I only wanted to retire, but I ended up becoming an extremely popular character.

at this point.

Let's check out the exchange shop first. We'll be going on a mission tonight, so having more self-defense skills will always be good.

Anyway, it has over 1 popularity points!

Why not take advantage of it?

Zod opened the Popularity Points Exchange Shop and found that this Popularity Points Exchange Shop was really annoying.

Any weapon specialization *1, Price: 30000 popularity points;

One blue-quality secret intelligence*1, price: 50000 popularity points;

Potential Point *1, Price: 50000 Popularity Points;

Virtual Dream Training Ground * 10 days, Price: 80000 Popularity Points;

Random blue-quality martial arts technique *1, Price: 100000 popularity points;

……

It's ridiculous that you only have 1.7 Annoying Points; you can't even buy anything with them.

Enraged, Zod immediately shut down the popularity points exchange shop.

……

……

As dusk fell, Zod's troops had quietly assembled outside the target villa.

A headcount revealed a total of forty-nine people, including Zod and Cassius.

The specific route for the infiltration into Bell Tower Town has been sent to Zod by the Blade Corps command via the Wingwave Messenger.

The evening breeze, carrying a chill, swept across the wilderness and brushed against Zod, making him feel a biting cold.

He couldn't be sure whether the chill stemmed from the sudden drop in temperature after sunset or from the tension and fear lurking in his heart.

Perhaps, it's both.

Zod scanned his men in the shadows, succinctly reiterated the mission objectives, and emphasized the ironclad rules of the operation.

Before reaching Clock Tower Town, you must avoid all enemy forces, including civilians within the Holy Kingdom! Firing, shouting, and leaving the group for any reason are strictly prohibited!

He explained every detail and contingency he could foresee clearly, one by one.

Only after confirming there were no further oversights did he finally issue the low command: "Move!"

The thick darkness provided them with the best cover.

Like ink blending into the darkness, this small team silently crossed the edge of the interlocking defenses between the Empire and the Holy Kingdom, infiltrating the enemy's controlled territory.

They then transformed into a true ghost army.

Based on accurate intelligence provided by the corps command, under the cover of night, Zod led his squad to precisely maneuver and maneuver, avoiding all the brightly lit Holy Kingdom outposts and the interplay of light and shadow in the defensive lines.

Fortunately, they did not encounter enemy troops, and the small patrols they did encounter were easily avoided by Zod and his men.

Otherwise, if a firefight breaks out, the entire operation will be declared a failure.

After a nerve-wracking maneuver, right under the enemy's noses, they arrived at the outskirts of the town of Clock Tower, which was shrouded in darkness, on schedule.

Ahead in Zod's field of vision, a towering clock tower stood in the center of the town, and the Holy Kingdom's patrolling troops could be faintly seen on the outskirts of Clock Tower Town.

Zod made a fist gesture, signaling the troops to halt.

He told Warrant Officer Hitis that they had made a bet: "As we agreed before, we split into two groups. You take 30 men, and I'll take the rest."

"You will come from the east side, while I will detour to the west side of Zhongta Town."

"At 11 p.m. sharp, both sides will launch their attacks. Delays or early attacks are strictly prohibited."

"Then, let's see who can capture the clock tower in the center of Clock Tower Town faster."

"how?"

Zod looked at Hitis with a meaningful gaze, hoping that she wouldn't change her mind at this moment.

Otherwise, he would have no choice but to resort to military orders.

Hitis smiled confidently: "Lieutenant Zod, no problem. I hope you won't forget our agreement."

"Of course! I always keep my word."

Zod extended his palm, and Hitis gently patted it.

Before leaving, Zod confidently told Heidi, "Warrant Officer Heidi, I've already won this battle!"

The reason for saying this is certainly not that Zod wants to win the bet, but rather to arouse Heidis's competitive spirit so that Heidis can win the bet.

In this way, Zod can retire successfully.

At the very least, once Colonel Xavier or someone else learns that Zod's abilities and talents are inferior to Hitis's, they will be able to completely give up on Zod.

Hitis sneered defiantly, "Hmph, in the end, I will be the only winner."

She didn't think she would lose to a second lieutenant who had been transferred from the rear and hadn't experienced the true baptism of war.

She will hold the outcome of this bet firmly in her grasp.

Hitis will not allow an outsider to interfere with her own troops.

Seeing Hitis's spirited appearance, Zod was secretly pleased. He knew his strategy had worked and everything was proceeding as planned.

Zod detours around the west side of Clock Tower town.

While waiting to launch the attack, Cassius asked Zod, "Lieutenant, what agreement did you make with Warrant Officer Hitis?"

"I made a bet with her on who could take over the central square of Clock Tower Town faster, which is where the clock tower is located."

Zod then briefly explained the contents of the bet and the stakes to Cassius.

"Huh?" Cassius initially appeared shocked, but quickly turned worried. "Lieutenant, are you out of your mind?! How could you make such a promise with her?"

"What's wrong?" Zod asked, feigning confusion. "This is the fastest way for me to gain the trust of the soldiers in this squad and obtain the approval of the 'Imperial Blade' legion."

However, what Zod actually wanted was the exact opposite of what he was saying.

He couldn't wait to be sent back to his old unit; he missed his old superior, Lieutenant Wesley, terribly.

Cassius frowned: "After I came to the Imperial Blade Legion, I heard that Warrant Officer Hitis is the Imperial Blade Legion's top marksman. In terms of military skills and combat experience alone, I'm afraid she is no less than you."

"Wow, that's amazing! I've never heard of it!"

Zod appeared somewhat regretful, but in reality, he was secretly relieved that Xiaoxi had scored a point.

"Sigh! Warrant Officer Hitis already had an advantage, and you gave her most of your forces. This time, your chances of victory are probably even slimmer."

Cassius was genuinely worried for Zod: "However, no matter what, I will always stand by your side. Even if it costs me my life, I will make sure you achieve final victory."

Cassius gripped the sword at his waist tightly.

Zod knew that Cassius was serious, so he patted Cassius on the shoulder and said, "Cassius, just stay calm and don't worry too much. Don't let personal emotions get in the way on the battlefield."

Time passed by, and soon it was exactly 11 o'clock.

Zod drew his rifle, aimed at one of the sentries, and pulled the trigger. The bullet fired from the barrel and struck the sentry squarely.

Then, he led his squad and, before the enemy could react, seized a defensive fortification built by the Holy Kingdom's soldiers.

A defensive line was built using fortifications and the buildings of Clock Tower Town.

As gunfire erupted on Zod's side, gunfire also broke out simultaneously on the east side of Clock Tower, where Hitis was located.

Instantly, Zhongta Town became like a powder keg that had been detonated, with gunfire erupting and flashes of light appearing.

Faced with gunfire coming from all directions, the Holy Kingdom's garrison in Zhongta Town was like ants on a hot pan, urgently organizing personnel to defend against the surprise attack from the Imperial Army.

Before the Holy Kingdom's army could react and organize a proper defense, they took advantage of the situation.

Cassius drew his Imperial Sword, stepped out of the fortifications, and prepared to charge at the Holy Kingdom soldiers who were still caught off guard: "For the glory of the Empire, for..."

Before he could finish speaking, Zod pulled him back into the fortifications.