Chapter 253: Only 10?

Chapter 253: Only Ten?

Three hours later, inside Facility 011.

The rescue of the wounded was essentially complete; all patients had been transferred into the makeshift sterile medical pods for treatment.

Shen Yue shed his sterile suit and walked toward Chen Jian, who was waiting outside, and said:

“It's basically taken care of.”

“Our equipment and medicines are fairly comprehensive, and they work well.”

“There’s nothing I can do for the dead, but as long as they’re alive, the odds are high that they’ll survive.”

“How high is ‘high’ exactly?”

Chen Jian asked.

“About ninety percent— the torn intestine is a serious issue, and a rampant infection remains the greatest risk.”

“It all comes down to tonight; if he can pull through this evening, then he’s pulled through.”

“If he can’t make it through tonight, even a deity’s arrival won’t help.”

“Understood. What about Xie Liu and Li Shi?”

Chen Jian pressed on.

“Li Shi’s injury is minor—a fracture in his left hand—but he’s already donned his armor.”

“Xie Liu’s wound looks frightening, yet the monster’s claw ripped almost along the muscle plane, and she also fell forward, dissipating the force; the wound isn’t that deep.”

“Given a Saint‑Blooded’s constitution, I estimate ten days to a fortnight before she regains normal mobility.”

“If the wound heals completely, it’ll be about a month.”

“That’s not bad.”

Chen Jian nodded slowly.

In truth, as their material advantage grew, the Saint‑Blooded’s impact on the battlefield waned.

Even core combatants like Zeng Yi had been reassigned to Jinling City, serving as guards—or, more politely, students—of He Shuo.

Nevertheless, when faced with the comrades who had followed him from the very beginning, Chen Jian’s feelings remained somewhat special.

—

Of course, after confirming that the two were not seriously injured, he gave them no special treatment.

What he needed to worry about now were the other gravely wounded and the placement of the two fallen warriors.

After a brief pause, Chen Jian asked:

“What exactly happened to those two who perished?”

“Nothing out of the ordinary; the front line was breached and we ran straight into two monsters.”

“One rescued the other, and in the end both gave their lives.”

“That’s on me—I overestimated my unit’s discipline.”

“They had a chance to fall back, but in that instant they were caught up in the heat of battle.”

“Regardless, by our standards they deserve a first‑class merit medal.”

At that point, Shen Yue handed his PDA to Chen Jian and continued:

“Both of them have families; one even has a four‑year‑old child.”

“We must address that. My suggestion is to forego any special status for now, but to grant them some preferential treatment.”

“Preferential treatment, sure—what form would that take?”

Chen Jian furrowed his brow slightly, then said:

“All supplies and facilities in the base are allocated uniformly. Apart from core equipment, we’ve placed virtually no restrictions on the residents’ daily lives.”

“Everything we enjoy, they can enjoy as well. As for preferential treatment, I can’t think of a suitable format at the moment.”

“A one‑off benefit, then.”

Shen Yue sighed, then said:

“Frankly, whatever we give them now is meaningless.”

“The people of Huangshi City have already pawned all their leverage onto us.”

“Even if we return a portion, they’ll simply press their chips back onto us.”

“So my thought is to focus on spiritual rewards instead.”

“Award ceremonies and memorial services are essential; they revere their ancestors, and the funerals should be conducted with due grandeur.” “Moreover, regarding the families’ placement, I propose establishing a rank‑based system.”

“Everyone now has a role, but leadership positions remain vacant.”

“This is a perfect chance to implement a logistical leadership structure.”

“Give the families of the wounded and the fallen a post, tasking them with managing the refugees of Qian Island Lake town and the incoming refugees from the Imperial Capital.”

“That way, without unsettling the military command hierarchy, we can deliver proper compensation.”

“Agreed.”

Chen Jian nodded thoughtfully, then added:

“But they must first be trained, meeting the standards required for the post.”

“Let’s set up a training class—dang school system?”

“Fine, let Fuxi draft the plan.”

Chen Jian signed off on the plan, and across from him, Shen Yue finally exhaled the breath that had been knotted in his chest.

After a moment of silence, he spoke:

“Dammit, the loss this time is just too great.”

“Honestly, I’m no longer surprised that the Mechanical Cult can’t beat these monsters.”

“These creatures seem almost sentient; they move like a well‑trained army from the age of cold steel.”

“Aside from their mode of attack, everything else mirrors a human army perfectly.”

“Indeed—actually, we realized this the first time we faced those mantises.”

“Yes, we’ve been a bit complacent.”

Shen Yue scratched his hair in frustration and continued:

“The morale is slipping, not just among others but within ourselves; we ought to undertake self‑criticism.”

“What do you think?”

“I’ll follow the commissar’s word.”

Chen Jian smiled at Shen Yue and said:

“The great battle draws near, and indeed we must reflect upon ourselves.”

“Then let it be done according to my plan.”

Shen Yue lifted his foot and stepped out of the fortifications, with Chen Jian close behind.

By then the clock had struck nine at night, the lights were kindled, the Huaxia troops and the citizens of Huangshi City had already taken their meals, while the other refugees still queued, receiving their evening fare.

When the two emerged from the main passage, every gaze converged upon them.

All had heard of the recent, brutal clash, and in their eyes shone a hint of reverence.

Especially the refugees from Qiandao Lake town, who instinctively halted their motions, and the one standing at the front of the line even stepped back two paces, yielding his place to them.

Yet Chen Jian did not step forward.

He merely waved his hand, signaling the crowd to continue.

Then he walked toward Jiang Yu, who stood at the tail of the line.

“We have suffered losses in this battle and must replenish our ranks.”

“Your unit maintains good discipline; I need to draw ten men from your ranks to form a new squad.”

“Select them yourself, and give me the list by tomorrow.”

The words hung in the air, and Jiang Yu stared, momentarily stunned.

Chen Jian furrowed his brow slightly, assuming she would refuse.

But immediately Jiang Yu, with a trace of hesitation and a hint of probing, asked:

“Only ten, then?”

(End of chapter)