West.

Waldo greeted his own combat robot.

Upon hearing his owner’s call, West hurried over in three strides.

"My master, what can I do for you?"

Waldo removed his combat suit and said, "Clean up the mutated plants outside the yard. Also, tidy up the yard."

"Yes, my master."

West’s blue eyes flickered, and he nodded in agreement.However, he then added, "Master, if you need residential cleaning, I still recommend that you consider purchasing a domestic service robot."

West, as a combat robot, was certainly capable of cleaning the villa’s yard.However, due to the stringent nature of the robot’s task prediction, he couldn’t guarantee perfection.

Waldo nodded.

"I understand. We’ll discuss this later. For now, go ahead and get to work."

"Yes."West acknowledged the order.

Then, he began to drag the withered vines of mutated plants and dispose of them outside the villa.With the mutated plants cleared from outside the villa, its original charm was revealed.

The large-scale use of black and white embellished the exterior walls.Though there was a small garden, it also featured a fusion of modern elements.

The surrounding residences were entangled by mutated plants, even the communal gardens of the neighborhood were occupied by them.Waldo and his team seemed isolated from the rest of the world.

But this kind of living environment was exactly what they needed.These mutated plants acted as their natural guardians.

For outsiders to enter, they needed to exert great effort, proceed cautiously, and be careful not to disturb the plants and provoke an attack.However, Waldo and his team had no reason to fear.

Waldo led his two companions into the house.Though they had already entered once before, they hadn’t had a chance to look around and appreciate it.

Now, stepping in again, they couldn’t help but marvel at the villa’s decoration.What caught their eyes first was a scenic painting.Following that were the invaluable pieces of furniture in the living room.

There were also various high-tech household appliances, a collision of futuristic technology and ancient craftsmanship.Waldo and his companions settled in.Alanna and Helen joyfully showcased their skills in the kitchen and prepared a table full of delicious dishes.

During dinner, Waldo raised his glass, unable to hide his happiness.

This time, we should be staying in this city for a long while. This villa will also be our new home. Let’s raise our glasses and toast to moving into our new home!

Alanna and Helen lifted their glasses.The three glasses clinked together, emitting a clear and pleasant sound.They emptied the glasses of red wine.

The three of them reveled in the feeling of finally finding a home again, pushing aside their concerns about the potential retaliation from Leonard’s followers after his death.

The next day, news spread about Waldo and his team moving into the villa complex overrun by mutated plants.

Survivors passing by by chance discovered that the once dull mansion had been restored to its former glory.

The exterior walls were free of mutated plants, and the yard looked exceptionally clean.

It was clear that someone had moved into the villa.

Moreover, they had successfully eradicated the mutated plants.

This was big news!

Currently, mutated plants were a challenge facing all survivors.Whoever could solve the invasion of mutated plants would become an esteemed guest wherever they went, sought after by various factions!

[Chat Channel]

Rosem: Damn! Someone has actually moved into that villa complex infested with mutated plants! And it seems like they’ve managed to eliminate the mutated plants on the villa too! I’m sending you guys pictures.

Ander: No way! Who would’ve thought, someone actually managed to eradicate mutated plants?

Janic: I still don’t believe it. I feel like mutated plants can’t really be eradicated. Maybe they just temporarily drove them away with Molotov cocktails?

Garza: Impossible! If it were Molotov cocktails, the mutated plants would’ve climbed back up long ago! Look, there’s no open flame around the villa; it couldn’t have been done by fire.

Tuesd: Hey, does anyone know who moved in? I’m really curious!

Snyder: Could it be that Waldo they talked about a couple of days ago? The one from City 22, who claims to be their first survivor and supposedly able to eliminate mutated plants?

The chat channel was abuzz with discussions.

Meanwhile, the people in question, Waldo and his team, were still snug in their beds, sleeping soundly.

At this moment, the only person who knew Waldo’s true identity as the owner of the villa was the real estate developer.

The developer stared blankly at the name of the buyer he had transacted with yesterday—those two words, "Waldo."

He was certain that the information spread in the chat channels was undoubtedly true!This survivor really had the ability to completely eradicate mutated plants.Thinking this, the developer felt a bit of a headache.

He had practically given away the king-sized mansion in the luxurious residential complex for the price of cabbage—only ten pieces of S alloy.What a huge loss!

The developer regretted it immensely.

If only he had been more cautious. Who would’ve thought someone would just buy a villa surrounded by mutated plants without reason!

Had he been a bit more careful, and remembered the news about Waldo being able to clear mutated plants, he wouldn’t have handed over his prized property so easily.

If someone could clear the mutated plants within the villa complex, the number one mansion with the most prime location wouldn’t have gone for so cheap!

Though the developer felt somewhat helpless, the deal was already done and there was nothing he could do.Afterward, he had a bright idea.

Hmm, a business opportunity.

He would sell Waldo’s information to the two major factions of City 25—the Golden Knife Syndicate and the Garrison.

He believed they would be interested.

The developer, fully embracing his entrepreneurial spirit, used Waldo’s information to secure compensation from both factions and offset some of his losses.He also, to some extent, helped rectify the loss.

In the Golden Knife Syndicate, the leader, Duncan, looked at Waldo and felt a stirring of ambition.

He was ready to head out and try to recruit him.Then, he remembered something and called over his secretary.

By the way, where has that bastard of a brother of mine gone again? How come I haven’t seen him all day? Didn’t I tell him to stay home and behave?

The personal secretary shook their head.

"I don’t know. He went out yesterday and hasn’t been seen since."

Duncan didn’t say much more and instructed, "Arrange for a few of our men to look for him. He’s probably passed out at some nightclub again. Later, you and I will go look for that Waldo person and find a way to bring him over."

The secretary respectfully nodded.

Garrison.

