The light of Chuxi, like fine threads of silk, wove gently through the gaps in the forest canopy, slowly sprinkling across the Southern Army's gray-white tents and dyeing them a pale gold.
Outside the tents stood the Investigation Team, already assembled and ready to depart.
They were clad in iron armor, sharp blades in hand, their gazes like torches, their expressions solemn.
Though their faces were obscured by heavy armor, their upright postures and resolute gazes revealed a youthful vitality and vigor.
This was a young team, with an average age under twenty.
There were thirteen of them in total, every one a volunteer for this operation.
Before the sun had even risen in the east, they had already written their last wills under their captain's command.
These wills, along with a hefty death benefit, would be delivered to their parents, siblings, or other relatives upon their deaths.
Fueled by alcohol, the wills were filled mostly with gallant words, devoid of sorrow.
