Emmett glanced at Jacob, whose expression was conflicted, and sighed. “You’re overthinking it.”

Jacob nodded sheepishly. “Not too much, right? Forget it; we’ll talk later.”

Chris approached, an indescribable look on his face, and patted Jacob’s shoulder. “Bro, you’re really overthinking this.”

Jacob looked at the calm Bruce and the carefree Frankie. So, what exactly am I overthinking?, he wondered.

Yvette led a dozen people along the trail, walking for about half an hour before reaching a dense forest. Her gaze was sharp and deep. Turning to the group, her voice was cold and low, she said, “Once we pass through this forest, there will be a river. Beyond that river lies cannibal territory. In this river are at least twenty or thirty giant crocodiles. The only way to cross the river is to kill them all.”

Yvette lowered her gaze, her brows raising slightly. Ah, it’s been a while since I’ve last seen these little cuties, she thought.

Jeremiah’s gaze was intense, his voice cold. His aura grew even more imposing. “Be prepared, and don’t let your guard down.”

Everyone nodded. Emmett, Bruce, Chris, and Frankie wore serious expressions. They knew the giant crocodiles likely possessed destructive power similar to the massive python they’d encountered on the first day; otherwise, Yvette wouldn’t have warned them. However, they were not the same as they were six days ago. Another fierce battle awaited.

Compared to Emmett and the others, Jeremiah’s soldiers, despite their rainforest experience, were skeptical of Yvette’s claims. How could she know about the river, the crocodiles, the cannibals? It all seems too far-fetched, they thought.

The soldiers’ duty was obedience. So, even doubting Yvette, they followed Jeremiah’s instructions, preparing for battle and donning waterproof gear. Afterward, they continued. Sure enough, beyond the forest lay the river Yvette described – a raging torrent, muddy and foul-smelling.

Jacob exchanged glances with the soldiers, all staring in disbelief. “Jacob, there really is a river. Ms. Zeller is incredible. She was spot on about everything.”

A soldier pointed, shocked. “Look! What’s that?”

Yvette fixed her gaze on the mass of crocodiles approaching. A dangerous glint shone in her eyes. “Here come the cuties.”

Beside her, Jeremiah squinted, tilting his head. “Hmm, quite cute indeed,” he murmured, his voice raspy and low.

Emmett, Bruce, Frankie, and Chris turned simultaneously, their expressions sour. How could she find these creatures adorable? Mr. Chavez spoils Yve too much, they thought, staring at the massive crocodiles.

Chris cleared his throat and addressed Yvette respectfully. “Yve, these crocodiles are known for their tough skin. Bullets are unlikely to penetrate them. Looks like we’ll have to rely on close combat again.”

Emmett, Bruce, and Frankie nodded. They’d encountered crocodiles before, though smaller. Bullets had proven ineffective then, and it was unlikely to be different now.

Yvette narrowed her eyes, her expression cold and ruthless. Her voice was soft and slow. “Alright, go ahead.”

At Yvette’s command, Emmett, Bruce, Chris, and Frankie grabbed their daggers and charged at the crocodiles. Jacob and his men were about to follow when Yvette tilted her head, a knowing smile on her lips. Her expression was cold and arrogant. “We don’t need you,” she said.

Jeremiah knew Yvette wouldn’t have spoken unless confident. He trusted her implicitly. Pressing his lips together, he ordered, “Stand by.” He watched Emmett and the others engage the crocodiles.

Seeing only four against dozens of crocodiles, Jacob anxiously shouted to Jeremiah, “Major General, let us go down and help them! Every extra person increases our chances!”

The soldiers echoed his plea. “Yes, Mr. Chavez, let us go down! We can’t just watch!” Another soldier added, “Exactly, we’re soldiers! We can’t do nothing!”

The noise irritated Yvette. She turned to Jacob’s group, barely lifting her eyelids. “Shut up,” she said coldly.

Jacob and his men froze. Yvette’s aura felt stronger than even Jeremiah’s. Then, they watched, dumbstruck. Instead of a tough battle, Emmett and the others killed the crocodiles with ease – three strikes and the beasts were dead.

Bruce, Emmett, Frankie, and Chris targeted the crocodiles’ weak points – eyes, belly, and nose. Each strike was lethal. Their precision stemmed from their combat experience and Yvette’s instruction regarding the crocodiles' vulnerabilities.

In less than ten minutes, two-thirds of the crocodiles were dead. Only three to five remained. Over the past few days, Emmett, Bruce, Chris, and Frankie had developed such strong synergy that a glance was enough to understand each other.

Under the astonished gazes of Jacob and his group, the battle ended. Yvette watched lazily as the group finished off the last crocodile and returned, soaked. Jeremiah shifted, a hint of satisfaction in his cold eyes.

Emmett and Chris's internal energy had noticeably strengthened, while Bruce and Frankie showed improved physical abilities—likely due to Yvette's guidance. As they came ashore, they approached Yvette. It had become routine to seek her assessment after battle.

Bruce shook off the mud. “Yve, what do you think? Any areas we need to improve on?”

Jeremiah stood quietly as everyone looked to the nonchalant Yvette. Her beauty against the blood-stained river created a striking scene.

Yvette glanced at them, her voice lazy. “Not bad.”

Emmett and the others visibly brightened. Yvette’s approval was all that mattered.