Chapter 415 Encounter
Today was a big day for Area 52.
President Sterling of Victoria was in high spirits. He had personally invited President Barry Joyce of Thalassia, who was visiting Victoria, to tour Area 52 together. Sharing top-level secrets and meeting with honesty, this was a crucial step towards strengthening the relationship between the two countries. Of course, how much of the real secrets were revealed was something only Sterling knew!
In front of the main building, the two leaders exchanged polite smiles, shook hands, and posed for photos, creating an atmosphere of harmony. Area 52 had shut down the research center on the third underground level for the occasion, and key personnel were present to accompany them. This was why Elbert, in the basement, hadn't encountered any researchers.
During a break, Barry was the first to speak. "Sterling, we've been friends for ten years, and I've never seen you this happy. What's the good news?"
Sterling chuckled, pulling Barry aside. He whispered mysteriously, "Barry, I've got something worth celebrating! The last time I was this happy was when my daughter was born!"
"Oh?" Barry, the President of Thalassia, was intrigued. "Care to share?"
Sterling continued in a low voice, "I got word from my agent in Veridiania that Elbert, you know, Paul Five, has gone missing, haha! The news from over there is that Wavehaven's officials have deployed everyone, searching for ten whole days, and haven't found a trace!"
Sterling couldn't hold back his laughter. "I guess the kid turned to ash when he hit that meteor! How could I not be happy?"
Barry's eyes lit up. Thalassia's animal gene modification base had also been destroyed by the Punisher. He didn't dare speak up, but inside, he was seething with anger. Barry also smiled, "To be honest, I received the same news! It seems this matter is confirmed!"
Sterling, with a gloating expression, said, "I admit, Paul Five was incredibly powerful, even able to withstand space threats! But he paid for it with his insignificant life, and we should salute him, haha! As for those other Punishers... Once my mech research is complete, they'll be no match! Haha, thinking about the bright future, I can't control my excitement, Barry, don't blame me for losing my composure!"
Sterling said this while covering his mouth, trying hard to suppress his laughter. He was happier than anyone else right now. Because, besides the threat of Paul Five, he also had to deal with Paul Four—the one who would blow up his government building at the slightest provocation! In short, with Elbert gone, it was a double blessing!
Sterling shook his head repeatedly, his smile undiminished. "Barry, you don't know, I woke up laughing this morning. I even feel like having a couple of drinks tonight!"
Barry was also in a great mood. "If you don't mind, Sterling, I'll stay for a few drinks too!"
Suddenly, a door to a base in the distance opened automatically. A man in a white shirt, with slightly long hair and hands in his pockets, strolled out as if on a leisurely walk. Elbert had recently decided to quit smoking, so he bought a pack of gum at the airport. He saw the crowd in the distance, stopped, and looked over, chewing gum with an innocent expression.
Sterling was the first to spot the figure, and it was like he'd been struck by lightning—his body went rigid! They were only about thirty feet apart, and in that small space, time seemed to freeze. A gentle breeze blew, occasionally carrying a few leaves across the area, creating a strangely peaceful scene. The only sound was Elbert chewing his gum.
Sterling's expression was still stuck in that smile from before. "Mr. Prescott, I brought two bottles of my finest..." Barry, with his back to Elbert and still clueless about what was happening, turned to follow Sterling's gaze. "Wine..." As he said the word, he froze, just like Sterling.
Sterling's mouth twitched. Isn't that Paul Five? He's not dead! How is he here? Is he here to kill me? The scene was eerily quiet, sweat beading on Sterling's forehead. He watched as Elbert paused for a moment, then resumed walking toward the door. Sterling's legs trembled. It was like he'd brushed against death! Thank goodness! With so many people here, he probably didn't recognize me! Sterling's tense nerves finally relaxed.
Suddenly, a belated shout erupted from the presidential guard, "Who goes there! Trespassing in a military zone, quick, protect President Sterling!" As soon as the words were spoken, a group of bodyguards in black rushed in front of Sterling, shielding him. Sterling's face turned pale. You idiots! Then, another group charged toward Elbert with guns drawn.
Elbert turned back, his eyes flashing purple. Sterling saw this and lost it. "Stop right there! Don't provoke him! No! He's my most honored guest, personally invited by me! Everyone keep a thirty-foot distance from him!" Sterling shouted frantically.
The bodyguards froze, looking at the frantic President Prescott, then at the seemingly outnumbered young man from Veridiania, utterly confused. One bodyguard, as if possessed, took a step forward. Sterling jumped in place, stomping his feet, "You! Don't! Move!" The bodyguard stood at attention, "Yes, President Prescott!"
Elbert shook his head with a smile, then turned away, chewing gum, continuing his stroll. Under everyone's gaze, he crossed the entire area, his figure disappearing beyond the door. By now, Sterling was drenched in sweat. He took a step, finding his legs like jelly, stumbling. A bodyguard quickly supported him, "Sir, who was that just now? Is he a modified human? Don't worry, we have six modified humans in our team, and there are over 700 armed soldiers nearby! Just give the order, and I'll have him arrested!"
Sterling continued to break down. He was the one who shattered a meteor with his bare hands! This level of combat power is nothing to him! Fight? Are you trying to shorten my life? But Sterling couldn't reveal the truth, so he forced a painfully stiff smile, "I told you, he's a specially invited friend of mine!"
Then, Sterling was escorted away by the bodyguards, shouting back, "I declare today's tour officially over!" He got into a vehicle, ordering an immediate return to the government building. At least, it would be a bit safer there! And the President of Thalassia ran even faster, heading straight to the airport, flying back home overnight!
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