bNo /bbAds /b

    bChapter /bb822 /b

    Just then, a male voice rang out from behind their group. “I’ll go with you.” Owen stepped forward from the back of the crowd.

    The operations leader quickly tried to block him. “Mr. Shaw, we need to protect you.” While they didn’t quite understand why Tessa approved Owen entering the restricted zone, ensuring his safety was their top priority–as he was an investor they couldn’t afford to lose.

    Owen waved off the concern with absolute confidence. “Not necessary. My girlfriend can protect me.” He cast a warm nce toward Aria.

    “But, sir,” the leader insisted, “they’re in apetition. Protecting you would distract them and hurt their performance.”

    Cathy chimed in immediately with a grin, “We ept Mr. Shaw on our team. His safety is our responsibility.”

    The rest of her teammates nodded firmly in agreement.

    The team leader sighed and relented, instructing, “Groups of four, follow the assigned teams.”

    As people dispersed, Owen moved next to Aria, speaking softly. “Madelyn, it’s been a week.”

    Aria gently scratched his arm. “Just one more week until we’re back.”

    Owen exined, “They’re examiners, here to record scores and only intervene in emergencies.”

    Aria thought to herself, ‘So, they’re the examiners.‘

    Cathy announced, “Alright, let’s move out.”

    The team leader confirmed with Tessa and after receiving urate information, did not further hinder Owen. They maintained a distance of about 300 feet, close enough to observe but far enough not to interfere.

    Emily signaled, “Someone’sing. Hide.” The eight of them swiftly climbed trees and took cover. A thirteen–member armed squad appeared ahead,

    As the enemy entered their attack range, Aria struck first, dropping four targets instantly. The others immediately returned fire, but Aria’s team was prepared; they deftly dodged the bullets and quickly counterattacked.

    The situation drew the examiners closer. Capturing earned 1 point, killing earned 0.5 points. The examiners expected the teams to prioritize captures, but they didn’t.

    Cathy and Caroline were from the operations division; killings were routine for them. However, most of the others had limited experience in such missions and weren’t used to taking lives, so they controlled the enemy until others finished the job.

    In less than five minutes, only four out of thirteen opponents remained. One sneaky enemy approached Owen, who seempletely oblivious. Without turning her head, Aria released a steel needle that hit the enemy right in the back of his head.

    After dealing with thest foe, Cathy called out, “Thirteen enemies down in six and a half minutes. Don’t miscount.

    “Owen really trusts you–had a gun pointed at his head and didn’t flinch, waiting for you to save him.” For someone hanging around like an essory, he sure didn’t seem fit to be around Aria.

    bAria /breplied calmly, “We can handle it; he doesn’t need to act.”

    Cathy couldn’t understand. “Doesn’t he want to impress you at all?”

    Aria said, “I know what he’s capable of. He doesn’t need to show off.”

    Cathy thought to herself, ‘She’s really straightforward.‘

    b1/2 /b

    b13:54 /bbTue/b, b19 /bbAug /b

    Julius stared grimly at themunicator. “We’ve lost contact with four teamsb./bb” /b

    Flynt leaned back in his seat, looking indifferent. “That’s normal. The State Security Bureau members aren’t amateurs. If you don’t send more men bto /bdraw their fire, we’ll be the ones getting caught.”

    Julius issued amand, “There’s another group waiting outside. I’m bringing them in.”

    Inside the vehicle, Ned remained silent until they approached the trap zone. Then he spoke up, “The State Security Bureau has bplenty /bof traps. bThe /bcar can only go this far; we have to walk from here.”

    After disembarking, Julius shot a nce at Ned. “Lead the way properly. Once we get the technology, there’ll be plenty of rewards for you.”

    Hatred shed in Ned’s eyes. “We don’t want anything. Just one request.”

    Julius asked, “What request?”

    Ned said, “I want Aria dead.”

    He had been fine in the State Security Bureau until Aria ruined his life. Even if it meant his own death, he wanted to drag her down to hell with him. Filled with loathing, he didn’t notice the cold re Flynt shot his way.

    bAD /b