"King, if it hadn't been for Nangong San and the others stopping us this time, the target would have already been eliminated by us." "Right, King, after all that, we even supplied them with the Six-Carat Virus. It's a massive loss." "King, this time..." It was clear that the speakers were members of DA, the group that had failed in their assassination attempt on the Chinese Consul General a few days prior.

"Enough. I will handle this matter.

You may leave now." A sharp glint flashed in the middle-aged man's eyes, and his entire presence exuded potent authority. "Yes..." The three bowed their heads in acknowledgment and immediately retreated.

Simultaneously, a different middle-aged man appeared in a darker corner, wearing an expression of utter harmlessness. "Your Majesty, there is no need for anger.

It is not worth it over such trivial individuals." The man who had been speaking earlier was named 'John Ausley,' referred to simply as 'John.' He was the supreme leader of the British Roman Royal Family and the mastermind behind London's entire syndicate. Ace Linde was a vassal under his command.

Though this man appeared thoughtless, the mere fact that the Godfather of the Mafia willingly submitted spoke volumes about his concealed complexity. The middle-aged man who had just spoken was actually John Ausley's strategist.

With yellow hair, deep blue eyes, and fair skin, he was a pure-blooded Englishman who had been shadowing John for over two decades; his name was 'Ross.' "Ross, what are you suggesting?" John asked, turning to the approaching man. "Your Majesty, the Nangong family members were always meant to be tools for our use.

Falling out with them now would only disrupt the original plan, wouldn't it?" Ross smiled faintly. "Are you referring to the Six-Carat Virus matter?" John's lips curved into a playful smirk.

Ross walked up beside John, pulled out a cigarette, and offered it to him. "Once we successfully research and develop it, many things will become vastly more convenient in the future." "How is the research on the Six-Carat Virus progressing?" John inquired, seeming quite concerned about the matter.

"DA and the others sent some initial research samples over previously; we need to see the effects." "Oh? You've already dispatched personnel?" "Yes, Your Majesty.

But tell me, why do you think the Chinese Nangong family allowed themselves to be used this time?" Hearing this, John lit the cigarette and took a drag. "They are merely using others in turn.

Didn't you hear the reports? Even students at Fudan University in China have changed.

However, there is one thing that concerns me." "The Black God Gang in China?" "Ross, what do you find different about this Black God Gang?" "Your Majesty, remember we already clashed with them previously, didn't we? The London Mafia..." Ross frowned as he spoke.

"Indeed, we clashed. But this time, it might be more complicated than a mere confrontation," John’s eyes flickered with a unique light, intentionally or not.

Ross, standing to the side smoking, said nothing, merely glancing at him with surprise before falling into deep thought. .............................

"Swish!" All the new recruits stood at the entrance of a forest, each equipped with a backpack, a military knife strapped to their waist—a fully armed appearance—and their faces tense as they looked toward Instructor Chen and Instructor Li. "Attention, new recruits.

This forest is home to wolf packs and some extremely ferocious carnivorous animals once night falls. Therefore, today's training is wilderness survival.

Any student unwilling to participate may step forward now." When Instructor Li uttered these words, there was a clear hint of wanting to see a spectacle. Yet, these new recruits seemed unfazed by the provocation.

Even though a few girls and boys grew timid upon hearing about carnivorous animals at night, none stepped out. Instructor Chen nodded in satisfaction.

"The purpose of wilderness survival training is primarily to test your adaptability and the team spirit among comrades, as well as your ability to cope with deeper levels of military training." "So, to cross this forest, you must fully utilize the spirit of mutual aid and affection within your team!" Instructor Li paused before continuing. "There are thirty of you, divided into six teams of five.

Each of you has a signal flare and a military knife. Inside your backpacks, you have a tent, a canteen, a map, a lighter, and a box of biscuits.

You must survive in this forest for one full day and night using only what remains!" "That's right—to cross this forest takes one day and one night. You must assemble at the training ground on the other side of the forest by 9:00 tomorrow morning.

