Chapter 440

"We have to save him!" Andrew Smith's eyes burned with fury, his fists clenched so tightly his knuckles cracked. Watching his comrade fall before him, a fire raged in his chest.

His guard yanked his arm back. "Captain, the entire area ahead is mined!"

Every member of the squad had tears in their eyes. This was their brother—the man they'd lived and fought alongside.

Deputy Captain Harold Martin stepped forward. "I'll lead the team. You stay and command, Captain." His voice trembled. "We'll bring Ethan back... alive."

"Don't... come..." Ethan lay in a pool of blood, his legs gone. Yet he smiled—a crimson-stained blossom on his lips.

"Hold on!" Andrew roared.

Every man tightened their fists, hearts shredding at the sight.

Ethan shook his head weakly. "War... takes lives..." Blood bubbled from his mouth with each word. "Don't... waste more... for me..."

A violent cough wracked his body, blood spraying. "Tell my parents... their son... didn't disgrace our name..."

Before anyone could react, he shoved against the ground with shattered arms, his mangled body rolling forward—

"Ethan!" The squad screamed.

They all knew his intent.

This unbreakable warrior was clearing a path with his flesh and blood.

BOOM—BOOM—

Twin explosions rocked the valley. Where Ethan had been, only a smoldering crater remained, painted scarlet.

"Damn them!" Andrew slammed his fist into a tree, skin splitting. This was his soldier—marching knowingly to death.

Back at camp, smoldering rage filled every heart. The stack of volunteer requests from the vanguard teams covered the table.

"Report! Third Squad requests point position!"

"Report! Fifth Squad volunteers as a unit!"

Three days passed. Four vanguard teams charged forth. Over half were lost. Six men stayed forever in the minefield. Four squad leaders died heroes.

The lifeline remained unbroken.

Worse—the enemy seized the moment, raining artillery. Their brothers on the high ground were holding with blood and bone.

"Ammo lasts four days max," the Chief of Staff said grimly.

Andrew stared at the battle map, eyes bloodshot. Suddenly, he stood—

"I'm leading the next charge myself."