Chapter 65: The Stone Chamber—Who Is the Commander?

Daniel's revelation was so shocking that both Ishimuro and Chiba's expressions changed slightly.

It was important to remember that it was because of Crysis's predictions about the impending Invaders that humanity founded XIG. The bases on land had also been established due to Crysis's warnings, meant to combat the Invaders. Traces of Crysis could be found in nearly every network system around the globe.

And now, Crysis itself had become an Invader?

To put it simply, it was as if Zhuge Liang, the strategist of Shu in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, had originally been a spy for Cao Cao—absurd beyond belief.

In the main screen's communication video, perhaps after hearing Qiao Zhe's words, Fujimiya appeared beside Daniel, his face radiating confidence.

"Something I created—there's no way it could escape, even if it wanted to!"

Fujimiya spoke with unmistakable arrogance.

Qiao Zhe raised an eyebrow at this, silently recalling who it was that had previously been so thoroughly deceived by Crysis they lost their way. With so many people present, he refrained from exposing Fujimiya.

Daniel looked somewhat embarrassed; Fujimiya had changed completely during his years of absence. In the past, Fujimiya had been courteous and reasonable—not so abrasive.

After glancing at Fujimiya, Daniel explained to Qiao Zhe and the others, "Crysis has already been sealed away for now, but I'm worried there might be unforeseen complications."

"After all, the enemy has been lurking for so many years—who knows what other tricks it might have?"

Ishimuro, Chiba, and Tadashi exchanged uneasy glances upon hearing this.

"There's no need for so many words," Fujimiya declared, brimming with self-assurance and faith in his own methods. "I will handle Crysis."

As he spoke, Fujimiya's eyes, through the communications screen, settled on Qiao Zhe and Womeng.

"Qiao Zhe, Womeng, I want you both to come to Prolong Calamos now."

"Do you need our help, Fujimiya?" Womeng asked, delighted—rarely did Fujimiya seek assistance. He immediately agreed, "I'll come over right away to help you."

"Don't misunderstand," Fujimiya snorted coldly, clarifying his intentions. "I'm only asking you here to bear witness."

"I see..." Womeng's enthusiasm dimmed a little, as he had hoped to team up with Fujimiya.

Qiao Zhe patted Womeng on the shoulder, saying, "Don’t overthink it—he’s just like that."

"Just pretend Fujimiya is being contrary. Deep down, he really does want your help."

---

"Huh?" Womeng looked momentarily confused.

But on second thought, it did seem true—when they first met, Fujimiya had asked for his help, even though there was some misunderstanding at the time. The intention was there.

Realization dawned on Womeng's face: "Fujimiya, so you—"

"Enough!" Fujimiya interrupted with a shout, as if Womeng had struck a nerve, and shot a glare at Qiao Zhe. "Don't think you can predict everything! Especially you! You'd better keep a close watch!"

With that, Fujimiya abruptly disconnected the call with XIG, leaving Daniel bewildered.

What was that about? Why had he gotten so worked up?

In the XIG command center, Womeng glanced at Qiao Zhe with a strange look. Fujimiya's last words had clearly been directed at Qiao Zhe. What on earth had happened between those two? When Fujimiya had come to see him before, he hadn't explained much.

Atsuko nudged Qiao Ji’s arm, gossip glinting in her eyes. "Seems like those three get along really well."

"How can you tell?" Qiao Ji looked surprised.

Before their conversation could continue, Qiao Zhe spoke up. "Atsuko, activate the anti-virus program on the airborne base."

"If Crysis tries to invade, use your game elimination method to kick it out."

"What? Will that really work?" Atsuko was visibly stunned.

"I believe in you," Qiao Zhe replied with conviction—he'd seen this done in the TV series. He then looked at Qiao Ji. "That thing you made for fun—it’s finally useful now."

"How did you know about that?" Qiao Ji’s face mirrored Atsuko’s surprise.

Qiao Zhe grinned mischievously. "I installed a camera in your room."

"Liar," Qiao Ji shook her head in disbelief.

She wasn’t some naive girl—Qiao Zhe had never even been to the airborne base; how could he have installed a camera?

Qiao Zhe then turned to Tadashi. "Director Tadashi, notify Lightning Team to be on standby. If possible, the Cool Dragon Team is quite formidable too."

"Understood. Huh?" Tadashi instinctively agreed, then blinked in confusion, as if something was amiss.

"Chiba, I’ll leave evacuation arrangements to you. There may be unexpected incidents. Ground forces must be ready, though we don’t yet know the exact location."

The elderly Chiba froze for a moment, unconsciously glancing at Ishimuro, who then heard his own orders.

"Commander Ishimuro, you’ll take charge of onsite command at the airborne base. Any issues?"

---

"Understood." Ishimuro found something odd about the arrangement, but couldn’t put his finger on it.

Seeing Qiao Zhe take charge, he thought to himself that the young man was remarkably assertive.

Still, the arrangements were well-reasoned—quite impressive.

"Womeng," Qiao Zhe called as he walked out of the command center.

"Ah? Oh, coming!" Womeng quickly followed.

Inside the command center, Atsuko and Qiao Ji exchanged glances, struggling to hold back laughter as they watched Ishimuro.

Seeing Tadashi and Chiba both looking at him, Ishimuro maintained a calm face. "What are you looking at me for? Do as Qiao Zhe says."

With that, he walked to the window and watched the EX jet take off from the airborne base, his expression inscrutable, though deep down, he felt unsettled.

Ever since Qiao Zhe arrived at the airborne base, he had dominated command, especially since they began countering the Celestial Machine. He had almost single-handedly arranged everything.

He provided detailed intelligence on the enemy, while issuing precise countermeasures.

The thought left Ishimuro rather frustrated. True, their chances of victory had increased considerably, but it seemed as if his own role as commander had become merely symbolic.

Disaster! They've let the wolf into the house!

"Even if he's an Ultraman, he can't possibly know everything, can he?" Ishimuro consoled himself with a sliver of hope.

Prolong Calamos Research Base.

The EX jet landed on a grassy lawn, where a woman waited outside the institute.

Kyoko Inamori, who had once collaborated with Fujimiya to develop Crysis.

She had also provided considerable assistance when Fujimiya was searching for the Light of the Ocean.

Upon seeing Inamori, Womeng exclaimed in surprise, "Dr. Inamori?"

"Why, are you so surprised to see me?" Kyoko Inamori walked toward the two, smiling at Womeng and Qiao Zhe.

Her gaze settled on Qiao Zhe. "You must be Qiao Zhe, right? I'm truly grateful to you."

"If not for your warning, Fujimiya might have remained in the dark forever."

Inamori bowed slightly as she spoke. She had always wanted to meet Fujimiya.