Chapter 355

Michael said firmly, “I am willing.”

Ryker saw his eagerness to die and sneered inwardly. He really thought he was the invincible Lord Osborne.

But this time, they were facing desperate criminals. They would kill without hesitation.

‘If he’s so eager to go, let him have his wish,’ Ryker thought to himself, a cold smile playing on his lips.

He said, “Very well, I approve. Michael, your identity is special. His Majesty has shown leniency and allowed you to atone through meritorious service. Don’t let me down.”

Michael saluted respectfully and pledged, “I will surely live up to your expectations, General.”

Ryker nodded and gave the order, “Rest in place. Depart at 3 am.”

Then, he selected a small squad to serve as the vanguard and promoted Michael to be its leader.

The morning mist of Azure Gorge had yet to disperse when twenty carts slowly entered the mouth of the valley.

Michael, wrapped in a faded rough linen headscarf, drove the leading mule cart, deliberately letting the wheels crunch over stones, making creaking sounds.

“Boss, this job’s risky,” the deputy captain, disguised as a bookkeeper, glanced cautiously at the cliffs on either side and lowered his voice. “Beyond this pass lies Taper Path. The path is narrow. If the enemy lies in ambush above, we could all be wiped out.”

Michael nodded slightly. “I know.”

On the way, he had already discussed a strategy with Ryker. Their team would act as bait to draw the bandits out, while Ryker led the main force to block their retreat and flank them, capturing the entire group in one move.

Their team totaled twenty men.

The one speaking was named Ezra Alejandro, an only son. His mother was seriously ill, and he had no other choice but to volunteer for this vanguard mission. The others were in similar situations, either lacking money or gambling their lives for a future.

Michael felt heavy-hearted. He could afford to risk his life, but the others were not the same. Most of them were the backbone of their families.

Staring at the mountain ahead, Michael suddenly ordered, “Rest here.”

Ezra asked in surprise, “Boss, why rest here?”

Jumping down from the wagon, Michael said, “The mountain path ahead is treacherous, and the terrain here is too complex. If we run into bandits, none of us will make it out alive.”

He untied the ropes from the cart and fastened a saddle on his horse.

Realizing what was on his mind, Ezra inhaled sharply. “Boss, what are you doing?”

Seizing the moment he drew near, Ezra whispered, “If you go into Taper Path alone, it’s certain death. And don’t forget our orders.”

If Michael entered alone, the bandits might not even show themselves. This move could cause the entire mission to fail, and they’d still face military punishment.

Michael looked resolutely ahead and said, “Don’t worry. I’ll bring you all safely out of this gorge.”

With that, he yanked the reins and rode toward the valley.

Ezra wanted to stop him but feared alerting the enemy. He had to pretend to be calm and shouted to the others, “Damn it, the axle's broken! Hurry and fix it!”

The others were puzzled but dared not question orders. They all got down to check the carts.

The clear sound of hooves echoed in the gorge.

In the foliage above the cliffs, more than ten black-clad figures clung to the rocks, gripping their bows.

Soon, a horse appeared ahead.

Their leader raised his hand, signaling to prepare for attack.

But when the horse drew closer, everyone was stunned. There was no rider.

Everyone was confused because they couldn’t see the rider.

Suddenly, a few sharp arrows shot out from nowhere, piercing their chests with deadly precision.

They didn’t even cry out before tumbling down the cliff.

On the rock face, a black figure leapt up agilely.

Those earlier arrows had already terrified the enemy. They heard the attack but couldn’t see who did it.

While they were still dazed, a sudden gust of wind came from behind.

As they turned in horror, they saw a man silently standing behind them.

A curved blade sliced across the bandit’s throat, spraying blood.

Michael spared only one survivor, pressing a blade to the man’s throat. “Password?”

The man stammered, “Clear skies…”

Upon hearing it, Michael killed him with one slash.

Then, he retrieved a signal flare from the bodies and fired it into the sky. A burst of fireworks exploded above.

At the same time, the sound of battle broke out in the valley.

The bandits rushed in, only to find the valley empty.

They were confused by the emptiness in the valley. Just then, another flare exploded overhead.

This one wasn’t like theirs. It was clearly a military signal.

Someone suddenly shouted, “Tiger Guard! The Tiger Guard is here!”

The bandits scattered, but it was too late. An elite squad was closing in from both ends, trapping them inside Taper Path.

Ryker, clad in armor and wielding a spear, bellowed, “Kill!”

Countless soldiers charged in, swiftly slaughtering the entire group.

Once the battlefield was cleared, Ryker looked around and said, “Where’s Michael?”

Everyone shook their heads. “Haven’t seen him.”

At that moment, Michael was clinging to the damp rock face, stealthily making his way into the bandit stronghold’s sentry post.

He slid down lightly. Earlier, he had observed that this was the third line of defense. The main camp remained completely hidden.

This explained why so many people had come and failed. No one could locate the heart of the camp.

Michael tightened his clothes and walked toward the inner stronghold.

“Password?” Two bandit sentries at the stronghold gate stepped forward, blocking Michael’s path.

Two arrows were pointed at his heart.

Although he wore a bandit’s uniform, they remained alert. They were impressively cautious, unlike ordinary thugs.

Michael looked up and shouted, “Clear skies.”

The arrows lowered. A rope bridge above was lowered.

He walked up, and the gate opened. He passed through smoothly.

Just as he reached the entrance, a drunk bandit slung an arm around his neck. “Hey, you brat, back so late? Was the haul fat this time?”

As he spoke, the man groped his chest but found nothing.

He swore at him, clearly trying to steal from him.

So he was just after easy loot.

Michael caught his wrist and pressed a knife to his back. “Back from patrol, and you’re interrogating me?”

With a nervous chuckle, the bandit said, “Come on, don’t take it so seriously, I was just messing around, just kidding.” He leaned in under the lamplight, trying to get a better look at Michael’s face, but with the bandana covering it, he couldn’t quite make him out.

But when his fingers brushed against the hardened calluses in the web of Michael’s hand, the bandit’s blood ran cold.

Before he could react, a sharp pain shot through his chest. A dagger had pierced his heart.