Yama Reborn

During that night's attack, the exploration team's Steel Fire Mercenary Corps suffered 29 casualties, including those killed. In addition to the dead, eleven injured individuals needed to be sent back to base camp for medical treatment. The losses could be described as severe.

Even more difficult was the loss of supplies. Although communication equipment was preserved, many supplies in the camp had been burned or damaged. Several drinking water reserves were destroyed by explosions, and two water purification devices in the camp were also damaged. There was also significant food loss. Although most of the camp's food was rescued after the fire was brought under control, the majority of supplies had been stored in the gunboat's hold. After the gunboat was blown up and sank, the supplies on board were lost.

The greatest and most serious loss was that of the fleet—our means of transportation. After traveling for two days and two nights, the fleet had ventured deep into the jungle along the Amazon's tributaries. The gunboat on the riverbank had been destroyed. Selena had sent people to inspect it, and they reported it was impossible to repair with their current tools and supplies. Most of the hovercraft were taken by the attackers, leaving only three, one of which had a damaged propeller. Crucially, with the gunboat destroyed, our fuel was also gone.

"We now face four problems," Vanel began. "First, the wounded. They must be sent back as soon as possible. Second, transportation back. We only have three hovercraft left, which is barely enough to transport eleven injured. Moreover, we're very low on fuel. Third, we lack fresh water. The water purification equipment has been destroyed. We've inventoried our supplies; the fresh water we have left will last us two days. Fortunately, this is a rainforest, where fresh water isn't scarce. Although the river water can't be consumed directly, we have water purification tablets and can boil water for sterilization. It's a hassle, but at least we won't die of thirst. So, from now on, everyone is prohibited from using fresh water for washing up. Fourth, food. The food reserves in the camp are adequate, but our main food storage was on the ship, and now it's gone. Our current rations will last three days. If we haven't left by then, we'll have to rely on wilderness survival."

After Vanel announced this, no one spoke.

Vanel looked at everyone and then slowly raised a point. "These problems can be solved. But the biggest issue we now face is what to do next. Casualties, loss of supplies... Do we contact base camp and retreat immediately, or do we continue the exploration?"

At this point, Vanel glanced at the people present and slowly said, "None of you are company employees; you're all invited guests. Therefore, I have no authority to command you or force you to do anything. So, I can only ask for your opinions. If you think we should go back, you can say so—however, if we return, the payment for this mission won't be issued as initially promised, because the mission will have failed. If... you're willing to continue..." Vanel gritted his teeth, a fierce look on his face as he said resolutely, "No one has ever openly attacked our company like this! I refuse to suffer such a significant loss and just slink away without making those responsible pay! No one gets away with making the Octopus Monster suffer such heavy losses and remain unscathed!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Nuo muttered quietly, "It's... Amazing World Company."

"...Yes, Amazing World Company," Vanel paused, quickly corrected himself, and then continued, "Now, it's time for you to make a decision."

After finishing, Vanel walked straight out of the tent, leaving the space and time to Chen Nuo and the others inside. Aside from the Professor, who was unconscious and gravely injured after Bonfrey brought him back, all six Ability Users were present in the tent.

Chen Nuo sat quietly to one side, smoking silently, not rushing to speak.

After a moment of silence, Sea Monster was the first to speak. This handsome, sunny man, whose appearance starkly contrasted with his nickname, first swept his cold gaze over everyone present.

"Then, let me speak first."

Sea Monster stood up. His tone carried an air of taking charge—which was natural. With the legendary Son of the Sun, the Controller, absent, Sea Monster was ostensibly the most powerful among them.

After Sea Monster started speaking, everyone looked at him.

"I don't want to go back!"

Sea Monster didn't beat around the bush or make any feints; he stated his position directly and decisively. "I've never suffered such a heavy loss and just scurried away without doing anything. I've never encountered this before, and I won't tolerate anyone doing this to me now. So, no matter what you all choose, I will continue!"

After speaking, Sea Monster sat back down.

After a silence of two seconds...

"I'll stay too," Golden Bird murmured softly. The voice of this old woman was very hoarse. "I was injured before we set out, and Sea Monster treated my wounds. Even if only out of gratitude, I'm willing to stay and help him."

So that's how it was... Chen Nuo nodded inwardly. No wonder Golden Bird had stayed close to Sea Monster since we set off, and she had fought alongside him during last night's ambush. It turned out she'd been injured in a fight with Lion Luke before they departed, and her swift recovery was thanks to Sea Monster's help.

"I will stay." Bonfrey was the third to speak up. His reason was straightforward. "I know you all still suspect me. I was the only one present when the Professor was injured last night... Not just you, but Vanel probably suspects me too. I don't want to go back carrying that suspicion and have the Octopus Monster organization, as well as the renowned powerhouses of the Underground World present here, see me as an enemy. To clear my name, I'm also willing to stay and help find our attackers."

