,

Lin Jianguo walked out through the door.

The man, who had always been quiet and reserved, now had bloodshot eyes.

Looking at his son, whole and unharmed, his lips trembled several times before he finally managed to squeeze out a single sentence.

"It's good that you're back. It's good that you're back."

Zhang Hui followed behind him, still carrying a plate of freshly cut fruit.

The moment she saw Lin Yuan,

her tears came pouring down like a breached dam.

"You brat, you charged farther ahead than anyone else!"

"That monkey was so huge. How much would it hurt to get slapped by something like that?!"

A mother did not care about grand ideals of nation and country.

All she saw on the screen was the child she had carried for ten months, risking his life amid a horde of monsters.

"Mom."

"See? I didn't even lose a single hair."

Lin Yuan stepped forward and wrapped an arm around his mother's shoulders, casually picking up an apple slice and popping it into his mouth.

"Really sweet."

The family surrounded Lin Yuan and walked into the living room.

The television was on.

It was repeatedly airing edited footage from the Beast Tide defense battle.

Most of the close-up shots were of Lin Yuan spearing Ferocious Beasts.

After sitting down,

Zhang Hui pulled Lin Yuan this way and that, afraid that he might have suffered some hidden injury.

Feeling the long-lost warmth of family, the tightly strung cord in Lin Yuan's heart finally loosened somewhat.

"Dad, Mom, Xiaoxiao."

"I can only stay for three days this time."

As Lin Yuan's words fell,

the atmosphere in the living room instantly quieted.

Lin Jianguo lit a cigarette but did not smoke it, letting the smoke curl around him.

"Military matters are urgent. The country needs you. We understand."

"That's not it."

Lin Yuan shook his head and looked directly into his father's eyes.

"The higher-ups have issued a transfer order."

"In three days, I'll be transferred to the Imperial Capital's central command to handle higher-level classified missions."

Zhang Hui froze.

"You're going to the Imperial Capital?"

"That's so far away. How many times a year will you be able to come home?"

Lin Xiaoxiao keenly caught the implication behind his words.

"Brother."

"Do you have some kind of arrangement?"

Lin Yuan gave his sister an approving look.

Ever since she had sensed spiritual energy, this girl had become increasingly sharp-witted.

"The military commander granted special approval."

"I can bring my immediate family and relocate the entire household to the Imperial Capital's inner city."

The moment those words came out,

all three of them held their breath.

The Imperial Capital.

That was the heart of Dragon Country!

To settle down there, with special approval for the inner city—what immense honor, and what immense security!

"I agree!"

"After practicing that Breathing Method, I feel like I've gotten so much stronger."

"After going to the Imperial Capital, maybe I can become even stronger!"

"..."

Lin Xiaoxiao was the first to raise her hand, excitement shining in her eyes.

"Will going to the Imperial Capital cause trouble for you?"

"We're ordinary people. We don't understand anything. What if we hold you back..."

Lin Jianguo stubbed out his cigarette, his brows knitted tightly.

"Dad, you're overthinking it."

"The world outside has changed now."

"The Ferocious Beasts are evolving extremely quickly. Although Shu Capital also has troops stationed here,"

"the Imperial Capital's defenses are better. Only if you stay there can I fight on the front lines without worries holding me back."

Lin Yuan interrupted his father's concerns.

He had a feeling.

After going to the Imperial Capital this time, he would become very busy.

By then,

he would not be able to spare much time to return to Shu Capital.

Under such circumstances,

he naturally hoped that his family would go to the Imperial Capital and live in the same city as him.

"We're moving!"

"Since this is a benefit provided by the country,"

"we can't waste it. We'll all go to the Imperial Capital together!"

"Honey, hurry up and pack. Bring only the important things!"

Lin Jianguo slapped his thigh and made the final decision.

Zhang Hui wiped at the corner of her eyes, repeatedly agreeing as she hurried toward the bedroom.

Watching his parents' busy figures,

Lin Yuan leaned back against the sofa and let out a long breath.

With his family's safety guaranteed, he no longer had anything to worry about!

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

A military transport helicopter sat in the military family compound.

Its massive rotors whipped up a gale.

Lin Jianguo and Zhang Hui each carried a simple duffel bag as guards escorted them aboard the helicopter.

Lin Xiaoxiao wore a backpack and looked around with open curiosity.

Lin Yuan stood at the cabin door.

He looked back one last time at the city where he had lived for more than twenty years.

The age of chaos had arrived.

Only by climbing ever higher could he take control of his own fate.

"Let's go."

Lin Yuan pulled the cabin door shut.

The helicopter lifted off and sped toward the northern horizon.