"Earth Style: Earth Wall Technique!" ×10
Eight massive earth walls rose on both sides of the army, with two more sealing the front and rear, completely trapping the entire unit.
The officer lost his composure, staring with his mouth wide open. Those towering walls could crush everyone in the middle into pancakes at any moment.
"General, please. You're welcome to go inside and search whenever you like."
The officer's expression turned ugly. How could he not understand the meaning? Going in to search meant abandoning everyone behind him.
But if he didn't search, he wouldn't be able to report back to his superiors.
In the end, he sighed, glanced at the earth walls behind him, and said quietly, "I am truly sorry. I apologize for the disturbance just now."
He wisely chose to back down. Going back now would only earn him a scolding.
If all these soldiers died here, a court-martial would be waiting for him—assuming he even survived.
"M-My Lord, could you please let us go? We were only following orders." His trembling voice betrayed his fear.
Jack's bright smile gave the officer a flicker of hope—only for it to be extinguished moments later.
"You can go back," Jack said casually, "but except for your clothes, everything else stays."
The officer clenched his teeth. Losing equipment was better than losing lives. At worst, he'd sit in a cell for a few months—but he'd still be alive.
"Alright. No problem," he said stiffly.
"Tobirama, let them go."
Tobirama nodded and withdrew the front and rear earth walls.
The officer stepped forward and barked, "All personnel, disarm completely. We leave on foot."
The soldiers hesitated briefly, then complied without protest. They were elites—smart enough to understand that disobedience meant death.
One minute later, the soldiers were left with nothing but their clothes.
The officer saluted Jack, then turned and led his men away.
"All units, about face—retreat at a run!"
The sound of footsteps and rustling fabric gradually faded into the distance.
Jack returned to the laboratory to review everyone's recent research. If progress had been made, rewards were necessary.
2:00 A.M.
Gwen's sensitive hearing made sleep impossible.
Since arriving at the lab, she had been researching day and night. Today finally brought a breakthrough, and Helen Zhao decided to "reward herself."
Unfortunately, the noise she made in the middle of the night ensured Gwen got no sleep at all.
"Oh god… why do my ears have to be this sensitive? I can't sleep."
She had groaned along with the rhythm more times than she wanted to admit. Now she was exhausted, and things showed no sign of stopping.
"Forget it. I'll just sleep in the lab."
She stuffed her sheets into the washer and stepped outside, planning to rest in the lounge.
"Hm?"
Her ears twitched.
"What are those two doing out here this late?"
She quietly moved behind a tree and spotted Peter and Harry, struggling with tight equipment and muttering to each other.
"Harry, this suit's way too tight. Was it designed like this on purpose?"
"Stop complaining and pull harder—it's almost off."
"How about we just leave it like this? No one's around."
"Fine. Let's go back to the base. There's lubricant there—we'll try that."
Gwen: (づ꒪﹏꒪ど)
"Oh my god… middle of the night, two guys, a grove, lubricant—nope. Gwen knows nothing. Absolutely nothing."
Seeing the equipment stuck awkwardly on them, Gwen realized her imagination had gone completely off the rails.
"It's all Felicia's fault for making me read those comics."
Once the two left, Gwen tiptoed to the lab and finally got some rest.
After rewarding Helen Zhao—and letting others benefit from the good mood—Jack stepped into the first-floor courtyard and took out three summoning cards.
A triple summon.
Three circles appeared, and three figures materialized.
Jack immediately lost interest in the first two—both were built like iron walls.
Left: "Master! Might Guy will burn for your youth!"
Middle: "Master, Genos is ready at any time."
Jack nodded and turned to the last figure.
The shadow dispersed.
"Master, Three-Section Staff Lily, awaiting orders."
Lily wore a sharp suit with a lily flower on her head, neat and composed. Her dyed light-blue streak stood out subtly.
Jack: ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)σ✧
"Good."
"Lily, wait in the living room. You two, come with me."
He assigned rooms to Might Guy and Genos and informed the Widows on duty.
"You'll stay here for now. I'll arrange work tomorrow."
Before either could say anything, Jack vanished in a puff of dust.
The two exchanged looks.
"Nice to meet you."
They shook hands and entered the shared dorm.
Inside the living room, Lily sat upright, waiting.
Jack returned, sat beside her, and asked cautiously, "Lily… you're an adult, right?"
Lily hesitated, then shook her head. "N-Not yet."
Jack froze.
"…How old are you?"
"…Fourteen."
Jack stood up instantly.
He left the room without another word.
Lily called after him, but he didn't respond.
Jack wandered the park in a daze until two bold Widows dragged him away.
The next morning, Jack looked at the four Widows sprawled on the floor and felt like he was the victim.
The Widows sensed him waking and—ignoring their own exhaustion—continued their "fatigue driving."
[Hundred Refinements to God: 29/100]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You can visit my Patreon page:
Patreon.com/PhoeniXcel
There are 30+ advanced chapters available for you to read.
Your support would be greatly appreciated.
Check out my new Naruto fanfic!
[Naruto: I Don't Want Recognition]