Alina, half in doubt, pinched her nose, tilted her head back, and gulped down the remaining potion.
Several people here were observing the area ahead; the program team’s red flag was right in front of them. However, out of caution, they did not rush to it immediately but stared thoughtfully at the three tents set up on the beach.
"How strange, why is there nobody outside?"
"Yeah, it’s already the fourth day. They should have left someone outside to meet us."
"Are we sure those inside are from the program team?"
"If there really are mercenaries on this island... it’s hard to tell. That red flag is too eye-catching; it might attract them too."
"You guys wait here, I’ll go take a look first."
Yin Dong and Austin exchanged glances and decided to take on the task. They cautiously approached the large tent under the flag but returned after only a few steps, bringing back some not-so-good news.
"Take cover, this place has been taken over."
"Indeed, there are our people inside, but I saw someone with a gun patrolling not far away. The program team’s people must have been taken hostage."
Everyone was shocked.
"What do they want to do?!"
"They’re mercenaries. If they know we’re from the program team and that there are celebrities in our group, then their goal is probably to get a ransom."
For bloodthirsty mercenaries, money is the top priority, and with such a tempting opportunity before them, it’s hard not to be moved.
The group exchanged looks, each sensing that the situation was ominous.
"Our biggest problem now is that we can’t contact the program team."
"But the program team gave us six days to complete the mission. If nobody contacts us once the time is up, they will surely come looking for us."
"That’s the problem, even if other people from the program team come, they can’t outmatch these mercenaries."
Once Yin Dong finished speaking, the group lapsed into silence again.
It was plain truth; even if people from the program team came, their numbers were limited, and without any combat power, how could they possibly compete with the armed mercenaries?
They didn’t need to think about it; they could all guess what the outcome would be.
Tang Shu, who had excellent vision, also spotted a few people in camouflage uniforms on the beach and frowned.
"This can’t continue; we need to find a place to hide first, then figure out what to do next."
The suggestion was unanimously agreed upon, and the group quietly retreated, struggling to walk about two kilometers before finding a natural cave. They planned to rest there for the night and then decide on their next steps.
After four days, the two teams had formed an indescribable tacit understanding.
Once Alina, who was injured, was settled, those who were tasked with setting up tents did so, and those responsible for finding food went off to do just that. The only change was that due to the danger, there was now someone on the lookout at the mouth of the cave.
Roger and Tang Shu observed for a while and then found an excellent spot to sit down, prepared for a long guard duty.
Neither of them spoke, and after a long silence, someone finally couldn’t hold back.
"Hey, does your team have no men left, sending you out to stand guard?"
Tang Shu pinched the pad of her finger, suddenly feeling a bit itchy.
She really wanted to punch him.
"Is this your reason for repeatedly provoking me? To feel important because you can’t even match a woman?"