In the vast, sun-blocking primeval forest, under the scorching summer sun, a faint chill lingered in the air. A soldier cautiously led the way ahead, his lean body moving as swiftly as a wildcat. The determined look on his face and the spirited eyes could not conceal a trace of fatigue that naturally showed through. Behind him, another even stronger soldier carried an unconscious comrade on his back, while a third soldier carefully erased their tracks, vigilantly guarding against dangers from behind.

Just as they reached a massive ancient tree, the soldier in the middle, carrying someone, suddenly whispered, “Not good, the captain has a high fever.” As he spoke, he gently laid the other soldier on the ground, broke off a broad leaf, and anxiously fanned him, his eyes bloodshot, the iron-willed man choking up a little.

The scout in front heard this and quickly doubled back, carefully checking on the unconscious captain, then calmly said, “No, we haven’t escaped the blockade yet. Carry him and keep moving.”

“If the fever doesn’t subside and the wound gets infected, we can’t go on without treatment. You take the captain and Mr. Clark and go, I’ll draw them away.” The tall, imposing soldier said decisively.

At this moment, the rearguard caught up, saw the situation, and immediately understood. He calmly said, “Stop arguing. Explosives are my specialty, I’m the best choice to go.”

“I should go. I’m the sniper—none of you can match me in the jungle.” The soldier who had been leading the way said, grabbing his gun and preparing to leave.

“Wait, none of us are cowards. Damn it, no one’s going to hog this kind of glory. Old rules—draw straws.” The soldier who had been carrying someone spoke up.

“Fine, I’ll make the straws.” The one called Mr. Clark said, snapping off a thin branch and working it in his hands. “Old rules: longest goes, broken one stays.” Soon, he held three twigs of seemingly equal length in both hands, signaling the other two to draw first.

Just then, the man lying on the ground suddenly made a faint sound, “Water, give me water.”

The three immediately forgot about drawing straws, all looking at the man on the ground in excitement, their eyes filled with surprise and joy as they looked at the captain. One of them chopped down a vine nearby, letting some white sap drip into the captain’s mouth. With a few more cuts of the military knife, all the water inside the vine was drained.

Just as Mr. Clark also drew the military knife strapped to his leg, preparing to get more water, the captain on the ground woke up. Looking at the three, he said, “Jack Carter, Ryan Miller, Brian Clark, I can’t go on. You guys go.”

“No way.” The three replied in unison, leaving no room for argument.

The one in front, called Jack Carter, said, “Damn it, when have we ever left a brother behind? I can’t live with that shame. Besides, we wouldn’t be brothers anymore.”

“It’s just a bunch of scumbags, right? I’ll go wipe them out.” The rearguard, Mr. Clark, shouted, about to leave, but was grabbed by the captain. All four knew very well that these people were far from simple scumbags—otherwise, the four of them wouldn’t be in such dire straits.

The captain let out a sigh of relief and smiled, “Good brothers, I’m sorry to you all. Never thought the first team of Guo Ren would be hunted like stray dogs. I can’t live with that shame. If I die, so be it. In the next life, we’ll still be brothers.”

“Fine, we won’t run. Heroes are buried everywhere in these green hills. I’ll go set some traps—if we die, we’ll take a few with us.” Brian Clark said, turning to set up some traps and such.

Bang—! Several gunshots rang out.

The four looked back warily. Brian Clark said, “Judging by the sound, it’s about three kilometers away.”

“Firing for no reason? That’s not their style.” Jack Carter muttered to himself.

“Could it be…?”

The four exchanged puzzled glances, each hoping to confirm their own suspicions in the others’ eyes.

The captain reacted the fastest, and with effort, ordered, “Jack Carter, climb the tree and scout. Brian Clark, Ethan Foster, you two get ready. Looks like the enemy is almost here. Guo Ren’s sharp blade is invincible—there’s only death in battle, never surrender.”

The three quickly set off to their tasks, leaving only the captain to check his weapon. Soon, he gave a bitter smile—there wasn’t a single bullet left in his gun. The only weapon he had was the “Guo Ren” military dagger that had accompanied him for years, forged from high-carbon steel alloy, gleaming with a cold, menacing light, like an ancient weapon of legend.

Looking back at his busy comrades, the captain’s eyes were filled with guilt and anger, but also a strong fighting spirit for the coming battle. For a soldier, dying on the battlefield was an honor.

At that moment, Jack Carter slid down from the big tree, put away his special binoculars, and said in surprise, “Boss, I spotted someone running toward us—looks like a hunter.”

“Oh?” The captain was surprised too. In these endless mountains, how could there be a hunter? Could it be a trick by the enemy?

“Probably not. He’s dressed like a hunter, carrying a big bow, and no other weapons.” Jack Carter saw through the captain’s thoughts and added.

“Looks like those gunshots were related to him. Go tell Ethan Foster and the others not to hurt him. Bring him over. If we have a local to guide us, maybe we can get out of this damned primeval forest.” The captain said calmly.

Jack Carter immediately left to deliver the message.