Then it was Black the Gray Cat's turn. He sneered, "Three people have indicated they'll stay. Am I supposed to be the coward? What a joke! We all operate in the Underground World; we've faced countless dangers. You have pride, don't I? I've never suffered such a major setback in silence; I also want these bastards to pay. And... the Son of the Sun should arrive tomorrow! I don't believe that with a Controller-level powerhouse present in this damned jungle, the culprits can hide for much longer!"

Now, it was Chen Nuo's turn. Sea Monster, Golden Bird, Bonfrey, and Black all looked at Chen Nuo.

"Mr. Harvey, what do you think?" asked Bonfrey.

Chen Nuo pondered for a moment, his face revealing a grim smile. "As for me... I don't really care whether we go back or not. However... I just happen to be quite short on cash lately! I absolutely intend to take a large share of this mission's reward!"

That left Sato Ryoko. Frankly, from the journey until last night's ambush, Chen Nuo hadn't found anything useful about this plump Japanese woman. She seemed to do nothing but eat greedily and act timidly. And...

Just when Chen Nuo thought Sato Ryoko would express her desire to go back...

"I will also stay and continue the mission." Sato Ryoko stood up, bowed to everyone, and quickly said in Japanese, "I am willing to contribute my strength to complete this mission. Everyone, please, I implore you to trust me!"

This plump Japanese woman spoke in Japanese. Except for Chen Nuo, it seemed no one else present understood the language, so everyone turned to look at Chen Nuo.

Chen Nuo sighed and translated her words into English for everyone.

Golden Bird seemed to have some fondness for Sato Ryoko; after all, they had sat together before setting off. "But this girl seems very scared. Is she really alright? Can she handle it?"

Chen Nuo shrugged and translated the question into Japanese for Sato Ryoko.

"Please tell Lady Golden Bird... I'm fine, I have no problems! I'm very grateful for her concern, and please ask her to take good care of herself first... Could you translate that, Mr. Harvey?"

Chen Nuo thought for a moment and smiled at Golden Bird.

Golden Bird asked, "What did she say?"

Chen Yanluo pondered for a second. "Fine, thank you. And you?"

Golden Bird was speechless for a moment. "...I'm fine too..."

After the six of them exited the tent, they found Vanel at the camp entrance. When they found Vanel, he was standing with Selena. But it was clear from their expressions that they had just had a fierce argument.

Selena's face was furious as she said harshly, "Mr. Vanel, you're taking a huge risk! In the current situation, the wisest course of action is to evacuate the injured and then have everyone retreat from here!"

"I stand by my decision. This is an order I'm giving as both the commander of this operation and your employer!" Vanel replied coldly. "Selena, you can contact base camp and your superiors at Steel Fire Company. See how they respond."

Selena's face was livid. She glared fiercely at Vanel. "I will make an inquiry! But I must reiterate, you are risking my people's lives! We're lacking supplies and equipment, and we've suffered heavy casualties…"

"Go and make your inquiry, Miss Selena," Vanel answered firmly.

Selena turned and stormed off, glaring fiercely at Chen Nuo and the others as she passed.

"Alright, everyone, state your decision," Vanel said. He seemed to have made up his mind to stay and continue the mission, regardless. "If any of you wish to leave, you can depart with the hovercraft transporting the injured."

"We've decided to stay," Sea Monster stated coolly, speaking for the group.

Vanel's eyes brightened.

"This is our collective decision. Besides…" Bonfrey said nonchalantly, "everyone runs into trouble on missions! When you face trouble, you crush it!"

Indeed, none of the infamous figures from the Underground World handpicked by the Octopus Monster were pushovers.

Hmm... Chen Nuo thought, then glanced at Sato Ryoko. Alright, this one was an exception.

Once the decision was made, it was carried out swiftly. Three hovercraft would depart later, transporting the eleven injured individuals back to base camp via the river. They would be escorted by ten mercenaries and a doctor. Their mission was not only to return the injured but also to bring back reinforcements and a new fleet from base camp. As for the Ability Users, they could rest and wait at the camp.

According to Vanel, he had already contacted base camp to arrange for ships, and reinforcements would then be dispatched. "Gathering ships, personnel, and new supplies and equipment will take some time. Including travel time, our reinforcements should reach us by fleet... In three days if they're fast, but no more than five days if they're slow."

Glancing at Selena, who was angrily directing her subordinates in the distance, Chen Nuo looked away. "Vanel, do you really trust the Steel Fire people to stay? Selena will surely think it's too risky and request instructions from Steel Fire Company…"

"Let her inquire all she wants," Vanel said indifferently, sneering. "Mr. Harvey, I'll be frank... Our company is the largest financial backer of Steel Fire Company's mercenary corps. In other words, we are their real bosses!"