Delgado looked at the intelligence sent by the real estate developer and burst into laughter.

"Now, follow me and let’s find Waldo together. We can’t let the Golden Knife Syndicate get ahead of us!"

"Yes!"

On the large bed, Waldo suddenly jolted awake.

Still half-asleep, he covered Alanna and Helen with a blanket next to him and mumbled, "The air conditioning is so cold..."

Unaware that he had become the center of attention in the entire city.

Being someone capable of eradicating mutated plants, both the Golden Knife Syndicate and the Garrison wouldn’t let the opportunity to recruit him slip by.

And if they couldn’t recruit him, they would take him by force.They would seize the method to eliminate mutated plants!Both Duncan and Delgado had prepared themselves for this possibility.

Waldo must not join any other faction!

Delgado set out.

Accompanied by his trusted soldier, Abby, he drove quietly, heading straight for the residential complex where Waldo was located.

The fewer people who knew about this, the better.

Delgado suspected, no, he was certain, that there was a mole from the Golden Knife Syndicate infiltrating his ranks.If he made a big commotion, it would only alert the Syndicate to his actions.

"Captain, don’t you think it’s better to bring along a bit more backup? In case that Waldo has ill intentions..."

Abby, sitting in the driver’s seat, looked at Delgado through the rearview mirror with concern.

Delgado shook his head.

No need.

As the villa complex, now increasingly visible through the window, came into view.

Indeed, mutated plants still entangled the surroundings, except for one villa that remained untouched, standing out distinctly.

The survivor who had become the focus of the East District as soon as he arrived—I believe he’s a smart person.

Abby felt a bit exasperated.

He always thought his captain was too idealistic.

To trust a person he had never seen before so implicitly—it was dangerous.

After all, Delgado was usually a very cautious person.

Why was he like this this time?

Abby couldn’t fathom it.However, Captain, we don’t really know what kind of person Waldo is. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

Delgado smiled, "I’ve reviewed Waldo’s information. As long as we show enough sincerity, he won’t make any reckless moves."

Abby responded skeptically, "I hope so. Anyway, I’ll protect you, Captain."

With his mind made up, the captain didn’t feel like saying much more.But as his bodyguard, if something untoward happened, he would be the first to fall before the captain.

Delgado scolded with a laugh, "What nonsense are you talking? When we get back, I’ll have you run ten laps around the training field!"

Abby smiled and said, "Captain, if we make it back smoothly, how about twenty laps?"

Delgado felt a bit irritated and patted him on the head.

Damn it, I told you not to talk anymore. You’re such a worrywart, always fearing the worst.

Abby rubbed his head and didn’t dare get angry. He respectfully said, "Captain, we’ve arrived."

Delgado got out of the car.

At this moment, Waldo and his companions had already woken up and were having breakfast in the dining room.

[Respected survivor, an unidentified survivor has been detected at the entrance. Surveillance footage is being accessed for your review.]

The residential system suddenly alerted.

Waldo set down the boiled egg in his hand and looked at the real-time surveillance footage being displayed by the system.

Seeing two strangers outside the front gate dressed in casual combat gear, he couldn’t help but furrow his brow.Waldo could be sure that he had never seen these two individuals before.

Enemy or friend, it wasn’t clear.

Waldo stood up and called West to join him as he went outside to meet these two unfamiliar visitors.He told Alanna and Helen, "Keep eating breakfast. I’ll be right back."

Waldo had confidence in the villa’s defense systems.He had immediately set up energy shields and an automated defense system upon moving in.So, defense wasn’t something he worried about.

Waldo even hadn’t put on his combat suit; he simply walked out into the yard.That was his level of confidence.He approached Delgado and Abby, standing behind the reinforced S alloy gate.

"Have we met before? You’ve suddenly come to visit, what can I do for you?"

Waldo’s tone was calm.

Though he wasn’t turning them away, he also didn’t display any overly hospitable demeanor.

It was already quite rare to be able to speak kindly to unidentified survivors.

Delgado didn’t mind either.

He had seen many survivors’ actions and attitudes toward strangers.

That Waldo could greet them so calmly was already beyond his expectations.

Of course, for this top-tier survivor from City 22, who had become a focal point in the East District, he was confident and showed no fear in the face of their arrival.

Delgado got straight to the point.

"Waldo, your reputation precedes you. I’m Delgado, the captain of the Garrison."

Waldo was somewhat surprised.

He didn’t expect Delgado, who was renowned throughout City 25, to suddenly come looking for him like this.

The Garrison and the Golden Knife Syndicate were the two major forces in City 25.

Waldo knew this much.

But he had no connection with the Garrison. That’s why Delgado’s visit left him puzzled.

"So you’re Captain, from the Garrison. Your name has been heard far and wide in City 25. I never thought I’d have the chance to meet you today. Nice to meet you!"

Delgado astutely caught the undertone in Waldo’s words and explained, "No need for such politeness, Waldo. Your reputation has long reached us in City 25. And your ability to eliminate mutated plants is truly impressive. I apologize for the impromptu visit."

Waldo understood.

Apparently, news about his ability to eliminate mutated plants had spread at some point.

Was it Presl?

Or the real estate developer?

Waldo wasn’t sure.He hadn’t paid much attention to the happenings in the chat channels these days.But he didn’t mind.Because sooner or later, this would become common knowledge.

For them to live in a villa complex swarming with mutated plants while remaining untouched was already quite abnormal.He just didn’t expect these major factions to come knocking on his door so soon.He was well aware of the Garrison’s intentions.

They wanted someone capable of eliminating mutated plants, and they would definitely try to recruit him.However, Waldo had no such intentions.He disliked being tied down.

Adventuring freely with Alanna and Helen was the life he wanted.

Besides, he had the power to back it up.