"Okay everyone…let me have your attention for a while," Richard announced, and the staffers working in the command center paused what they were doing. They turned their heads to Richard who looked at him expectantly.

Richard cleared his throat, preparing to make dialogue. "We have reached our goal of reaching level 50. Thanks to you, there seemed to be a significant powerup in the system which we can use against Lin Feng and his associates. We will stop the nuclear strikes for now and allow you to have breaks because I know you need one."

Hearing that, the staffers cheered, clapping their hands and whistling. 

"However," Richard raised his hands to settle the room, the cheers tapering off into an expectant silence. "This is not the time to let our guard down. Lin Feng is still out there, and we know he won't stop until he gets what he wants. Which is global domination. The Blackwatch is the last hope of humanity. And it is the burden as the commander-in-chief I proudly carry," Richard concluded.

Another wave of muted acknowledgment followed Richard's words. And then suddenly, the staffers roared in cheers and applause again. Richard waited for the noise to die down before he continued.

"Thank you," he said with a nod, appreciating their enthusiasm. "I'm proud of the work we've done. Go on then." 

Well with that, the staffers took their breaks though not all of them as some needed to watch over their stations. Because if they were to leave all at once, the command center would be vulnerable to unexpected incidents. 

After that dialogue, Richard walked over to Graves.

"I'm surprised that you made a sudden speech, Richard," Graves said. "So, what did you find interesting in your system?"

"Another suit, and a powerful version of the Titan's Guard at that," Richard revealed. "I bought two, one for you and one for me. Care for a test?" 

"Hmm…what about the operation where I'll lead a team to the United States and make direct contact with their government?" 

"Don't worry, we'll do that tomorrow. For now, let's do some tests on the new suit first. I can't wait to try it out." 

Graves hummed thoughtfully. "Well, if you say so sir, but is it only a new addition to your shop?" 

Richard shook his head. "I haven't checked all the new products in the shop. I'll do it later—"

He trailed off as he saw Sara walking towards them. 

"Looks like the two of you are having some moments," Sara observed. 

"I'll leave you two alone," Graves stepped back and nodded at Sara before walking away to give them space.

Richard turned his attention to Sara. "Hi babe." 

"The first one you approached when you reached level 50, is Graves…not me? What's your issue?" 

"What do you mean?" Richard asked, tilting his head to the side.

"I should be the one you tell first about your progress, not Graves. Is he that important to me? Do you swing that way?"

"What the…babe of course not," Richard exclaimed, taken aback by the sudden and unexpected question. "Look, babe, this has nothing to do with anything. I just approached him because there's this new product that intrigues me and Graves would be the better person to understand it."

Sara pouted, crossing her arms and looking slightly unconvinced. 

"Babe…she literally has a girl, and I have you, what makes you think that I swing that way?" 

After hearing that, Sara giggled. "Sorry…I was just teasing you." 

Her mood seemed to lighten considerably, the earlier tension dissipating.

Richard let out a small chuckle, relieved to see her smile. "You really had me going there for a second. I thought you were really mad at me or anything." 

Sara couldn't help but giggle as she replied, "No, no, I wasn't really mad. Just joking around. Congratulations on reaching level 50. I'm happy for you, I truly am."

"Weh…really?" Richard asked, still a bit wary but smiling at Sara's playful tone. 

"Yes, really," Sara assured him, her mood noticeably brighter. "It's a big achievement, and I know how hard you've worked for it. Though technically it was your staff that do all the work…"

"Hey hey hey…what's that tone? They all work for me, we all work for one thing, and that is to make me stronger so we can finish off Lin Feng. Speaking of which, I can't wait to beat his ass up."

"Do you think the new version of the Titan's Guard is going to defeat Lin Feng?" Sara asked genuinely.

Richard shook his head. "I don't think so. I think it won't fare equally to Lin Feng's current stats. He is strong, moves fast, and can take a direct hit from a nuke. He is simply beyond my level. Well as long as we do what we are doing, grinding experience points and gold coins, we will have an army against his army and then we will emerge victorious. His associates may have magical abilities beyond human understanding, but we have proven that they are vulnerable to conventional weapons. For example Crimson, we thought she's unstoppable but a bombing run from a B-2 Bomber is all it takes to neutralize her." 

As they were talking, Mark approached them. 

"Sir, here's the paper you requested," Mark handed a sheaf of paper to Richard.

"What's that?" Sara curiously asked.

"It's the documents regarding the reorganization of the New Clark City Camp. And it contained my speech which I must speak to everyone…" Richard paused, checking his watch. "Now. Looks like I'll have to delay the test of the suit."

***

Six o'clock in the evening, at the main square of the New Clark City Camp. Richard stood on the erected platform, facing a crowd of people. 

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I'm sure you know who I am as I have already introduced myself to you. Well, the reason I called you over here is to announce a new organization that I think will benefit the camp, ensuring its stability and peace. From now on, the Blackwatch would assume total authority of the camp. In simple words, we are the head of the camp now. There'd be no two-party systems. All people living in the camp are now considered citizens of Blackwatch. There'd be no distinction, that meant you are to treat one another like brothers and sisters. I don't want to hear any scuffles or fights among you. We are a team, and unity is our strength. This decision is made in the best interest of everyone here. That's all, thank you."

With that concluded, Richard walked away from the podium, leaving the people, mostly the original Blackwatch citizens in confusion. So that's it?

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