Chapter 78- Mission

The next day …

Zhang Han stood before the students, his eyes scanning their determined faces as they stood at attention.

"Alright, listen up! Today's mission is hill scouting. Each group of five will have two bags of emergency kits, just in case. Your aim is to learn teamwork, survival skills, navigation, compass use, and map-reading."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the groups.

"A soldier will be with each group, waiting at the starting point. You have two hours to find your way around the forest. If you get lost, light the flare and your assigned solider will come get you. You'll be using a magnesium flare, also known as a distress signal flare. It's loud, bright, and visible from a distance. Use it only in case of emergency" Zhang Han explained.

"Your mission is to navigate through the woods, using the compass and map-reading skills you learned throughout yesterday to reach the designated checkpoint. You'll be looking for a small clearing with a marked flag. Along the way, take note of any notable landmarks, such as streams, rocky outcroppings, or unusual tree formations. These will be crucial for your navigation."

The soldiers handed out the emergency kits and maps.

"Remember, teamwork is key. Work together, use your unique skills, and support each other. You'll face challenges like dense foliage, uneven terrain, and possibly wildlife encounters. Stay alert, stay focused, stay together and most importantly, stay safe."

"There will be instructors waiting for you at the checkpoint, the first team to make it there, irrespective of what gender, shall be rewarded, so challenge yourselves. Your time begins… now!"

Delilah and Anna exchanged a nod, their group of five gathering around, including three of their roommates, who unfortunately were Amy's underlings.

Their soldier escort, a young, handsome, grizzled veteran named Sergeant Gu, gave them a curt nod. "Let's move out, team. You've got two hours to make it to the checkpoint."

As they set off into the woods, the gloomy weather seemed to fade into the background, replaced by the thrill of adventure and the determination to succeed.

They jogged on swiftly, their enthusiasm heightened as they took in their surroundings.

…

Delilah and Anna were focused on their mission, moving swiftly through the dense forest, with the other three girls gossiping about the handsome young soldier assigned to them, behind.

Delilah held the map, her eyes scanning the terrain, while Anna read the compass, her brow furrowed in concentration.

Delilah had just found a landmark when suddenly, without warning, she felt a searing pain behind her head.

She tried to cry out, but her voice was muffled as she went limp, collapsing to the ground.

" Hey, Delilah, do you think…"

Anna's turned to her head only to see Delilah unconscious on the ground, her eyes wide with alarm. "Delilah!" she exclaimed, rushing to her side.

But before she could reach Delilah, Anna felt a similar pain behind her head.

She tried to spin around, but her vision blurred, and she crumpled to the ground beside Delilah.