Chapter 28 Small Meeting

The next day, a small conference room in the center of the underground gathering area.

A group of elders in cyan robes sat in their council seats, all listening quietly to Garlan's report.

Garlan reported every single detail about the outsiders, including their initial conversations, to the elders.

"What does everyone think?"

Garlan's grandfather, Gaan, asked calmly.

"From the current situation, these outsiders are relatively well-behaved. They're much better than the group that came before, but who can guarantee they don't have other intentions?"

"That's right, we can't be careless. However, if they're willing to continue to be so well-behaved, accepting them isn't impossible."

"That makes sense."

......

Gaan raised his hand, signaling everyone to be quiet.

"I've heard your opinions. Let's put that aside for now. Garlan, how was your exploration this time?"

Garlan reported with a solemn expression, "The situation is not optimistic. We went up from the spare passage, and we encountered a large number of security guards not long after. It seems that the situation with Artificial Intelligence · Black宙 (Hei Zhou) is becoming increasingly serious. It's frantically eliminating dissidents, and its movements have become chaotic. It's very dangerous up there now."

Hearing Garlan's words, the elders present fell silent, their expressions grave.

Gaan nodded.

"You did well, but there's one more thing I need you to do."

"Please speak."

Garlan responded respectfully.

"The people below have reported that our food reserves are running low. With the addition of so many outsiders, the food shortage has become even more acute. Take some people to the abandoned factory to find some food."

Gaan said calmly.

At this time, an old man next to him frowned and said, "Clan Leader Gaan, why don't we let those outsiders find their own food? Why should we prepare food for them?"

Gaan slowly stood up, his cloudy eyes sweeping over everyone present, and said in a deep voice.

"Since we have temporarily confirmed that they have no hostility and are allowing them to stay here, it's equivalent to acknowledging them as guests. When guests arrive, shouldn't we, as hosts, entertain them? When did our Hongji Empire become so lacking in grace and etiquette?"

Hearing Gaan's words, many elders and councilors lowered their heads.

"Alright, it's decided then."

Gaan finalized the matter.

......

On the other side, inside the temporary camp, Su Mo stretched and yawned as he got up from the ground.

Last night was the best night's rest he'd had in a while.

Before Su Mo could even finish stretching, Lin Ming came over.

"You're awake."

"Yeah, what's up? Something wrong?"

Su Mo looked at Lin Ming in confusion. For some reason, he always felt a sense of affinity whenever he looked at Lin Ming.

Lin Ming said to Su Mo in a low voice, "I just did a count, and we don't have many nutrient bars left. Can you negotiate with Garlan to get us some supplies, even if we have to trade something for them?"

"That might be a little difficult. You saw it yesterday too, those kids are all skinny, it's obvious they're not getting enough nutrition. And I have a feeling they probably prioritize supplying the children, so their food here must be very tight too."

Su Mo's head ached when he heard Lin Ming bring this up.

"Then what do we do? We're safe now, but we can't just run off and look for food everywhere."

Lin Ming also felt it was very tricky. He had actually noticed what Su Mo said. He wouldn't have brought it up if there was any other way.

"How about this, I'll try to negotiate with Garlan."

Su Mo also understood that Lin Ming must be out of options.

So Su Mo walked to the edge of the temporary camp and said to a patrolling guard, "Excuse me, can you help me pass a message to Garlan? I have something I want to talk to her about."

In reality, these patrolling guards were said to be maintaining security, but they were mostly monitoring Su Mo and the others.

However, everyone saw through it but didn't say anything.

Also, in order to facilitate communication, they all had translation patches on their necks.

"Lord Garlan has instructed that you can move freely. Go find her yourself. She should be in the assembly area over there now."

The patrolling guard said to Su Mo in a mild tone.

"Thank you."

Su Mo thanked him quickly.

Then Su Mo ran in the direction the guard pointed.

Since it wasn't very big here, Su Mo quickly arrived at the assembly area.

He saw Garlan assembling a hundred elite soldiers, all checking their weapons, looking like they were preparing to go on a mission.

"Garlan."

Su Mo called out.

Garlan turned her head and saw that it was Su Mo who had called her, which was a bit of a surprise.

"What is it?"

"It's a small matter, where are you going?"

Su Mo was a little embarrassed to speak, so he planned to exchange a few pleasantries first.

Garlan didn't plan to hide it from Su Mo and explained bluntly, "The base doesn't have enough food, and we're preparing to entertain you, so we plan to go out and collect some."

"Isn't it dangerous outside right now?"

Su Mo said subconsciously.

"We can't just not go out because it's dangerous."

Garlan said after a few seconds of silence.

"Why don't we help? Not to brag, our combat skills are top-notch, and everyone is an elite who definitely won't be a burden."

Su Mo volunteered.

The other team members present also looked at Garlan when they heard Su Mo's words.

They still relatively recognized the strength of Su Mo and the others, after all, they had exchanged fire before, and they were indeed extraordinary.

The most important point was that these people were equipped with pretty good equipment. They were indeed a little short-handed now. They were constantly working outside, and their injury rate among the prime of their lives was very high.

It would be great to have helpers, but even if they were eager for helpers, none of the team members present said anything, just silently watching Garlan.

"Okay."

Garlan finally agreed.

"Wait, I'll go gather the people."

Seeing Garlan agree, Su Mo turned around and ran back.

There was nothing better to build friendship than fighting side by side, especially since the other party was going out to find food for them.

He had to help.

Soon, Su Mo ran back to the temporary camp.

Lin Ming immediately greeted him.

"How was it?"

"I just went to find Garlan, and I found out that they're preparing to go out to collect food in order to prepare food for us. So I volunteered to participate together, what do you guys think?"

Su Mo briefly explained the matter.

Hearing Su Mo's words, Lin Ming and others were also stunned. Although they had long guessed that Garlan and the others were also short on food, they didn't expect it to be so tight, and they were still planning to find food for them.

"What's there to say about this? We have to participate!"