“I understand,” Ning Yu took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. “Go and tell everyone that I will give them an explanation.”

Liu Qiang nodded, turned and left the room. The room fell silent once more, save for Ning Yu's heavy breathing echoing in the air.

He knew that this crisis was not just about the loss of some resources; more importantly, it had shaken his position and prestige within the team. If not handled properly, it could very well cause the entire team to fall apart.

However, Ning Yu was unaware that an even greater crisis was quietly approaching.

As night fell, in the desolate ruins, pairs of crimson eyes gleamed in the darkness, revealing a chilling killing intent. The mysterious creatures, though repelled, did not give up; they gathered in the shadows, emitting low growls, seemingly plotting an even more terrifying revenge…

In Ning Yu's room, the dim light illuminated the mess on the floor. Overturned tables and chairs, scattered documents, seemed to silently tell of the anger and helplessness that had just occurred. He sat on the edge of the bed, his gaze fixed on the window. Night had fallen, and the outline of the ruins looked particularly desolate under the moonlight.

"Still not asleep?"

Soft footsteps sounded at the door, and Mu Xue walked in carrying a steaming bowl of soup. A faint fragrance immediately filled the room, dispelling the stuffiness in the air.

"Hmm," Ning Yu withdrew his gaze, took the soup bowl, and felt a warmth spread from his palms throughout his body. "Why did you get up? How is your injury?"

“It’s much better now,” Mu Xue said, sitting down beside him. “But you, don’t overthink it. Those who doubt you just haven’t seen your plan yet.”

She understood Ning Yu. Although he appeared cold and tough on the surface, he harbored a strong sense of responsibility and mission deep within. He knew what this operation meant and the consequences of failure, but he still chose to take the risk because he wanted to protect not only his own life but also the hope of the entire team.

“I know,” Ning Yu took a sip of soup and smiled bitterly, “I’m just wondering, am I really doing the right thing?”

Mu Xue didn't speak, but simply looked at him quietly, her eyes filled with understanding and support. Silence fell again in the room, broken only by the ticking of the clock on the wall, as if reminding them that time was ticking away and danger was closing in.

Meanwhile, dozens of kilometers away in the wilderness, pairs of scarlet eyes gleamed in the darkness, sending chills down their spines. The mysterious creatures, though repelled, did not give up. They gathered in the shadows, emitting low growls, as if plotting an even more terrifying revenge.

They were more numerous and larger than before, their sharp claws gleaming coldly in the moonlight, sending chills down one's spine. These monsters seemed to be driven by some force, slowly approaching Ning Yu's territory.

Danger is creeping in...

Suddenly, the lights in Ning Yu's room flickered a few times before returning to normal.

"It seems tonight won't be peaceful." Mu Xue put down her soup bowl, a cold glint flashing in her eyes.

Ning Yu didn't speak, but stood up, walked to the window, and gazed intently into the distance, in the direction where those mysterious creatures were gathering.

"Prepare for battle."