Lucas drove the car, winding up the mountain road layer by layer towards the middle of the mountain.

There was the Phoenix Mountain Resort.

This was the place where Lucas and Henry had arranged to meet.

The bus was parked in the huge parking lot in front of the resort.

The silhouette of the mute girl could be seen killing zombies inside the resort, while Lucas was recharging the drone inside the bus, studying the nearby map.

It took ten minutes from the resort to reach the mountaintop, and both ascending and descending the mountain had to pass through the resort.

If they were really shelled, Lucas definitely couldn't confront it head-on. The only option was to go around in circles.

Although the bus was sturdy, Lucas didn't know what the consequences would be if it was heavily bombarded. There was no need to take that risk.

Moreover, Lucas suspected that if there really was a doomsday fortress on Phoenix Mountain, it would likely be beneath the resort.

However, he had no knowledge of the exact entrance location, so finding it would be like searching for a needle in a haystack. Lucas didn't want to waste time on that.

Since Lucas had destroyed the military's drones by the river, no more drones had come to monitor him. But when Henry appeared, it was right after the mute girl had finished clearing the zombies.

It seemed like an inconspicuous detail, but it made Lucas realize something.

Had the military personnel been lurking here all along, monitoring his every move?

After fully recharging the drone, Lucas released it immediately.

He looked at the screen on the control panel and saw Henry's military vehicle pulling up next to the bus.

"Sir, the commander asked me to convey to you that during these times, he sincerely invites you to join our military, with a rank equal to mine."

"The commander also said that in this special period, capable individuals should defend this country, this planet, and the survivors as heroes."

Lucas leaned against the front of the bus, listening to Henry's words, but remained silent.

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"Sir, there's one more thing. I'm not sure if your profession is related to scientific research, but the commander believes that your ability to kill those mutant insects with the modified sniper rifle indicates significant achievements in weapon research."

"The commander has praised you in front of me several times, saying that once your research results are provided to the military, he believes this current period will pass quickly, and then you will undoubtedly be one of humanity's greatest heroes."

The tone in Henry's words became increasingly suggestive, causing Lucas to furrow his brow.

"What if I'm not interested in any of this?" Lucas suddenly spoke up.

In fact, Lucas already had a clear understanding. The military was very interested in everything about him, possibly starting from the moment he killed the insects in front of them for the first time.

Initially, they must have wanted to win him over, including now, trying to understand his weapons and the secrets of the bus.

However, they were somewhat concerned about his power, or perhaps they genuinely wanted him to voluntarily offer his secrets, so they didn't use force.

But now the situation had changed. Another heavily armed unit had arrived, indicating a change in the military's plans.

From Henry's words and the actions of the two units, it was evident that they had run out of patience with him. If he refused, they would likely take action immediately.

There might be several sniper rifles aimed at his head in some corner at this very moment.

Thinking of this possibility, Lucas intentionally spoke up and then casually boarded the bus, taking a seat in a position behind the driver's seat.

This position would be out of reach unless someone shot him from the door.

"Sir, please don't rush to refuse. In fact, the commander also mentioned that if you join us, he will provide you with the best protection during this period after communicating with higher-ups."

Henry didn't perceive that Lucas boarding the bus was a precautionary measure taken against them. He continued patiently performing his duty.

"I've cleared this area, there are no zombies or insects. You can inform them to come up. This place is spacious, with plenty of resources and facilities like a generator room and water reservoir. It's a good place," Lucas deliberately changed the subject and mentioned the resort.

"Sir, please do consider it," Henry insisted.

"I'll go and inform them now. If you make up your mind, you can talk directly to the commander later," Henry said after saluting, and Lucas closed the door.

However, both of their expressions were grim.

Lucas was planning to retreat, while Henry felt regretful.

Once he reached the foot of the mountain, Phoenix Mountain would be bombarded immediately.

Although Henry didn't want to see this situation, as a soldier, he had to follow orders.

Lucas's attitude had already made Henry feel that there was no point in continuing the conversation.

Henry's vehicle drove down the mountain, and Lucas also wanted to leave.

But the system hadn't said anything about the mission being completed.

Lucas speculated that perhaps he had to wait for the group of ordinary people to enter the mountain before the system would speak up.

He couldn't leave yet; he could only find a place to hide.

Everything the military was doing seemed abnormal to Lucas. He had a strong feeling that they would soon take action against him.

At this moment, another drone appeared in the sky above the resort.

Taking a sip of water, Lucas stood up from his seat, raised the drone to its maximum height, and widened his field of view with the night vision function.

Then Lucas picked up his sniper rifle and opened a small slit on the bus door.

Taking aim.

Boom!

The sound of the sniper rifle echoed in the darkness as the military drone disintegrated in the air.

Since he couldn't leave, he had to find a place to hide.

Thinking about the artillery aimed at the mountain base, Lucas couldn't help but feel a chill.

The resort was definitely not a place to hide.

Seeking shelter inside the buildings would only result in their destruction when they were bombed. It would also hinder the speed of the bus during the escape.

After giving it some thought, Lucas drove the bus onto the highway.

If they were shelled, he would hide along the highway.

Henry had just arrived at the foot of the mountain, where Matteo had already arranged various artillery and small missile launchers.

"That guy just destroyed the drone. How did your conversation go?" Matteo approached Henry's military vehicle and asked.

Shaking his head at Matteo, Henry got out of the vehicle, pondered for a moment, and sighed.

"Let's take action. He didn't even spare a glance at my proposal."

After saying that, Henry took out the map of Phoenix Mountain and marked the possible location where Lucas might be.

"Every artillery vehicle, fire an initial round of ammunition before we proceed."

Matteo quickly issued the order to open fire.