Chapter 87: The Thorned Rose Women’s Team

On the Jialin Continent, the two great armies, each comprising ten major corps, command not only their regular combat divisions but also at least three or more special units apiece. These are the Special Operations Division, the Deathsworn Legion, and the Assault Brigade.

The Special Operations Division—colloquially known as the special forces—is responsible for unique military assignments: reconnaissance behind enemy lines, assassinations, hostage rescue, and operations against criminals.

The Deathsworn Legion specializes in internal reconnaissance, infiltration of enemy ranks, and, when necessary, laying down their lives in the line of duty.

The Assault Brigade is the vanguard in large-scale battles, the first to charge into the fray, much like a suicide squad.

These three units are standard across all ten corps; what other secret forces might exist remain closely guarded secrets of each faction.

The previous commander of the Black Lion Corps’ Deathsworn Legion perished heroically in the waning moments of the last major battle. The position has stood vacant ever since, headquarters unable to find a suitable successor. Though the legion is no larger than a standard battalion, it reports directly to headquarters and enjoys great prestige and authority.

The deathsworn have always commanded a mixture of awe and reverence in military life.

News had now spread that the person who just entered was the long-awaited new commander of the Deathsworn Legion, sending ripples of shock and respect through the soldiers standing guard at the entrance.

Sergeant Wang’s face clouded. His usually sharp instincts for reading people had failed him today—an unpleasant surprise. Still, he remained indifferent; even if the commanders of all three special units were to show up, his attitude would be the same: utter disdain.

“Just a deathsworn commander—nothing special. He’d still have to bow to me,” Sergeant Wang muttered, craning his neck with a sneer before turning away.

“What a braggart,” Paul scoffed.

“Shh, I’ve heard Sergeant Wang has powerful backing behind him,” a tall, thin soldier whispered conspiratorially.

The others were instantly intrigued, pressing for details. The thin soldier straightened his back, puffed up with importance. “Let’s finish our shift—after we rotate, I’ll tell you the whole story.”

…

In the east of Jialin Continent, the land is beautiful, with majestic mountains and rivers. Its total economic output ranks second among the continent’s five great regions, just after the south.

Here, the Black Tiger Corps and the Holy Light Knight Corps are stationed, locked in quiet opposition. Unlike the other four regions, the east is relatively peaceful and stable. Except for the rare mandatory battle during a grand campaign, the two armies keep to their own borders and leave each other in peace. Occasionally, their soldiers even drink together and perform good deeds for the local people.

The east of the continent abides by a single creed: peace, stability, and development. Military campaigns are regarded as nothing more than necessary exercises.

Near Whirlwind Ridge, the largest tank division of the Black Tiger Corps is stationed. All their main battle tanks are fourth-generation Model 015s, outfitted with the latest technology. The new tanks are lighter, have longer and more durable barrels, carry 10% more ammunition, and are 15% faster than previous models.

Such a formidable tank force exists only in the economically robust east.

Recently, an unusual event occurred in one brigade: the appointment of the tank division’s first female company commander.

Women have always been a unique presence in warfare. In people’s minds, women are usually found in intelligence, logistics, or medical roles—relatively safe and comfortable positions, rarely in direct combat. Yet with the sudden arrival of outsiders, more and more women have joined the ranks, excelling in various fields.

The renown of the first female company commander quickly spread. After all, among the outsiders, the highest rank attained by men so far was company captain.

Rumors abounded: this female commander was not only extraordinarily capable but also strikingly beautiful and graceful. As a result, soldiers from neighboring units flocked here during downtime, eager to catch a glimpse of her in action.

Alas, their hopes were dashed; the female commander was away from the unit, leading her squad of tankwomen on an assignment in the countryside.

Those who had come in admiration could not conceal their disappointment. Though tempted to leave, they hesitated, fearing that the beauty might return the moment they departed.

One hundred and twenty kilometers from Whirlwind Ridge, in a valley lies a small village.

This place is called Shanyao, and the village is named Bero.

Bero is small, nestled at the very heart of Shanyao Valley, surrounded on all sides by primeval forest, beyond which rises a ring of towering mountains. The village comprises little more than forty households, with no running water, no electricity, no internet. Compared to the brilliant, bustling world outside, Bero seems hopelessly backward—almost primordial.

Most of the young people have long since crossed the mountains and left. Only a hundred or so elders remain, solitary and without support. Yet they rely on each other and manage to live self-sufficiently. Fortunately, the government has not forgotten them, sending regular supplies of essentials and food, so that the old folk live in relative comfort.

To the west lies a natural gap—the only way in or out. Over years of foot traffic, a three-meter-wide dirt path has been worn through the forest. On this particular morning, the skies were clear, the wind gentle, and the valley lush and cool.

Suddenly, the roar of engines broke the peace; two powerful jeep off-roaders appeared, packed with nine women, drivers and passengers alike.

The women wore sleek, blue-green uniforms and sturdy green hiking boots, each one exuding a spirit of strength and vitality. They chatted and laughed, taking in the scenery as they went.

“Xiao Qian, the Adventurer’s Guild side quest is open—why don’t we visit a nearby city and register as an all-women’s adventurer team?” suggested a short-haired woman.

“Susan’s right. There hasn’t been any fighting lately, and our missions have all been trivial, the rewards paltry. Why not form a women’s team, tackle some earth-shaking missions, and aim to become the continent’s number one adventuring company?” another immediately agreed.

“Adventurer—it even sounds exciting! This game seems simple on the surface, but it’s full of mysteries. If we become adventurers, we can search for hidden treasures. Hee hee!”

Their laughter and enthusiasm for the adventurer’s path were boundless.

Xiao Qian turned and smiled. “Very well. Let’s take a look around Bero Village first, see if there are any tasks we can help with, then head to the Adventurer’s Guild.”

“Agreed!” The women’s voices rang out in cheerful unison.

Bang!

From deep in the forest came a sudden explosion, echoing across the sky and scattering birds and beasts in every direction.

“What happened?”

“Accelerate—into the mountains!”

In an instant, the women’s expressions hardened as they each grabbed an assault rifle, snapping into combat readiness.

Mount Matuo, headquarters of the Black Lion Corps.

Despite its name, it is actually a plain, with only a single low hill serving as a lookout. Within the depths of the camp, crowds of soldiers had gathered, clamoring and debating.