Chapter 240: The Strong Must Brave Danger
Jeremy and Liam had no objections to Howard\'s resolute decision.
Thus, Howard led the group toward the selected high-difficulty instance.
On the way to the challenging instance, Bonnie spoke to Jeremy with a hint of concern in her voice, "The information we have about the upcoming instance is simply insufficient.
"Could this lead us to encounter significant dangers within the instance? I still feel that our undertaking is somewhat too reckless." Bonnie expressed her concerns.
In response to Bonnie\'s worries, Jeremy replied calmly, "This endeavor is undoubtedly perilous. However, this is the only course of action we can take, as it is essential for obtaining crucial intelligence regarding high-difficulty instances."
Jeremy\'s statement held a measure of truth.
Yet, the expression on Bonnie\'s face remained tumultuous, although she had convinced her father to allow her participation in this mission, she had not managed to persuade herself that it would surely end in success.
"If you are genuinely worried, then you should withdraw from this mission. No one will blame you! After all, this undertaking is inherently dangerous, and those who participate must do so of their own free will."
Jeremy spoke directly to Bonnie.
At that moment, he certainly was not attempting to mock her, he merely felt that this operation would not be significantly different whether Bonnie was present or not.
Bonnie shook her head in response.
"Since I have already decided to partake in this mission, there is no way I will back out halfway!"
After uttering these words, the worried expression on Bonnie\'s face quickly vanished.
"I have adjusted my mindset, I will not allow myself to overthink things. I am determined to contribute meaningfully during the course of the operation."
With her newfound resolve, Bonnie spoke to Jeremy in a tone filled with confidence.
Jeremy nodded in acknowledgment.
"As long as you have confidence, that is what matters! Once we enter the instance, I will certainly provide you with assistance, provided, of course, that I still have some strength left."
While Jeremy and Bonnie were engaged in conversation, Howard was also discussing the specific action plan with his subordinates.
Howard believed that upon reaching the high-difficulty instance, it was imperative to first send some of the more capable individuals inside. Only this approach would alleviate the concerns of everyone involved.
The abilities of the individuals Howard had brought along were quite varied.
If Howard allowed the weaker individuals to enter the high-difficulty instance first, it would undoubtedly lead them to feel as though he considered them expendable.
Only by allowing the stronger individuals to enter the instance initially could he assure the weaker ones that they would not be treated as mere sacrifices during this operation.
After discussing for a while, Howard reluctantly addressed his subordinates, saying.
"Your abilities are not particularly strong, so you cannot accompany me into the instance first. Only Jeremy and Liam are qualified to enter alongside me."
The discussion with his subordinates ultimately reached a rather awkward conclusion.
None of Howard\'s subordinates possessed the strength necessary to warrant being the first to enter the instance.
This predicament left Howard with no choice but to seek the support of Jeremy and Liam, who certainly had their own perspectives on the matter.
"General, I believe that those two may not necessarily agree with your plan. Therefore, you should lead us into the instance first. This way, it might put their minds at ease."
Howard\'s aide-de-camp suggested at that moment.
Although Jeremy and Liam possessed sufficient strength, their relationship with Howard was not particularly close.
In fact, there existed a competitive dynamic between Liam and Howard.
In response to his aide\'s suggestion, Howard shook his head.
"Such an action would be utterly pointless and would only serve to squander your lives. Surely, you cannot genuinely believe that the high-difficulty instance poses no dangers?"
Facing Howard\'s inquiry, his aide replied without hesitation, "General, regardless of the peril we may encounter within the instance, I will follow your orders!"
The aide\'s resolute response left Howard both amused and bewildered.
"I am well aware that you will heed my commands, but the truth remains that your abilities do not meet my requirements. If you wish to assist me in alleviating my burdens during the forthcoming operation, you must enhance your strength as soon as possible."
Having delivered this statement, Howard then instructed the driver to bring the vehicle to a halt.
He chose to communicate with Jeremy and Liam.
When Jeremy and Liam were summoned by Howard to a location somewhat distant from the group, both of them appeared quite perplexed.
"General, we are uncertain as to why you have called us over today. Did we not discuss all pertinent matters before our departure?"
Liam asked Howard quite directly.
Although Jeremy did not voice a question, it was evident that he shared the same confusion as Liam.
With a smile on his face, Howard replied, "Indeed, we discussed a great many topics prior to our departure. However, there remains one matter we have yet to resolve."
Liam and Jeremy remained silent, simply awaiting Howard\'s continuation.
After a brief moment of hesitation, Howard slowly began to explain, "The high-difficulty instance we are about to enter is exceedingly perilous. Therefore, we must send some of the more capable individuals in first.
Only in this manner can we instill the courage necessary for others to enter the high-difficulty instance. Do you find my reasoning sound? Should we proceed in this manner?"
Liam and Jeremy both agreed that Howard\'s logic was indeed quite compelling.
If the strongest individuals did not enter the instance first, it was natural that the others would harbor greater concerns.
"What is it that you truly wish to convey to us? Please do not continue to beat around the bush. As you previously mentioned, our time is exceedingly valuable."
Liam said, his impatience slightly surfacing, yet he remained very courteous.
Howard nodded in acknowledgment.
"Since you have inquired so directly, I shall articulate my thoughts plainly. I believe that among everyone, the three of us possess the greatest strength. Therefore, we must be the first to enter the instance."
I am aware that being the first to enter the instance entails considerable risk, but as the three strongest individuals, it is our duty to shoulder this responsibility."
In response to Howard\'s proposal, both Liam and Jeremy exhibited no hesitation and readily agreed.
"Certainly, there is no issue with that. I have already informed my subordinates that I will enter the high-difficulty instance ahead of them." Liam said with a smile.
Jeremy quickly added, "Although I have not explicitly told my companions that I will be the first to enter the high-difficulty instance, I merely need to inform them of my decision. I am confident they will have no objections."
Howard was exceedingly pleased with their responses.
"Very well! Then we shall consider this matter settled!"
After confirming that Liam and Jeremy would accompany him into the high-difficulty instance, Howard returned to his vehicle and led the group onward towards the instance.
Half an hour later, they arrived at the vicinity of the high-difficulty instance.
Although they were still two hundred meters from the entrance, everyone could feel the overwhelming power emanating from the formidable instance.
Liam, despite being a well-traveled and knowledgeable individual, was experiencing the sheer force of a high-difficulty instance for the very first time.
He gazed blankly at the entrance, unable to suppress his astonishment as he remarked, "The high-difficulty instance is indeed entirely different from a standard instance."
Jeremy, in agreement with Liam\'s sentiment, nodded in approval.
However, Jeremy was currently just observing the surroundings, he had not uttered a single word.
At that moment, Howard approached Liam and Jeremy.
"If you are having second thoughts, feel free to speak up. We can adopt a more cautious course of action."
Howard made this statement because he had sensed that the power of the high-difficulty instance was even more formidable than he had previously assessed.
Howard himself was beginning to lose confidence.
Liam and Jeremy reacted almost simultaneously.
In unison, they declared, "We will absolutely not regret this!"
After uttering this phrase together, both exchanged slightly surprised glances at one another.
"Although the power radiating from the high-difficulty instance far exceeds our expectations, that does not necessarily imply that the conditions within will be exceedingly perilous.
I have previously encountered instances that appeared extremely dangerous but were, in reality, quite easy to navigate. I believe that the high-difficulty instance before us might be one of those cases."
Liam merely exchanged a glance with Jeremy, then turned to Howard with a smile.
Howard nodded in response, "In that case, let us hasten to enter the instance."