Chapter 174: Can Only Be Handled Slowly
Jeremy did not pay much attention to the condition of Ritchie and Bonnie. After all, from Jeremy's perspective, the two of them shouldn't face any significant issues.
Jeremy, without wasting any time, quickly found Howard within the military base.
At that moment, Howard was busy dealing with various mundane affairs within the military base. Upon seeing Jeremy's arrival, he asked, with a hint of surprise in his voice.
"Didn't we agree to take a few days off? Why did you suddenly come to me today? Could it be that you've encountered some trouble and need my assistance?" Howard inquired, his tone tinged with curiosity.
In response to Howard's question, Jeremy simply shook his head.
"I am here not because I've encountered trouble and need your help. I've come to inform you about the situation in the industrial district. There are an alarming number of monsters in that area.
Are you not aware of this? Do you not intend to take action? I believe the walls of the industrial district are on the verge of failing to contain these creatures.
If these monsters breach the walls of the industrial district, the other areas of Moonlight City will be in grave danger. We must take immediate action to deal with these creatures."
Upon hearing Jeremy's words, Howard's expression shifted to one of slight peculiarity.
Howard gathered the documents on his desk and then slowly closed the door to his office.
"I am very well aware of what you mentioned. I have known for quite some time that there are numerous monsters in the industrial district. Moreover, those monsters are exceptionally powerful."
"If that's the case, then why are you turning a blind eye? You can't possibly think that those monsters will just disappear on their own, can you?"
Jeremy asked, utterly perplexed and feeling that Howard was being quite irresponsible.
In response to Jeremy's blunt inquiry, Howard let out a faint, bitter smile.
"I am not turning a blind eye. However, I don't have the means to deal with these monsters. The strength of my subordinates is insufficient to swiftly eradicate the monsters in the industrial district."
"Moreover, even if I were to seek your assistance, do you really believe that the combined strength of both our forces would be sufficient to handle the monsters in the industrial district? I'm merely contemplating whether there might be an alternative solution."
"As soon as I find a better solution, I will promptly deal with the monsters in the industrial district." Howard explained.
Howard's response left Jeremy highly dissatisfied.
Jeremy felt that there was no such thing as a better solution. Given that they already knew about the numerous monsters in the industrial district, they should take immediate action to eliminate these creatures.
"Stop looking for a better solution, there simply isn't one! What we need to do now is join forces and launch an assault on the monsters in the industrial district."
"If we can coordinate our actions properly, I believe we can gradually clear out the monsters in the industrial district. Moreover, with meticulous planning, we can ensure that our losses are minimal." Jeremy insisted.
After hearing Howard's words, Jeremy realized that a swift eradication of the monsters in the industrial district was impossible. However, he also felt that they could no longer afford to wait.
Jeremy's plan involved having Howard divide the industrial district into several isolated zones.
Afterward, Jeremy, Howard, and their team could move into one of these zones and exterminate all the monsters there.
This approach would not only ensure that they wouldn't face overwhelming numbers of monsters during their operations, but it would also guarantee that no monsters would escape from the industrial district.
Although Jeremy's plan was somewhat slow.
In Jeremy's perspective, a plan that takes a bit longer to execute is far better than doing nothing at all.
After listening to Jeremy, Howard's expression still showed a hint of hesitation.
"I can probably guess what your plan is. However, I believe your plan carries a certain degree of risk. How do you propose we divide the entire industrial district into isolated zones?"
"Since you already know there are numerous monsters in the industrial district, you should be well aware that some of these monsters possess formidable strength."
"When we take action to divide the industrial district into isolated zones, those powerful monsters will undoubtedly launch attacks against us. We won't be able to ensure our own safety." Howard elaborated.
Howard's words did not discourage Jeremy in the slightest.
In fact, after hearing Howard's concerns, Jeremy felt confident that he could soon persuade him.
"You're absolutely right. The riskiest part of my plan is indeed the operation to divide the industrial district into isolated zones."
