That day, Ling Chen was supervising Zhang Hou and Li Xun's anti-interference training at the training ground when a high-priority notification suddenly rang on the guild's internal communicator.
He clicked it open, his eyes narrowing slightly.
The notification was issued by the Guild's Mission Department, targeting all squads rated B-class or above:
【Supplementary Announcement: Regarding Mission B-41 (Escorting the Central Academy of Sciences Exploration Team)】
【Due to intensified energy disturbances in the mission area (Western Rift Zone) and abnormally frequent mutant activity in the surrounding region (Jiu'an City direction), after negotiation with the mission issuer (Central Special Operations Bureau), it has been decided to recruit an additional auxiliary escort squad familiar with the outer domain environment and possessing strong wilderness reconnaissance and alert capabilities. This squad will primarily be responsible for the exploration team's outer perimeter security, route reconnaissance, and emergency support.】
【Requirements for the additional squad: Rated B-class or above, with at least one member possessing advanced reconnaissance or environmental adaptation abilities.】
【Application screening will begin tomorrow.】
An opportunity!
Ling Chen sneered inwardly.
It came as expected!
Due to the escalating risks in the mission area itself and their curiosity about Jiu'an City, the Central Special Operations Bureau and the Guild had no choice but to consider adding another layer of security.
And "familiar with the outer domain environment" and "reconnaissance and alert capabilities" perfectly aligned with the traits the Ash Squad had demonstrated (their previous support performance) and the training direction he was deliberately strengthening!
"Su Qing! Chen Mo! Wang Yuan! Come here!" Ling Chen immediately gathered his team members.
He showed them the content of the announcement.
"Recruiting an auxiliary escort squad?"
After reading it, a flicker of interest crossed Su Qing's cool eyes, but then she hesitated.
"Captain, are our capabilities... up to par? And Jiu'an City is so chaotic right now..."
"The greater the risk, the greater the opportunity."
Ling Chen's tone was firm, his eyes gleaming with a desire to prove himself.
"This is our excellent chance to restore the Ash Squad's prestige! As auxiliary escorts, we don't need to directly confront powerful enemies; it tests our reconnaissance, alert, and adaptability, which is precisely the direction we can strive for at this stage!"
"Moreover, being able to act with the Central Academy of Sciences' special team is a great honor and training in itself!"
He looked at Wang Yuan (Hui Xiu): "Hui Xiu's spiritual scent perception is crucial for early warning and environmental reconnaissance!"
Then he looked at Su Qing (Liu Feng): "Liu Feng's wind perception and acceleration can greatly enhance reconnaissance efficiency!"
Finally, he looked at Chen Mo (Gray Shield) and the new 'Stone Pillar': "Your defensive capabilities can also protect the team at critical moments!"
His analysis was well-reasoned and highly encouraging.
Chen Mo and Wang Yuan were somewhat moved and eager to try. Su Qing pondered for a moment, then nodded: "The Captain is right, this is indeed an opportunity. We can give it a try."
"Good!"
Ling Chen clapped his hands.
"Prepare the application materials immediately! Emphasize our recent support performance, Hui Xiu's reconnaissance capabilities, and our overall adaptability! This time, we must secure this spot!"
He acted like a young leader seizing an opportunity and eager to prove himself.
However, in his heart, the cold calculations had long been settled.
He must join this mission!
Not only to join, but also to use this opportunity to get as close as possible to the core of the exploration team and investigate their true objective.
And even... to find an opportunity to seize any potential information or items related to the "Fourth Path to Ascension"!
The pieces on the chessboard were, according to his will, moving step by step towards their crucial positions.