Chapter Twenty-Six: A Stranger in a New Land (Part Two)

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Zhao Li ultimately succumbed to the relentless wave after wave of drinking challenges, collapsing at last. At this party, he was thoroughly delighted, and, fueled by alcohol, he finally vented all the frustrations that had accumulated since high school. Of course, it wasn’t the kind of reckless, incoherent venting; rather, it was a complete spiritual release. Drinking and reveling with his newfound comrades, he quickly became one with those around him. Even when sober, Zhao Li found himself amazed—when had he become so adept at socializing?

Awakening from his stupor, Zhao Li realized something: though he’d been drunk the night before, he could remember almost everything he said and did. This brought him considerable relief, for his recollections suggested he hadn’t done anything outrageous. Fortunately, he had no headache either.

“Zhao Li, you’ll be sent to the prison today—get ready,” Simpson poked his head through the door of Zhao Li’s room, offering a reminder. He looked cheerful; the man had poured Zhao Li a barrel of liquor but hadn’t drunk much himself.

There wasn’t much to prepare—he only had his military uniform, and his luggage hadn’t even been unpacked. Before long, Zhao Li appeared neat and tidy before Simpson, ready to go.

“This is a personal aircraft. Have you ever used one before?” After breakfast, Simpson led Zhao Li to the airfield within the military camp, pointing at a machine just slightly larger than a magnetic vehicle.

“No,” Zhao Li was puzzled. Personal aircraft? Was he expected to pilot it himself?

“You guessed it, but there’s no prize!” Simpson snapped his fingers, reading Zhao Li’s thoughts from his expression, then began instructing him on how to operate the craft.

Puzzled, Zhao Li listened attentively. The controls weren’t difficult; he had experience with specialized vehicles, and as long as he mastered takeoff and landing, there was little trouble.

After only two practice runs, Simpson shoved him into a brand-new aircraft. “Pay attention. This is your exclusive vehicle—it’ll be your transport between the prison and here.” He pointed at a narrow card slot. “That’s your identity authentication interface. Insert your military badge.” Following Simpson’s guidance, Zhao Li slid in his badge.

“Here, fingerprint authentication!” Simpson indicated another spot, seeming less like he was training Zhao Li and more like he was urging him to hurry up.

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After fingerprint authentication came voiceprint collection. Once these basic settings were completed, the aircraft was officially Zhao Li’s personal vehicle.

“Don’t just stand there. This is to ensure your safety, and so that none of the prisoners can use your craft,” Simpson said, offering no further explanation. Zhao Li understood; these measures were covered in prison management, though not at such a high level of security. This special prison was clearly unlike any other.

“All right, soon we’ll take off—follow me. I’ll only lead you once. If you forget the route, don’t come looking for me,” Simpson said briskly, and Zhao Li suspected his haste was due to some embarrassment Zhao Li had caused him. Only two practice flights and now he was to follow this veteran pilot? Did headquarters really trust him not to dump the aircraft in the sea?

Nervously, Zhao Li lifted off, trailing slowly behind Simpson toward the prison. Simpson had made it clear he’d only guide him once, so Zhao Li focused intently on the instrument panel and the surrounding environment, determined to memorize the route.

After a while, they were surrounded entirely by water; there was no way to navigate by landmarks. Zhao Li had to rely on the dashboard.

Simpson seemed intent on making things difficult—his flight path twisted and turned, even looping a few times. Yet Zhao Li was undaunted; his speed was slow, but he memorized the bearings.

After nearly four hours of flying, Zhao Li finally spotted the massive metal platform rising from the sea. Simpson told him over the headset to land, then circled away, departing swiftly.

Fortunately, the aircraft was extremely easy to control, and nothing went wrong. Clumsily, Zhao Li landed at the designated spot, stepped out with a head full of questions.

Everything, except for the oddly brief training before his first flight, seemed driven by secrecy and security. Zhao Li was certain now—this special prison was no ordinary institution.

A lieutenant appeared from an unknown direction. Upon seeing him, Zhao Li snapped to attention and saluted, “Good day, Sir!”

“Sergeant Zhao Li?” The lieutenant’s face was expressionless, but Zhao Li could detect a hint of anticipation—likely because Zhao Li was soon to become his comrade.

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“Follow me!” As the lieutenant spoke, Zhao Li’s personal aircraft was seized by a massive mechanical arm and placed to the side, among a row of identical vehicles. Aside from their serial numbers, they were all the same.

“Welcome to Montbatten Special Prison!” Opening a thick security door, the lieutenant finally smiled and extended his hand to Zhao Li.

This was a colossal metal platform built on the sea, with no islands or land for hundreds of kilometers—at least, none in the direction Zhao Li had come from, and likely none elsewhere either.

Everywhere Zhao Li looked, there were heavy metal doors and layers upon layers of gates. For now, he saw no one else, but even this initial impression left him deeply shaken.

Even Simpson, responsible only for guiding the way, had no permission to enter. Coupled with the unique location, it was clear this special prison was unlike anything Zhao Li had ever seen.

“This prison houses the military’s most dangerous felons. Every inmate here is a ruthless menace, extremely dangerous. You must never let your guard down. Should a single prisoner escape, it would cause widespread panic outside. From your first day here, you must understand what kind of people you’re dealing with!”

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Third update, striving for the rankings. Looking forward to your recommendations and support. Thank you, everyone!