Chapter 112: Chapter 112: Calm Seas
Jay Monroe stared at the route map, about to remind Renee Morgan which evacuation path was the safest, but when he turned around, he found she was already curled up in the corner, eyes closed and fast asleep.
"..."
The so-called wisdom in disguise—is that deliberately hiding your sharpness, appearing dull on the surface though you’re actually smart?
What wisdom in disguise, she’s just got pig-brain traits.
Jay Monroe looked up speechlessly.
Renee Morgan slept for another two hours; when she awoke, the fatigue was gone from her eyes, and for once a faint smile appeared on her face.
Jay Monroe and Dane sat with their trio, planning how to coordinate their attack.
The other three assault troops from Team 2 had been assigned to Renee Morgan’s squad; the three of them crowded around, discussing tactics with her.
The assault troops moved in the open, snipers lurked in the shadows.
The three assault troops originally wanted to remind Renee Morgan that they’d rush ahead, scoring headshots, and she’d cover them.
But then remembering Renee Morgan’s impressive track record, the advice hanging on their lips changed, and one of them spoke up quietly: "Morgan, can you at least leave us a few kills, so we get a chance to shine?"
Renee Morgan: "..."
In the past day, things were brutal at sea—Team Blue had taken heavy losses.
After a full day’s fight, Team Red’s main force had parked not far from Team Blue’s customs terminal.
Team Blue had most of their troops defending the terminal, making it tough for Team Red to advance further.
Inside the ship’s cabin, Team Red had gathered all the squad leaders to discuss strategy.
Among them were top assault troopers Kennedy and Louis, plus sniper Hugh.
Maybe it was because yesterday’s victory came so easy—Team Red dominated in headshot points; everyone wore that swaggering, confident grin.
Only Hugh, sitting in the middle, kept a cold, stern expression and said nothing.
Kennedy suddenly started telling a story he found unforgettable—when Team Blue’s sniper Jay Monroe was surrounded by them, he cried and tried to jump into the sea...
But before he finished, someone noticed Hugh’s dark, cold gaze and bumped into him as a warning.
The others quickly wiped the smiles off their faces.
Hugh pressed his hands against the armrests, fingers lightly intertwined; he looked up, his pitch-black eyes shining with a faint arc of light, and asked, "Is that so funny?"
The rest glanced at one another—they weren’t laughing because it was funny, but because of the joy of victory, okay?
Louis frowned, "Hugh, you look worried?"
The others looked at Hugh too; they’d noticed that since the meeting started, Hugh hadn’t weighed in. He was never talkative, but on strategic decisions, he always had strong opinions.
Hugh paused, his hands crossed in front of him, his gaze icy, voice flat: "Don’t you think something’s off?"
Again everyone glanced at each other. Off? How?
What, Team Blue has laid an ambush, pretending to be weak, waiting for them to land?
Still, ambushing the shore is routine enough, but the headshot points they took were legit; what’s not right?
Louis pulled up a chair and sat across from Hugh, about to ask what was bothering him.
Suddenly something flashed in his mind; he smacked his forehead and jumped out of his chair.
The group was startled, looking at him in confusion.
"I’ve got it..." Louis was almost tongue-tied, jabbing the air with his finger, struggling to get it out: "Morgan...Morgan...what’s her full name again?"
He was so flustered, he couldn’t even remember her name.
Luckily, Kennedy answered for him: "Renee Morgan?"
"Yeah, right..." Louis looked at the others, visibly excited: "That amazing sniper from Team Blue—it’s her!"
Actually, among Team Red, they liked to call her the sharpshooter in private.
Kennedy’s face showed some thought; he pursed his lips, shrugged, and said with little concern: "She wasn’t seen all day yesterday—maybe she’s scared?"
Scared?
Louis was shocked he’d say such a thing: "With her skills, who would she ever need to fear?"
Sure, hyping up the rival and undermining yourself, but what Louis said rang true and close to home.
Kennedy thought Louis was overreacting; he crossed his legs, speaking casually: "So, she’s waiting for us to land, laying an ambush on the shore?"
Hugh stayed silent, not denying the guess.
Louis actually agreed with the speculation.
He looked at Hugh, ready for anything: "If that’s so, we might want to figure out how exactly we’re landing at Team Blue’s terminal..."
Hugh glanced at him, those shadowed eyes calm as still water: "No need."
Louis was confused: "Why not?"
Hugh replied, with a tone like steel: "She’s not on the shore."
From Hugh’s knowledge of Team Blue’s commander, the guy’s style was cautious and steady. After yesterday’s constant headshots by Team Red, Team Blue’s commander would definitely send snipers for backup.
He’d spent all that effort setting up, waiting for Morgan and Jay Monroe to show up—but neither came.
Only one explanation: they’re nowhere near the coast.
"Then where’d she go?" Louis was actually pretty curious about this female sniper. Unfortunately that night at sea, the two never had a chance for a direct showdown.
Kennedy watched Hugh too; he didn’t think a woman could change much, but that night she rescued Jay Monroe, only because they were caught off guard.
Hugh pulled out his laptop and started a video call with Team Red’s commander.
He listened to the command center’s status update—everything stable, no problems—then stopped tapping his fingers on the table.
Team Red’s commander knew their worries—those two missing Blue Team snipers—and said sternly: "I’ll send more patrols; the building’s defense system is up and running. If they dare come, they won’t make it out alive."
After Hugh ended the video call, his crossed hands lightly pressed against his chin, hiding tightly pressed lips, revealing those clear but shadowed eyes—still, deep, unfathomable.
Louis looked serious, deep in thought.
Kennedy didn’t think it was worth worrying about. As long as victory was in hand, what did two snipers matter?
Even so, nagging doubts lingered—maybe Team Blue had laid an ambush at the terminal—so they planned out every detail for their landing.
The three spots on the helmet marked the headshot death zone; the rules were clear: nobody could take off their helmet or block it, any violation was automatic penalty. The shields they carried only covered below the helmet—useless, really—but there was no better option.
The meeting was nearing its end; departure time was set.
Meeting adjourned.
Kennedy and Louis were the first to stroll out of the ship’s cabin.
The others followed out after them.
Hugh had someone pack up his notebook and walked out last.
The sea was calm as glass.
The group leaned against the railing, chatting and laughing into the wind, picturing the glory after the competition, throwing a banquet in Merrick’s most luxurious hotel, and discussing business deals...