Chapter 77 - The Mannerheim Line Welcomes You XIX (1/2)
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
“I don’t understand the idea behind it. There’s one Simone right here. Why do we need to create another one? With her shooting skills, she is more than qualified enough to become a national hero. Why do you want to turn some random hunter into a national hero?”
“Not one,” replied the doctor, cigar in mouth.
“What?”
“There is more than one Simone. In total, we have four Simones. All are professional fighters. Three of them are snipers, and another one is a natural on the submachine gun. All four have their faces covered when they go on a mission, so their identities are secure. Together, they become the best sniper the entire human history has known – the legendary Simone!
Basically, Simone is everywhere. He is a phantom on the battlefield, your most reliable ally, the white death to the Soviet soldiers, and an undefeatable legend on the battlefield. The Simones have managed to boost morale for all Finnish countrymen and our soldiers greatly. To be more precise, there are only three Simones left. One was tragically killed when the Soviets started the war. We don’t even have much information on him.”
“How about the real Simone? Does he know about this?” Zhang Heng asked, hoping for a straight answer for once
That is not important. The real Simone joined the army last October, and during training, he protected one of his allies from an exploding grenade. If that incident did not happen, this project would not have even been born. But then again… the war is coming to an end soon, and there are two Simones left in this world,” said Maji while spinning the lighter in her hand impatiently.
“The person that started this project did not expect this outcome, right?”
“Yes. Initially, a fair chance was to be given to all Simones that survived the war. At least… they could use the gun in their hands to decide their final fate. Unfortunately, an unforeseen circumstance has emerged.”
“What kind of unforeseen circumstances?”
“The two Simones that survived was the female sniper and the man with the submachine gun. The latter one was hit by a stray bullet during one of the raids a few days ago. Miraculously, he survived after surgery. Then, someone must have leaked the news to the media. Reporters from different countries rushed to him, and it was during that time that he revealed his identity. Actually, I can understand why he would do something like this. That kid with the submachine gun is the strongest Simone when compared to the other three. Considering he is now severely injured, there is no way can defeat the sniper in a gunfight.”
“What now? Are you guys planning to abandon her?” asked Zhang Heng as he stared into their eyes.
“We don’t have many options left. We have to play his game, and we need to make up stories for him as well.”
Zhang Heng was unable to speak. He stared right into Maji’s eyes for half a minute, not knowing what they were thinking.
“If you want me to believe you, you have to tell me how an English volunteer has her hands in so many top-secrets?” he continued.
“I lied. The truth is, I did grow up in England, but my father is from Finland, and he is a powerful man in the Finnish military. I’m the one who proposed the Simone plan and personally recruited all the Simones. I simply want my father to witness the birth of a legend. That is why I’m here right now. Ah Ji was sent by the military to protect me.”
Maji looked very troubled. She stood in front of the window with both arms crossed in the exact same way when she and Zhang Heng first met. Suddenly, it dawned on him, as he knew what was troubling her.