Chapter 429

Aiden was too exhausted to deal with Zack any longer. He turned to Soren, briefing him on the terrain and route ahead, his voice low and steady. "Stick to the planned path. Avoid the marshes and minefields at all costs." Soren nodded solemnly. "No matter what happens behind you, don’t look back. Get Elder Garcia and Professor Forrest out of Long Rainbow Forest. At the edge of the forest, within the border, our comrades will be waiting to receive you." "But what about you, Captain?" Soren pressed, his voice tinged with urgency. "You’re injured!" Aiden’s expression remained calm. "I’ll hold them off and bring Adam back." "That’s impossible!" Silas interjected, his voice rising. "There are too many of them. How can you escape alone? Come with us!" Aiden shook his head. "The Vanguard Team doesn’t leave anyone behind." "Tiger, you’re with me. We’ll cover our tracks and follow them." Samuel protested, "Captain, that’s not right! You won’t abandon Adam, but how can we abandon you? I’ll stay w