Chu Hang still maintained that calm, almost indifferent demeanor, but his aura was even more profound and restrained than a year ago, like a dormant volcano.
His rule-based ability, 【Protagonist】, was one of The Boulder's strongest trump cards.
"Chu Hang, the interior of the fortress is entrusted to you," Qin Weiguo said.
"I always feel that things are not so simple. Is there another hidden reason behind Zhuang Han's 瘋狂 assault? Could it be related to certain things the traitor 'Ling Chen' did before he disappeared? You must remain vigilant, preventing any possible internal unrest and... external infiltration."
Chu Hang nodded slightly, his voice calm and unwavering: "Commander, rest assured. I will guard this place."
His gaze swept over the location of Linghui Academy on the sandbox, and deep within his eyes, a cold glint flashed. Allowing Ling Chen to escape a year ago was a rare failure in his professional career, a shame he had never forgotten... Equipment preparation zone.
The Dawnbreaker Squad was making its final preparations.
Li Mingyu silently checked his specialized heavy power gauntlets and full body heavy armor, his movements meticulous, his gaze terrifyingly focused.
Lin Wei rapidly debugged various reconnaissance devices and energy detectors, occasionally conducting encrypted communications with headquarters' intelligence department to verify information, her expression focused and calm.
Chen Xue silently distributed high-efficiency healing potions and mental stabilizers to her teammates. Her fingertips trembled slightly, but when they touched the potions, they became exceptionally steady.
Zhou Yunguang caressed his ornate but somewhat dim longbow, his face filled with unwillingness and anxiety.
Li Fan repeatedly wiped two poisoned daggers, his eyes sinister, silently muttering something, as if rehearsing a slaughter.
"Everyone," Li Mingyu suddenly spoke, his voice deep and hoarse.
"The importance of this mission needs no further explanation from me. Zhuang Han must die, and Linghui Academy must be razed. But more importantly..."
He raised his head, his gaze sweeping over his teammates.
"Come back alive. We've lost enough already; we can't lose each other. Hatred is important, but only by surviving can we seek revenge."
His words slightly startled everyone.
Lin Wei took a deep breath and nodded: "Mingyu is right. Zhuang Han and its lair are very dangerous, and we must be cautious. Especially... we must be wary of any unusual signs." She spoke meaningfully.
Chen Xue softly hummed in agreement and whispered, "I will do my best to protect everyone."
Zhou Yunguang gritted his teeth: "My Holy Light will purify all evil!"
Li Fan sneered, saying nothing, merely thrusting his dagger back into its sheath.
Just then, a comms officer ran over: "Dawnbreaker Squad, emergency message from Headquarters! We just received an encrypted intelligence alert from Shengjing Underground City! An exploration team, escorted by Central Special Operations Bureau Colonel Gao Zhan and including Central Academy of Sciences personnel, encountered an attack by an unknown force in the Western Rift Zone and has now safely returned to Shengjing."
"The intelligence mentions that the exploration team discovered artifacts in the ruins possibly related to the ancient 'Sage of Strategy' Zhang Liang and encountered attacks from a large number of ancient guardians, with the Knights Templar also intervening afterward. Headquarters reminds all active field teams to be aware of possible unusual movements in the direction of the Western Rift Zone, especially... the movements of the Knights Templar."
"Sage of Strategy Zhang Liang? Knights Templar?" Li Mingyu frowned deeply, "The Western Rift Zone... it's not far from Jiu'an City. Could there be some connection between these two?"
A hint of doubt flashed in Lin Wei's eyes: "The Temple Knights have always been very interested in ancient ruins and so-called 'sacred artifacts.'"
"It's not strange for them to appear there. But... happening simultaneously with the current chaos in Jiu'an City? Is it a coincidence?"
Everyone fell into deep thought. The shadow Ling Chen cast a year ago made them extremely wary of any "coincidences."
"Whether it's a coincidence or not, it's not our primary task right now." Li Mingyu shook his head, temporarily suppressing his doubts. "Our target is Zhuang Han and Linghui Academy! Move out!"
The five exchanged glances, seeing determination and a hint of deep-seated pain in each other's eyes.
They boarded their dedicated high-speed armored assault vehicle. The engine roared, carrying the flames of revenge and the lingering gloom, as they drove out of The Boulder's massive gate, merging with two other squads, like three sharp swords, piercing directly towards the blood-soaked region of Jiu'an City.
Outside the car window was a desolate wasteland.
Inside the car window were five young figures whose destinies had been changed by the same person, now bearing scars and resolve, heading to the battlefield.
The Boulder's fury had been unsheathed.
Ling Chen had no idea that the chess pieces he casually laid out were slowly leading his "old friends" step by step towards the bloody stage he had orchestrated.