Cruel Strategy: Sacrificing Pawns for the King
Kikuchi was growing increasingly panicked. “Masato, if the Japanese government finds out, this will be an international scandal. They’ll investigate to the bottom of it.”
Wu Bolin asked in a voice trembling with frustration.
“Then what should I do? If their troops are moving towards our base, where should I go?”
He looked out at the endless expanse of white ice.
“If I stay, there will be a fierce battle, and I will be outnumbered. If I leave, where can I hide on this dead continent?”
Wu Bolin’s Dao Heart (inner balance) was shaken greatly. He cursed harshly.
“Damn it! If I’d known this, I wouldn’t have bothered with America! I wanted to conquer territory, but instead my own house caught fire!”
Kikuchi looked at him with adoring eyes, an effect of powerful mind control.
“Rest assured, Master! We are willing to serve you wholeheartedly. Wherever you run, we will follow!”
Hearing that, Wu Bolin felt even more frustrated.
These Japanese researchers are certainly useful for exploration . But for escape ? They’re a burden.
First, they are physically weak. They wouldn’t survive long outside of shelter without advanced technology.
Second, a large group would be too conspicuous. Bringing them would be like carrying a neon sign that read “SHOOT HERE” to the US military.
Disposal Plan
Wu Bolin’s cunning brain worked quickly.
“If Japan and America cooperate, the best solution is to withdraw temporarily,” he thought.
“As for the fate of these Japanese researchers… let them be arrested.”
Wu Bolin wasn’t afraid of his secret being revealed. He had already planted a powerful mental suggestion.
They will be loyal to the death. If questioned, they will remain silent or speak nonsense.
This will leave a lasting mystery for Japan and America. They will never understand why these brilliant scientists betrayed their countries, and what they were truly seeking in Antarctica.
To be sure, Wu Bolin tested Kikuchi again.
“Kikuchi, if one day you were arrested and brought back to Japan… if they put a gun to your head and asked about me, what would you say?”
Without a second of hesitation, Kikuchi answered firmly.
“Don’t worry, Master! I will never mention your name. Even if I die, my mouth is sealed.”
Wu Bolin tersenyum tipis. Ia puas.
Persiapan Terakhir
Meskipun sudah siap membuang anak buahnya, Wu Bolin tidak ingin menyerah begitu saja.
Rencananya sekarang: Mundur ke Istana Wu Han secepat mungkin.
Jika militer AS datang menyerbu, ia tidak perlu bertarung frontal. Dengan tingkat kultivasinya, ia memiliki kelebihan dalam hal persepsi dan kecepatan reaksi.
“Aku bisa mendeteksi mereka lebih dulu sebelum mereka melihatku,” batinnya.
Dan jika situasi memungkinkan, Wu Bolin memiliki satu rencana cadangan yang lebih gila.
Ia akan mencoba menyergap satu tentara Amerika yang terpisah dari rombongan. Terutama yang bisa berbahasa Mandarin.
“Aku akan mengendalikan pikirannya, menyusup ke dalam barisan mereka, dan mencari tahu apa yang sebenarnya direncanakan Amerika!”