Chapter 748: Chapter 366: Do as I Say (Part 2)

"The scan data was just sent back to base, but I suspect this place isn’t just an Insect Race reconnaissance point. It might be part of some larger deployment plan!"

"A deployment plan? Does that mean they might have an ambush set up? Is it too dangerous for us to stay here?"

Han Ruoxi frowned, looking worried.

"We can’t rule out that possibility. We need to confirm the situation here as quickly as possible and then pull out!"

Li Chang’an glanced at the team.

"Next, I need you to split up and search the area again. The main objective is to find similar markings or any other unusual signs!"

"Understood!"

No one objected, and they immediately got to work.

Sun Yang and Han Ruoxi were in charge of the eastern sector. They advanced cautiously, observing their surroundings.

Sun Yang complained from time to time.

"This place gets creepier the more I look at it. It’s just a mess of rocks and holes everywhere. I have no idea why the Insect Race would pick it!"

"They don’t care about aesthetics, only whether they can hide and set up ambushes. You think they’re picky like you?"

Han Ruoxi couldn’t help but roll her eyes.

"Fine, you have a point!"

Sun Yang rubbed his nose and said no more.

Suddenly, they found a narrow cave entrance behind a massive boulder.

The area around the entrance was covered in scratches that looked like claw marks, suggesting it was a place the Insect Race frequented.

"This entrance... something’s off about it!"

Han Ruoxi crouched down to get a closer look, then looked up at Sun Yang.

"You dare to go in and check it out?"

"You want me to go in alone? What about you?"

Sun Yang’s eyes widened.

"I’ll cover you from out here. Now go!"

Han Ruoxi said with a serious expression.

"You’re just using me as bait!"

Though he was complaining, Sun Yang still cautiously squeezed inside.

The cave wasn’t deep, ending after about ten-odd meters.

Sun Yang switched on his tactical flashlight and found a pile of strange objects inside, which looked like some kind of Insect Race eggs.

He quickly reported over his comms.

"Captain, I’ve found some insect eggs here. There aren’t many, but they’re in a very hidden spot. They were obviously stashed here on purpose!"

"Mark the location and get out immediately. Don’t touch anything!"

Li Chang’an’s voice came through the comms.

"Understood!"

Sun Yang quickly backed out of the cave and returned to Han Ruoxi’s side.

Meanwhile, Shen Qiuyue and Bai Lin had also made a discovery.

Amidst a messy pile of ore, they found some broken metal parts that looked like the remains of some kind of device.

"This stuff doesn’t look like normal mining equipment. It’s more like a dismantled Insect Race device!"

Bai Lin analyzed calmly.

"Collect some samples to take back. The Captain needs to know what this is!"

Shen Qiuyue nodded, quickly picking up a few smaller metal fragments and bagging them.

A moment later, everyone regrouped at Li Chang’an’s position.

After they all reported their findings, Li Chang’an thought for a moment before speaking.

"The situation is more complicated than we thought. This place isn’t just a reconnaissance point for the Insect Race; it’s likely a temporary base. Mission complete. Return to base immediately!"

"Finally, we can leave! I thought we were going to be stuck here all night!"

Sun Yang let out a sigh of relief and patted his Pulse Gun.

"Let’s go, let’s go! The sooner we’re out of this hellhole, the better!"

The Insect Hunter Squad quickly withdrew from the mining area, their recon vehicle driving smoothly through the night.

The atmosphere inside the vehicle was still tense. Han Ruoxi leaned against the window and spoke in a low voice.

"Captain, do you think the Insect Race’s recent movements are related to our last few missions?"

"It’s very likely, but the specifics will depend on the base’s analysis!"

Li Chang’an said, his eyes closed and his tone as calm as ever.

"We just need to complete our missions. Leave the rest for command to handle!"

Sun Yang yawned and said lazily as he leaned back in his seat.

"I just hope the next mission isn’t such a brain-teaser. A straightforward firefight would be so much more satisfying!"

Han Ruoxi shot him a look, not bothering to reply.

Upon returning to base, just as the Insect Hunter Squad got out of the vehicle, Li Chang’an took the collected samples and recording devices and headed straight for the command hall.

He turned back and said to his team members.

"You all head back to the dorms and rest. I’ll submit the mission report. Keep your comms open!"

