CHAPTER 216: CHAPTER 213 [BIG NEWS]

Chapter Two Hundred and Thirteen: Big Surprise

The manor’s lawn had been cleared. In the center of the vast green space, a huge "H" symbol was marked out with white lime.

It was now around two o’clock in the afternoon, local time. A military transport helicopter, clearly of military make, slowly approached from the distance, followed by a second and a third, flying in a triangular formation.

The Steel Fire mercenaries swiftly sprang into action, beginning to load various prepared supplies.

Vanel, along with the seven Ability Users participating in this mission, boarded the third transport helicopter.

This light transport helicopter could carry ten passengers and had ample space. In addition to Vanel and the seven Ability Users, the beautiful and wild mercenary captain, Selena, also boarded this aircraft.

When the Ability Users boarded, none brought much personal luggage; each only had a carry-on bag or suitcase.

Chen Nuo noticed that the Professor seemed to have brought the most items, carrying a small suitcase. He and Sato Ryoko brought the least, each carrying only a backpack.

According to Vanel, necessary jungle supplies and equipment had already been prepared and would be provided, so they didn’t need to bring their own.

The helicopter took off slowly, flying away from the manor amidst the deafening noise.

Sitting inside the helicopter, Chen Nuo looked down at the manor growing distant, at the faraway horizon, and at the clearly outlined downtown area of Rio de Janeiro.

"How long will we be flying?" Chen Nuo asked Vanel loudly.

Vanel replied just as loudly, "We’ll get there before nightfall!"

Chen Nuo was seated on the outermost side of the cabin, with Sato Ryoko sitting close beside him.

This plump Japanese woman seemed a bit nervous. Her small eyes were wide open, yet she seemed reluctant to look at the scenery outside or the ground below. After sitting for a while, she suddenly unzipped her backpack. She pulled out some jerky, tore open the package, and bit into it forcefully, chewing each mouthful with great effort.

"First time on a helicopter?" Chen Nuo glanced at the woman.

Sato Ryoko didn’t respond but simply closed her eyes and chewed furiously, her hands gripping the jerky tightly.

"Relax. It’s always like this the first time. You’ll get used to it after a while and might even find the feeling quite nice."

Sato Ryoko opened her eyes and loudly responded in Japanese, "Mr. Harvey, I think your choice of words is terrible; it gives me an immoral feeling!"

Evidently, these three transport helicopters had been sourced by the Octopus Monster organization, which had somehow managed to borrow them from the Brazilian Military.

Chen Nuo noticed that the helicopter pilots were Brazilian Military personnel, dressed in military uniforms.

After looking around, Chen Nuo saw that the others in the cabin were also surreptitiously observing their surroundings.

Chen Nuo’s gaze unintentionally met Bonfrey’s for a moment. This man, exuding an aristocratic air, smiled faintly and nodded gently at Chen Nuo.

Chen Nuo responded with a slight smile.

Yet in his heart, Chen Nuo remained wary of this member of the Order.

After all, this seemingly elegant man was also a core member of the Cultivator Association to which the Wizard belonged.

The Professor seemed quite accustomed to flying. He closed his eyes to rest shortly after boarding, his suitcase placed casually at his feet.

Gray Cat Black held his cat in his arms. The gray cat in his lap appeared very docile, undisturbed by the loud noise of the helicopter’s engines and propellers. It lay quietly in his embrace while Black’s hand gently stroked its back.

Golden Bird Elisa happened to be seated on the outermost side, opposite the others. None of the other Ability Users wanted to sit with her, so Vanel sat next to her.

The quietest among them was "Sea Monster."

This guy seemed perpetually silent, as quiet as a mute. Chen Nuo noticed that he hadn’t even exchanged a glance with any of his companions, appearing very aloof.

Well, he probably felt a bit embarrassed himself.

He was originally slated to be the team leader, the strongest among them. But then, a powerful Controller known as the Son of the Sun was added. The former top dog was now second in command.

Selena sat in the co-pilot’s seat. The female mercenary carefully observed their flight status. She occasionally discussed the route with the pilot and sometimes contacted the other two helicopters via radio.

Gradually, Chen Nuo simply closed his eyes and began to rest.

「As nightfall approached, the helicopters landed.」

They landed at a site cleared outside a village.

Due to terrain restrictions, the helicopter carrying Chen Nuo’s party took off immediately after they disembarked to clear the landing site. This allowed the other two helicopters to land sequentially and unload personnel and supplies.

After disembarking, Chen Nuo’s first action was to walk to a tree, pull out a cigarette, light it, and take a drag.

