After ten minutes of walking down the corridor, they finally reached the end. An automatic door slid open, revealing a massive command room before them.

"Welcome to the Human Army's Northeast China Frontline Command Center!"

Big Sis announced to them.

"Whoa! So huge!"

Cleyna stepped forward, leaning over the iron railing to look down. The entire command center was cylindrical. At the bottom lay a bustling operations hall, surrounded by spiral staircases and corridors. Small rooms lined the walkways. The structure stood about six stories high—they were currently on the fourth floor. To descend, they’d need an elevator or stairs.

"Uh, is it safe to build a frontline command center here?" Lixin questioned its security. As a frontline base, Preyas’s scanners could easily detect it. What if the battle lines shifted?

"Relax, dead-fish-eyed little sis. Our counter-surveillance systems are top-notch. Plus..."

Big Sis’s eyes turned mysterious. "I’ll let you in on a secret—this command center moves."

Great. A mobile fortress. Whatever. And... fine, she could call her whatever she wanted. It didn’t matter. Lixin didn’t care anymore.

"Before I report downstairs, tell me your identities first. I’ve been on standby since our radar caught your plane."

Finally, Big Sis got to the point?

"............"

Lixin glanced at Cleyna. Her meaning was clear: one, Cleyna should explain; two, Cleyna was their leader—ask her.

"Sigh..."

Cleyna had no choice. She recounted their entire story to Big Sis.

"I see..."

Big Sis tapped her lips. "Alright, I’ll take you to the Commander first. We’ll discuss details later."

"Sure."

They took the elevator to the ground floor. Instantly, many heads turned to stare.

What’re you looking at? Never seen people before?

Pushing through the crowded hall, they reached the front. A large radar-like screen dominated the area.

"Commander, I’ve brought them back. They’re students from Capability Combat Academy, shot down en route to West Siberia." To prove it, they pulled out student IDs for his inspection.

"Hmm. Good work, Xiaoya. Go get your wounds bandaged first."

The burly, bearded middle-aged man—his stern face radiating authority—turned and gave them a single glance before speaking.

Seriously, why do all boss-level characters act so full of themselves? Couldn’t he be as approachable as the Principal?

Lixin mentally raged at this overused trope.

Seeing Xiaoya hesitate to leave, the man added, "Don’t worry about the frontline. You saw it earlier—the battle lines have retreated. Preyas’s assaults have weakened. This stalemate is nearly over."

"............ Understood."

After hearing this, Xiaoya paused, glanced at Lixin, then left.

"As for you three, there’s no signal outside. I’ll report to your academy and arrange a pickup."

He beckoned a nearby staffer. "Give them a room."

"Yes, sir."

The young man turned to them. "Follow me."

Wow, nice setup—a command center and hotel combo?

Only when they reached their third-floor room did they realize... they were right. The room wasn’t small—it had a bathroom—but beyond that, nothing. Just two beds. Like a cheap motel room...

"Toss him up there."

Cleyna said to Lixin, who was supporting Qin Fan.

"Seriously, sis? I’ve been carrying him forever. Won’t you help?"

Lixin wanted to rest too!

"............"

Alena stared at her. Lixin glared back. Finally, Cleyna and Lixin heaved Qin Fan onto the bed.

She deliberately didn’t use her ability—why let Lixin take the easy way out? Besides, her injured arm couldn’t manage it anyway.

Lixin grumbled inwardly. Why so petty?

Okay, she admitted she’d forgotten Cleyna’s arm was hurt.

"Hey, why not visit the infirmary for your arm?"

To break the awkwardness, Lixin spoke first.

"We’re freeloading here. Too many demands might get us kicked out."

".................."

Awkwardness again.

Soon, a knock sounded at the door.

"Come in."

The same young man entered, holding three lunch boxes.

"Lunch for you. Also, after eating, the Eastern girl—" he nodded at Lixin—"please come downstairs. The Commander wants to see you."

Huh? Why only her? Didn’t he get tired of running around all day?

Annoyed but compliant, Lixin took the boxes. "Fine, I’ll go later. Where’s the infirmary? My friend’s arm is injured." She pointed at Cleyna.

"Oh?"

The young man studied Cleyna’s stiff arm posture. No wonder it looked off.

"Follow me. I’ll take you."

Cleyna left after shooting Lixin a glare—clearly saying, "Mind your own business."

Lixin stayed silent, walking to the bed. She opened her box and started eating the meal—several levels better than school food.

"?"

A gaze pierced her. Lixin looked up. Qin Fan lay weakly on the bed, staring hungrily at her food...

"Want some? Wait till I’m done."

"............"

So annoying.