Larry, visibly torn, likely had already made up his mind. Still, a weight seemed to press upon his heart. After all, he had trained the Dragon Guardians from their youth. Sending them on such a perilous task seemed at odds with the very purpose of their formation. They weren't mercenaries, after all.Understanding Larry's reservations, Benjamin pressed on: "I understand your hesitation. But we are under immense pressure. The artifact has vanished. This could also serve as invaluable experience for your troops. They lack the fierceness of veterans.”Before Larry could respond, a loud shout interrupted from outside: "Commander, the general is here for an inspection!”Larry's expression shifted dramatically, while Benjamin appeared equally taken aback. What impeccable timing!“The General?!” Larry's eyes darted towards Benjamin briefly before he quickly stood, heading outside.Outside, an impressive convoy of military vehicles awaited. An entourage of fully-armed soldiers surrounded two
In the Capital's Cemetery, Benjamin sat before a humble, cemented grave with no identity. It paled in comparison to the majestic tombs nearby. Yet, Benjamin lingered, an offering of fruits and burning incense set before the grave."Why did you summon me here?" A voice from behind prompted Benjamin to turn.Unexpectedly, behind him stood Roy, the renowned disciple of old man Wade: "Sit." Benjamin motioned calmly."What business do you have with me?" Roy inquired, his brow furrowed in impatience.Benjamin gently pointed at the grave: "Do you know to whom this grave belongs?"Roy glanced suspiciously, a hint of confusion evident: "This." began Benjamin: "was thought to be my resting place years ago. They believed I had perished in battle and buried my clothes here as a token. Over the years, memory of the once-celebrated War God, who nearly fell on the battlefield, has faded."Without waiting for Roy's response, Benjamin, with a wry smile, produced a cigarette: "Do you smoke?"Seeing Roy
Had it not been for Benjamin's swift reaction, ensuring everyone safely reached the ground, their fate might've mirrored that of the pilots.Therefore, upon hearing Benjamin's command, all soldiers responded unanimously.Upon witnessing this, Benjamin gave a slight nod of approval.He then scanned the terrain.Truthfully, Benjamin's mission wasn’t merely to accomplish the task at hand.He sought something specific.Having ascertained their position and realizing their objective was not far off, Benjamin once again gave his instructions."Teams one and two, follow me.Team three, hold your ground!""Understood!"Leading two teams, Benjamin ventured deeper into the dense forest.At that moment, in Benjamin's hand, a map emerged.This was the artifact Bahjat Taylor had given him some time ago.However, he wondered why Bahjat hadn't ventured himself to search but instead entrusted him with the mission.Of course, Benjamin didn't have much trust in his father-in-law.From the day Bahjat ga
The creatures, seeing this, looked even more menacing, ready to employ their sonic attack on the retreating humans.But then, just as they were about to shriek.At that moment, in Benjamin's hands were two grenades, poised to throw directly into the throats of the two monsters.Boom!Boom!Benjamin's move was incredibly precise.Furthermore, these creatures were somewhat larger than an average human.Thus, the grenades he held effortlessly landed in their mouths.Immediately after, two massive explosions resonated.Although the skin of these beasts was incredibly tough, so much so that even bullets couldn't penetrate.But now, with the grenades detonating, their eyes widened in terror.At the same time, a sound of dread echoed from their mouths, and a greenish liquid started to ooze from their bellies.These creatures were unlike humans; their blood wasn't red, but rather a greenish hue akin to leaves.Nevertheless, Benjamin didn't have the luxury to ponder about it right now.Seeing
Venn, slightly taken aback, immediately saluted: "Understood, sir!""Good, you may leave."As Venn's figure retreated, Benjamin's face eased slightly.He hadn't expected so many complications on this mission. The burning of the helicopters had stirred suspicions in him, suspicions which now seemed more valid than ever.By connecting recent events, he felt more convinced of a lurking danger.Relying solely on his soldiers, who were of average combat capabilities, for this treasure hunt, seemed like sending them into the jaws of death.Given the power the serpent-human creatures displayed, it was evident they were no less formidable than a master martial artist.What worried him more were the formidable entities deep inside the cavern, one of which exuded an aura that deeply unsettled him, reminding him of powerful figures he knew.Yet, these were merely speculations.The battle wasn't over, and there might be more lurking threats inside.These serpent-human creatures indeed seemed stra
After meticulously checking the locator's readings, Benjamin, with a deliberate slowness, released the water beetle into the whispering embrace of the river.Moments passed. The locator's feedback suggested an unobstructed path for the tiny creature. Time seemed to stretch out, a lazy river of inaction and stillness.Then, drawn as if by some silent siren, Benjamin began to move towards a hidden passage deep within the aquatic underworld, departing without haste.Yet, unbeknownst to him, within the cavern's shadowy depths, a figure raced towards a mysterious underground chamber. There, almost magically placed, stood a stone sarcophagus. Stranger still, curious artifacts surrounded the casket. Above, a ritual altar crowned the space, steps leading up towards the cavern's apex.Catching sight of this tableau, the eyes of a masked man glittered with palpable excitement.But then, instead of advancing further, his gaze drifted, and the edges of a fiendish smile played on his lips."Ho!"T
All was unexpected. Before the shadow could react, the light was upon it.Before it could flee, the phoenix's phantom rejoiced.It transformed into a luminescent streak, merging with the radiant beam.The shadow's visage betrayed fear, not anticipating such a formidable force hidden within Benjamin's consciousness.But now, escape seemed impossible.Thus, before the impending light struck, the shadow roared in defiance."No, I am the supreme Dark Deity, how can I perish so easily here? A..."In the end, a desolate scream echoed, and the shadow's essence vanished entirely.In the void of Benjamin's mind, a floating fireball emerged.Around it was a slightly ethereal apparition of the phoenix."Ah, consider this a twist of fate between us.With this last sliver of my consciousness, I'll awaken you!"These words came from the phoenix.Subsequently, like a flash, it plunged into the fireball, disappearing from sight.All this, Benjamin was oblivious to.Time wore on, and Benjamin was unaw
As Elmer faded into the distance, both Ancel and Caroline turned to Benjamin."Benjamin, you needn't risk this.In a few days, Caroline and I will assemble our team.We can scout ahead for you. What do you think?"Ancel, quite agitated, proposed.Upon hearing this, Benjamin immediately shook his head in refusal.“Captain, I've made my decision on this matter. You need not intervene. Furthermore, when do you two plan on having your wedding? It's been so long since I've attended one."Upon hearing these words from Benjamin, both Ancel and Caroline exchanged weary smiles. It was evident to them that Benjamin was skillfully dodging the topic at hand. However, with Benjamin having spoken thus, neither of them felt it was appropriate to press further.Yet, sitting at a distance, Olivia's countenance grew fraught with concern. From their conversation, she surmised that Benjamin might soon undertake a perilous mission. Could it somehow relate to his past injury? But in the company of others,