The Rebels argued among themselves — some urged an immediate withdrawal from Blue Sea City, others pushed for reinforcing General Li's troops, and still others suggested splitting into two groups, with one retreating and the other going to provide support. Throughout the discussion, Rulu stood off to the side without moving or saying a word.

  With no consensus in sight, the debate dragged on without reaching any decision on next steps. Then the Bald scarred man turned his gaze toward Rulu, a conciliatory smile on his face. "So, uh — masked friend, you seem to know a thing or two about military matters. What's your read on the situation right now?"

  "You want my read." Rulu looked at the Bald scarred man and said in a measured tone, "The situation is very unfavorable for you. Based on the intelligence we have, the Sanctuary still has over three hundred humanoid armored soldiers and close to a thousand armored vehicles — three to four times the strength of General Li's forces. Under those conditions, it will be extremely difficult for General Li's troops to withdraw from Blue Sea City safely. Even if they manage to break through, the casualties will be severe. This battle is essentially lost."

  "Yeah, I figured as much." The Bald scarred man rubbed his bald head, looking uneasy. "Is there any way to turn things around — any way to help break General Li's forces out?"

  Rulu gave a quiet ugh. "Actually, breaking General Li out isn't that difficult. The question is whether you're willing to do what it takes."

  "You mean that? You actually have a way to rescue them?!" The Bald scarred man had asked half in passing, but hearing that Rulu genuinely had a pn, he immediately pressed for details.

  "Yes," Rulu said. "But it requires your full cooperation and unconditional obedience to my command."

  The Bald scarred man nodded eagerly. "Of course — we'll follow your lead. Same as before — you stay our commander. Everyone agree?"

  The rest of the Rebels quickly voiced their agreement. After all, they had just witnessed what Rulu was capable of, and none of them had any doubts about his abilities anymore.

  Captain Guan looked at Rulu with sincere earnestness. "If you truly have a pn, Commander, please tell us quickly. General Li and his troops are vital to us. Whatever it takes, we have to help them get out safely."

  Rulu gave a nod and said unhurriedly, "Captain Guan, do you know where the nearest underground tunnel entrance is in this area?"

  "Underground tunnel — let me check." Captain Guan quickly pulled out a map and studied it carefully. After a moment he said, "The nearest underground tunnel entrance is to the east, about ten-odd kilometers from here."

  Rulu swept his hand out and said in a loud, decisive voice, "Good. Everyone prepare to move. We're heading east. Our destination is the underground tunnel to the east — we're using it to evacuate Blue Sea City."

  "Hold on," the Bald scarred man objected. "Commander, didn't you just say you had a way to rescue General Li's forces? If we retreat through the eastern tunnel, what happens to them?"

  "Don't worry," Rulu said. "I have a way to handle General Li's situation. You don't need to worry about them."

  "Do you really have a pn to break them out?" Several people shot skeptical looks at Rulu. "You're not just making something up so you can abandon General Li's forces and run, are you?"

  "Right — General Li's troops are to the northwest, and you're telling us to go east. How does that help them?"

  Doubtful looks spread across the faces of the Rebels. They weren't buying it.

  "A moment ago you all said you'd follow my command," Rulu said. "Now you've already changed your minds. If you don't trust me, find someone else to help you."

  That shut everyone up. They exchanged gnces, unsure what to say. Captain Guan raised both hands and called out loudly, "Enough — all of you. We do what he said. We move now."

  "Fine, we'll go along with it. At this point it's a st resort anyway." The Bald scarred man shook his head and let out a sigh. The others felt much the same — they weren't fully convinced, but they had no other options. Following Rulu was all they had.

  The Rebels then brought the armored transport vehicles parked near the square into the square itself, and requisitioned several dozen rge buses from around Blue Sea City. The rescued prisoners were loaded onto the vehicles, and before long the convoy set off, rolling eastward in full force.

  "Governor, the Rebels at the square have started moving — heading east. Based on their route, it looks like they're making for the underground tunnel to the east." Jason hovered high in the air, trailing the Rebel convoy below while speaking into his communicator.

  Governor Suwen said, "So they're pnning to use the underground tunnel to escape Blue Sea City. Is there any way to cut them off?"

  "No," Jason replied. "All of our forces in Blue Sea City are engaged with the Rebels' main army. We have nothing positioned to the east."

  "That's a problem," Governor Suwen said, deliberating. "In that case, break off a small detachment from the main battlefield to pursue the escaping Rebels. Don't pull too many — if we do, we won't have enough strength left to finish off the Rebels' main force."