Chapter 126: Chapter 99: Hardship and Sacrifice

"Qiu Shan’s crew has four members."

"Their leader, Qiu Shan, is an Armored Transformer, implanted with military-grade cybernetic arms and legs. It’s also suspected that his lungs, kidneys, and glands have undergone special modifications."

Under the cover of night, Lu Chao and the others were gathered before the convoy of vehicles. The stout Yu Yong took out a file and addressed the group in a grave tone. "According to our projections, he likely possesses special modules like ’Potent Recovery’ and ’Acid Spit.’ At his peak, his strength was comparable to an Elite Level combatant."

"According to intelligence from the Superpower Bureau, his injuries never fully healed, and they were aggravated the last time he was exposed. Currently, his regular strength is at the peak of the Professional Level, at best. We can’t rule out the possibility of him having a last-resort ability that gives him a surge of power, temporarily restoring him to his peak strength."

As he spoke, detailed files were transmitted to the Patrol Department’s internal operations channel. The wrist devices of Lu Chao and the others vibrated, their screens lighting up.

They tapped their screens to find a new wave of detailed intel on Qiu Shan’s crew, along with a provisional assessment of their arsenal.

"The other three are Yan Hu, Guo Daqing, and Li Fengyuan. The first two are veteran Professional-Level combatants and skilled marksmen. They’ve each mastered a Martial Skill or Secret Technique—one for speed enhancement, the other for explosive power."

"Li Fengyuan is a peak Professional-Level superhuman with suspected beast-transformation abilities. At night, he gains enhancements to his power and recovery, with effects rivaling several Martial Skills and Secret Techniques combined."

"Furthermore, according to intelligence from the investigation team, Qiu Shan’s crew is suspected of possessing a shipment of munitions that Lianwei Heavy Industry lost last September. It’s highly likely they have Maverick machine guns, Thunder Shock heavy sniper rifles, Viper submachine guns, and high-explosive grenades..."

As the words hung in the air, the mood of Lu Chao and his comrades grew increasingly grim.

Even an Elite Level expert would be wary of such a well-equipped and utterly ruthless team, to say nothing of the fact that they were holding hostages.

For a moment, silence fell over the group.

Frowning, some tried to commit the intel on Qiu Shan’s crew to memory, while others studied the factory’s architectural blueprints and the internal layout described by the surviving guard.

No one spoke until a few moments later.

"Per Vice Director Ruan’s orders, our seven squads are to pin down Qiu Shan’s group from the front, draw their fire, and buy time for Captain Wang’s team."

Though Yu Yong, standing before the crowd, clearly resented the decision, he could only follow orders. "Of course," he added grimly, "if any of you can break through their perimeter and create an opening, all the better."

"Three hostages are counting on us for rescue. The lives and blood our comrades have already lost will not be in vain. It’s up to us to make sure of that."

"Everyone!"

He declared in a heavy voice, "This time, we must crush the wicked and protect the innocent!"

When he finished speaking, even those who were dissatisfied with the operational plan nodded firmly.

Merits and commendations for the mission aside...

...the Patrol Department gave them ample resources and preferential treatment for this exact reason: to fulfill their duty and give their all when it truly mattered.

The members of Squad Three, including Lu Chao, also nodded in silent resolve.

"Good."

Nodding firmly, Yu Yong exchanged a look with the other captain.

The other captain had nothing more to add. He simply turned his head to the left, where the surviving factory guard was still being kept under watch for further questioning.

"Do you have any other useful information?"

At his words, everyone else looked over, dozens of pairs of eyes focusing on the guard.

The gray-haired old guard flinched at the question, shaking his head frantically like a rattle drum.

"N-no more! Sir! I’ve told you everything I know..."

As his words faded, a flicker of disappointment crossed the faces of Yu Yong, Yang Wangtao, and the others.

If that was the case, then their two-pronged approach—one overt, one covert—was truly their only option.

"You have ten minutes to prepare! Everyone, do a final check on your gear!"

Suppressing his distracting thoughts, Yu Yong announced, "We move out in ten minutes, on the dot!"

With that, he waved his hand dismissively.

The officers immediately began their preparations, checking their body armor, sidearm ammunition, blast shields, and other equipment.

Amid the activity, Lu Chao noticed a Patrol Department officer approach and pull Chen Xiao aside.

"I’m not going."

"Chen Xiao, don’t make this hard for me. This is an order from Captain Yu."

The officer said helplessly. Chen Xiao struggled, casting a pleading look toward Yang Wangtao, hoping he could stay and join the operation.

Yang Wangtao looked on helplessly, but it wasn’t his place to interfere.

He could only step forward and straighten the young man’s collar. "Charging headfirst isn’t the only way to fight."

"Who knows? We might end up depending on you."

He tried to console him, but Chen Xiao was in no mood to listen.

He tried to struggle again, but the officer was stronger and simply dragged him away, depositing him next to the surviving guard and assigning him to watch over the man.

Many who witnessed the scene had a flicker in their eyes but said nothing.

Yang Wangtao sighed at the sight, then walked over to Lu Chao’s side. "Rub you the wrong way?" he asked quietly.

"I’m fine."

Lu Chao offered a small smile, making no comment.

’A person’s background is a form of strength in itself.’

’Besides, he was on good terms with Chen Xiao and knew this wasn’t what he wanted.’

"Captain Yu will be leading the charge,"

Yang Wangtao said suddenly. Startled, Lu Chao followed his gaze.

He saw Yu Yong actually checking his own gear and putting on a blast helmet, looking as if he intended to be the first one through the door.

"The outcome of this might seem predetermined, but no one here is ready to give up."