Frank, following behind, was unaware of the events surrounding the crocodile's death. He glanced at the still-dazed Jacob and his group, asking, “Mr. Chavez, Ms. Zeller, what’s wrong? Why are you all standing there like that?”

Jeremiah didn't answer. He turned, took Yvette’s still-cool hand, and said in a hoarse voice, “Let’s go.”

Yvette, composed and distant, nodded, ignoring Frank and the others.

Jacob and his group finally snapped out of their daze. Unable to articulate their thoughts, they exchanged wide-eyed glances. Maybe Yvette is right, they thought, this rainforest might indeed hold the legendary cannibals.

With the crocodiles dead, diving was the only way across the river. Emmett, Bruce, Chris, Frank, and Jeremiah's ten soldiers all looked at Yvette. Even the men found the river repulsive, expecting Yvette to refuse.

Seeing their hesitation, Yvette furrowed her brows slightly, her gaze cold, her tone composed. “Why aren’t you jumping in? What are you waiting for?”

Jeremiah squeezed her fingers, staring at her profile. Rubbing his temples, he chuckled softly. “They’re afraid you’ll find the river water disgusting.”

Yvette paused. Looking up, her gaze was icy, her smile challenging. “Want to race to see who gets to the other side first?” Wild energy seemed to radiate from her, an aura of arrogance and defiance. Without waiting, she released Jeremiah’s hand and leaped into the river. Her boldness stunned and impressed the men.

Jeremiah glanced at his empty palm, then leaped in after her.

Emmett and the others followed swiftly. With their bosses in the water, what reason was there to hesitate? The ten soldiers followed suit.

Yvette swam ahead, but the water beside her churned violently, forming a vortex. A large, dark shape emerged—a crocodile, twice the size of the previous ones. It spotted Yvette immediately.

Jeremiah saw the crocodile heading straight for her. His eyes narrowed, killing intent radiating from him.

The men, including Jacob, witnessed the scene. Their hearts leaped into their throats. Given the distance, saving Yvette was near impossible. A tragedy seemed imminent.

Emmett and the others, swimming mid-river, were momentarily surprised, but their reaction was minimal upon seeing the crocodile target Yvette. Just another foolish beast, they thought. It's chosen the wrong target.

With a loud “boom,” the crocodile lunged, its massive head and gaping maw revealing rows of sharp teeth. Its black armored skin, reflecting the water, appeared sinister, its advance destructive.

Yvette effortlessly dodged the attack. A cold smile curled her lips, her eyes gleaming with a deadly red glow. What should I do with this disobedient little cutie? she mused.

Yvette dove beneath the crocodile, driving her dagger into its lower neck. With a twist, blood gushed out. The crocodile thrashed in agony. Its tail swept toward her, but she spun away, delivering a powerful kick to its belly, sending it tumbling to the riverbed. She swiftly severed its lower jaw, then used its body to propel herself onto the riverbank.

After Yvette reached the shore, Jeremiah surfaced, drenched, his abs faintly visible. His face was cold, his eyes dark. He inspected her carefully. Relieved she was unharmed, he dried her hair, saying, “Next time, dodge it. Otherwise, what’s the point of having me around?”

Yvette teasingly hooked her arm around his waist, causing him to shiver. His gaze deepened. He said in a low voice, “Don’t try to brush this off. Promise me.”

Yvette raised her head, her eyes intense. She smiled slowly, “That’s probably not going to happen. I’ll never entrust my life to anyone else.”

A pang of heartache struck Jeremiah. His concern wasn't her refusal to trust him, but the hardship she must have endured to develop such skills and mindset.

Jeremiah gently tied her hair into a bun. His voice was low and soothing. “Alright, just once, could you give me a chance to show off a little? Let me be impressive in front of my girlfriend.”

Yvette leaned forward, her voice lazy. “Fine, I’ll let you show off next time. But killing crocodiles isn’t that impressive. Maybe you can show off tonight.”

Jeremiah’s eyes deepened. What does she mean by ‘tonight’? he wondered. “You’re still young. Some things can wait until after you graduate.”

Yvette glanced at him. I only want him to cook dinner tonight. Do I have to wait until after I graduate? she thought.

Emmett, Chris, Frank, Bruce, and the soldiers emerged, seeing the pair locked in a gaze.

Emmett and Bruce exchanged glances. Why does Mr. Chavez’s expression look so… strange? Is he hungry? they wondered.

As Jacob led his group ashore, they stared at Yvette. Her crocodile-slaying skills had shaken even these hardened soldiers. Was she really killing a crocodile? How had she made it look as easy as killing a chicken? they wondered. Every move had been quick, lethal, and precise… Where did Mr. Chavez find this goddess of death as a girlfriend?

Emmett, noticing their stunned expressions, patted Jacob's shoulder. “Trust me, bro, you’ll get used to it.”

Jacob turned to Emmett, swallowing hard. He recalled Emmett’s earlier mention of “an easy win,” finally understanding its meaning.