Chapter 450: Across the Minefield

"All units, attention!" Adrian Stone's voice crackled through the radio.

Every muscle tensed instantly. They knew their commander too well—this was his suicide-run tone.

The two wounded soldiers exchanged glances, resolve flashing in their eyes. They understood the unspoken message behind Adrian's earlier words.

At their current position, retreat wasn't an option.

The commander planning to clear a five-meter path alone? Impossible.

Which meant when the mines detonated, they'd have to buy their comrades two more meters with their own bodies.

They raised thumbs in silent farewell.

Elena Ward's fingers trembled. A wild idea struck her—a new application for her healing force.

If it worked on rifles... could it work on landmines?

Just disable them long enough...

"Adrian!" She grabbed his sleeve, whispering urgently, "Trust me. I can neutralize the mines."

His pupils contracted.

"Odds?" No questions. Just absolute trust in this extraordinary woman.

"Fifty-fifty." She bit her lip. "Better than certain death."

"Done." His response was steel. Turning to the team, he barked, "Hold position! That's an order!"

Then, to everyone's horror, the pair stepped forward—

Straight into the kill zone.

"No—!" Someone screamed.

Time froze.

One second. Two. Three.

No explosion.

"A... dud?" someone stammered.

Cheers erupted. Miraculous luck!

Only Adrian knew the truth. His gaze locked with Elena's as she gave him a conspiratorial wink.

"Engineers!" He snapped into action. "Pass the detector. Dr. Ward and I will clear the path."

"But Commander—"

"Now!"

Adrian had to lead this charade. Only his "bomb disposal expert" cover could explain their survival without exposing Elena's secret.

Elena exhaled shakily, her fingertips still tingling with residual energy.

Round one of this deadly gamble went to them.