The "transformed car" Tom spoke of could only be one thing—Zero.
Before traveling through time, Fenric had ordered Zero to remain hidden and never be discovered.
Yet somehow, not only had Zero been found, but he had also become the Resistance's so-called trump card?
Fenric felt a trace of pity.
"Tom," Fenric asked, "explain in detail. How did that transformable car become the Resistance's trump card?"
Tom looked at him strangely. "Many people know this story. Don't you?"
Then, as if suddenly realizing something, his eyes widened. "Ah… you came down from the sky. Of course you wouldn't know!"
Fenric paused, then nodded calmly. If Tom saw him as a god, he had no reason to correct the misunderstanding.
Seeing Fenric's "admission," Tom's expression shifted to reverence, admiration shining in his eyes.
"It happened like this," Tom began. "After Skynet's rise, humanity was nearly wiped out. The machines created Terminators to hunt us down, and though some of us formed the Resistance, it was hopeless. The robots slaughtered us with ease.
"When the Resistance was on the brink of annihilation, the last survivors hid in an air-raid shelter. There, John Connor—our new leader—discovered the Savior. The Human Trump Card!"
Tom's eyes burned with fervor as he spoke.
"The Savior was enormous, with technology far beyond Earth's. Terminators were powerless against it. John persuaded the Savior to fight for us, and with its power, the Resistance finally struck back. That's why people call it humanity's trump card."
Fenric: "…"
Listening, he didn't know whether to laugh or sigh.
By then, they had entered deeper into the base.
"Damn it! A Terminator!" Tom shouted when he spotted a moving T-600. He raised his gun in panic.
"Wait."
Fenric caught his arm, voice calm. "Look closely. It's working for me now."
Tom blinked, and sure enough, the machine wasn't attacking. Instead, it was hauling crates of canned food into the hold of an aircraft.
"Besides," Fenric added lightly, "inside its head is the detonator for the TNT charges. If you shoot it, the explosives go off. Still want to pull the trigger?"
"!!!"
Tom's face went pale. He shoved the gun away instantly.
"Sir… how did you do it? How can these killing machines obey you?"
Fenric gave a faint smile. "That's a secret."
Not only had he taken control of the T-600, he had also refitted the aircraft itself, turning it into a Transformer. For now, it would serve both as a food carrier and as his transport.
"Tom," Fenric said, "there's food over there. Take whatever you need."
"Thank you, sir!"
Tom's eyes lit up when he saw the canned meat. He tore one open and devoured it hungrily. Only after eating a single can did he restrain himself, thinking of his daughter Amy. He began packing supplies instead.
Watching Fenric's controlled aircraft, Tom felt a surge of envy. If only he had such power to protect Amy…
When he had packed two heavy bags full, Tom stopped. Carrying more was impossible. His plan was clear: take Amy and join the Resistance. Under John Connor, they said, there was order and safety—the last sanctuary for humankind.
For his daughter's future, there was no other path. Without it, a girl's fate in this ruined world was grim: at best, exploited, then discarded when youth faded.
"Tom."
Fenric's voice called him back. He hurried over at once. "Sir, do you have an order?"
"Do you know where the Resistance camp is?"
"Of course!"
"Good. Take me there."
Fenric's real aim was to see Zero.
Tom's eyes brightened. This was exactly what he had hoped for. "No problem, sir. But… I must bring Amy. It's not safe here. She has to live in the camp."
Fenric nodded. "Fine."
"Are there many Terminators nearby?" he asked.
Tom swallowed. "Sir, this whole region used to be a manufacturing site for them. So yes… there should be plenty."
A dangerous glint flashed in Fenric's eyes. "Perfect."
That night, Amy ate canned meat until her cheeks bulged. Tom watched her with tenderness, but his mind was troubled. Why did Fenric relentlessly hunt Terminators?
Could it be… he really was sent from the heavens? A warrior whose mission is to destroy all the killing machines? If so… then humanity is truly saved!
Meanwhile, Fenric had already moved on. He set up a loudspeaker in the city's heart, blasting sound to draw every nearby Terminator to him. Then he crushed them all.
Two hours later, Tom finally saw him return. Fenric's clothes were tattered, clear evidence of a brutal battle, yet his face was bright with satisfaction.
He was in a good mood—his mission progress had just soared to 215/2.
"Change of clothes, then we move out," Fenric said.
"Yes, sir." Tom dared not ask questions.
Soon after, Fenric emerged in fresh attire. Together, they boarded the aircraft and set course for the Resistance camp.
(PS: I didn't write out the battle with the Terminators—it was a one-sided slaughter, and padding it would only invite complaints.)
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[Translator's Note: It's Monday, time to vote for daily 5-chapters update!]