Chapter 761: Chapter 373: Departing in 30 Minutes

"What’s our mission, then?"

Li Chang’an asked.

"Your mission is to return to the Insect Hive region, confirm the exact location of the Rebel Army, and gather as much additional intelligence on the hive’s interior as you can!"

Liu Na’s tone was grave.

"Remember, avoid combat whenever possible. Intelligence is the priority!"

"Understood!"

Li Chang’an nodded.

"Is there anything else we need to be aware of?"

"If you run into danger, your priority is to retreat!"

Liu Na’s gaze swept over everyone.

"The mission is important, but not as important as your lives!"

The squad members answered in unison.

"Understood!"

"Go get ready, then!"

Liu Na waved her hand.

"We move out in thirty minutes!"

The preparation time flew by. Thirty minutes later, the entire Insect Hunter Squad was geared up and ready, assembled at the base exit.

A transport vehicle was already waiting, with Instructor Wei standing beside it, his expression as stern as ever.

"Is everyone here?"

Instructor Wei glanced at the squad, his gaze landing on Li Chang’an.

"Everyone’s here. We’re ready to depart at any time!"

Li Chang’an stood at attention and saluted.

"Very good."

Instructor Wei nodded.

"Remember the focus of this mission. Avoid combat and secure the intel.

If you encounter a situation you can’t handle, immediately request backup. Don’t try to be a hero!"

"Understood!"

Li Chang’an replied crisply.

"Get on board!"

Instructor Wei waved his hand and turned to the transport’s driver.

"Take them to the designated location. Make sure you maintain open communications!"

The Insect Hunter Squad boarded the vehicle one by one. After the door closed, the engine roared to life, and the transport slowly drove away from the base.

The atmosphere inside the transport was somber. No one spoke, and only the rumble of the vehicle occasionally broke the silence.

Han Ruoxi leaned back in her seat, her brow slightly furrowed, looking a little uneasy.

"Brother Chang’an, do you think... there’ll be an ambush on this mission?"

she asked in a low voice.

"It’s possible,"

Li Chang’an said grimly.

"But the Rebel Army is focused on the Insect Hive. For now, they won’t be putting all their attention on us."

"For now?"

Han Ruoxi looked up.

"You mean, once they find us, they’ll kill us on sight?"

"That’s highly likely."

Li Chang’an looked at her.

"So you have to stay alert at all times. Don’t give them any openings!"

"Got it."

Han Ruoxi nodded lightly and said no more.

"Don’t be so tense, you guys!"

Sun Yang spoke up, breaking the silence.

"However strong the Rebel Army is, they can’t possibly be more trouble than the Insect Race, right? We can even take down the Insect Race, so why should we be scared of them?"

"The Rebel Army is more trouble than the Insect Race,"

Bai Lin said flatly.

"They’re intelligent. They set traps and calculate our weaknesses.

The Insect Race acts on instinct, but humans use strategy."

"Alright, you have a point."

Sun Yang scratched his head.

"But I still think we can handle it!"

"Confidence is a good thing, but don’t get cocky,"

Shen Qiuyue said coldly.

"Arrogance will only get you killed faster."

"Here we go again..." Sun Yang sighed.

"Sister Qiuyue, I’ve heard that line from you a million times!"

"Then remember it well,"

Shen Qiuyue retorted coldly.

The conversation died down. The squad members focused on their own preparations, mentally steeling themselves for the mission ahead.

About an hour later, the transport came to a stop at the designated coordinates.

It was a concealed area near the outskirts of the Insect Hive, surrounded by towering trees and tangled undergrowth. A faint, putrid smell permeated the air.

"We’re here,"

the driver said, looking back.

"Your mission area is just ahead. The communication equipment has been calibrated, and you can contact us at any time."

"Thanks."

Li Chang’an nodded and led his team out of the vehicle.

Standing at the edge of the woods, Li Chang’an scanned their surroundings. Once he confirmed the area was clear, he said to his squad in a low voice,

"Spread out, stay alert, and proceed along the pre-planned route!"

"Understood!"

The team members answered in unison, quickly fanning out into formation and moving cautiously toward the target area.

The woods were eerily silent; not even birdsong could be heard. Only the RUSTLE of their boots on the dry leaves was starkly audible.

Han Ruoxi walked in the middle of the formation, her palms slightly sweaty as she nervously gripped her Superpower Bracelet.

"Ruo Xi, relax a little,"

Li Chang’an’s voice came from up ahead.

"Don’t be so wound up."

"I know..." Han Ruoxi replied in a low voice, took a deep breath, and tried her best to calm down.

Sun Yang was at the rear of the formation, his Pulse Gun held at the ready.

He scanned their surroundings and muttered,

"This area is getting creepier and creepier. I feel like something could jump out at any moment!"

"Then keep your eyes peeled,"

Shen Qiuyue, walking ahead of him, said coldly.

"Don’t wait until something actually jumps out to react!"

"Relax, I’m not that slow."

Sun Yang pursed his lips.

After walking for about twenty minutes, the team gradually approached the outer region of the Insect Hive.

Strange tracks began to appear on the ground. Some looked like drag marks, and there were splatters of green liquid that gave off a pungent odor.

"These tracks..." Bai Lin crouched down to inspect them.

"They’re fresh. Means there was recent activity here."

"The Insect Race’s?"

Han Ruoxi asked in a low voice.

"Not necessarily."

Bai Lin shook his head.

"Could be the Rebel Army.

Be careful. There might be an ambush nearby."

The squad immediately went on high alert. Their steps grew lighter, their movements more cautious.

Li Chang’an was at the very front, his eyes fixed on any movement ahead, his Saw Chain Sword ready to be drawn at a moment’s notice.

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