Long-term salvation

"Long time no see, Mr. Hayaseura Takuhiko," Rhodes said with a sneer.

"...Not long, young man," Hayaseura Takuhiko tried to stand up straight, but the oppressive feeling brought by the young man's blue eyes and the revolver in front of him far surpassed the cold wind of the winter night. "It seems that you have done very well—"

"ATC," Rhodes said, "What are you trying to do by setting up an organization and trying to seize DCmini?"

"Company? Organization? No, no, no, you're mistaken, young man. ATC alone cannot create an organization."

After hearing Rhode's words, Hayaseura Takuhiko gradually calmed down, and his words were filled with a bit of condescending arrogance and pity:

"'We' are joining forces, signing agreements, and moving forward into the future."

A terrifying possibility flashed through Rhodes' mind, but just as he was about to ask something else, the helicopter pilot took the opportunity when Hayaseura Takuya blocked Rhodes' sight and suddenly drew his gun and fired several shots at the white-haired old man's back!

Hayaseura Takuhiko suddenly opened his eyes wide, and blood gushed out of his throat, drowning his last words.

Facing Rhode's surprised gaze, the helicopter pilot said calmly:

"He said too much. You (all of you) must not be careless at all."

After saying that, he put down his pistol, held the helicopter joystick and waited quietly.

Seeing this strange sight, Rhode didn't hesitate. He turned around, picked up Chiba Atsuko, who was still confused, and rushed out. The moment he jumped out, the flames of the bomb explosion instantly engulfed the entire helicopter, illuminating the dark night sky like fireworks.

Below, the rolling, lightless sea gradually expanded in front of the two of them, as if a huge mouth of the abyss was ready to swallow them completely.

"Sea! Sea!" Chiba Atsuko screamed in shock and held her head in panic.

For Chiba Atsuko, what happened in just one night had completely short-circuited her brain. Countless questions were swirling around her lips, but she didn't know how to start. When the cold, salty sea water wrapped her up, these questions no longer became important.

She had to survive first, and then check on Tokita's condition. Was he still alive? Of course, there were also other people in the institute... Chiba Atsuko lost consciousness due to choking and suffocation. Before that, she felt her hand being dragged upwards.

In the darkness, it seemed as if a golden sun was rising in front of them. The light was so warm that it seemed to completely dispel the coldness around them.

Chapter 118: Irons's Distress

The soft light reflected on Chiba Atsuko's face, causing her eyelids to flutter slightly. After waiting for a few seconds, she slowly opened her eyes.

"Unrecognized ceiling."

After staying there for a few seconds and realizing that she was lying in the hospital, Chiba Atsuko breathed a sigh of relief and tilted her head to look at the surrounding environment - pure white and clean walls, tied beige curtains, and a slight smell of disinfectant, everything made her feel happy.

Aside from the orange robot in the corner, its massive body was a nuisance everywhere, not to mention Tokita's chubby face on the display screen on that square head... Tokita?!

"Tokita-kun?!"

Chiba Atsuko sat up suddenly and watched as the robot spun its arms and head, sliding to the bedside on wheels. On the screen, Tokita's face wore a rare mix of guilt and relief. He spoke, but his voice came through the robot's speakers:

"You've been in a coma for two days. Mr. Rhodes took you to the hospital, and then the people from Atlas took care of the affairs at the institute."

Rod?

That's the young man's name.

Chiba Atsuko still remembered everything that happened in her dream world, including the helicopter door being torn open on a cold winter night. The nightmarish memory made her stomach cramp. After pursing her lips for a long time, she finally spoke:

"I need to eat something, and you also need to explain your current state... Are you still in the dream world?"

"Yeah, lucid dreaming, like with Red Hot Chili Peppers!"

Tokita Robot spun around exaggeratedly to amuse Chiba Atsuko, his chubby face crammed onto the screen, his eyes gleaming brightly, but that light quickly dimmed. Tokita had many flaws: fat, gluttonous, childish, and so on, but after this incident, he had grown considerably.

"Many people in the institute are also like this, just immersed in their own dreams. I can only ask the director to help reverse-hack the DCmini from the inside."

