Chapter Forty-Nine: The Aftermath Investigation (Part Two)

For the military, the destruction of a high-security prison by a tsunami was considered a natural disaster. However, these dangerous criminals could not simply be confined within the military camp indefinitely. Each of them was formidable in their own right, and any misstep could lead to catastrophic consequences.

Handling the investigation was one matter, but an even more pressing issue was how to deal with these inmates afterward. This was not something that could be resolved with a simple sentence. The old warden’s greatest headache lay here.

After finishing his training, Zhao Li felt the nameless true qi in his body regain its original formidable strength. It no longer showed the slight weakness caused by his previous inability to break through. It seemed even the qi had its own temperament.

At this point, Zhao Li was still under surveillance, yet he was free to move about the military camp. Except for a few restricted areas, he could go wherever he pleased.

Upon stepping outside, he saw Ba Lang wandering nearby. Zhao Li chased after him and exchanged a few words. Ba Lang hadn’t seen Zhao Li for three or four months and still held a deep impression of the young man. Everyone remembered how he had humiliated Simpson during the rookie welcome ceremony.

This time, Zhao Li had made an even bigger splash. Using a single-person flyer and a simple rubber raft, he had left the tsunami’s towering waves far behind and safely brought over forty people back to the camp. This feat was the talk of the camp. Unfortunately, Zhao Li was under strict orders not to speak freely about the incident. More importantly, many of the prisoners’ identities had to remain secret.

The investigation team arrived swiftly, composed entirely of majors, all relatively young and in their prime. There were about a dozen of them. Every guard at the special prison was quarantined and interviewed separately, Zhao Li included.

Perhaps because Zhao Li had remained calm under pressure and brought everyone back safely, the major responsible for his interview appeared quite kind. The conversation felt more like a friendly chat than an interrogation.

Zhao Li had nothing to hide. He had never believed he was in the wrong and therefore had no fear.

“Sergeant, tell me about your experience at sea. I’m very curious,” the major said in a tone akin to that of a casual friend. Encouraged by the relaxed atmosphere, Zhao Li recounted everything that had happened.

There was nothing to conceal. First, he had fulfilled his duties as a prison guard. Second, the prisoners had behaved themselves, and no extraordinary incidents had occurred. In the end, the outcome was satisfactory for all.

“According to prison management regulations, staff must never let their guard down when monitoring prisoners under any circumstances. Yet, throughout the entire incident, you first handed control of the single-person flyer to…” The major glanced down at the record, “James, a flight expert. Then, at sea, you relaxed your surveillance of all prisoners to save one. That’s correct, isn’t it?”

Zhao Li nodded in acknowledgment. It was an undeniable fact. The major’s tone remained gentle despite repeatedly emphasizing the rules. It was clear everyone understood that under those circumstances, this was the best solution.

After all, Zhao Li was a newcomer assigned to a special prison. With only four hours of flight experience, he had little choice. He could have abandoned everyone to the sea or risked losing his own life. Entrusting the flyer to a flight expert was a wise decision, and the outcome justified it.

“Aren’t you worried… about James?” The major looked at the record again. “Aren’t you afraid he might pilot the flyer and escape alone?”

“Sir, the single-person flyer has limited carrying capacity and cannot break through the atmosphere. Even if James escaped, he would remain on this planet. Currently, the only viable landing spots are the administrative center and the military camp. If he fled, he’d have to return to one of those two places.” Zhao Li had considered this carefully at the time and explained his decision. “Besides, sir, yes, it was a bit risky, but there was no better alternative.”

Zhao Li’s admission of the risk made it difficult for the major to press further. When a man openly acknowledges his gamble, what more is there to say? Those prisoners were fortunate to have a responsible guard like Zhao Li. Under such dire circumstances, other guards prioritized their own safety, but Zhao Li stayed behind alone—and the outcome was positive.

There was no need for detailed analysis. Zhao Li admitted to all deviations from prison regulations during the escape, but even the military’s highest officers likely had no better solution. At most, Zhao Li might receive a minor reprimand, but given his role in saving everyone, such a trivial penalty was negligible.

The interview proceeded smoothly. Apart from asking Zhao Li to elaborate on some details, the major listened with genuine interest, posing no difficulties.

Although Zhao Li was detailed in his account, he refrained from mentioning the nameless cultivation technique. He was unsure if practicing an unauthorized method within the military would cause trouble. Moreover, he did not wish to become a test subject for research. He decided to consult the old warden when he had the chance.

As Zhao Li recounted the events, he could not help but worry about the other guards. His failure to coordinate the group might have caused them trouble. If he had returned alone, it would have been one thing, but since everyone, including the prisoners, returned, others might bear some blame for dereliction of duty or even desertion.

At the time, Zhao Li had not thought so deeply. But with investigators now present, he realized the potential consequences. Whether his actions were right or wrong, he could not be certain. Yet, whenever he thought of those bright eyes and their owner, he felt that, even if he had the chance, he would make the same choice again.

“Very good, Sergeant. Thank you for your cooperation.” The major, having found no further valuable information, admired the young man’s fearless completion of a near-suicidal mission.

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