"Save them!"
"Doctor!"
"Take cover!"
Chaos erupted outside Villa No.32.
Those who moved quickly had already rushed to carry away Luo Yu, who had fallen to the ground.
At that moment, Luo Yu's abdomen was bleeding profusely. Her eyes were tightly closed, and her breath was barely perceptible.
A surgeon arrived to examine her injuries. Upon seeing the finger-thick wound on her back, his eyes suddenly narrowed. If not handled properly, this injury could cause Luo Yu's lower limbs to be paralyzed. Even the most advanced medical pod wouldn't be able to fully restore the nerves and blood vessels within her spinal column.
"Quick, move her! She needs surgery as soon as possible!"
The armed police officer nearby wanted to ask Luo Yu about the situation inside the villa, but the doctor glared at him.
"If she isn't treated, she'll die!"
"No... I won't die."
Lying on the stretcher, Luo Yu suddenly opened her eyes. Under the effect of a strong analgesic, she could barely hold on.
"...Big brother, inside the villa... there are seven... *cough, cough*... seven Wuzhuang robbers... *cough, cough, cough*..."
"All of them are... male. I... I didn't see... didn't see any Star Core Warriors... They might be hiding their abilities... or maybe... maybe there are none..."
"There are a total of sixteen hostages, *cough, cough, cough*... among them, three women... have been... killed... One of them had... blonde hair..."
"You can't talk anymore!"
"Nurse, Nurse, quickly take her away!"
The doctor couldn't bear to see Luo Yu describe the situation inside the villa while enduring such pain. To him, Luo Yu wasn't an informant but an injured patient.
The soldier who heard Luo Yu's description also tried to comfort her warmly, "Miss, you should go get treated first. Your..."
BANG! Then two more shots in quick succession, BANG! BANG!
As they spoke, gunshots rang out from inside Villa No.32 again.
Before the armed police could react, the gunfire stopped.
Luo Yu's face turned deathly pale. "They... they're killing people again..."
"Damn it!"
The soldier clenched his teeth, his fist smashing against the villa's perimeter wall in anger. He had to suppress his impulse and await orders.
"Miss, thank you for the intelligence you've provided us. Thank you!"
The soldier saluted Luo Yu.
Everyone around also saluted Luo Yu.
The doctor snorted coldly, quickly catching up and entering the Medical Base vehicle to begin the surgery.
「In the Temporary Command Bureau.」
Zuo Zhenyu slammed his fist on the table, his eyes bloodshot. He had clearly heard Luo Yu's description through the video feed just moments before. They thought they already had a measure of the Black Shark Society Gang Bandits' cruelty. But in reality, these robbers were utterly depraved, treating human lives as mere playthings. They had killed three hostages without even stating their demands; their methods were atrocious.
"No, we can't let this continue!"
"Zhang Ju..." Zuo Zhenyu looked at Zhang Ju, his expression grave. "The robbers are extremely cruel. If we keep waiting like this, their arrogance will only grow, and the safety of the hostages inside the villa cannot be effectively guaranteed."
"I've decided to immediately implement a forceful rescue plan: eliminate the robbers and save our citizens!"
"But..."
"Zuo Zhenyu, launching a direct assault like this could easily provoke the robbers and make them decide to fight to the death."
"If the losses are too great, you..." Zhang Ju cautioned.
"It's fine. This is my decision, and I'll bear all the consequences."
"Well..." Seeing Zuo Zhenyu's resolve, Zhang Ju hesitated for a moment before also making a decision.
"Alright, our police department's teams will join in. If any problems arise, we'll face them together."
Both men nodded firmly and quickly discussed the assault plan.
It was finally decided to dispatch a total of three rescue teams. The guards and the City Defense Army would each send a heavy-firepower assault team to attack from the front and rear of the villa simultaneously. Meanwhile, six Star Core Warriors drawn from both sides would attempt to infiltrate the villa and rescue the citizens.
As Tongyuan City had been peaceful for many years with no major violent crimes, neither the police department nor the City Defense Army could muster more than a few Star Core Warriors.
"Father!"
"Let me go too!"
Zuo Yiming, having overheard their discussion and knowing they were short on Star Core Warriors, volunteered himself.
"You?" Zuo Zhenyu glanced at him with disdain. "A rookie who's just had his Awakening? A good-for-nothing who hasn't had a single day of military training? If you sneak into the villa, you'll just be wasting one of the robbers' bullets."
"No, Father, I am a Star Core Warrior now! I've unlocked my Talent and comprehended Star Skills!"
"Since you're short-handed, take me with you!"
"Absolutely not!"
"Don't interfere with official business. Get the hell out of here!"
Zuo Zhenyu aimed a kick at Zuo Yiming's rear, sending him staggering.
"I'm not a burden, and I'm not useless!"
"Zuo Zhenyu, I know what I'm doing! I have a Light Awakening. If the hostages are injured, I can provide immediate Healing!"
Seeing Zuo Zhenyu still unwilling, Zuo Yiming, for the first time ever, called his father by his full name.
"Besides, surely you aren't playing favorites? Though I'm not in the army, I'm a son to my parents, just like those brave soldiers. You can send them into dangerous battlefields, so why, when it comes to your own son, are you so hesitant and fearful for his life?"
After speaking, Zuo Yiming looked angrily at his father.
Zuo Zhenyu hadn't expected this side of his son. Looking at Zuo Yiming, who was now a head taller than him, he realized his son had grown up; he was no longer the child who needed to be sheltered under his wing. More importantly, this son, who had been like a sickly chick since childhood, actually dared to speak to him like this.
Though, I can see at a glance why he's stepping forward.
Zuo Zhenyu smiled and patted Zuo Yiming on the shoulder. "Alright, you can go."
"Take good care of yourself. Don't make your mother and me, with our white hair, have to bury our black-haired son."
"Don't worry, Zuo Jiangjun!"
Zuo Yiming gave a standard military salute and turned to leave.
"Wait, take me too," Lu Lin said, standing up.
"You..." Zuo Zhenyu was puzzled. What is with young people these days? So confident. Facing them are ruthless villains who kill at the slightest provocation, yet these youngsters aren't afraid and even want to rush in.
"General Zuo, I have an Earth Talent. I can protect the citizens and my teammates," Lu Lin said earnestly. "Believe me!"
He knew Zuo Zhenyu would likely let him go, if only for Zuo Yiming's sake.
"You... Alright, fine. I really don't understand you young people."
"Remember to get a set of Inner Armor for self-defense each."
"Yes, sir!"
Zuo Yiming and Lu Lin acknowledged the order and quickly ran out of the Temporary Command Center.
Outside the villa, the three assault teams were already prepared.
Firepower Team 1 was locked and loaded with live ammunition.
Firepower Team 2 was poised and ready to strike.
The Star Martial Team was eager for action.
After Lu Lin and Zuo Yiming joined, they reported their Innate Attributes and Star Skills to their new teammates. The Star Martial Team leader acknowledged their report and assigned them to the rear.
Are you kidding? The only son of Zuo Jiangjun and a genius who comprehended Double Star Skills with an Earth Talent. Who would dare let them actually charge at the front? Such geniuses should be on a much grander stage, destined for a more brilliant future, not buried in a small place like this alongside those of us with no hope of advancement.