As Liu Xiaoxiao said this, everyone couldn't help but lower their heads.
That's right, even an SS-class ability user only yielded 5 merit points upon defeat.
And completing a patrol mission earned 1 merit point.
Once everyone's strength improved and they could take on Level 4 missions, those would be enough to offset the merit points from defeating SS-class ability users.
So, on the battlefield, was there any need for them to risk their lives for such meager merit points?
Furthermore.
While the merit points for SSS-class and X-class ability users were tempting, with their current strength, surviving an encounter with such beings was questionable.
Were the merit points even worth considering?
After thinking it through, Tang Qin was the first to reflect.
"I understand, thank you, Squad Leader Liu. With your detailed explanation, at this very moment, my belief in the unit and my comrades is stronger than ever!"
After speaking, she deliberately gave Liu Xiaoxiao a relieved smile.
With Tang Qin leading the way, everyone else quickly came to the same realization.
Fairness, in this world, simply did not exist!
And all the tools that went against fairness were created only as people strived their utmost to approach fairness!
In that case, overthinking was the greatest obstacle to fairness.
Seeing everyone's relief, Liu Xiaoxiao nodded with satisfaction.
As a squad leader for new recruits, her and Huang Yuhua's roles, besides helping everyone adapt to life in the special forces and complete basic skill training, were more importantly to pass on the seeds of belief to the next generation.
Clearly, at this moment, she had succeeded!
"Alright! It's about time. Our mission for today is basically over. We'll return the way we came, rendezvous with Squad Leader Huang and his team, and then hand over to the next squad!"
Just as Liu Xiaoxiao was about to give the order to turn around, a rustling sound suddenly came from the dense woods to her left.
Like her, Han Lang, who had practiced the "Tian Yan Fa" for the longest time and possessed the strongest divine sense in the entire squad, also detected something amiss.
The sharp-witted pair quickly noticed something was wrong.
Before they could even exchange glances, Han Lang had already charged out.
"Han Lang! Be careful!"
Liu Xiaoxiao shouted.
Just as she was about to chase after him, she worried about the safety of the other new recruits present. Hesitating for a moment, she could only urgently order everyone.
"Level one alert, maintain defensive positions! Be ready to send a signal at any time!"
The others were stunned, completely bewildered. While adopting combat stances and preparing to face the enemy, they also began to whisper amongst themselves.
"What's going on? What happened?"
"I don't know! But judging by Captain Han's demeanor and Squad Leader Liu's tense expression, something must have really happened, right?"
Before they could discuss further, Liu Xiaoxiao grew anxious.
She quickly silenced them.
"We might have hit the jackpot. The situation is uncertain right now, so stop chattering. Zhao Wu, Tang Geng, you two are in temporary command here. If you detect any enemy presence, remember to send a signal immediately. I have to catch up with Han Lang to see what's happening, in case anything unforeseen occurs!"
After speaking, Liu Xiaoxiao didn't even wait for Tang Geng and Zhao Wu to respond before leaping forward, chasing after Han Lang.
Just as she was filled with intense anxiety and worry for Han Lang's safety, Han Lang's figure reappeared before her.
Liu Xiaoxiao didn't have time to feel relieved because Han Lang was currently accelerating at full speed, heading directly towards her, seemingly in retreat.
Before Liu Xiaoxiao could question him, Han Lang was already in front of her.
Without a word, he grabbed Liu Xiaoxiao and pulled her back.
What he said next, however, made Liu Xiaoxiao's jaw drop.
"We're rich, Squad Leader Liu! We're rich!"
"Huh?"
Liu Xiaoxiao was utterly confused.
Han Lang continued.
"Ahead, I've spotted over a hundred ability users, and with a scan of my divine sense, there are at least five S-class. With you leading this wave, won't the brothers' merit points skyrocket?"
Liu Xiaoxiao was somewhat angered by his words.
This kid Han Lang, it was as if he hadn't heard her talk about principles and ideals earlier. Not only was he not anxious about encountering ability users, but he was treating them all as merit points for the squad.
This was unacceptable!
"Han Lang! What are you talking about? When we discover ability users, our first priority should be to send a signal. How can you have merit points on your mind all the time? Moreover, although your strength is considerable, with five S-class ability users and over a hundred other ability users of unknown strength, do you think I, along with the other team members, can annihilate them? By using your divine sense to alert them without authorization, aren't you putting everyone in danger?"
Despite being reprimanded like this, Han Lang wasn't angry at all. Instead, he grinned broadly.
"Don't worry, Squad Leader Liu. Five S-class is nothing. You take two, I'll take two, and Zhao Wu can handle one. As for the others, even if there are quite a few D-class, Tang Geng and the others can hold them off. We've experienced battles like this many times during our simulation training, so it's not a problem!"
Seeing Han Lang still acting so shamelessly, Liu Xiaoxiao became even more exasperated.
"Have you considered what would happen if these five S-class ability users were all mutated? Can Zhao Wu handle one? Can you handle two?"
At this question, Han Lang was also taken aback.
He hadn't really considered this point.
Fighting two mutated S-class ability users would be a bit tricky for him, but it shouldn't be a major problem.
He wasn't entirely sure of Liu Xiaoxiao's strength, but she was stronger than him, so she should be fine.
The most crucial issue was Zhao Wu.
The strength of a mutated S-class ability user was comparable to a cultivator in the mid-Golden Core stage.
Zhao Wu really couldn't fight two levels above himself.
Not to mention the hidden mutated D-class ability users.
If the numbers were too large, Tang Geng and the other teammates probably wouldn't be able to hold on either.
Thinking of this, Han Lang became a little anxious.
"Then what should we do? The moment we discovered them, they also discovered us. They're chasing us now! We have to fight even if we don't want to!"
Liu Xiaoxiao was speechless.
After a moment of thought, she said.
"Let's first rendezvous with everyone and send a signal. If we're caught up, we'll fight and retreat. It's almost time for the handover, and the next patrol team and Huang Yuhua should come to our aid quickly upon seeing the signal. We just need to hold on until they arrive. Besides, this is almost our territory. The moment they see the signal, I believe they will retreat without a fight!"
After hearing Liu Xiaoxiao's plan, Han Lang had no choice but to agree.
"Okay! That's the only way!"
Soon, the two appeared within the sight of the other team members.
Before anyone could ask, Liu Xiaoxiao directly ordered.
"Hundreds of ability users have been spotted ahead, and they are advancing towards us. Their strength should not be underestimated, everyone prepare for battle!"
A small commotion arose among the crowd.
Although they had been fully prepared beforehand, with battle imminent, even with the best mental preparation, a sense of panic was unavoidable at this moment.
Liu Xiaoxiao seemed to read their minds. Standing at the forefront of the formation, ready for battle, she reassured them.
"Everyone, don't worry. Han Lang and I have conducted a basic reconnaissance. The enemy's strength is still within controllable limits. As long as everyone gives their all, there will be no problem. Tang Qin, send an electronic signal to the base, Ma Long, fire a flare!"
Tang Qin and Ma Long, having experienced actual combat with ability users before, appeared more steady than the other squad members at this moment.
They immediately responded and sent out the signals as quickly as possible.