"On the contrary... we need a lot of time and money," Chiba Atsuko thought for a few seconds, and then a little worry arose in her heart. "The research institute has become like this. The future will be very difficult."

"I don't think so, Ms. Chiba Atsuko."

English, a man's voice, but then it naturally switched to Japanese.

Chiba Atsuko looked in the direction of the voice and saw a middle-aged man in a suit standing at the ward door. He was white, with a stern, resolute expression, and the intimidating presence of a high-ranking official was evident in his every gesture. A nurse, holding a tray, waited behind him, trembling under the scrutiny of several tall bodyguards.

Jonathan Irons buttoned his cuffs, walked into the ward, and sat down opposite Chiba Atsuko and Tokita.

"Ah, this is——"

"Jonathan Irons, founder and CEO of Atlas Corporation," Chiba Atsuko exhaled slowly. "So, the young man named Rod is indeed from Atlas Corporation."

"He's not, much as I wish he was."

Irons said calmly that he was proficient in many languages ​​including Chinese. Although his Japanese was not very good, he was okay for daily conversation - this was thanks to the other directors on the board - and of course, there was still an accompanying translator.

"Your research will be taken over by Aperture Technology, but Atlas Corporation will make the investment." Irons watched the nurse place the porridge in front of Chiba Atsuko and quickly fled the ward. After signaling the latter to do as she pleased, he slowly spoke:

"The research is valuable, but also dangerous... I believe this doesn't require further proof. After this is concluded, you will need to return to the United States and continue your research under the supervision of Aperture Technologies and Atlas Corporation (the Cogito Foundation). If you are unwilling, then maintain your current state and focus on rescuing people from the dream."

"That sounds very generous."

"Obviously," Irons turned his head slightly to look at Tokita, "I must thank Mr. Tokita Hirosaku for guiding Rod out quickly when the dream world collapsed. This is very important - we can't afford to lose him. Although the blonde girl claimed to have this ability, the situation was urgent at the time, and no one could gamble with the future for even a moment of the night."

Speaking of this, Irons suddenly felt a headache, especially after he finished reading the action report that Rhodes submitted to the Council, as well as the report from the agents of Atlas Corporation's Tokyo branch:

Of the six heavily armed bodies, only three could be reassembled intact. Five more had their limbs severed and were crammed into truck boxes, their original documents missing. The entire institute was in shambles, with grenades, rifles, heavy machine guns, and rockets being used in succession—even an attack helicopter was spotted downtown!

Ah! Pa! Qi! Weapons! Helicopter! Aircraft!

This is a model that the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force does not have! (In the normal timeline OTL, the AH-64D was first equipped in 2005)

What does this little bastard want to do? What does he want to do?! Is he going to shoot up Tokyo Tower or the Ferris wheel?!

Then there's ATC. They have deep ties to the US military and CIA projects, and they're interested in research related to cyborgs, unlike Atlas, which focuses on mechanical ascension. While there aren't major conflicts right now, their interest in reaching out to the inner world suggests future conflict is inevitable.

Thinking of this, Irons became even more upset. In the list of potential hostile forces that Rhodes was currently facing, every one of them was the top in their respective fields, and they had deep connections and interests with the political and military circles of countries around the world, especially the United States.

What the hell is this? Is Atlas Corporation going to fight the whole world in the future?! Oh yeah, they really did fight it before, which is even more nerve-wracking...

Every time this happened, Irons wanted to grab Rod and punch him twice.

Seeing Ains's unfriendly expression and silence, Chiba Atsuko and Tokita exchanged a glance and asked cautiously:

"Is there anything else you can do?"

"No, nothing. I shouldn't have been here, but I'm curious about your research." Irons stood up, straightened his collar, and his expression softened slightly.

"I also have a friend who has connections to dreams... Entering dreams is dangerous in this world, but also extremely valuable. You'll understand this later—use this power with caution, both of you. I'll have someone from Atlas Corporation hand you over later."

After saying that, Ains ignored the expressions of Chiba Atsuko and Tokita, and stood up and left the ward.

