Once the whole story and sequence of events were clear, Claire and Emma couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time.
After a lengthy explanation, they finally made Ritchie understand that Jeremy hadn't actually died.
It wasn't long before Benjamin and Bonnie came to invite them to join them on a trip to a factory on the outskirts.
By the time Jeremy and the others arrived at the factory in the outskirts by car, the military had already sealed the place tight.
Just by entering, they had already passed through three security checkpoints.
Beyond the checkpoints, what came into view was an abandoned processing plant.
The faded walls of the workshops revealed that the place had been desolate for quite some years.
The spacious cement ground was overgrown with withered weeds, and the machinery outside was already covered in rust.
Now, this small, dilapidated processing plant was packed inside and out with people.
A group of fully armed soldiers, holding firearms, had serious expressions on their faces.
As soon as Jeremy and his group entered, countless gazes landed on them.
Jeremy could feel that, hundreds of meters away on a residential building, several snipers were targeting his vital points.
He had no doubt that if he made any overt moves, they would pull the trigger.
It was evident that Howard and Benjamin placed great importance on this low-level copy.
After all, it was the first instance discovered in Moonlight City.
"This is the entrance to the instance. Beyond this door lies another world." Benjamin explained, pointing to a blue light gate about three to four meters high in the middle of the area. "Our team has already checked it out. There's a vast grassland inside. But due to the dangers within the instance, they haven't had the chance to explore further."
Bonnie, Claire, and the others were somewhat shocked looking at the blue light gate.
It was hard to imagine that behind this seemingly small door lay a vast grassland!
Jeremy, however, appeared unfazed.
He knew that many high-level instances were even larger, some being as boundless as worlds themselves, which was even more astonishing.
Now, there were already many people around the light gate.
Jeremy looked around and saw that there were quite a few people who had come, easily numbering over a hundred, many of whom were soldiers.
The most conspicuous among them was a burly man in military attire at the forefront.
Dressed in blood-stained military clothes, with a cigarette in his mouth, a beard-stubbled face, and somewhat unkempt. But his body was incredibly muscular, his muscles bulging prominently, making him stand out among the soldiers.
"Here they come!" Seeing Benjamin and the others, Howard called out, then turned his gaze to Jeremy and laughed, "Well done, kid. I knew you wouldn't go down that easily."
Jeremy didn't need anyone to introduce him. He knew who he was.
He gratefully said, "I owe you my life, Mr.Howard."
Whether in his past life or now, Jeremy held a deep respect for soldiers like Howard.
He was keenly aware of the horrors of war and knew that it was because of people like Howard that peaceful and tranquil lives were possible.
Howard clapped Jeremy on the shoulder, squinting and smiling, "If you're truly grateful, kid, join my team and become one of my soldiers."
Howard's words were half-joking, half-serious.
He genuinely admired Jeremy and if Jeremy was willing to join his team, Howard would definitely spare no effort in training him.
The others also picked up on his particular regard for Jeremy, giving the young man a few more curious glances.
Before Jeremy could react, Howard stepped forward, positioning himself in front of him.
Without any noticeable movement, a two-meter-long broadsword appeared in Howard's hand.
He lifted the broadsword with one hand and swung it down fiercely.
"Bang!"
The purple lightning struck the broadsword, exploding on impact.
Numerous fine arcs of electricity danced around Howard, his expression darkening as he felt waves of numbness.
"Have you lost your minds? Why attack Jeremy!" Emma, coming to her senses, showed anger on her face, and the expressions of the others were also unsightly.
Claire's eyes glowed with a purple light, ready to act at any moment.
They all witnessed the terrifying power of the strike. If it were an ordinary person, he would probably be killed on the spot.
Benjamin, furious to the point of laughter, said, "As expected of the Black Dragon Squad, truly impressive! I will report this matter to the chief and have him properly discipline your team!"
"Click!"
Simultaneously, the sound of firearms being cocked filled the abandoned factory, with every gun aimed at the Black Dragon Squad.
Those standing here were the elite trained by Howard, their loyalty to Howard even surpassing that to the federation.
Witnessing this scene, a chill flashed in the eyes of the Black Dragon Squad members.
A cold smile appeared on Aaron's beautiful face as she said icily, "We just wanted to test his strength, and you point guns at your own brethren? Howard, are you attempting a rebellion?!" Howard's face turned from pale to flushed with anger at her words.
He knew Aaron was provoking him, yet he was unable to retort.
His soldiers' actions had indeed crossed a line with the federation.
With a stern face, he waved his hand, "Everyone stand down!"
At his command, the soldiers holstered their weapons.
The expressions of the Black Dragon Squad members softened slightly.
Ella spoke calmly, "It's about time. Mr.Howard, if there's nothing else, we will enter the instance now."
Glancing at Jeremy, she added coldly, "If you wish to enjoy the federation's resources, prove your worth. The federation does not shelter the useless."
After speaking, Ella gestured, and the other four members followed her towards the instance portal.
They didn't even spare Jeremy a glance, blatantly ignoring him.
The crowd was seething with anger but dared not speak out.
The Black Dragon Squad represented the federation's dignity, to act against them meant
The Black Dragon Squad represents the dignity of the federation. When considering taking action against them, the first thing to consider is not their strength, but the consequences of taking action!
This is why even Howard and Benjamin did not dare to offend them, as it would be too easy for political enemies to use such actions against them.
Everyone was inwardly fuming but powerless to do anything.
Just as the group was about to enter the dungeon, a calm voice made everyone on the scene shudder.
Jeremy spoke calmly, "How dare you worthless beings even discuss value with me?"
The members of the Black Dragon Squad stopped in their tracks.
In an instant, the room fell so silent you could hear a pin drop.