I was a general in South America

talk...

We have to talk about it...

Lucas led the way along the mountain path, with the person he had just been talking to leading the way.

Ashel González, the leader of the guerrillas, invited Lucas to the temporary camp for a detailed discussion as darkness fell, after Lucas showed his sincerity.

If he hadn't sensed no murderous intent, Lucas would never have accepted the invitation.

Because Colombian military uniforms are mixed and matched, police, National Guard, and even the guerrillas in front of us all wear similar uniforms.

The American equipment of the rapid reaction force may have led Ashel and others to mistake them for mercenaries or bodyguards.

This demonstrates the importance of intelligence; they were hiding in the mountains every day, unaware that the Eastern Alliance was about to be wiped out.

Lucas was also eager to learn about the situation of the anti-government forces around Manizales, since their mission was not just about drug enforcement.

For the Colombian government, drug traffickers pose a far less of a threat than armed guerrillas.

In terms of numbers, Asher's men here number only about thirty, and the entire force is estimated to be only about 100 people, but the specific situation still needs to be investigated.

As for the danger...?

Even using the toilet in Colombia is dangerous; are you expecting to wet your pants?

Soon, Ashel led them to a camp.

Several wooden sheds were built, with palm leaves hastily spread on top to provide shelter from the wind and rain. A campfire was set up in the open space in the middle, and a large pot was placed on top, cooking something that was unclear.

"Ashel, now that you've reached your territory, you don't need to worry about my sincerity anymore, right?"

Lucas glanced at the soldiers standing behind them with guns raised, a smile on his face.

In the firelight, a middle-aged Colombian man waved and smiled at the soldiers behind Lucas.

"Lucas, caution is what has kept us alive until now. I'm sorry... welcome to our temporary camp, but I may not have the finest champagne or cigars to offer you."

Perhaps sensing the slightly teasing tone in Lucas's words, Asher's reply also turned into a joke.

The tense atmosphere dissipated considerably during their conversation.

Lucas waved his hand, telling his soldiers to relax. Since they were already at the other side's base, Ashel probably wouldn't have any other plans until they reached an agreement.

He hadn't been able to see Ashel's face clearly in the dim light of the jungle at first, but now he had a good look at him by the firelight in the camp.

It's not quite what I expected.

His faded military uniform was very clean, not the slovenly figure one might expect from someone struggling to survive in the mountains. Although his disheveled long hair and full beard made him look unkempt, they couldn't hide his sharp eyes.

His demeanor was completely different from that of the drug dealers he had met or the fierce-looking warlords in his photos.

His features suggest he is more like a 'scholar-general,' yet he possesses the air of a fallen aristocrat.

Lucas was sizing up Asher, and Asher was doing the same.

When his men came to report that another rabbit had entered the trap, they repeated what Lucas had said.

Ashleigh found it amusing that the man dared to make threats even when surrounded, yet every word he uttered hit the nail on the head.

Before the rainy season arrives, the team needs a large amount of supplies to ensure they can get through it safely.

This is what made him agree to the request for negotiations; if the US dollars couldn't be exchanged for supplies, they were just worthless paper to them.

The natural disasters and dangers of the forest will not disappear just because you have Franklin.

With the idea that the meat was already in the pot, and also to prevent a violent conflict from breaking out and causing casualties, Ashel decided to meet this interesting person.

He was even more intrigued that the other person dared to stand up in the jungle...

As they walked back, the two didn't talk much, but for some reason, Ashel felt a strange fondness for Lucas.

Although we weren't exactly kindred spirits, I still tried to make friends with them.

Now that we can see Lucas in person, there's only one feeling: his sharp edge is fully revealed... He stands there like a dagger, ready to strike at any moment!

"Let's get to know each other again, Ashel González."

"Lucas Bolívar Franco."

The two shook hands. The jungle twilight was cold. The soldiers stood on the perimeter, while Lucas, Moreno, Asher, and an adjutant sat around the campfire to keep warm.

Whoever speaks first is at a disadvantage...

However, Ashel was clearly prepared. Not long after he sat down, two of his men came over carrying a tray.

If any fellow Daoists were here, upon seeing what was on the tray, they might be so excited they'd convulse on the spot.

A large plate piled high with white flour.

"No champagne or cigars, but we just seized this stuff, and we have as much as you want."

Sure enough, the team that attacked the drug cartel camp was Ashel's forces.

Lucas pushed away the plate offered to him, smiling as he pointed to his head: "I don't touch this stuff, it'll ruin my brain... Of course, I don't sell this stuff either."

A test?

As soon as he finished speaking, Ashel's smiling face suddenly changed, and his tone became harsh: "Are you going to reject our friendship? ... With the supplies and the disposal of this shipment, we'll be friends, Lucas."

"You said, friend or foe."

Ashel was surprised that the other party refused the offer of cocaine; Colombians find it hard to resist white-market deals, especially since he was already implying that he had plenty of stock.

"If we can't talk about it, then let's not talk about it...!"

Swish...swish...swish...

Gunshots rang out. Asher pointed his gun at Lucas, Moreno pointed his gun at Asher, and the adjutant pointed his gun at Moreno.

That's a fucking equilateral triangle...

Is this supposed to be a police thriller...?

"I'm asking you one last time, friend or foe?" Ashel seemed completely unconcerned, even with a gun pointed at his own head.

Moreno kept his eyes on him while glancing at Lucas out of the corner of his eye, the trigger already slightly pulled back, to make sure he could get the bullet into Asher's head before the other man fired.

Wouldn't it be better if everyone were just more honest...?

If Lucas hadn't only sensed a slight killing intent, he would have almost been intimidated by Asher's appearance.

Lucas showed no fear whatsoever, not even a hint of weakness under the gun barrel. Instead, he smiled and reached out to grasp the muzzle of Ashel's gun.

Amidst the astonished gazes of the crowd, he stepped forward and pressed the muzzle of the gun against his forehead.

"We can talk about supplies, but let's talk about cocaine. Fire here...!"

I'm doing my best to cooperate with your performance.

The atmosphere froze completely, and everyone's eyes, except for Lucas, were fixed on Ashleigh.

Ashleigh's sharp gaze seemed to want to see Lucas clearly, and there was not a trace of evasion in his eyes despite his crazy actions.

Many people can act tough, but their true nature is revealed when faced with a gun, and the other party seems willing to risk their life for what they believe in.

His breathing became increasingly labored...

The two looked at each other for more than ten seconds before Ashel suddenly spoke up: "We're friends now, Lucas. You smell like the military. I never associate with drug addicts. Sorry for testing the waters this way."

"Do you enjoy pointing a gun at your friends, Ashel?"