After emerging from the underground tunnel and passing through the protective shield, a straight road stretched from the distant canyon to the horizon, disappearing from sight. The lush green forests on either side of the road, against the flawless blue sky, provided the most refreshing treat for the eyes. However, as the figure of a man gradually came into view, casting a shadow against the sun, Barrett Walker couldn't help but squint his eyes.
Gradually, the figure became clearer: a clean-shaven man with a square face, wearing frameless glasses on his nose, and a neatly pressed military uniform adorned with five stars on both shoulders. According to federal regulations, military ranks are determined by ability, regardless of intelligence or position within the army. Even a commander of a corps must salute a higher-ranking officer and may not necessarily be obeyed. This is a society where strength is respected.
The man before Barrett, with five stars on each shoulder, represented both his position and ability. Clearly, he held the rank of a five-star general, serving as the commander of the federal military district. He appeared completely devoid of any danger, yet walking alone in the wilderness, he seemed like a moving mountain, but this was merely the impression he gave.
In the face of this imposing figure, Barrett's expression remained neutral as he mockingly asked, "Are you here to take me back?"
This man was Barrett's own father, once the youngest general in the federation, now a five-star general with the ability to reach a sudden burst of 120 meters per second, what speed! His average speed was one-third that of the speed of sound, and his physical strength rivaled that of an alloy. Yet, despite these impressive capabilities, in Barrett's eyes, his father appeared weak and feeble. Just think of his name, Morton Walker!
How ridiculous. There was also Talon Walker, who died defending the Yellow River Valley, and his uncle Talon Walker dared to defy the will of Mars Walker and change his name to 'Hua Hero'. Although a bit common, it was a brave expression of his will. Yet, Morton Walker! His beloved wife and son were taken to the battlefield by Mars Walker, and he did not utter a word. Mars Walker, in order to ally with the Green family, forced the grieving Morton Walker to marry Laura Walker, and he acquiesced. Mars Walker threw him out of the house, and he acquiesced again. No matter how young the youngest general, or how high the five-star general, they were nothing more than puppets under the vast will of the war god, unable to say or do anything.
So Barrett looked down on him, and in the face of his imposing figure, Barrett, who appeared to be in his thirties, looked at his father with contempt. If these two father and son were placed among a group of women of different ages, Barrett would surely be defeated and lose his armor. Yet, in this situation, Morton Walker appeared to be powerless in front of his son.
"Is that really what you think of me?" Morton Walker took off his glasses. He had reached the pinnacle of martial arts and was now focusing on nurturing his mind and body, preparing to return to simplicity and purity. He was constantly mindful, not allowing any fluctuations, even when his son taunted him.
"What do you want? Speak quickly! If you want to take me back, forget it! Hmph! If you force me, I'll die in front of you!"
After saying this, Barrett took out a Desert Eagle and aimed it at his own head. This was not a dream easily spoken by a foolish person, but he had to maintain the appearance.
"The safety of the gun isn't even off!" Morton Walker chuckled. According to science, a smile from a strong person is more persuasive than a smile from a peer, such as an emperor to his subjects, or a beauty to an ugly man. Both the subjects and the ugly man would be easily moved. This is the advantage of status.
In the federation, Morton Walker's smile would have been met with goodwill by anyone, except for Barrett, whom he despised.
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Stowing the Desert Eagle at his waist, Barrett couldn't even be bothered to make a move in front of his father. He just glared at him.
"It's heartening to see that you have the courage to break through, my son!" Morton Walker's smile suddenly became warm and affectionate.
"Hmph! This is a serious crime of treason. Isn't this an opportunity for you to capture me and gain recognition?" Barrett replied icily, turning his head to look at the dense forest.
Morton Walker jokingly remarked with an unchanged smile, "How many merits do you have!"
"Hmph! I knew you had no good intentions!" Barrett's face turned red with anger as he retorted.
Morton Walker was taken aback. It was just a small joke between father and son, harmless, and he shook his head, saying, "Do you really see me like this? It's been four years; what have you been up to outside? Do you think I really don't care?"
As Barrett recalled his memories of his past life, he felt that he had lived a miserable three years. All the misfortunes had flooded in, with his friends Baron and Danny leaving him because of the family, attending the worst university, and falling behind by a year before entering the Second World to study the techniques of the three gun gods. No matter what he did, it was the worst. And this father who now seemed so concerned had never been there, and hearing his words now, Barrett sneered in disdain.
"What's the point of treason? As long as your grandfather is alive, no one dares to say that the Walkers are traitors to the nation or to humanity. All the people in the federation will support us on this, and besides, you didn't even break through, you were hit by a truck from behind, didn't you?" Morton Walker winked teasingly at Barrett, a gesture only the closest would understand. But seeing Barrett's icy expression, he felt awkward and continued, "I saw your performance just now. Your grandfather doesn't like people who use guns, saying that it's a sign of weakness for the Walkers to use guns. Although martial arts are flourishing now, guns are no match for ability users, but when guns are taken to their extreme, they can still compete with us. So don't be disheartened! I believe that your skills with guns will surpass mine one day."
"How can I surpass you? Using a gun to fight a nuclear bomb will result in a death and a large area of destruction! Hmph! What a joke, what hypocrisy! What are you trying to say? I don't have time to waste with you, a busy man!" Barrett's thoughts were clear that firearms would never be the stage for human warfare, but now, with abilities surpassing guns, Morton Walker's five-star general ability could destroy even an ordinary army. But could a gun do that?
So, as long as he was still human, he would never be able to look the war god in the eye. He could only be a castaway. But he had now come to terms with it. As long as people were not gods, they could not escape bullets. With higher abilities, he could also be an assassin, finding his face in secret was enough.
"Come back with me! Your grandfather's 80th birthday can't do without you," Morton Walker said softly.
"Haha! So you finally reveal your purpose. Did he send you, or did you take it upon yourself? Don't make me come back, and then have him not let me in the house and throw me out in front of everyone, losing not only my own face but also yours," Barrett sneered. "I told you, if you force me to go back, the only thing that will go back with you is a corpse!"
"Very well, take care of yourself," Morton Walker stepped aside. Huh?
At this moment, Barrett was puzzled and felt as if he had just struck the air with all his might, completely subverting his impression. But he was not going to be polite. He walked off with his head held high, leaving Morton Walker behind.
"I'm really leaving!" Morton Walker said, smiling and full of goodwill.
"That's strange!" Barrett was full of doubt, but this seemed like a good thing!
Striding confidently towards the unknown depths of the road, he didn't know if it would be a smooth road or a thorny one, but it was bound to be exciting. "Julia! Wait for me! I will definitely watch your new movie. In the last lifetime, you were mine, slipping away from my hands, but in this life, you won't be hurt, and you will never miss me again."
Morton Walker watched Barrett, carrying a sniper rifle on his back and leaving a Desert Eagle at his waist, waving to the unknown, and said inexplicably, "How many fathers in this world don't care for their sons? I have let your mother down. Whatever you want to do, go ahead! I'm pleased that you dare to defy me!"
Gradually, Barrett disappeared from Morton Walker's sight, and only then did he show a look of contentment. Wishing him well, he walked towards the border station, where a few vehicles started to come and go. Suddenly, the desolate road gained some activity!