If any of you encounter danger or become lost along the way, you can use the signal flare on your person and fire it towards the sky. We will arrive immediately to carry out all rescue operations." "Do you understand the objective of this exercise?" Instructors Li and Chen delivered their instructions one after the other, deeply impressing the students, as every word spoken was of extreme importance, considering this was their first wilderness survival training.

"Understood!" "Good." Instructor Chen waved his hand grandly, pointing the red flag towards the forest. "Set off!" Without question, the teams were arranged according to the dormitory numbering.

Yang Yi's group, mostly comprising boys, was fine. However, the teams with a majority of girls looked somewhat inadequate, though these girls displayed a determined, spirited demeanor as they strode into the forest.

"Let's first take out the map and do a preliminary analysis of the terrain. To cross this forest, we must cooperate," Lin Wen said to his teammates, holding the map.

"Then, Captain, how do you suggest we proceed?" Shangguan Yunmeng asked with keen interest. "There is a large body of water ahead of us.

Passing near it is very dangerous because the proximity to the sea means there are many more carnivorous animals. Therefore, we must choose a path farther away from the coastline," Lin Wen analyzed.

Yang Yi thought this made sense; areas near water sources are often abundant, and predators tend to congregate near water. However, while logical, he didn't think this route would be easier, as humans also need water sources.

"But if we stray too far from the water source, will we..." Shangguan Yunmeng asked, sounding as if she were issuing a reminder. "What's the problem?

Since Lin Wen is the captain, we should follow his arrangements," Fang Yunyun, true to her nature, was fiercely protective, especially of those she favored. Yang Yi and Xuanyuan Bing shook their heads and offered wry smiles upon hearing this.

Shangguan Yunmeng, however, suddenly spoke up: "I don't believe Lin Wen is qualified to be the captain for this survival exercise." "Hey, what do you mean by that?" Fang Yunyun frowned at Shangguan Yunmeng. She found the other teammate beautiful, but the more beautiful a woman, the greater the threat she posed, especially since she noticed the person she liked sometimes stared at the newcomer.

If it weren't for Xuanyuan Bing's icy expression, Lin Wen might have been intoxicated by the allure of the two beauties. But hearing Fang Yunyun's words, Lin Wen looked at her somewhat awkwardly.

"Yunyun, forget it. This training inherently involves life-threatening risks." "Hmph!" The latter snorted and ignored Lin Wen.

"Does teammate Shangguan have a better suggestion?" Lin Wen asked. "I suggest that teammate Yang be appointed captain for this mission!" Shangguan Yunmeng smiled, staring at the stunned Yang Yi with great amusement.

"I agree!" "I object." The agreement came from Xuanyuan Bing. The opposition, unsurprisingly, was Fang Yunyun, who glared at Yang Yi with obvious displeasure.

"Look how skinny he is; I don't see how he has the capability to lead us through this forest." "Yunyun!" Hearing Fang Yunyun's cutting and harsh words, a coldness flashed in Xuanyuan Bing's eyes, making it seem as if she wanted to slap the young woman, but Yang Yi held her back. Lin Wen merely let out a soft sigh, while Shangguan Yunmeng watched on, still smiling widely.

"In any case, I do not agree," Fang Yunyun stated firmly, crossing her arms in opposition. "Yunyun!" Lin Wen called out pleadingly.

Yang Yi observed all this, and he understood Shangguan Yunmeng's motive: she was testing his limits. Consequently, Yang Yi addressed Lin Wen.

"How about this: Teammate Lin Wen, you serve as the primary captain, and I will be the vice-captain. This way, we can demonstrate team spirit and discuss opinions, following whichever suggestion is better.

How does that sound?" "Good!" Lin Wen knew Yang Yi was offering him a graceful way out while also giving everyone a chance, so he immediately nodded in agreement. The other two followed suit.

Only Fang Yunyun hesitated, glancing around before finally compromising slightly. "Whatever.

But I'll make one thing clear: if his ideas are bad, and you all agree anyway, I will not carry them out." "Alright," Lin Wen quickly smoothed things over, pointing at the map. "Teammate Yang, which route do you think is better?" "Naturally, the route closer to the water source."