The Crimson Sun's Killing Intent, Blazing Sun Illuminates the Night as Heavenly Fire Rises

"Did it work?"

At the edge of the forest, forty kilometers from Sea-Gate Cliff, John listened to Wendy relay the latest report from the front lines. Upon learning that the Bloodhowl Legion had split its forces as he had expected, and that Gromas had led the main force to attack his supposedly "fleeing" troops—

John immediately knew that more than half of his Bait Plan had succeeded.

All he needed to do next was slow his retreat, maintaining a distance where the Bloodhowl Legion could spot him. Like fishing, he would use himself as bait, constantly sending the Bloodhowl Legion the signal that, with just a little more effort, they could completely devour him.

That way, once Gromas saw him "fleeing with serious injuries," he would certainly chase after him at all costs. He might even leave the main force behind and try to capture him alive.

Then, just as John had anticipated, he would die beneath Reginald's bombardment!

"Of course, for that to happen, the Darkthorn unit needs to destroy the Anti-Air Devices the enemy is trying to deploy at Sea-Gate Cliff before the bombardment arrives. Otherwise, the only ending waiting for me is death alongside Gromas."

With bandages wrapped around his left shoulder and weakness radiating from his entire body, John moved slowly under the escort of 14th Squad members driving a jeep. From time to time, he looked back through the window at the jungle behind them, his gaze uncertain.

At this moment, John honestly had little confidence that his Bait Plan would truly succeed.

After all, unlike the Empire troops, whose capabilities he already understood, he had very little faith in the loyalty of the Darkthorn unit.

Although judging from Galil's behavior, the fake history John had casually fabricated to trick him into joining the scheme