It was evidently a small village. A wide river flowed in the distance, and beyond it, a dense jungle stretched as far as the eye could see.

"Quite beautiful, isn’t it?"

Chen Nuo’s eyebrows rose. It was Bonfrey who had approached him and started the conversation.

After a moment’s thought, Chen Nuo replied with a smile, "It is quite beautiful."

"Your first time in the rainforest?"

"..." Chen Nuo didn’t answer, merely glanced at Bonfrey.

Bonfrey didn’t press for an answer, as if he had merely made a casual remark. He then looked at the cigarette in Chen Nuo’s hand. "May I have one?"

Chen Nuo smiled and passed the pack and lighter over.

Bonfrey took them, lit a cigarette, and returned the pack to Chen Nuo.

Then he spoke softly, "What do you think we’ll find at this place that makes it so important to these Octopus Monster people?"

Chen Nuo didn’t answer. With a neutral expression, he turned his head to look at something not far away. "I’m afraid you’ll have to ask an expert about that."

With that, he raised his voice, "Professor."

The Professor walked toward them, but he took out his own pipe to smoke.

Bonfrey smiled and repeated his question.

The Professor just shrugged. "I never make pointless guesses. Anyway, once we find the place, everything will be clear, won’t it, gentlemen?"

Bonfrey laughed and then turned to leave first.

The Professor watched Bonfrey walk away, then patted Chen Nuo on the shoulder. "We’ll have the answer soon."

Saying so, he also walked away with a smile.

Chen Nuo frowned as he watched the two leave one after the other, a strange look flickering in his eyes.

The scale of this operation was larger than Chen Nuo had anticipated.

The entire village had been occupied by the Steel Fire Mercenary Corps. They had already prepared a camp outside the village.

Chen Nuo took a cursory glance and estimated there were about a hundred Steel Fire mercenaries in the camp.

While unloading supplies, these mercenaries handled not only firearms and ammunition but also a considerable amount of explosives, and even heavy weaponry. Chen Nuo even saw two machine guns and a small grenade launcher.

A large array of military tents had been set up in the camp.

Fortunately, Chen Nuo and the others wouldn’t have to sleep in tents tonight; Vanel had rented two houses in the village for them. The conditions in these dilapidated houses were a far cry from the manor they had stayed in for the previous two days.

Chen Nuo saw Vanel talking with the dark-skinned locals for a long time before returning.

"What’s up?" Standing outside the house, Chen Nuo stepped forward to greet him. "We’re staying here tonight, right?"

"Of course. We need to calibrate the equipment here, especially the communication devices, and connect to the satellite. But the good news is, we don’t have to eat those disgusting MREs tonight. I’ve bought some food from the villagers: grilled alligator jerky." Vanel grinned.

Chen Nuo curled his lip. "I’d rather eat the MREs."

Sato Ryoko, who had been standing outside the house gazing at the distant jungle, immediately walked over.

"What are you talking about?"

Chen Nuo replied in Japanese, "We’re discussing the dinner Mr. Vanel is preparing for us. It’s alligator jerky tonight."

Sato Ryoko immediately looked interested.

But Chen Nuo just smiled and shook his head. "If I were you, I wouldn’t eat that."

"Why not?"

"Unless you want to get parasites."

Sato Ryoko immediately recoiled—though the look in her eyes suggested she was still tempted to try it.

Several soldiers were busy unloading supplies from waterproof boxes.

Selena stood coldly in a tent, her gaze sweeping over her surroundings from time to time, while rapidly discussing something with a mercenary responsible for communications.

When Chen Nuo approached, Selena merely gave him a cold glance before looking away. The woman wore a combat uniform, but her upper body was clad only in a tight tank top that showcased her impressive figure.

Chen Nuo approached with a grin. "Do you have a moment to talk, Miss Selena?"

"No," Selena replied coldly. "I’m working."

"I just want to understand a few things." Chen Nuo quickly glanced at a topographic map spread out on the table, on which some symbols had been drawn.

Selena didn’t stop Chen Nuo from looking at the map. In fact, maps had already been distributed to everyone before they set out, one per person.

"What do you want to ask?" Selena seemed very impatient but still managed to say coldly, "I’m working! If you have any questions, ask them quickly."

"Is this the route we’re going to take?" Chen Nuo pointed to the symbols marked on the map.

"...Your map already shows it. I don’t see what there is to ask about."

"Then... what are the grenade launchers for? Those heavy weapons?"

"Just standard equipment."

