Even worse, because China's electronics industry was extremely dependent on rare metal imports, America took advantage of this chaos to directly cut off all imports from China.
China's high-end manufacturing industry faced the catastrophe of supply disruption and production halts overnight.
'this is the fate of being a dog...'
Countless Chinese elites wailed in their hearts, powerless to change the situation.
Russia, Underground Core Meeting Room.
The atmosphere was oppressively suffocating.
The President sat at the head of the table, his face pale.
"Mr. President! They are destroying our finances, and the next step is to dismantle our BRICS alliance."
A five-star general slammed the table, roaring with a flushed face.
"We can no longer sit and wait for death. Economic means have failed. America is not playing by the rules at all anymore; they are using a 'death by a thousand cuts' strike."
"Since we can't beat them at the money game..."
A ruthless glint flashed in the general's eyes.
"Then let them witness what absolute power looks like."
"We must re-establish Russia's absolute deterrence in a field where we excelled during the Cold War—the military field."
The President remained silent for a long time, looking at the chaotic streets of Moscow outside the window. Finally, he took a deep breath and signed his name on the document marked Top Secret.
"Approved."
A few hours later, the Russia's Department of Defense suddenly held a press conference to announce to the world.
"To maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and respond to the increasingly severe threat of terrorism, Russia will hold a large-scale joint military exercise code-named STORMPAC-2025 this month."
The scale of this exercise was unprecedented. Not only did it assemble a dual aircraft carrier battle group, but it also directly designated the exercise area at America's doorstep.
Even more interestingly, the Department of Defense spokesperson added with a provocative smile.
"For this exercise, we will specially add a high-level counter-terrorism and hostage rescue special forces combat confrontation segment. This is a no-plan, unrestricted combat simulation."
"In accordance with tradition, to enhance mutual trust between the two militaries, we sincerely invite American special forces to participate in this confrontation."
"If they don't come..."
The spokesperson shrugged. Although he didn't say it explicitly, the implication that not coming meant being a coward spread across the world through the cameras.
This was an open scheme.
This was a blatant declaration of war.
When the news reached America, inside a tea room in the capital, Steve looked at the news on his phone, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"Special forces confrontation? Unrestricted combat?"
He put down his teacup, a playful glint flashing in his eyes.
"Trying to use force to regain face? Fine."
"Since you want to play, we'll play along with you."
"Do they really think my serumsand the technology seized from the zombie World are just for show?"
The Fortress, Command Center.
When the invitation from the other side of the ocean reached Randy George's hands, the battle-hardened veteran was first stunned, then couldn't help but chuckle.
"High-level counter-terrorism and hostage rescue confrontation? And special forces combat? What do they think this is, Counter-Strike?"
Randy George looked at the intelligence on the screen, his mouth curling into a playful arc.
"Russia is desperate, trying to regain face in the military field? Too bad the current America special forces are no longer the humans they know."
Soon, an encrypted call from above came in, asking very directly.
"General George, the higher-ups mean that since the other side is sticking their face out to be slapped, should we fulfill their wish? Can we let the soldiers who were injected with the potion take the field? Will this expose too much?"
Steve's calm yet confident voice suddenly sounded in Randy's mind.
"Agree to it."
"Since they want to see, let them see their fill. In this world where strength is respected, properly flexing our muscles can save a lot of unnecessary trouble."
"Besides, even if they see it, what can they do? Cry about it?"
Having received Steve's approval, Randy immediately replied.
"Yes, let them go."
Thus, just half an hour later.
The spokesperson for the American Ministry of Foreign Affairs smiled and issued a response to the world in an extremely gentle yet sharp tone.
"The US has always been committed to maintaining world peace and regional stability. We welcome the invitation from the Russian side for the joint military exercise."
"This will be a good opportunity to enhance mutual trust between the two militaries and demonstrate the determination of both sides to jointly combat terrorism."
"At that time, America will dispatch an ordinary special operations detachment to participate in the exchange. We hope that Russia can uphold professional spirit, exchange skills, and progress together during the exercise."
Meanwhile, in the night of the capital, the vehicle carrying Steve and Stefanie had entered the area of the DC Villa. The siblings ended their day's itinerary and returned home to rest.
In another dimension, the zombie World, the situation was changing rapidly.
On the vast wasteland outside the Outpost Base.
Two figures were flying across the land at an extremely high speed.
They were not in any vehicle, but with every step, their figures would flicker across a distance out of thin air, moving incredibly fast.
They were Fifth-Tier Expert, a Rank 5 powerhouse from Indomitus Base, and Gabriel, a Rank 4 Space-type Awakened One.
"Ahead is the controlled area of that mysterious power."
Gabriel stopped and looked at the massive base in the distance, which was still brightly lit in the night and surrounded by towering obsidian walls. A flash of shock crossed his eyes.
'This architectural style is really not a product of this world.'
"Let's go. Since we're here to negotiate, there's no need to hide."
Fifth-Tier Expert stood with his hands behind his back. Although the aura of a Rank 5 powerhouse was restrained, it was like a volcano that could erupt at any time, giving off an unfathomable feeling.
"Go straight over."
The two no longer concealed themselves and walked openly, step by step, toward the main gate of the Outpost Base.
The Fortress, Command Hall.
Randy had just finished handling the military exercise affairs of the real world and was preparing to check the latest progress on the extraction of the Rank 4 Rage Gene.
The screen showed that after the Biological Research Institute's investment regardless of cost, the extraction technology for the Rank 4 Rage Gene had matured. Furthermore, using that unlucky Corpse King as raw material, they had successfully cultivated exactly seventy Rank 4 Super zombies.
Suddenly.
"Beep! Beep! Beep!"
A piercing red alarm sounded throughout the hall.
"Warning! Extremely high energy level biological reactions detected rapidly approaching. Target locked."
The main screen switched instantly, clearly showing the figures of Fifth-Tier Expert and Gabriel.
"Two people?"
A staff officer exclaimed.
"No heavy weapons, no large troops, just two people? So openly?"
"That is a Rank 5 powerhouse."
Randy George recognized the special force field fluctuations on Fifth-Tier Expert at a glance, his eyes instantly becoming as sharp as knives.
"Is it an attack? Or is there another plot?"
No matter what they wanted to do, since a Rank 5 powerhouse had arrived in person, they had to be given enough respect.