Chapter 374: Elena Ward Received Her Orders at the Break of Dawn

Elena Ward received her orders at the break of dawn. The mountain fog hung thick and impenetrable, draping over the camp like a heavy curtain. By afternoon, a fine drizzle began to fall, soaking everyone’s clothes.

The spy incident from three days ago still weighed on everyone’s minds like a thorn. The deputy director had changed the codes overnight and increased patrols. The winding border was a hotbed for enemy activity, and they all knew this wouldn’t be the last time.

"Move out!" Captain Hank Miller commanded in a low voice. The transport team sprang into action, swiftly checking their gear. Elena and Dr. Alice Monroe quickly packed their medical kits and pulled on their raincoats.

"Same highland as last time?" Alice whispered.

Elena nodded, her lips curling into an involuntary smile. Six months. Finally, she would see Adrian Stone again. Even if it was amidst gunfire, just one glimpse of him would be enough.

The march through the rainy night was grueling. Without flashlights, they relied entirely on the transport team to guide them. Elena stumbled along, nearly falling several times. Alice fared worse—once, she almost tumbled down a cliff, saved only by a soldier’s quick grab.

"Shh—" Hank suddenly raised a hand. Everyone dropped into a crouch.

On the hillside, shadowy figures moved furtively. Hunched low, they used the terrain for cover as they crept toward the highland.

"Something’s wrong," Elena murmured. "If they were ours, they wouldn’t be sneaking around like this."

Hank narrowed his eyes. "Prepare to engage. Let them get close, then we’ll trap them."

The transport team silently cocked their rifles, eyes gleaming with anticipation. Usually, they were the ones ambushed—tonight, they’d return the favor.

Elena and Alice were shielded in the center of the formation. The rain grew heavier, pelting Elena’s face until she couldn’t tell if it was rain or sweat. She clutched her medical kit, her heart pounding like a drum.

Adrian, stay safe.