bChapter /bb824 /b

    Clifford made up his mind. “Then let’s stop chasing points. We’ll ck off too and head to Aria’s cave, just defend and not attack.”

    The six of them cking off was clearly visible to everyone observing from the leadership monitors. A furious voice red through themunicator. “The State Security Bureau is under attack. You’re defending your country–it’s not just about scoring points.”

    Gerald replied indifferently, “Half a day has passed, yet enemies are still pouring in nonstop. iYou /icould have sealed the entrances, but you’re deliberately letting them through.

    “We all know this is just an excuse to train us, so there’s no need to sound so righteous.”

    He thought, ‘They could’ve simply asked which team wanted to go to the eastern zone. By eliminating Cathy’s team outright, it’s painfully obvious they’re being targeted. Clearly, the real issue hasn’t been addressed yet.‘

    The voice on the other end of themunicator hesitated before softening slightly. “This is a rare opportunity for realbat-”

    Gerald countered sharply, “Then why send Cathy’s team to the eastern zone instead of us?”

    The leader replied curtly, “Because they don’t care about winning and are cking off.”

    Gerald didn’t miss a beat. “Neither do we.”

    Clifford chimed in loudly, “Exactly!”

    The leader snapped in frustration, “Do whatever you want. I don’t care.”

    As soon as the conversation ended, Gerald turned to his teammates. “What do you all think? Should we stay here grinding points or go help Aria’s team in the east?”

    Clifford didn’t hesitate. “Fighting these small fry is boring. The eastern zone must be where the real challenges are–I’d rather go there.”

    Mike agreed instantly. “Same here.”

    “Let’s follow the lead,” added another teammate.

    “Ditto,” Zoey said with a nod.

    The isix /iof them swiftly packed their gear and began making their way toward the eastern zone.

    Cathy’s team wasn’t moving fast, which drew Weston’s impatience. “At a critical moment like this, you J’ll have every one of iyou /iexpelled from the State Security Bureau.”

    need to pick

    pace. ck off any more, and

    Emily’s fiery temper couldn’t take it anymore. “Why are you yelling? Didn’t you deliberately let them in? We’re already moving as fast as we can. If you’re in such a hurry, why don’t you send us a car?”

    With resource packs weighing them down, it was impossible to sprint like athletes in a hundred–foot dash. It wasn’t just a few miles they had to cover, but dozens. One more shout from him and she’d really be ready to quit.

    Emily turned to Aria. “I hear everyone saying you’re the boss of some bigpany. Can I sign up as your bodyguard?”

    Aria replied calmly, “Sure.”

    Emily grinned instantly, “Then I’m calling dibs.”

    Allison raised her hand. “Count me in.”

    b1/2 /b

    b13:54 /bbTue/bb, /bb19 /bbAug /b

    “Us too,” chimed the others.

    Weston was so furious he nearly mmed his equipment.

    Seeing enough of the back–and–forth, Tessa took themunicator from him. “Clifford’s team is three miles behind you. You can bslow /bdown band /bbwait /bfor them. Stick to your original n; there’s no need to listen to Weston’s nonsense.”

    Cathy’s mood brightened. “Thanks, Ms. Langford.”

    The team kept up their original pace for another three hours. They didn’t catch sight of Clifford’s team, but they spotted silhouettes of enemy operatives further ahead. While the distance made details unclear, everyone recognized Ned’s figure instantly by his distinct posture.

    Liz gritted his teeth. “I knew it was him–the traitor.”

    Emily rolled her eyes at the higher–ups. “Not even a pair of binocrs for us to scout ahead, but iyou /iexpect us to go after the ringleader? Hrious.”

    Owen leaned close and whispered a name into Aria’s ear.

    Her eyes hardened as the name registered: Flynt–again. Her fingers twitched slightly. She thought, ‘This time, I have to eliminate him.

    Cathy muttered under her breath, “These guys are tough. We go full force right at the start and take them out fast. If bwe /bcan’t handle it, retreatb–/bbdon’t /bbget /bcaught up in the fight.”

    Others responded, “Got it.”

    The eight of them moved closer and closer. Suddenly, Flynt’s ears twitched, and he stopped dead in his tracks. “They’re here…”

    AD