Chapter 1602:
As the recruits clustered around Harlee, expressing their relief and gratitude, her expression remained unfazed. Leading the group were Lionel and Rita, with Thiago and Alina bringing up the rear. Harlee nodded appreciatively at their sun-baked faces and the visible growth they had undergone.
Lionel signaled for silence, and with a sharp gesture, the recruits snapped to attention, saluting in unison.
âGood evening, Ms. Sanderson.â
Harleeâs face showed no emotion. She turned to Aldrich and instructed him in a measured tone, âGo ahead and announce the elimination list.â
The recruits were all stunned, including Thiago and Alina, who stood at the back. They stiffened, their anxiety palpable. Hadnât Harlee promised no further eliminations until the end of training? Was the program concluding sooner than expected? This couldnât be!
Though Aldrichâs methods were harsh, the recruits had undeniably strengthened. One recruit said boldly, âMs. Sanderson, we were just venting. Weâre ready for more challenges.â
Encouraged by this, the rest of the recruits quickly echoed his sentiment.
Aldrich chuckled mischievously, hands in pockets, as he stepped forward.
âOh? Ready for more? Excellent, because Iâve just prepared a new training regimen. Those who are still in, enjoy tonight. Tomorrow, Iâll make sure you complete every single task I set.â
Lionel, quickly grasping the situation, stepped forward and said, âMs. Sanderson, how many are to be eliminated this time?â
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âOnly ten will remain,â Harlee responded coldly.
âAnd between Alina and Thiago, only one will continue with us.â
Hearing this, Thiago and Alina exchanged a knowing glance. It was clear Harlee intended for one of them to lead the mission in Breezeland. They acknowledgedâ¦
She gave him a firm nod, choosing not to voice any objections. Harlee maintained her usual stoic demeanor as she asked the group, âDoes anyone have concerns with the new elimination round Iâve proposed?â
Patrick, observing from behind Harlee, suppressed a smirk at her version of democracy. Nobody dared oppose Harlee openly.
Aldrich, however, was enjoying the situation. He harbored a grudge against the recruits. Not only did they complain about him, but they also did so to Harlee right in front of him. Who knew what they said about him behind his back? He spoke in a tone that was feigned to be considerate, much softer than usual.
âOh my, sheâs right. If you have any objections to the elimination, be sure to speak up. Keeping them to yourself only leads to trouble.â
His smile was sarcastic as he finished speaking.
The recruits exchanged wary glances, well aware of Aldrichâs unpredictable nature. He could easily play the role of a caring brother one moment, only to toss them into the rainforest the next and leave them to survive on their own in the name of training. Their safety seemingly didnât bother him. If they were unfortunate enough to end up in a beastâs mouth, heâd gladly hand them a gun while they struggled, and that would be the end of it.
Representing his peers, Lionel quickly responded, âReport, Ms. Sanderson, we have no objections.â
The rest of the recruits echoed his statement in unison.
Aldrichâs face fell slightly, disappointed by their compliance. Why were they so obedient? What a shame! He wouldnât watch them struggling in the training sessions he had in store.
Harlee, catching Aldrichâs sigh, subtly smiled and instructed, âAldrich, announce the elimination list. In thirty minutes, Iâll disclose the details of the top-secret mission.â
The recruits went silent as soon as they heard these words. Announcing the top-secret mission in just half an hour meant that those eliminated would be leaving the rainforest in the same amount of time. While they were eager to learn about the so-called top-secret mission, they didnât want to see their friends lose this valuable opportunity.
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