"The amount of munitions you’re carrying would be enough for a small coup," Chen Nuo whistled. "Are we expecting to fight someone? Is there an army in the jungle? I doubt we need grenade launchers to deal with natives armed with spears and blowguns."

Selena gave Chen Nuo a cold glance but didn’t answer. She walked over and whispered something to the mercenary handling the communications equipment. Chen Nuo overheard; she seemed to be confirming some coordinates.

Only then did Selena turn around. With an indifferent tone, she said, "Wu Qi, it’s merely a precaution to ensure your safety and that of our employers. Is that answer satisfactory?"

Chen Nuo smiled, then ran his finger over the map, pointing to a location. "Is this the position you were discussing with the radio operator just now?"

"You understand military jargon?" Selena frowned.

"A little," Chen Nuo said with a light smile.

"...Alright." Selena took a deep breath and slowly continued, "According to the plan, we dispatched a vanguard team of twenty soldiers three days ago. They have already reached deep into the jungle, about a two-day journey from us, and have set up an outpost there for us."

Then, Selena continued unapologetically, "To ensure a safe journey for you esteemed employers, my men are currently clearing a path for you in the jungle. Mr. Harvey! Is my answer satisfactory now?"

Chen Nuo deliberately squinted his eyes and smiled. "You know my name?"

"Of course. I’ve memorized all of your names. It’s part of my job," Selena replied coldly. "That includes you. Oh, and not just names! I also have brief profiles and personality traits for each of you."

"Oh? How does my profile describe me?"

Selena’s gaze was icy. "Greedy! And also, lascivious!"

"That’s some rather unflattering intel," Chen Nuo sighed deliberately, then smiled. "One last question, Miss Selena."

"Speak!"

"Are you free for a drink tonight?"

"...Get out of my sight! If you need a woman, go check out the village!"

As Chen Nuo walked out of the tent with a forced, wry smile, he bumped into Vanel, who was just arriving.

"How did it go? Got rejected?" Vanel laughed heartily. Then, seeing Chen Nuo’s helpless expression, he patted his shoulder. "Patience, my friend."

Once he had left the tent and walked some distance away, the look of helplessness and the wry smile on Chen Nuo’s face quickly vanished.

「Back at their lodging, dinner was soon ready.」

It wasn’t just Chen Nuo; the others also expressed no interest in the alligator jerky. Especially the alligator jerky, dried by the local villagers, looked unappetizing. They left even the other food items untouched, earnestly taking out their MREs to heat up instead.

The only item welcomed by everyone was a bottle of whiskey from the manor – Bonfrey had brought it from the estate’s restaurant that day. Even Sato Ryoko curiously tried a small cup, and her chubby face immediately turned red.

Bonfrey raised his glass. "Gentlemen, a toast to our collaboration! May we unite and amicably complete this mission."

"Yes, to sharing the reward!" someone added.

Bonfrey was clearly a man of considerable charm. Under his lead, the atmosphere became much more congenial. Even the solitary Gray Cat showed a hint more warmth on his face.

Golden Bird finally joined the circle, pouring herself a drink. "I can promise that during this collaboration, I won’t do anything against the rules. You can trust me."

Bonfrey was again the first to clink glasses with Golden Bird.

Chen Nuo and Sato joined in last, followed by the Professor and Gray Cat.

The only one who remained silent throughout was "Sea Monster." This formidable man, whose appearance starkly contrasted with his nickname, only stood up when everyone had nearly finished eating. "Gentlemen, I’ll retire first."

"Bruno, won’t you have a drink with us?" Bonfrey smiled and asked.

"No. Let’s save the toast for when the mission is complete and we’ve returned alive," Sea Monster said flatly and quickly left.

The atmosphere instantly cooled. Bonfrey sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Well, he’s speaking the truth, but it’s hardly appropriate for the current mood."

CLACK.

The Professor placed his empty glass upside down on the table and also stood up. "Alright, dinner is over. I’m going to rest too. We start working tomorrow, and it won’t do to be unrested."

Saying this, the old man glanced at everyone. When his eyes swept over Chen Nuo, he seemed to give a slight nod.

「Chen Nuo’s room was in a house near the village entrance, close to the camp.」

Such decrepit housing was hardly an improvement over a tent.

The night was stiflingly hot, and Chen Nuo was sweating profusely. He took out insect repellent and sprayed it liberally around the room. He then looked at the dirty bed... After a moment’s thought, he simply took out the hammock that had been issued that evening, set it up, and climbed in.

Suspended in his hammock between a wall and a post, Chen Nuo let out a comfortable sigh.

He closed his eyes.

Around one in the morning, Chen Nuo’s eyes snapped open precisely on schedule.

