CHAPTER 365: CHAPTER 170: BACKING UP THE SQUAD (2)

"Indeed."

The two stood side by side in the plaza outside the fortifications, looking around to see a flourishing 011 Base.

The steel plant tirelessly churned out steel day and night, the coking plant emitted a light haze, with intense flames heating the air, which then blew the hot currents towards the munitions factory and lumber plant.

Further away, several multifunctional excavators continued to clear the wasteland, while people working the wasteland scattered seeds one by one into the soil.

The sound of fishing songs wafted from Xuanwu Lake, routine activities of the Qian Island Lake Town residents catching fish.

The base was already taking shape, developing at a pace far beyond the initial expectations of the four individuals.

Chen Jian gradually withdrew his gaze from the distance, and upon seeing the silhouette operating the excavator with proficiency nearby, he suddenly asked:

"How’s Jiang Yu doing?"

"Jiang Yu? The pilot?"

Lei Jie instinctively inquired.

"Yeah, isn’t she doing well?"

"She can— the issue is, won’t you use her? Didn’t you initially express interest in seeing if she had the potential to become a core combat member?"

Hearing Lei Jie’s words, Chen Jian slowly shook his head.

"Let’s first see if she can pilot a plane."

"These people from Qian Island Lake Town need a role model; she’s the best choice."

"Alright, let’s not talk about it too much."

Chen Jian slightly raised the explosive rifle in his hand, then spoke:

"Do you remember Jin Zhong, the commander of the Guard Brigade?"

"He’s currently leading a team clearing monsters around Jingkou; I’ve heard things aren’t going well."

"I’m planning to take a look."

"This person is actually of more value than Zhang Tao; no matter what, we have to lend a hand..."

...

Meanwhile, twenty kilometers southwest of Jingkou.

Jin Zhong leaned against a large tree, panting heavily, with faint smoke emanating from the barrel of his searing hot Conqueror rifle.

Just moments ago, they had endured a fierce battle.

Over 150 praying mantis monsters engaged in a skirmish with his 100-man squad of the Guard Brigade, and in the heat of the moment, the Holy Blood Scout, without time for warning, was directly slaughtered by the monsters.

Immediately, the long-prepared monsters utilized their advantage of the terrain, launching an ambush upon the Guard Brigade from the woods. Within a single moment of confrontation, they took out over 20 Guard Brigade soldiers.

The sudden assault plunged the entire Guard Brigade into chaos, but fortunately, most of the soldiers in this squad were battle-hardened veterans.

After suffering heavy casualties, they did not panic and scatter like ordinary Church Protection Army soldiers, exposing their backs to the enemy.

On the contrary, everyone quickly congregated together, organizing a solid defense line.

Gunfire, explosions echoed continuously, while the monsters’ roars became the background sound of this grand symphony.

In the clash of iron and blood, the Guard Brigade lost another 10 soldiers, but the group of attacking monsters was ultimately driven back.

The cost was heavy, and the victory was brutal.

Jin Zhong watched the Medical Priest busy tending to the injured amidst the wounded, staunching and dressing the heavily injured soldiers, a flicker of pain crossing his face.

He couldn’t bear to see these closest brothers leave him.

Although he would tell each dying brother, "I will see you again in the Holy Trinity’s realm," in his heart, he knew better than anyone that these brothers probably would never have the chance to glimpse the true Heaven again.

Jin Zhong let out a long sigh, while nearby, a few Guard Brigade soldiers gathered around a Holy Blood member, angrily accusing them of negligence.

".....What exactly are you Holy Blood folks doing? You’re supposed to be scouts; why can’t you perform a scout’s duties?"

"The monsters were less than 50 meters from us, and you still didn’t notice?"

"Then tell me, what use are scouts like you?!"

"These 20 brothers’ lives are on you; you must atone for all of this!"

As the words fell, the Holy Blood member abruptly stood.

He glared at the Guard Brigade soldiers, then retorted sharply:

"It’s not only you who suffered losses!"

"We lost two people, two Holy Blood members!"

"Besides the scout, that Shield Guard died to protect you during your ludicrous so-called heavy firepower!"

"Do you think the failure in the battle is our fault?"

"I’ve made it very clear; this was an ambush!"

"No one can evade an ambush; the reason you suffered heavy losses is simply because you are inherently weak!"

"Don’t you know? The Huaxia Army recently faced an ambush too, but what was their result?"

"Not only did they eliminate hundreds of similar monsters, but they also took down several large monsters!"

"You’re merely fighting the remnants left behind by the Huaxia Army. Facing this outcome, is it our fault?"

"Damn you..."

A Guard Brigade soldier impulsively wanted to seize the Holy Blood member, but clearly, he greatly overestimated his speed and underestimated the gap between himself and a Holy Blood member.

The latter effortlessly dodged his attack, and before he realized, the Holy Blood member’s long knife had been unsheathed, poised at his throat.

"Don’t move."

He spoke in a deep voice.

Nearby Guard Brigade soldiers immediately raised their guns, aiming at the cold-eyed Holy Blood member.

The tension was palpable, but at that moment, Jin Zhong stood up.

"Put down your weapons!"

The commanding authority in his voice left no room for dispute. Even the highly agitated Guard soldiers, upon hearing his order, unhesitatingly lowered their guns.

The Holy Blood member took a slow breath, sheathed his long knife, and gazed at Jin Zhong, stating:

"Don’t forget, we’re merely in a cooperative relationship."

"If not for the orders from the Holy Blood Temple, we wouldn’t have come here at all."

"For us, cooperating with the Huaxia Army is a far safer choice; I hope you understand this!"

"I understand."

Jin Zhong nodded, standing in front of him.

"I just want to tell you that the situation doesn’t allow us to kill each other here."

"The monsters that were repelled will return, and their numbers far exceed one hundred and fifty."

"You can leave, but we will not retreat."

"We are the last line of defense for Jingkou. If these monsters are allowed to run rampant into Jingkou, everything there will be easily destroyed."

"So, make your choice."

"Whatever decision you make, I won’t stop you."

With those words, the remaining Holy Blood member quietly exhaled.

After a prolonged silence, he said:

"I will stay."

"My friends have already died at the front; at least, I hope they can die meaningfully."

"I hope you all can hold the line."

With that, the Holy Blood member turned and leaped away, while Jin Zhong decisively waved his hand and issued orders:

"Don’t just stand there, set up the defenses."

"Holding our ground is the best strategy we can choose."

"Everyone, we might die here, but..."

"You won’t die here."

Before Jin Zhong could finish his words, a voice suddenly emanated from the radio on his chest.

He frowned and picked up the radio, and the voice continued:

"You fought bravely, that’s commendable."

"But, it’s somewhat less intelligent."

"Move one kilometer east, there’s a high ground there."

"Set up defenses there, we’ll meet you there."

"We’ve figured out the monsters’ habits and combat methods, rest assured, this battle won’t be too difficult....."

After this sentence, the radio fell silent.

The adjutant nearby looked at Jin Zhong in astonishment, asking:

"Is... it support from the Forbidden Army?"

"Should we obey?"

Jin Zhong took a deep breath, shook his head, and replied:

"No, it’s not the Forbidden Army."

"But we should follow what they said."

"On the other end, it’s the Huaxia Army!"