In the corridor, the accompanying secretary quickly caught up with Irons and whispered beside him:

"The Security Department has taken over the security here. Covering up the situation of the unconscious individuals inside the institute is difficult... but we are sending people to comfort the families. We have also bribed major news organizations and TV stations in Tokyo, and the Japanese government is also making arrangements."

"If that doesn't work, just pretend it was gas poisoning during a group meal," Irons said, unconcerned. He trusted his subordinates' abilities. "Don't waste time. Suppress the impact as quickly as possible."

"I understand, sir."

"Okay, now..."

Irons walked out of the private hospital under Atlas Corporation. He took a deep breath, got in the car, and said to the driver:

"Go to the hot spring hotel we marked earlier."

Chapter 119: Irons's Helplessness

A fleet of black jeeps drove through the city and toward the suburbs, eventually stopping in front of a classic Japanese garden. Outside the white-on-black wall stood a row of vertical flags with the Chinese character for "湯" (Tang) inscribed on them. A few cars, including a battered yellow Fiat, were parked in the adjacent parking lot.

After leaving his bodyguards and entourage to wait outside, Irons walked into the hot spring hotel alone.

After walking a few steps, Irons saw Rod lying on the wooden platform outside pretending to be dead. Beside him were a mud-brown oval heater and an ashtray. Half of a cigarette, still unextinguished, was burning quietly in his hand. A wisp of gray smoke was particularly conspicuous in front of the white Japanese sliding door.

Irons: "..."

You're quite relaxed, huh?!

With his facial muscles twitching slightly, Irons took a few deep breaths to calm down and was about to go forward to wake up Rod, but then he saw Asuka Iki, who was wearing thick clothes, coming over with a rectangular tray filled with small teapots, teacups and desserts of various colors.

The girl saw Ains walking towards her and gave a small cry of surprise. Then she knelt down beside Rhodes, shook his body with her hand, and said softly:

"Mr. Rhodes, there are outsiders coming."

After a few seconds of silence, Rhode sat up straight like a frozen fish and said with a sigh:

"This guy isn't an 'outsider'. You can just call him Mr. Irons... I thought you would wait until I returned to the United States before coming over. Mr. Sawai is here. Do you need me to call him over?"

"...Call her over, and let this young lady go—how come it's another cute girl? I remember Sawai also mentioned a pair of twin sisters."

Irons sat down next to Rhodes with a sullen face, snatched away his teacup and the boiling hot tea, and even picked up a few pieces of cakes with his fingers and stuffed them into his mouth, mumbling:

"Although I won't comment on other people's private lives, I still want to remind you as an elder to take care of your health."

"You talk too much, Irons." Rhodes stretched and put on his coat while sitting cross-legged. Under the warm late winter sun, he didn't feel too cold. "What happened a few days ago was quite dangerous. Those six elite clone soldiers caught me off guard... I almost thought you sent Atlas' elite to silence me."

Hearing this, Ains, who was eating dessert, choked and started coughing violently. He also slapped Rhodes on the back of the head.

"What are you talking about, you little bastard?! What reason do I have to silence you? And can those six people piece together six complete bodies? You sound quite wronged when you say that!"

"Um... Actually, Randolph and I have been trolling you together. I gave him some suggestions for his new work, asking him to write a character based on your image. He agreed and said he wanted to write a personality-shifted version of you, where you'd be the first to appear and the first to be killed."

He subconsciously clenched his fists. For the first time, Irons felt his murderous intent so clearly. After taking a few deep breaths, he gritted his teeth and said slowly:

"Go back and kill that idiot Randolph."

"Happy," Rhodes laughed gleefully.

"You're not much better!"

After glaring at Rhodes, Irons helplessly pressed his brow with his hand and talked about the important matter that he had forgotten about because of the interruption:

"I intend to move most of Atlas's facilities and resources out of the United States."

"..." Rhodes, who had put away his smile, did not respond immediately. He carefully considered the meaning of Ains' words. When Sawai hurried over, he said seriously, "It's not the right time yet. There is no suitable opportunity or place now."

