Those Classmates who Suddenly Disappeared
Chapter 1298: Internal Rift

Chapter 1298: Chapter 1298: Internal Rift

This was a psychological war, where mercenaries were desperate to survive. In order to live, they would stop at nothing and do anything.

The artificial intelligence seized upon this mentality of the mercenaries, offering a promise that if they killed Lu Yi, they could have a way out.

Gu Fan tried to reason with them, urging the mercenaries not to fall for it, not to be used. Even if they really killed Lu Yi, it wouldn’t win them a way out. This damn AI just wanted to see everyone slaughtering each other.

In fact, the mercenaries knew they were being used and were not willing to be manipulated, but their situation was indeed very disadvantageous to them.

Thankfully, everyone had momentarily eased relations, but Gu Fan and the others remained on guard against the mercenaries. How could they continue forward at ease when they had to worry about potential shots from behind?

"What a predicament!" Gu Fan gritted his teeth in secret. This damn AI was really good at sowing discord. Now, even if the mercenaries didn’t take action, they would constantly pressure Gu Fan and his team.

Gu Fan knew clearly that it was impossible to find a way out under such pressure, so he made a decisive decision to ditch the mercenaries.

"I’m very sorry, everyone!" Gu Fan suddenly blurted out an apologetic phrase, leaving everyone puzzled.

Suddenly, Gu Fan started with a kick, fiercely sending a mercenary flying, then striking out with punches and kicks at the nearby mercenaries.

This sudden turn of events caught the mercenaries off guard, with many of them getting knocked down.

Lu Yi, Ouyang Jin, and Irina also immediately took action, leading their people to quickly flee the scene, creating distance from the mercenaries. At the same time, Lu Yi threw a shield to Gu Fan.

In order to buy time for his comrades, Gu Fan fought as long as possible, swinging his fists and feet with great force to keep the mercenaries from pursuing Lu Yi and the others.

"What do you mean by this?" The mercenaries were angry, pulling out their guns and aiming at Gu Fan.

Gu Fan kept retreating while shielding himself with the shield in front of him, blocking the bullets that were fired, and added, "I’m sorry, but the moment you thought about killing Lu Yi, you were destined not to be able to join us on our journey. However, rest assured, once I find a way out, I will definitely come back to rescue you."

Hearing this, the mercenaries grew even more annoyed. One by one, they rushed at Gu Fan, no longer trusting him. They felt that even if Gu Fan did find a way out, he wouldn’t bother with them because they had completely offended him.

Gu Fan, shield in hand, greeted the mercenaries’ heads, knocking them to the ground.

"Damn it, you’re forcing our hand," the mercenaries said, no longer holding back, their bullets no longer shooting at the shield, but at parts of Gu Fan’s body that were unprotected.

Gu Fan had Vajra Body Protection; his body was impervious to blades and guns. As long as the firearms weren’t too powerful, he could block the bullets, but it still hurt.

"Darn it, if you are playing for keeps, then so will I." Gu Fan unleashed all his strength, charging into the crowd with punches and kicks dealt with great force.

In a short time, Gu Fan knocked down all the mercenaries who dared to fight back and shoot. Then he waved: "Thank you all for going easy on me. For the sake of those who did not lay hands on me, as I said—I will come to rescue you once I find the way out." With that, Gu Fan turned and fled.

Several battered mercenaries were fuming, "What are you waiting for? Chase him!"

A part of the mercenaries disagreed with this approach and even retorted, "It’s your reckless actions that have caused Gu Fan to lose trust in us."

"What do you mean? We just wanted everyone to be able to leave alive. What did we do wrong?"

"Ultimately, you’re terrified of dying and willing to betray your own teammates--that’s selfishness."

"Bullshit! If sacrificing one can save more lives, even if that means sacrificing myself, I have no fear. It’s those who aren’t willing to make sacrifices for the team that are truly selfish."

Just as the mercenaries were splitting into factions, accusing each other, relations worsening, General Horton arrived with a few men upon hearing the noise.

The bickering mercenaries, who had almost come to blows, saw General Horton and immediately respected him as a pillar of strength, all saluting and calling out, "General Horton."

"What in the world are you arguing about?" After asking in detail, General Horton frowned upon knowing the whole story.

The mercenaries hoped General Horton would make a decision, and General Horton appeared to be in quite a spot: "Indeed, it’s shameful to betray one’s own comrades to survive, contrary to our code as mercenaries. But in extraordinary times, extraordinary measures are needed. Moreover, per the higher-ups’ orders, our actions must remain a secret. Unfortunately, Gu Fan and his team are outsiders. You understand what I mean?"

Hearing this, the mercenaries couldn’t help but scoff: "General Horton is right. As mercenaries, we must follow orders from our superiors. Our cooperation with Gu Fan was merely temporary and not a true partnership."

"All right, does anyone object?" General Horton swept his authoritative gaze across the crowd, and the mercenaries fell silent.

General Horton pointed in a direction: "Since no one objects, let’s carry out the mission."

The mercenaries chose to follow General Horton’s command, loading their weapons, and then set off with solemn steps in the direction where Gu Fan had disappeared.

General Horton watched the mercenaries fall back under his command, pride swelling within him: "Gu Fan, what does it matter if you’ve been in command for a few days? The best laugh is the last laugh."

Once all the mercenaries had gone after Gu Fan, only General Horton remained. Just as he was about to leave, the AI Xiaolan popped up: "Wow, I didn’t think I’d be able to incite infighting among you, but with just a few words, you started it. You’re really something."

General Horton knew these weren’t words of praise and showed displeasure: "You said it, using Lu Yi’s life in exchange for a way out."

"Right, I said it. I use the mercenaries to take down Lu Yi, and you use them to eliminate Gu Fan and take back what’s yours. Everyone gets what they need, which is nice," the AI Xiaolan seemed to see right through General Horton’s crafty thoughts.

General Horton kept silent and continued walking; he knew the AI Xiaolan wouldn’t hurt him at this moment, but being near her, he couldn’t help but feel tense, so he wanted to get away.

"Good luck, if needed, I can offer help, and it’s free," AI Xiaolan waved her arms in a farewell gesture, the schadenfreude evident to anyone.