Taking stock of their losses,
This round alone had cost them seven mercenaries—a substantial loss. Since landing on the island, encountering the natives, clashing with the survivors, fighting in the ruins of the royal city, and now this, they had already lost more than thirty people. Only forty-some teammates remained, and they had no idea how many dangers lay ahead.
Mercenaries dying in battle was unavoidable. They made their living with their lives on the line. Everyone quickly collected themselves and continued through the passageway to explore.
A huge room appeared ahead, filled with wooden shelves. Rolls of bamboo slips sat on the shelves, covered in a thick layer of dust. Seeing them, Professor Jones said excitedly, "This is the study of the Himiko Dynasty. These are extremely valuable and will be tremendously helpful in researching the social structure of that era."
Vogel picked up a bamboo scroll. The moment he opened it, it fell apart with a clatter. The cords binding the bamboo slips had long since rotted away.
Professor Jones immediately shouted, "Be careful! These are rare artifacts, among the most valuable things to preserve in archaeology."
"Are they worth more than gold, jewels, porcelain, or Oil Paintings?" Vogel asked.
"Oh, generally speaking, no. But they still have some value. Their significance for historical research is greater," Professor Jones said.
Vogel curled his lip and tossed the few remaining bamboo strips in his hand onto the floor. "What do we need with these bulky, worthless things? Fine, let's get out of here."
With that, he led his men away.
Professor Jones glanced at the bamboo slips and could only follow them out regretfully.
"Rat-tat-tat! Rat-tat-tat!"
Suddenly, dense gunfire erupted ahead. Vogel knew something had happened and immediately led his men over. When they arrived, they found the remains