章 79: The Black Moon

This criminal named Kain hadn't told him anything new, only the surprise of finding the woman he was searching for and the understanding that they would face more complications than anticipated.

Throughout this operation, Jun considered many ways to lure Yuu Ren. The first was to inform her that he was here to claim her, which would trigger a battle to the death over her freedom or enslavement.

But now that things had aligned in their favor, his concerns about his plans were unnecessary. Everyone seemed to be drawn into this battle naturally.

"They're currently about ten kilometers from the White Crane Assassins' village. Given their usual tactics, they'll likely attack before you do to catch you off guard. So, I suggest you retreat now before it's too late. Otherwise, with only eighty men, you'll never be able to match them!"

Upon hearing those words, Jun's face darkened. In a mocking tone, he asked, "How do you know we have no more than a hundred soldiers?"

"What?"

"The ones walking into a trap aren't us, but those coming toward us."

Shen, who had been watching the scout, quickly said, "My Lord, we have company."

Jun nodded, and with a few swift movements, he donned a black scarf. His face was now covered by a black mask, while everyone else also put on masks, but theirs were white.

"Who are all of you?" Kain wanted to ask, but the words never left his mouth.

Jun's troops were divided into two groups: those he had personally trained and those who hadn't yet passed the full training.

Shen was among those who hadn't completed the primary training, but he had taken command of the archers, leading those like himself who hadn't made it through.

This was why there was a difference in the concerns about what they were about to face. Shen just wanted to be cautious, but it seemed he didn't fully understand Jun yet.

"Sir, the archers are in position."

Hearing the fierce roars in the distance, Shen and the other soldiers turned toward Jun, awaiting his orders to counterattack.

Everyone was waiting for him to give the signal for battle.

At that moment, Jun felt a great weight on his shoulders. It was an overwhelmingly nostalgic feeling, as if he had returned to his very first battle.

Back then, everyone had looked at him with the same expectant gaze.

Time seemed to freeze, leaving only the thunderous beating of his heart. That brief moment of stillness felt like it lasted for hours, but he quickly regained his composure.

"Everyone, stay calm," Jun suddenly said, his voice filled with unwavering confidence. His energetic and resolute tone shifted everyone's focus, dispelling the anxiety that lingered in their minds.

"The fact that there's such a large commotion ahead means the battle isn't over yet. In other words, the enemy has fallen into our trap."

"You heard the boss; get ready."

"Pull back from the traps."