"However, I believe that if we can work together flawlessly, we can minimize the risks involved. After all, the industrial district is filled with numerous factories."
"We just need to cleverly use the ruins of those factories to construct walls that will segment the industrial district. While you carry out the operation, I will be stationed around you."
"I can promise you this: no matter how powerful the monsters that attack us might be, I will be able to hold them off."
Jeremy's words left Howard deeply moved.
"I truly did not expect you to have such unwavering determination. Since you have demonstrated your resolve, I am willing to undertake some risk as well."
Howard stood up immediately, extending his right hand toward Jeremy. Jeremy, without hesitation, reached out his right hand and shook Howard's hand firmly.
Just as Jeremy and Howard reached an agreement, Bonnie and Ritchie arrived outside Howard's office door.
"Is this your companion? I recall his name is Ritchie. Has he fully recovered from his injuries?" Howard inquired upon seeing Bonnie and Ritchie.
Howard was, of course, very familiar with Bonnie, but he was not as acquainted with Ritchie.
Although Howard and Ritchie had met twice before, Howard did not know him very well.
However, Ritchie had never been a particularly noticeable person. Therefore, Howard still couldn't be entirely sure if the person he was seeing was indeed Ritchie.
Jeremy nodded affirmatively.
"You are correct. This is my friend Ritchie. His injuries have fully healed, and he is ready to fight alongside me. He can provide significant support during combat."
Howard nodded in acknowledgment and chose not to say more.
"Since we've finalized our plan of action, when do you think we should commence the operation?" Howard was keenly focused on the cooperative plan he had established with Jeremy.
Jeremy did not answer Howard's question directly but instead posed a counter-question.
"When will you be able to complete all the preparations for the operation? As soon as you're ready, I believe we can initiate the action immediately."
Jeremy was eager to commence the operation as soon as possible.
He had a nagging feeling that the longer they delayed, the more numerous and powerful the monsters in the industrial district would become.
Howard chuckled softly.
"You certainly are a man of swift action, and that's a quality I greatly admire about you. I will gather my subordinates in three hours, and they will require just one hour to complete all the pre-operation preparations.
Therefore, the earliest we can start is in four hours."
Jeremy nodded in agreement.
"In that case, let's proceed in four hours. My friend and I will head to the industrial district first, we will closely observe the monsters there to better prepare for the upcoming operation."
Howard nodded in acknowledgment and immediately reached for the phone on his desk.
Howard began making phone calls to his subordinates to arrange the upcoming operation.
Jeremy, without any hesitation, turned and left with Bonnie and Ritchie.
Although Bonnie and Ritchie had overheard the latter part of Howard and Jeremy's conversation, they hadn't fully grasped the plan.
As the three of them departed from the military base, Ritchie couldn't help but ask Jeremy.
"What exactly is the plan you and General Howard have agreed upon? Why the urgency?"
Bonnie, though silent, was equally curious about the details of the plan Jeremy and Howard had formulated.
"Our plan is to completely eradicate the monsters in the industrial district. The reason we need four hours for preparation is that General Howard needs to gather his subordinates and ready a myriad of equipment."
Upon hearing Jeremy's response, both Bonnie and Ritchie were utterly astonished.
"Are we really going to clear out all the monsters in the industrial district? Even with General Howard's assistance, it's impossible to succeed. There are simply too many monsters there."
Bonnie voiced her opinion before Ritchie had a chance to speak.
Ritchie, whose thoughts mirrored Bonnie's, quickly nodded in agreement after she finished speaking: "Yes, exactly! Bonnie is right, the monsters in the industrial district are overwhelmingly numerous."
"The monsters in the industrial district are indeed numerous. Therefore, our strategy is to partition those monsters into disconnected sections and then gradually eliminate them.
General Howard and his subordinates will be responsible for dividing the monsters in the industrial district. Our task is merely to ensure their safety during the operation."