Chapter 276: The Brink of Desperation

Still no news?

Inside the smoothly cruising military SUV, Commander Cheng Yuan asked in a low tone the Third-Stage Awakened standing beside him.

Outside, lush trees lined the road while brilliant sunlight rippled like waves by the window.

Yet none of that could ease the oppressive mood inside the vehicle.

“Nothing, Commander…”

“Our replica’s entrance showed no sign of disturbance. Yenir and the others must still be inside.”

“As for the area near the Japanese and Korean Battle Zones entrance, we just can’t get through…”

“They’ve set up a defensive line long ago. Unless a Peak Third-Stage forces their way in, we won’t learn anything.”

Clutching a thick bundle of documents and an iron box…

the Chief of Staff replied bitterly, understanding exactly what Commander Cheng Yuan was asking.

It had been eight days, and Yenir and his team still hadn’t emerged.

Although the original plan allowed for a twenty-day wait—even up to a month—everyone knew once the intel was out that the longer Yenir stayed inside, the more dangerous it became.

To put it bluntly…

if they hadn’t emerged in three days, it would have meant their virtual deaths.

With seven Battle Zones coordinating and holding an intel advantage, the enemy forces would immediately start tracking Yenir as soon as they entered the replica!

Once found, the outcome was all too predictable.

It would turn into a one-sided massacre…

Not having emerged after eight days, Cheng Yuan couldn’t even begin to imagine how many squad members might still be alive—or worse, already dead with no bodies to be found…

Cheng Yuan slowly closed his eyes and let out a silent sigh.

His determined face was marred by a deep, lingering sense of regret.

Recalling the moment he first met Yenir filled his heart with a heavy dread.

He couldn’t bear losing even one of his men.

Yenir…

Such a brilliant prodigy, such inherent strength—and yet he was so carelessly lost in the replica! And on his very first mission, too!

To be honest, Cheng Yuan had high hopes for Yenir, expecting him to change the tide even if it meant growing quickly, even if he couldn’t complete the mission.

They were desperate for promising talent!

“Is there any chance he’s hiding somewhere right now?”

“Yenir has that escape device provided by the Military. If he wasn’t willing to run, he might still be alive, hiding in some corner…”

The vehicle swayed slightly as they passed a checkpoint, and Cheng Yuan’s deep voice broke the silence.

Although the Military had discussed this issue countless times, he couldn’t help but raise it again.

“The odds are slim…”

“Commander, perhaps we really must accept the reality.”

The Chief of Staff hesitated before speaking, his gaze drifting to the documents in his hand.

These documents were the final guarantee the Military offered to Yenir and the families of the warriors.

Or rather…

a notification of death in battle.

“Once Yenir and his team are located, escape becomes nearly impossible.”

“You know that the escape device requires you to be disengaged. Any attack would disrupt its activation.”

“Our intel indicates that the enemy deployed forces, including Dong Fengye—just him alone could hold off everyone.”

Noticing Cheng Yuan’s growing discontent, the Chief of Staff, clad in his black military uniform, couldn’t help but let out a quiet sigh.

Every Awakener capable of entering the replica is super elite. How could they possibly make such rookie mistakes?

Once Yenir’s coordinates are pinpointed, these Awakeners would waste no time dragging everyone into combat.

“So, do you think Yenir might…escape by himself…?”

“His combat prowess is extraordinary. I doubt even three or four mid-level Awakeners could hold him back. If he makes a break for it, he might carve out a bloody path.”

Recalling the abilities Yenir had previously demonstrated, Cheng Yuan couldn’t help but retort.

“It isn’t entirely impossible…”

What if a miracle happened? What if Yenir was currently hiding somewhere, tending to his wounds?

“Commander Cheng…”

“Alright, let’s say Yenir manages a desperate escape. Then why hasn’t he already left the replica?”

“With seventy Third-Stage Awakened at his disposal! No matter how unwilling he might be, or how determined he is to complete the mission, he must realize that the enemy’s might is insurmountable!”

“Put yourself in his shoes—if escape were an option, he would have left long ago!”

The Chief of Staff shook his head. Though he silently wished for a miracle, reason told him everything was over!

No hope! No possibility! No miracle!

No matter how strong or skilled Yenir was, he couldn’t complete the mission with a nine-man squad!

In the ensuing silence, Cheng Yuan opened his mouth, only to find he had nothing left to say.

After a long pause, he rubbed his weary brow and managed a bitter smile.

“Alright then.”

“I know… the outcome is already sealed.”

“Make sure to maximize the compensation; at least we shouldn’t leave their families empty-handed.”

“At the meeting later, you’ll present our position on my behalf so that some people take it seriously.”

As if struck by a thought, Cheng Yuan’s gaze drifted toward the quiet residential area in the distance—Yenir’s family’s home.

The thought of having to deliver this grim news in person after the meeting weighed heavily on him.

Over the years, he had delivered far too many death notifications.

Each tear-stained face had long become a burden on his heart.

“Yenir also has a younger sister and a mother, right?”

“I’ve heard that in the North China Battle Zone he has a friend who’s quite close to him.”

“Notify everyone, and later hold an internal memorial.”

“It’s such a pity… truly tragic…”

Listening to the Commander, the Staff Officer hesitated before softly suggesting, ‘A memorial? They rarely hold one—every mission claims lives. Usually, we just notify the families and issue compensation.’

In these desperate times, too many have died for anyone to manage every detail.

But with Yenir, well… he certainly merits special regard.

“Commander, I understand.”

“I will voice my opinions at the meeting later.”

“But with this mission failing again, you and the entire Special Operations Department will likely face severe questioning…”

“And I’ve heard that the border situation is worsening by the day.”

Cheng Yuan nodded silently, his face heavy with despair.

Yes.

Yenir’s failure only signaled that their situation was growing even more dire.

He could already imagine how the surrounding Battle Zones would sneer at them once the final outcome was revealed.

“To think that our proud China, with its billion people and countless Awakeners, has ended up in such a state…”

“I really…”

“I just can’t accept it…”