「The sky was gradually brightening.」

The injured from the camp had been escorted to the riverbank to board the vessels and begin their journey back. The escort personnel had departed with them. In the camp, Selena was directing the Steel Fire Mercenaries to reorganize defenses and maintain vigilance. It was clear this woman was on the verge of exploding with rage. Chen Nuo had no intention of provoking her at a time like this.

Sea Monster, Golden Bird, and the others chose to rest, while Bonfrey went to the medical tent to check on the Professor.

Chen Nuo... he actually took Sato Ryoko back to his own tent to rest. Chen Nuo's tent had been destroyed during the night raid. When assigned a new one, he deliberately chose a spot at the very edge of the camp.

As for the notorious womanizer Harvey taking a Japanese woman to share his tent—and deliberately choosing one in the most secluded spot... What would everyone think...

Anyway, Chen Nuo didn't care. The lascivious one was Bigfoot Harvey. What did it have to do with him, Chen Yanluo!

「As Chen Nuo entered the tent, he silently released his spiritual power, swiftly forming a barrier around it.」

Then, just as Sato Ryoko stepped in behind him...

Suddenly, Chen Nuo spun around violently, his hand shooting out to grab Sato Ryoko's neck!

BANG!

Just as Chen Nuo's fingers were about to touch her throat, Sato Ryoko's eyes flashed like lightning. She bent her elbow, deflecting Chen Nuo's attack while nimbly dodging to the side.

A cold smile on his face, Chen Nuo twisted and pressed his attack. Simultaneously, his spiritual power spread out in all directions like a spider's web, attempting to ensnare her.

Sato Ryoko pursed her lips tightly. Her body suddenly trembled, and with an outstretched palm, she tore through the Telekinesis net in front of her. Simultaneously, her plump figure darted towards Chen Nuo with an agility that completely belied her size.

Chen Nuo blocked the punch aimed at his heart and countered with a strike to her ribs. Sato Ryoko parried it and used the momentum to retreat...

In just a few seconds, they had exchanged five or six blows within the cramped tent.

Chen Nuo suddenly let out a cold laugh. He stopped pressing his attack and instead deliberately stepped back to the edge of the tent, sneering at Sato Ryoko.

Sato Ryoko's expression changed. She also stepped back and said in a low voice, "Mr. Harvey…"

"Hmph, not so scared anymore, are we? Your strength is indeed formidable!"

"…" Sato Ryoko was silent for a moment, then looked up at Chen Nuo. "You suspect me?"

"From the very beginning, even before we set off, you were feigning weakness, pretending to be useless. Why?"

Sato Ryoko hesitated, then said in a low voice, "Appearing harmless and hiding behind the strong is my survival strategy. But I am not your enemy."

Chen Nuo stared at her, took a deep breath, and said, "Then, please explain something to me!"

"…Go ahead."

"Before the attack last night, Bonfrey said he encountered psychic interference while searching for the Professor outside. In the camp, Sea Monster, Golden Bird, and I were all affected by psychic interference. Even a powerhouse like Sea Monster fell asleep because of it! I fell asleep too! But you, Miss Sato Ryoko! When I woke up, you weren't asleep. You were awake! Tell me, why is it that among all of us Ability Users… you alone seemed unaffected by the psychic interference?!"

As he spoke, Chen Nuo made no secret of the dagger he now held, his gaze fixed coldly on her.

"I…" Sato Ryoko hesitated, about to speak…

"Harvey!!" Vanel's voice suddenly came from outside the tent.

Chen Nuo's expression changed instantly. He gestured for Sato Ryoko to be quiet, then called out loudly, "What is it?"

"Come quickly! The Professor is awake!"

A thought struck Chen Nuo! He glanced at the Japanese woman before him.

Sato Ryoko took a deep breath, suddenly dropping her hands and unclenching her fists. "I can explain… but I truly am not the enemy!"

"…We'll talk later then." Chen Nuo finally put the dagger away. "Let's go see the Professor first."

"Alright."

Sato Ryoko nodded. Chen Nuo walked directly up to her and suddenly reached out. Sato Ryoko instinctively started to dodge, but sensing that Chen Nuo wasn't using any Telekinesis and his movements were gentle, she remained still.

Chen Nuo pulled her collar open a bit, and two buttons popped off, falling to the ground.

"That should do it."

With that, Chen Nuo unbuckled his belt and turned to leave the tent.

Vanel watched Chen Nuo walk out of the tent, still adjusting his belt. Then, he saw Sato Ryoko emerge, her collar noticeably torn open. A flicker of disdain crossed Vanel's eyes.

"Mr. Harvey, while I don't wish to interfere in your personal affairs… we've just been attacked. I suggest you exercise more caution at a time like this."

"All that pent-up frustration has to go somewhere," Chen Nuo said with a nonchalant laugh, fastening his belt. "Let's go see the Professor!"