Crack! Crack!
In a corner by a wall nearby, Shen Xinghai and the wiry instructor squatted in the shade, shelling peanuts and sipping drinks.
"Old Jian's gone soft ever since he had a daughter. In the old days, none of these brats would still be standing."
The wiry instructor had a dark face, dark skin, and an M-shaped hairline. Though he looked young, his thinning hair was already cause for concern. His name was Lin Tao.
"Old Jian's getting more maternal by the day. Those tattoos of his deserve better."
"Heh heh..."
The two exchanged a grin.
Shen Xinghai's gaze lingered on Xu Ye for a moment before he said slowly, "By the way, any news on the Shenchuan Family? They slipped in so easily, I'm afraid there's a spy among us. The recruits couldn't have known our plans, so it must be one of the instructors."
Lin Tao spat. "Who the hell knows? They're good at disguises and lying low. Now that they know their mission failed, they'll probably be even more careful for a while..."
Midway through, he raised his head slightly. "It's not you, is it?"
"Piss off!" Shen Xinghai slapped the back of Lin Tao's head. He was a few years older than Lin Tao, and the two had fought shoulder to shoulder on the front lines.
In truth, while the Five Great Powers hadn't seemed closely connected over the years, no one on the front lines cared where you came from. Once you were there, you were a comrade.
You entrusted each other with your lives, closer than you were to your own mother. If you died, they even had to gather up your body and carry your ashes.
Shen Xinghai shelled a peanut, tossed it into his mouth, and crunched it noisily. "Forget it.