Warhammer: The Time Traveler

Chapter 170 Kangtao and "Kangtao" (Fourth Update)

The pitch-black vertical takeoff and landing aircraft slowly descended onto the rooftop helipad of the Contau North America branch, the airflow stirred up by the rotor blades kicking up dust from the ground and then letting it fall back down.

When the hatch slid open, John Klein, Executive Vice President of North America, was already waiting there with two security personnel.

He was wearing a well-fitting dark gray suit and had a standard professional smile on his face.

“Welcome to Night City, Manager Lee.” Klein stepped forward and extended his hand, his movements so precise they seemed to have been measured. “I hope you have a pleasant journey.”

Li Wei shook hands briefly, noticing that the two security personnel behind him remained on guard, their eyes scanning him back and forth.

This doesn't feel like welcoming a special envoy from headquarters; it feels more like being on guard against a potential threat.

They walked through the empty corridor and arrived at a luxuriously decorated conference room.

Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the neon lights of Night City were just beginning to flicker. Klein gestured for the waiter to bring coffee and sat down at the other end of the long table.

“Headquarters acted swiftly this time,” Klein said, stirring his coffee gently. “However, I must remind you that the actual situation in Night City is far more complex than the reports suggest.”

Resources at the branch are currently very strained, especially with several important projects we are currently undertaking.

Li Wei calmly observed the other party.

Klein's wording was cautious, but every word emphasized the independence of the division.

This confirms the headquarters intelligence department's assessment: the North American branch is attempting to break free from headquarters' control.

“I only need basic intelligence support,” Li Wei said.

Klein nodded: "Of course, we will do our best to cooperate. However, the system is currently undergoing an upgrade, and some monitoring permissions may require time for approval."

The provisional office that was subsequently provided confirmed Li Wei's premonition.

The room was small, the equipment was rudimentary, and even the basic data interface was offline.

The map sent by the security supervisor was clearly edited, and the markings of key areas were blurry.

Three hours later, Li Wei and his task force boarded the aircraft again.

Before the hatch closed, he took one last look at the branch building; Klein's figure had already disappeared behind the glass door.

Li Wei remained silent throughout the journey back to the spacecraft.

He did not turn to the tactical commander sitting opposite him until the hatch was completely closed and the engine began to warm up.

“The situation is worse than expected.” Li Wei unbuttoned the top button of his suit jacket. “Klein’s attitude is clear: we won’t get any substantial help.”

While inspecting the weapons in the equipment box, the commander replied, "I felt it from the moment we got off the plane. The positioning of those two security personnel was clearly to guard against us."

The electronic warfare expert sitting in the back row looked up: "I just tried to access the branch database, and all high-level permissions were locked. The map they provided was also manipulated; the key areas are all blank."

Li Wei took the assault rifle handed to him by the commander and carefully examined its condition: "This proves two things: first, there is indeed a problem with the North American branch; second, they know what we are investigating."

"Should we report to headquarters?" the commander asked.

“Not for now.” Li Wei chambered the magazine. “Headquarters already knew about the situation here, otherwise they wouldn’t have sent us.”

The aircraft began to take off, and the lights of Night City slowly sank below the window.

Li Wei fastened his seatbelt and continued speaking to his team: "From now on, we will rely entirely on our own resources. The mission objective remains the same, but the execution method needs to be adjusted."

He pulled up a map on his tactical tablet: "The abandoned town area has many signal blind spots, and conventional reconnaissance methods are of limited effectiveness. We need to establish three covert observation points for 24-hour continuous surveillance."

"What if we encounter resistance?" the commander asked. "Try to avoid engaging in firefights." Li Wei's fingertip traced across the map. "But if the other side launches an attack, you are permitted to use necessary force. Remember, we may be facing more than just ordinary militants."

An electronic warfare expert interjected: "Based on current intelligence, the target may possess advanced electronic countermeasures capabilities. It is recommended to establish an offline communication network between observation points to avoid being monitored."

“Agreed.” Li Wei nodded. “Each group will take turns monitoring and report every six hours. Report any abnormalities immediately.”

A team member took reconnaissance equipment out of an equipment box: "We need to complete the deployment before nightfall. Visibility is too low in the Badlands at night, so we should take advantage of the light now."

"Hurry up." Li Wei glanced at his watch. "Once we reach the designated coordinates, proceed according to plan immediately. Remember, the key to this mission is intelligence gathering, not direct confrontation."

The aircraft began its descent, and the reddish-brown landscape of the badlands unfolded outside the portholes. The team members conducted a final check of their equipment, leaving only the faint clanging of weapon parts inside the cabin.

"Any more questions?" Li Wei looked around at the team members.

The commander shook his head: "The operational plan is already very clear. We will remain completely silent until we receive further instructions."

When the aircraft landed at the designated coordinates in the badlands, the sun was just setting below the horizon.

The cabin door slowly opened, and hot air carrying sand and dust rushed into the cabin.

Li Wei squinted and stepped onto this desolate land first.

The team members followed closely behind and quickly set up a temporary defensive position around the aircraft.

They chose a sheltered mountain hollow as their temporary campsite.

The team members worked together seamlessly: two people were responsible for perimeter security, while the others began clearing the site and setting up makeshift shelters and communication equipment.

In less than 30 minutes, a fully functional field outpost had taken shape.

Li Wei stood in the center of the camp and opened his tactical tablet.

Satellite maps of the abandoned town are displayed on the screen, with most areas marked as signal blind spots.

He carefully observed the terrain features and marked several key locations with his finger.

“We need to establish three observation points.” Li Wei gathered the team members together and pointed out the specific locations on the tablet. “Point A is responsible for monitoring the main passage, point B covers the abandoned factory area on the east side, and point C keeps an eye on the entrance to the valley on the west side.”

He looked around at the team members' faces and continued, "Two people per group, rotating every six hours. Use encrypted shortwave communication and report every two hours. Maintain complete silence unless there is an immediate threat."

The team members nodded silently and began to organize their equipment.

Night vision goggles, camouflage nets, and emergency supplies were packed into three tactical backpacks.

Li Wei personally inspected everyone's equipment to ensure that everything was in perfect condition.

"Remember," Li Wei reminded the team members before they set off, "we are facing an unknown force. Gathering intelligence is the top priority, and we must avoid any unnecessary contact."

The three teams of members disappeared into the night, their figures quickly vanishing into the rugged terrain.

Li Wei returned to the center of the camp and watched the moving dots of light on the monitor screen.

He adjusted the shoulder straps of his bulletproof vest and sat down in front of the communication equipment.

The camp's signal jamming devices have been activated, leaving only one encrypted communication channel.

Li Wei placed the pistol within easy reach and began recording the operation log.

In this desolate land far from their homeland, they must rely entirely on themselves to complete their mission.

(End of this chapter)