Chapter 103: Visiting Ulrich

Through Zeppelin's report, Lin Lan came to a realization: his port's defense force still needed improvement. 

He had been aware that Battleaxe Military Industry had special forces, but he hadn't expected them to deploy those forces directly to his port area.

After finishing her report, Zeppelin left without any further conversation. 

Lin Lan, standing in the courtyard, contemplated the situation for a while before deciding to discuss the matter with Ulrich.

Ulrich's residence wasn't far from Lin Lan's office attic. Within a few minutes, Lin Lan had arrived outside her dormitory. 

Although its called a dormitory, it was one of several small renovated buildings used as temporary housing for the Predators.

By chance, he saw a slender, short-haired woman with dark skin wearing the uniform he had given her. 

She was assisting the others with planting trees in the green belt.

"Commander, what brings you here?"

Seeing Lin Lan standing at the entrance, Ulrich removed her ship's uniform, brushed her bangs back lightly, and walked over to him. 

Her dark yellow eyes reflected concern as she spoke in her usual cold tone, though it was still more personable than Zeppelin's.

"Well, about yesterday..." Lin Lan began, as they walked to a nearby bench and sat down.

As Lin Lan explained the defense situation at the port, a cold smile appeared on Ulrich's lips.

"Commander, this issue will be resolved soon," she said.

Lin Lan, curious about her confidence, remained silent and waited for her explanation.

"The first fleet from Iron Blood Fortress is already en route, led by Peter. They will arrive in a few days," she explained. 

"They're bringing advanced Iron Blood technology, including unmanned reconnaissance drones and mirror sea area fabricators. Everything will be operational soon."

Lin Lan was surprised. 

He hadn't expected support from the Iron Blood Fortress to arrive so quickly. It seemed that Bismarck and Frederick the Great were just as anxious as he was.

"Once they're here, we can start building the floating island fortress on the sea. After that, you won't have to worry about minor threats," Ulrich continued. 

"Even if the Sirens launch a large-scale attack, the automated defense systems will be strong enough to hold them off for a long time."

Although her voice remained cold, it was reassuring, and Lin Lan finally relaxed. 

He had witnessed the impeccable defense systems of the Iron Blood Fortress, and moving those here would be more than sufficient. 

Even if Battleaxe Military Industry or the Builders launched an attack, they'd struggle to breach the floating island fortress.

"That's a relief. You're as reliable as ever, Ulrich," Lin Lan said with a smile. In response, the typically stoic woman showed a faint smile herself.

"It's just standard preparation. I knew about last night's attack, but I didn't think it was worth reporting. We could handle it ourselves. I didn't expect Zeppelin to report it to you," Ulrich said.

Lin Lan noticed the contrast in personalities between Zeppelin and Ulrich. 

While Ulrich preferred to handle matters without bothering him, Zeppelin seemed to want him to be more actively involved and concerned about their enemies. 

Both approaches were valid, and Lin Lan didn't mind; they were both looking out for him in their own ways.

"By the way, Ulrich, can the command meow equipment contact the other camps now?" Lin Lan suddenly remembered his curiosity about which consortium the White Eagle had assigned to.

Unfortunately, Ulrich shook her head slightly.

"To communicate with other camps using command meow equipment requires a significant energy supply. It'll only be possible once the Iron Blood Fortress is fully relocated and we can connect the energy produced between camps," she explained.

Lin Lan sighed, slightly disappointed. For now, he couldn't contact other camps.

"Commander, I believe Elbe is today's secretary ship. Why isn't she with you?" Ulrich asked, noticing Lin Lan had come alone.

"She's a little tired, still resting," Lin Lan replied with a weak smile.

"You should take care of your body. If you collapse again, I'll be worried," Ulrich said, her tone softer than usual, which surprised Lin Lan and filled him with warmth.

"Don't worry, thanks to all of you, I'm doing well now," Lin Lan reassured her.

"Really?" Ulrich asked as she suddenly leaned in closer, inspecting him up and down.

Caught off guard by the Iron Blood woman's sudden proximity, Lin Lan stammered, "Of course! I've mostly recovered by now."

Ulrich, cautious as ever, seemed genuinely concerned about his health, but Lin Lan didn't think too much of it. 

With a playful smile, he made an exaggerated show of his recovery.

"You do seem to have recovered," Ulrich concluded after carefully observing him.

"See? I told you, I'm fine," Lin Lan said, still smiling, but he was interrupted when two cool hands suddenly cupped his face.

In the next second, the usually reserved Ulrich kissed him.

Lin Lan was stunned.

Ulrich's appearance, while not striking at first glance, was undeniably attractive when viewed closely. 

The softness of her lips and the warmth of her breath on his skin made Lin Lan instinctively reach out and hold her.

After a long moment, they finally separated. Lin Lan, still dazed, gazed at the black-haired beauty in front of him. 

Only then did he realize something: Ulrich's personality was classic—cold on the outside, but warm on the inside. She had a sharp tongue but a soft heart.

On the battlefield, Ulrich was a ruthless strategist, but within the safety of the port, she revealed her true, caring nature.

Lin Lan had to admit that he had been deceived by her outward indifference all along.

In the game, Ulrich has this voiceline when you hit a certain affection point.

"I told you I'd return the favor. "

"Yep, I'll suck the poison out of you before it has a chance to spread throughout your body. "

"This is my duty... my responsibility, for the person who did the same for me." 

"But maybe I'm already too late? Hehehe…"

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