“But, Commander Young…” George Reed still seemed to want to say something.

“What do you want to say? You want to say that even if we release the water, the army of Liujin Kingdom will perish together with us, right? He has nearly a hundred thousand troops, and I have five thousand—would I be at a loss if we all died together? Or do you want to say that once we release the water, they can just fly away? If they know we’re releasing the water, would they still stay in the basin and wait to die? Enough. Since you have nothing more to say, just stay in the camp. From now on, you’re not allowed to go anywhere. Captain Harris, the same goes for you. You’re responsible for Mr. Reed’s safety. You don’t need to participate in this battle.” With that, Emily Young flung his sleeve and left without a trace.

Leaving behind a livid-faced George Reed.

“Mr. Reed, let’s just go to my tent. Looks like from now on, we won’t be going anywhere.” Benjamin Harris sighed.

As soon as Benjamin Harris and George Reed returned to the camp, they saw Captain Lee. He looked extremely anxious.

“What’s the matter, Captain Lee?” George Reed had a bad feeling.

“That young soldier has already gone out with a few others to deliver a message.” Captain Lee said, his heart also filled with anxiety.

Benjamin Harris had already regained his composure. He nodded and asked, “Did he say anything before he left?”

Captain Lee shook his head. “He only said they might try to break out by boat, but nothing else. General Harris, do you need me to go and bring him back now?”

Benjamin Harris shook his head. “No need. If I’m not mistaken, my camp is already being watched by Commander’s men. If this battle succeeds, maybe I can keep my life, but as for Mr. Reed…”

Benjamin Harris didn’t finish his sentence, but everyone understood what he meant. George Reed gave a cold laugh. “I’ve long since stopped caring about this wretched life of mine. It’s just that a fool ruins the country. Captain Lee, do you know the name of that young soldier?”

Chief Lee shook his head and said, “I only know it’s one of Samuel Carter, Brian Cooper, or Liam Brooks, but I’m not sure exactly who.”

“I’ll go ask.” With that, George Reed walked out of Benjamin Harris’s tent.

“Sir, Commander has ordered that no one is allowed to enter or leave this tent at will.” Sure enough, the personal guards of Benjamin Harris outside had disappeared, replaced by four soldiers he had never seen before.

George Hill’s face grew even darker, and he roared, “Emily Young, you scoundrel!”

…

At this moment, Ethan Brooks and the other four had already left Xiangcheng Camp by more than twenty li, but a dispute broke out.

“Ethan Brooks, William Foster already mapped out the safest route for us, but you’re going in the exact opposite direction. I don’t agree.” Jacob Reed looked very displeased.

He was already unhappy when Ethan Brooks suggested leaving at night, and now he wanted to change the route on his own, which made them even more upset.

“I agree with Jacob. Ethan Brooks, you have absolutely no right to be our leader.” Charles Bennett’s face was also very unpleasant.

Samuel Carter wanted to speak, but Ethan Brooks stopped him. After stopping Samuel Carter, Ethan Brooks looked coldly at Jacob Reed and Charles Bennett and said, “Then what do you suggest?”

“We’re not the only team delivering the message. Each team has a squad leader who mapped out a breakout route. I think we should follow the route mapped out by the squad leader. That’s safer.” Jacob Reed said without hesitation.

“I disagree. I’ll follow Mr. Ethan.” Brian Cooper said without hesitation.

“In that case, let’s split up. You go your way, I’ll go the way the squad leader mapped out.” Jacob Reed was not to be outdone.

“Fine, then you go. We’ll part ways here.” Ethan Brooks couldn’t even be bothered to explain.

“Part ways? The way you’re going is a dead end. You have the map and the message. If we get out, how are we supposed to report to our superiors?” Charles Bennett looked at Ethan Brooks coldly.

Ethan Brooks looked at him as if he were an idiot, handed the map to Jacob Reed, and said, “Fine, you can have the map, but I’m the team leader, so we’ll keep the message. Good luck with your promotion and fortune. Samuel Carter, Brian Cooper, let’s go.”

With that, Ethan Brooks turned and left with Samuel Carter and Brian Cooper without hesitation.

“Wait, Liam Brooks, if you leave and we reach Xiliang Camp first, what do we do without the message?” Charles Bennett suddenly realized he had to ask this clearly.

“That’s easy. Just say you two covered for us three to deliver the message. That way, your credit will be even greater.” Ethan Brooks’s voice came from afar.

Chapter 008: Counterattack

Jacob Reed stood there in a daze with the map in his hand. He hadn’t expected Ethan Brooks to be so decisive, even agreeing to let them say they were the ones covering. Wasn’t that giving them the credit for risking their lives?

“That fool. Since he wants it that way, let’s hurry up and go. Those three are going to get themselves killed—better not drag us down. As long as we have the map, it’s fine. Anyway, we’re the ones covering for them to leave. Just don’t let it end with the ones doing the covering surviving, but the ones being covered gone.” Charles Bennett tugged at Jacob Reed, who finally snapped out of it, hurriedly put away the map, and the two of them quickly headed in the opposite direction.