Sun Yang yawned and waved his hand dismissively.

"The Captain is so dedicated. He could have had us take turns submitting the reports, but he insists on shouldering it all himself!"

"Cut the crap, go get some rest, and don’t cause trouble here!"

Li Chang’an gave him a look, then turned and walked away quickly.

"Sigh, the Captain is as cold as ever. Don’t you guys think... does he ever get tired? Working around the clock like this every day!"

Sun Yang said to the others as they walked.

"Li Chang’an is the Captain because he’s a lot more reliable than you. Don’t even try to compare your laziness to him!"

Shen Qiuyue hit the nail on the head, her tone cold.

"Hey, I’m just worried about the Captain! We’re all part of the squad, after all!"

Sun Yang grumbled, following the others toward the dorms.

Han Ruoxi couldn’t help but roll her eyes.

"You should be more worried about yourself. You nearly dragged us down on today’s mission. If it weren’t for Shen Qiuyue and Bai Lin’s efficiency, the Insect Race would have probably caught up to us!"

"Hey, Xiaohan, that’s a little harsh, don’t you think? I was giving it my all the entire time!"

Sun Yang patted his Pulse Gun, a wronged expression on his face.

"Stop bragging. Your ’giving it my all’ is just firing a few shots from a safe distance while running your mouth!"

Han Ruoxi exposed him, a hint of mockery at the corner of her lips.

"Fine, fine, fine, you guys are the best. I give up, alright?"

Sun Yang waved his hands, no longer arguing.

The group stopped at the entrance to their dorm.

Shen Qiuyue opened the door and went straight in, setting down her gear before sitting on her bed and beginning to inspect her sword’s blade.

"Hey, Shen Qiuyue, don’t you get tired of inspecting your weapon so meticulously every day?"

Sun Yang asked curiously.

"A warrior’s weapon is their life. Any problem with it could be fatal. You wouldn’t understand, so don’t ask!"

Shen Qiuyue replied coldly without looking up.

"Alright, I guess I really don’t get it!"

Sun Yang shrugged and shuffled over to sit next to Han Ruoxi.

"Xiaohan, I’m seriously wiped out today. How about we switch things up next time we’re in groups? Let me partner with Shen Qiuyue, and you can be on gun duty!"

"You dare say you’re tired? Are you trying to get me to roast you for how unreliable you are?"

Han Ruoxi gave him a speechless glare.

"Next time we’re grouped, just pray you don’t drag us down again!"

Sun Yang pouted but didn’t say anything else, simply flopping onto the bed and staring blankly at the ceiling.

Meanwhile, Bai Lin sat in a corner, eating a ration biscuit while organizing data on his terminal, completely ignoring their conversation.

A little while later, Li Chang’an pushed the door open and walked in, his expression as impassive as ever.

He casually placed the sample bag he had collected on the table and looked at the team.

"Rest for a bit. We’ll get a notification in two hours. The commander just said that the incident at the mining area might not be an isolated event. It could be tied to a much larger plan!"

"A larger plan? What is it this time?"

Han Ruoxi immediately perked up at this.

"It’s unclear at the moment. The base needs time to analyze the data. They’ll notify us when they have results!"

Li Chang’an sat down, his tone calm.

"So does that mean we’re free to do what we want for now?"

Sun Yang shot up from the bed, looking at Li Chang’an with a face full of expectation.

"Yes, but don’t go too far. Be ready to move out at any time!"

Li Chang’an nodded.

"Awesome! I’ve been dying to try out the new equipment at the training grounds! Who wants to come with me?"

Sun Yang looked at the others excitedly.

"I’m not interested. Go by yourself!"

Han Ruoxi rejected him flatly.

"I still have work to finish!"

Bai Lin said curtly, his eyes still fixed on his terminal screen.

"I’ll go with you!"

Shen Qiuyue suddenly spoke up, her tone flat.

Sun Yang was stunned for a second, then broke into a grin.

"Shen Qiuyue, since when were you interested in the training grounds?"

"I’m going to watch you make a fool of yourself!"

Shen Qiuyue tossed out the line, stood up, and turned to walk out the door.

"You’re underestimating me! Fine, just watch how I’m going to shatter the high score today!"

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