Divorced, But Queen - Chapter 674: Chapter 674

A female operative swiftly rolled aside just in time, as a deadly projectile embedded itself in the ground where she had stood moments before.
Aria rushed over. "You okay?"
The female operative shook her head, brushing off the dead leaves. "I'm good," she said.
Saintiger scanned the area warily. "There are two paths at the entrance to the assessment route, one safe, the other fraught with danger. Looks like we chose the dangerous one."
Both paths were pre-set with traps, but only one would have its mechanisms randomly activated, while wild animals and venomous insects roamed freely.
Luck also played a part in one's strength. In the end, it all came down to who picked the safe path and avoided getting blocked at the entrance.
Aria said, "Everyone, put on your respirators. Stay vigilant and keep an eye on your surroundings."
The fog kept getting thicker, making it easy to lose sight of teammates even when they were right beside you.
After Aria had the team count off to confirm everyone was present, she said, "The further we go, the more traps we'll encounter. Stay sharp."
Aria took out the telescopic poles and passed them back to the teammates behind her. "Deploy your poles and keep a firm grip," she ordered. "Evade any traps and reform ranks immediately."
Just as Aria took a step forward, she suddenly whipped her head around and seized someone's wrist. The next instant, Aria heard Owen's voice. "It's me."
Aria let go of Owen's wrist and asked, "How did you end up ahead of us?"
Owen chuckled lightly. "I got here before you guys and picked this path. Joel and Harry went the other way. Either way, we were bound to meet."
"We were bound to meet." Yvonne mimicked in an exaggerated drawl. "Could you at least think about us single folks? Do you really have to rub your relationship in our faces right now?"
The fog was so thick that Owen subconsciously forgot there were other people around. He cleared his throat. With a smile, he said, "I can't live without her. Sorry for making a fool of myself, everyone."
Saintiger frowned at Owen. "An outsider will just mess up our mission. Why don't you go back where you came from?"
Owen, unfazed, said, "Emmett's tacit approval means we're welcome here. I won't interfere. Besides, Wade's team even has two extra members. It's fair."
Saintiger retorted, "My cap would definitely kick you out."
Owen grinned. "Your current cap is way better. Not only won't she kick me out, she'll actually protect me."
Saintiger was speechless, and he thought, 'He was definitely being snarky.'
Owen gazed deep into the thick fog, a slight frown creasing his brow.
Aria noticed Owen's unusual reaction and whispered, "What's wrong?"
Owen said quietly, "We might not be alone on this mountain."
Saintiger immediately pressed, "What do you mean? Did you spot anyone?"
"Didn't see anyone," Owen shook his head. "Just a gut feeling."
Saintiger opened his mouth to scoff, but the moment he remembered Owen was with Echohawk, he quickly shut it.
Aria commanded, "Move out."
They hadn't gone far when rustling noises erupted all around them, like countless creatures scurrying across the ground.
"Venomous insects," Aria commanded sharply. "Everyone, check your gear right now, no exposed skin!" Everyone quickly adjusted their protective gear.
Aria grabbed Owen's hand and pulled him behind her. "Get behind me!"
The rustling grew closer. Aria commanded sharply, "Maintain formation! Engage!"
Wielding their poles in one hand and attacking with the other, the team members would occasionally fan out, only to instantly regroup.
In the thick fog, even a moment's distraction could get them separated from the group. They had to stay on high alert.
"Corrosive venom," Saintiger barked. "Finish them fast!"
With a swift flick of her pole, Aria sent the venomous insect flying just as it lunged at Owen.
Yvonne shot a glance and retorted sarcastically, "You should've just stayed home. You're nothing but trouble."
Owen leaned against a tree, his voice laced with mock innocence. "What can I say? I'm just too weak. I guess I'll have to count on you guys to keep me safe."
Yvonne rolled her eyes inwardly. She had clearly seen his skills when he fought Marco, so there was nothing weak about him.
'No time to overthink,' Yvonne told herself, forcing her attention to the swarming venomous insects as the battle raged on.