It is now 1990. If the timeline does not change significantly, Iraq will invade Kuwait in August of this year, leading to the subsequent Gulf War starting in January 1991.

In the original timeline of Call of Duty Advanced Warfare, Atlas Corporation signed an agreement with Iraq to eliminate militants in its territory, and then spent about five years transforming Baghdad into "New Baghdad", making it a peaceful, prosperous, modern metropolis, which was eventually destroyed by the invasion of the United States Army.

Why is it always you? (Pointing)

In reality, establishing the main base of Atlas/Army Without Borders in the heart of the Middle East wasn't a good idea. A large tree attracts winds, and it's prone to religious, racial, and ethnic conflicts, which could easily lead to its own downfall. Not to mention, the current Atlas Corporation isn't the massive private military contractor empire of the original timeline, capable of membership in the UN Security Council!

"I agree with Rod's opinion," Sawai Soichiro came around from the back corridor, while Asuka Iki ran to join Little Red Riding Hood who was eating and drinking in the kitchen, and did not participate in the conversation between the men.

"You need to think carefully. Our enemies are so numerous and so powerful that we cannot afford any mistakes."

"That's one of the reasons I came here in person, to ask our 'prophet,'" Irons sighed. "Besides cleaning up this little bastard's mess, I also need to investigate the situation in Japan and attend branch meetings. Although the possibility of taking root in this country is almost zero, I still need to take a look and, by the way, clean out any idiots who might be corrupt or trying to become independent."

"Then you could buy an entire area and name it Academy City or District 11 or something like that."

Rhode said with dead eyes. He poured a cup of hot tea for Sawai first, then poured some for himself. He sipped the tea, and the feeling of the warmth sliding down his throat made Rhode sigh with satisfaction. Then he continued:

"How's it in Africa?"

"That's what you said before, the time and place." Irons held the teacup, feeling the heat brought to him by the tea. "What will happen to the world next? I hope you can tell me, Rod."

"I'm not sure—you're all aware of my memory issues. But Atlas Corporation can gather intelligence on Iraq first. If an incident occurs, I will explain it in detail to all directors... And you can begin your operation to move outside the United States. ATC, the Mobius Foundation, or some other force may have already colluded and become the "opponent" of "us."

"Besides, in the end, humanity's enemies are still humans. Isn't this kind of story normal?"

After hearing what Rod said, coupled with the recent dream events, Irons and Sawai Soichiro fell silent. They sipped their tea quietly, their minds in turmoil.

"The affairs of the other world are already enough to give us a headache," Irons frowned and sighed helplessly. He felt like he was sighing every time he met with Rhode, and if he continued like this, his life would be shortened. "But since you have your opinion, I will start preparing first. You'd better meet with the other directors as soon as possible, and go to Europe when you have time."

"Right on my mind."

"The other world..."

Sawai Soichiro shook his head. He suddenly remembered something and said to Rhodes with a smile:

"This afternoon, the head of the Saikawa family and his daughter from the Saikawa Shrine will be here, as will the Amakura sisters. You can talk to them in detail about the other world."

Chapter 120 Visitors from Nara

What was a bit unexpected to Rhodes was that after Sawai Soichiro left to pick someone up, Irons did not leave immediately. Instead, he planned to have lunch and stay until the afternoon to talk with the visitors to the Saikawa Shrine before leaving.

Irons wanted to ascertain the extent of the Japanese shrine system's understanding of and attitude towards the inner world, but the more important reason was that he wanted to meet Yang - Nikki, who was out there acquiring shares of Shinohara Heavy Industries and conducting business negotiations. She was the hero behind Rhodes's rapid acquisition of Aperture Technology and his leverage on the Detroit financial market.

In reality, most of the directors, including Ains, had always believed that the girls around Rhode were all combat specialists. It wasn't until Aperture Technology was acquired and received significant financial support that they finally woke up from their dreams and quickly urged Ains to provide more support to Rhode.

Because of this, when the dusty Yang returned to the hot spring hotel, he couldn't help but be a little surprised when he saw Ains sitting at the long table.