With his mind made up, Han Lang no longer hesitated. The six golden needles, like ferocious beasts, moved violently among the esper crowd. Each whistle took the life of a low-level esper.
With such a determined resolve, Han Lang's five-person team also advanced faster.
As they gradually drew closer to the front lines of the battlefield, Ma Long suddenly seemed to recall something. He cautiously leaned towards Han Lang's ear and whispered.
"Young sir, provoking Gou Tuizhi, an SSS-class esper, like this, won't the consequences be a near-certain death?"
Han Lang was displeased upon hearing this and retorted.
"What? Are you afraid of dying?"
Ma Long immediately refuted.
"What kind of talk is that, young sir? Having joined the army, we were already mentally prepared to die on the battlefield. Don't even mention me; Tang Geng and Tang Qin likely have similar resolve. The problem is, we have Zhao Wu in our team, who might not be on the same page as us. If we're going to die this time, wouldn't it be unfair to bring him along? At the very least, we should explain the situation to him, shouldn't we?"
After hearing Ma Long's words, Han Lang was as if awakened from a dream.
Although this decision could be considered a type of combat mission, and objectively speaking, Zhao Wu should obey orders.
However, the Gou Tuizhi that Han Lang intended to provoke was, after all, his enemy.
Therefore, in a sense, this could not solely be considered a combat mission as a soldier.
Because if the opponent were not Gou Tuizhi, the danger level would certainly not be so high!
Thus, no matter what, Han Lang felt he should respect Zhao Wu's right to know.
"You're right, Brother Ma! We should indeed inform Zhao Wu truthfully about this matter. Let him decide whether to go or not!"
Although Han Lang said this, his heart was filled with reluctance.
Given Zhao Wu's strength, if he could participate, it would greatly increase the chances of success.
If he did not participate, with only Han Lang and the other three, the difficulty would likely increase significantly.
Therefore, subjectively, Han Lang really wanted Zhao Wu to participate.
However, to respect his right to know, Han Lang only hesitated for a moment before speaking to Zhao Wu.
"Zhao Wu, we now plan to charge into the front lines and attract the attention of that SSS-class esper to alleviate the pressure on Squad Leader Huang and the others. However, I will also make it clear to you. We know that SSS-class esper; when we were in Lecheng, we had a deep-seated animosity with him. Therefore, once I enter his sight, the danger level for all of us will greatly increase. So, I hope you can make a decision now. If you choose to risk your life with us, you are most welcome. If you are unwilling, I will not force you. You can withdraw from the ranks now and return to Class Two's position to defend against the enemy. Time is of the essence, so please give me an answer as soon as possible! So that I can formulate new combat missions!"
Upon hearing that Han Lang intended to provoke an SSS-class esper, Zhao Wu's expression visibly trembled.
From the beginning, he thought their squad's combat mission was merely to support the Golden Core cultivators and relieve the pressure from the S-class espers surrounding them.
But now, to provoke an SSS-class esper, the danger level would skyrocket.
He was fully aware of the consequences.
Therefore, the choice Han Lang gave him made him hesitant for a moment.
If he only considered his own identity, he should indeed obey orders.
But if he considered the rift between him and Han Lang, and the orders issued by Huang Yuhua, it was not unreasonable for him not to go.
The problem was, if he chose not to go, and Han Lang died, he would be a hero of the special special forces.
And if he lived, he might become a coward criticized by everyone.
These were all things he did not want to see!
Therefore, after a moment of thought, he replied coldly.
"You and I are not on the same path to begin with. I don't care if Tang Geng and the others are willing to die with you. But I don't want to die young! An SSS-class esper is simply beyond our current ability to resist! However, I am not a scumbag without patriotism. Therefore, all I can do is assist you in approaching the front lines. As for what happens next, I don't want to be involved. I don't care if you seek death. I have a clear conscience doing this!"
Hearing Zhao Wu say this, Han Lang naturally felt a bit disappointed.
However, since he had decided to ask for Zhao Wu's opinion, he would naturally respect Zhao Wu's decision.
Moreover, he hadn't completely refused to fight alongside him.
There was still some distance between them and Gou Tuizhi, and Zhao Wu was willing to help them charge into the front lines, which was already very considerate.
If he made any further demands, it would seem rather greedy.
Therefore, he replied gratefully.
"Thank you then! Tang Geng, Tang Qin, let's advance with all our might and support Squad Leader Huang and the others as quickly as possible!"
With a command, Tang Geng and Tang Qin immediately unleashed their full firepower, and the group rapidly approached Gou Tuizhi's battlefield at a visible speed.
Upon nearing, Zhao Wu shouted loudly to Han Lang.
"Han Lang! This is all I can do. From now on, good luck to yourselves!"
Han Lang gave a wry smile.
"Thank you, Zhao Wu! Objectively speaking, you are quite different from your brother! If we manage to return safely this time, I, Han Lang, am willing to befriend you!"
Zhao Wu showed no disdain.
"We'll see if you can return!"
With that, he leaped away from Han Lang's team.
However, he did not retreat directly. Instead, he moved to the side alone and, along with more soldiers, contributed his strength to ease the pressure on Huang Yuhua and the others.
Seeing this, Han Lang and the others couldn't help but sigh. Tang Geng said to everyone with a look of relief.
"Zhao Wu is righteous and loyal, always prioritizing the interests of the nation and its people from beginning to end. Compared to his brother Zhao Wei's petty-mindedness, they are on entirely different levels!"
Ma Long chuckled.
"I didn't really believe it before, but today, I do. Perhaps, in a way, he's just a pitiable soul caught between his family and his ideals!"
Tang Qin also chimed in.
"Who's to say otherwise! If it weren't for that, I believe that after so much time spent together, we would have already become comrades who could rely on each other!"
Han Lang laughed heartily.
"If we return safely this time, I will definitely invite him for a good drink and let bygones be bygones! But for now, everyone, are you prepared to die?"
Upon hearing this question, the expressions of Tang Geng and the other two instantly became solemn, but their eyes were filled with unwavering determination.
"For the peace and stability of Xia Country, we fight!"