His spiritual power gently spread out, first scanning the area around his dwelling. There was no movement around the room.

Besides Chen Nuo, Sato Ryoko and Golden Bird were also staying in this house. The others were in different houses.

Like a cat, Chen Nuo leaped lightly from the hammock, silently pushed open the window, and slipped outside.

Under the cover of night, the camp beside the village was still lit. Soldiers from the Mercenary Corps could be vaguely seen patrolling.

Chen Nuo moved stealthily under the trees, heading away from the village. He quickly crossed a small patch of jungle and arrived at the riverbank.

Once at the riverbank, Chen Nuo slowed his pace. He then saw a figure slowly emerge from behind a tree near the water.

"I wasn’t sure you’d come."

"I’ve always been very curious," Chen Nuo approached slowly, simultaneously taking out his cigarette pack. From it, he pulled out a small slip of paper. "...Besides... you were the one who invited me, Mr. Bonfrey."

Beneath the tree, Bonfrey broke into a smile.

Chen Nuo stopped about two or three meters away. He calmly observed Bonfrey’s expression but deliberately adopted a grave tone. "When I was smoking earlier today, you slipped this note into my cigarette case, Bonfrey. Why invite me here for a secret meeting this late? What do you want to discuss? Let me be clear: I’m not interested in trivial matters."

"Of course, my topic will definitely interest you." Bonfrey chuckled, then lowered his voice and said slowly, "For instance... a warning to be careful of the Professor. Isn’t that an interesting topic?"

Chen Nuo’s eyebrows rose slightly. "I thought you and the Professor were friends."

"Of course we are friends." Bonfrey spread his hands, his tone light. "But when I discover this friend has been concealing things from me, I can only withdraw my trust in him."

Chen Nuo’s interest was piqued. "Concealed? What has the Professor concealed?"

"He’s concealed it from all of us."

"What is it exactly?"

"That British explorer, John Sterling," Bonfrey said with a smile. "He started concealing things from us today in the meeting room while we were reviewing the documents."

"For example?"

"For example... today wasn’t the first time he’d heard the name John Sterling."

"How do you know?" Chen Nuo frowned.

"...I just know," Bonfrey replied, unwilling to elaborate. Instead, he made a direct offer. "So, Harvey, what do you say? A partnership? We can cooperate on this mission."

"Cooperate on what?" Chen Nuo feigned confusion. "Are you planning to go after what the Octopus Monster organization has? That wouldn’t be a smart move!"

"No, no, I have no such intentions. The cooperation I’m talking about is..." Bonfrey sighed. "I mean it literally! During this mission, when we encounter unknown or dangerous situations, we can count on each other as trustworthy—truly trustworthy—partners. This alliance will last until the mission ends. What do you say, Harvey?"

"Why should I trust you?" Chen Nuo deliberately appeared skeptical.

"Then, how about I give you another piece of information, free of charge?"

"...Go on."

"I imagine you must be planning to ally with that woman, Golden Bird. She killed Lion Luke and was naturally ostracized by everyone. Then, today in the

meeting room, you chose to sit with her. You’re trying to ally with her while she’s isolated, right?"

Before Chen Nuo could speak, Bonfrey laughed. "Be careful with that woman! The free information I’m offering is... Lion Luke never killed her son! Because Golden Bird never had a son."

Chen Nuo frowned. "How can you be sure? It’s not unheard of for someone to have an unknown illegitimate child. Especially for someone who navigates the Underground World, having a secret son for safety or to evade enemies wouldn’t be considered strange."

"Having a secret son certainly isn’t strange," Bonfrey sighed. "Unfortunately, it’s impossible for Golden Bird to have a son."

"?" Chen Nuo looked at Bonfrey with confusion.

"Our Cultivator Association has extensive influence and a long history in Europe. That allows us to know many secrets hidden from the public."

"You haven’t answered my question," Chen Nuo said coldly.

"...Then let me put it more directly. For instance... this Ms. Golden Bird... She was male until the age of thirteen. Is that answer clear enough for you?"

Holy shit! Chen Nuo had inadvertently stumbled upon a huge revelation.

After reflecting for a moment, Chen Nuo frowned and said, "Why me? Why choose to ally with me?"

"Process of elimination, Mr. Harvey. The Professor is problematic. Golden Bird is problematic too. That lady from Japan doesn’t seem very reliable. As for Gray Cat, he’s too odd and difficult to approach. Cats have never been symbols of loyalty. And Sea Monster... he has a small grudge against our Cultivator Association. So... you’re the one left, Harvey."