Chapter 247: Shadows of Betrayal

The atmosphere was heavy.

Under Yenir’s watchful gaze, every face wore a complex expression. Unconsciously, the squad members felt an invisible rift widening the distance between them.

They had lived and died together, always ready to support one another.

Yet doubting a comrade hurt even more than killing them would.

But the evidence was undeniable.

“Yenir…”

Captain Ming Luo’s expression was pained, his mouth agape in distress. They had achieved a resounding victory and should have been celebrating, but the traitor’s emergence left everyone reeling with suppressed sorrow.

“Could it be that the Awakener said that on purpose?”

“He just wants to incite internal strife…”

Almost pleading, Ming Luo couldn’t help but glance back at the squad member he had personally recruited.

He truly couldn’t imagine who it might be… or rather, he dared not even think about it.

“Impossible.”

“Only a few know about my skill’s effects—and every one of them has signed a confidentiality agreement. Besides, only people like us can enter the instance.”

“One coincidence might be just that, but all these coincidences together? There’s definitely something wrong.”

Calmly, Yenir shattered Ming Luo’s illusions without any pretense.

He didn’t know how the insider had broken the contract, but it was likely due to incomplete secrecy that circumvented the limitations.

From the fact that Dahe Yicheng and the others hadn’t guarded against Sky Rift Radiance, it was clear that their information only indicated he possessed this wide-range super Sword Technique.

Furthermore, theoretically it was possible that the Military had leaked it. Later discoveries and announcements could very well have been intended to disrupt his own mindset.

But knowing Yenir’s nature, he’d rather mistakenly kill someone than let the traitor slip away.

If his performance were broadcast by the traitor, he would face endless assassination attempts. In everyone’s eyes, he was destined to be a Peak Third-Stage talent—his invincible display meant everything to anyone with a mind.

Neighboring countries—and even hidden enemies within—would stop at nothing to crush him while he was still “weak.”

Yenir was convinced that Huaguo’s high command had foreseen this; otherwise, they wouldn’t have assigned Liang Lie to protect him.

Within the Huaxia Battle Zone his safety might be ensured, but could he really avoid participating in instances and secret events for his entire life?

He had no doubt that after suffering such major losses, every battle zone would launch the highest level of reprisal against him!

Some instances restrict power, but in this world, special items abound. If a Peak Third-Stage were to break through, poor Yenir—even a genius—would only be staring at his fate!

Especially now that nearly all his skills were exposed, leaving only Divine Rage.

“Everyone, open your information panels, including the communications functions.”

A few seconds later, unable to discern the traitor by expressions alone, Yenir simply chose not to argue further.

He directly checked their abilities and communication records.

If someone had an unusual transmission ability, they’d be in trouble. And as for the communications, it was even simpler—system messages cannot be deleted.

Of course, if the traitor was using mental telepathy, then there was nothing he could do.

Every member shuddered, and in the silence, no one dared to voice an objection.

Ming Luo gave a bitter chuckle, inhaled deeply, and decided to speak first.

He understood the gravity of the situation. Even though every Awakener’s abilities were meant to be secret, not even ten of them could compare to Yenir’s worth. As a soldier, he naturally knew what needed to be done.

He strode up to Yenir without hesitation, openly displaying his panel:

“My ability is Class A. My talent lies in enhancing physical attributes, and my special skill is the Foot Blade, which releases short-range wind blades.”

“I’ve mastered eight skills in total—the first four are basic.”

Yenir nodded slightly as he scrutinized Ming Luo’s abilities.

In less than half a minute, he grasped the essentials.

They were all standard skills—four melee techniques learned before reaching Third-Stage. The other four, which switched to blade-type weapons, offered no way to transmit messages.

However, the communication records surprised Yenir.

The empty log contained nothing but messages like “Yes”—mostly from the Military. The only other few entries were Ming Luo’s earlier instructions to his teammates to avoid conflict…

Ming Luo… all clear.

After reviewing, Yenir calmly looked up at the others.

“I’ll keep your information confidential. Later, I’ll sign the system’s contract item as a guarantee.”

It was a small comfort.

An Awakener’s specific abilities were critical. Knowing the exact details allowed for targeted countermeasures.

With Yenir’s assurance, despite their distressed expressions, they eventually agreed. They were elite, but their confidentiality wasn’t foolproof. In the face of a known traitor, if they couldn’t identify everyone, all their lives would be at risk…

………

Ten minutes later.

Yenir scanned the group thoughtfully, realizing the situation was far more complicated than he had imagined.

He hadn’t found any tangible clues.

The remaining members’ abilities were all normal. If there was any issue, it was only with Zhang Qiming, Deputy Captain Zheng Cheng, and an Awakener named Huang Ziyun—their willpower being noticeably higher than the rest. If any trouble existed, it would be with these three.

Should we…?

Kill them all?

A cold glint passed through Yenir’s eyes; behind his calm facade, no one could guess what he was thinking.

Reason warned him that if he couldn’t pinpoint the traitor, eliminating all suspects was the optimal choice! Mercy was a luxury he couldn’t afford.

Yet, as if sensing his silent murderous intent, Ming Luo’s face went pale and he suddenly shouted:

“Yenir!”

“Give me some time!”

“I’ll definitely help you find him!”

“If need be, the moment we exit, we’ll have the Military detain everyone to ensure no leaks occur!”

His voice pleaded—he knew exactly what had to be done. Yet every team member had risked life and blood for the Huaxia Battle Zone.

He simply couldn’t bring himself to make that decision!

Yenir exchanged a glance with Ming Luo. After a brief moment, as though reaching a silent agreement, he fell silent.

If it were outsiders, he could act without hesitation. But facing these people, his heart ached.

Moreover, he suddenly thought of something quite ‘interesting’…

Having a traitor might not be all bad.

Some leaked information could even make his own plans easier to execute.

“If I don’t find him before the instance ends, I’ll handle it myself.”

Yenir smiled meaningfully at the three suspects, then casually waved as if nothing had happened.

His implication was simple.

If the traitor wasn’t found by the end of the instance, they’d all have to be dealt with together.

“Let’s go. Let’s head back and complete the mission!”

Without further hesitation, as Yenir shifted from his earlier scrutiny, everyone let out a deep sigh of relief. Though doubts lingered, avoiding the worst outcome was a relief.

The thought of successfully completing the mission lifted everyone’s spirits, as if the previous oppression had vanished.

Putting the traitor aside, they were confident that this mission would bring great rewards!

They assumed that once Yenir led them back, the Military would be overjoyed.

Trailing closely behind Yenir, the barely eighteen-year-old found himself unexpectedly elevated to the role of ‘Captain.’