This surveillance was crucial not only for safety but also to prevent any treacherous soldiers from attempting on each other’s lives, a grim reality that had been tested several times before.
"How did we lose one?" Shi Min asked, his voice heavy with concern.
"The lake," his mother responded, the weight of the word hanging in the air.
"That lake never fails to attract," Shi Min murmured, a bitter edge to his tone. The lake’s serene surface hid deadly secrets, a reminder that in this harsh training ground, even the most innocent-looking surroundings could prove fatal.
"What was the result of your mission with Goldie last night?" Ling Li inquired.
"Goldie was a blast!" Shi Min said with laughter, reminiscing the night’s events.
That night, Goldie made a grand entrance into one of the city’s most luxurious casinos, looking dashing in his tux. Pharsa, in her plush evening dress, clung to his arm while Tod, Goldie’s personal aide and bodyguard, followed closely behind. What truly caught everyone’s attention was the gold mask covering Goldie’s left eye and half of his cheek, adding an air of mystery.
Shi Min and Mushu arrived discreetly, blending into the background until Goldie and Pharsa were settled. Pharsa had secured a VIP room and had thoughtfully ordered muffins for Goldie. As they settled in, Pharsa began making loud, flirtatious comments, drawing the attention of other players to their table.
Shi Min, initially playing and winning at another poker table, eventually joined Goldie’s table, piquing the curiosity of even more players. By the time half the deck had been laid out, Goldie’s table was full. Shi Min only bet when he was sure of winning, helping to control the game and ensuring Goldie’s success.
As the night progressed, Goldie, with his almost uncanny ability to predict his cards, began to dominate each round. To avoid recognition, Shi Min left the table first, blending back into the shadows.
When Goldie finally won the round, he and Pharsa departed, leaving the other players astonished and dismayed, wondering about the identity of the mysterious winners.
Back at the camp, Shi Min recounted the night to Ling Li with a smile. "Goldie was just popping muffins one after the other while playing and winning, which was so intimidating."
Ling Li laughed, "Goldie is still him. He never disappoints us!"
The mother and son chatted for a while, and their laughter slowly faded as they turned their attention to the screens, ready to face the next challenge that awaited them.
Now down to thirty-three with three heavily injured, the trainees moved through the forest in a sad procession, the weight of fatigue and fear visible on their faces. Sleep had come in restless shifts, and those who could not sleep tended to their wounded comrades.
"Can you hear that?" One of them broke the silence, straining to listen.
"Sounds like streaming water," another answered, hope flickering in his eyes.
"Let’s follow where it is coming from," someone suggested.
The sound of water grew louder as they trudged on, finally leading them to a ten-meter waterfall, its cascade feeding a clear stream.
"Let’s check it out first," Four Eyes suggested. Several members followed him cautiously while others kept watch.
"There are live fish!" One shouted triumphantly, his voice echoing against the rocks.
"The water must be safe."
This observation came from the man who had killed the snake the previous day, earning Four Eyes’s respect.
"Let’s catch some fish and take turns washing," the man suggested.
"Let’s wash the most injured first and clean their wounds. Others catch some fish. The rest stay on guard," a Class A comrade commanded. The group nodded in agreement, moving with purpose.
They caught enough fish for everyone and began to cook. As the aroma of roasting fish filled the air, one of the men voiced a concern.
"Did you notice that no other animals are in the surrounding area?"
"That is why I suggest we leave this place immediately after eating," another responded, casting a wary glance around.
Four Eyes squinted, sensing that this man knew more than he was letting on.
Having finished cleaning the injured, Four Eyes joined Shun, Fatty, and Chatty to wash. Once clean, Four Eyes approached the man who had spoken earlier.
"What is your name?" Four Eyes asked, gathering wood planks to start a fire.
The man recognized Four Eyes and bowed. "Master!" He called.
Four Eyes frowned. "Just call me Chu Yan." Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on N()velFire.net
The man seemed hesitant, then bowed again. Internally, he struggled with the idea of ’How am I supposed to address him on a first-name basis? He is our Supreme Commander’s husband.’ The thought made him shiver.
Four Eyes, sensing his discomfort, could almost read his mind and said, "We are all equal here. So please don’t call me Master. Like you, I’m also training. We fight together or die together."
The man’s face broke into a smile of admiration. He extended a hand to Four Eyes. "I’m Jackson. You can call me Jack." His dark face was illuminated by a broad grin, teeth shining against his tanned skin.
"I know you’re not telling us something. Instead, you just told us to leave after we eat immediately." Four Eyes whispered to Jack, his suspicion evident.
Jack was both amused and impressed by Four Eyes’s perceptiveness. Jack hadn’t wanted to alarm the group but had been on high alert. He had found traces of alligators around the waterfall, deep in the inner parts where he was the only one to venture.
"Yes, let’s eat fast and leave immediately. But let’s not scare everyone and be on the lookout," Jack replied, his tone measured.
"Tell me, what is it?" Four Eyes insisted.
Jack met Four Eyes’ gaze before leaning in to whisper the truth. "I found traces of alligators in the deeper part of the falls."
Four Eyes’s eyes widened as he processed the information. Four Eyes glanced back at the waterfall, his brows furrowed in concern. Seeing Chatty and Fatty still lingering by the water, he immediately sprang into action, pulling them out.
"You two, help cook our food and stop stalling time in the water!" Four Eyes scolded as he guided them towards the fire.
Introducing them to Jack, Four Eyes quickly organized the group. They ate as they cooked, sharing the fish among themselves. The atmosphere was tense but controlled, each member on high alert.