Even the supervising troops couldn't help but chicken out, and without their intimidation, the garrison at several strongholds abandoned their positions and fled one after another.

The defense line crumbled repeatedly, and the players advanced unstoppably, step by step, forcing their way towards the factory within the village.

——————

The only two industries in Hokuma Village, drug manufacturing and tobacco processing, were carried out in the factory located at the village center, so the entire village's livelihood depended on the factory.

However, these two industries did not belong to them but to Havana. They were even prohibited from using farmland to grow vegetables. The villagers could only rely on their meager income to buy protein blocks and vitamin vegetable paste brought in from the city by Skai, and the prices were twice as high.

On top of that, ordinary families in the village were not spared from the military's persecution, the bloody incidents are not worth mentioning.

Without strong leadership, Cuba would be no better than other Latin American countries.

Now, they were inexplicably captured and thrown into the warehouse, and two hours ago, many were taken away, with no idea of their whereabouts.

Time pressed closer to midnight, and the sound of gunfire became louder and more frequent.

Villagers huddled together like quails in the warehouse, trembling in fear, surrounded by darkness with not even a light turned on. Many children, infected by the gloom, clung to their parents, crying.

As time dragged on like years, the items stacked beside the villagers in the warehouse were either sun-dried tobacco leaves or coarse processed powder and drug raw materials. With the temperature and humidity controlled, there wasn't even a drop of water, making the environment oppressively hot, stuffy, and dark.

Sound of gunfire subsided eventually, leaving only the heavy footsteps outside the factory.

And the footsteps were gradually approaching the factory, causing the villagers hiding inside to hold their breath, not daring to make a sound for fear of being discovered.

But everyone knew it was only a matter of time before they were found.

Bang!

The sound of the warehouse's mechanical door being opened.

Together with the warehouse's top light being switched on, the intense white light caused discomfort among the villagers accustomed to the darkness.

They hastily used their hands to block the light and stepped back, trying to stay away from the doorway.

Some wanted to see if it was Skai's troops or someone else who opened the door.

But under the strong illumination, their vision was blurred, and they could only vaguely discern someone in white clothes instructing several soldiers dressed in black before departing.

"Speaking directly, you'll stay here with a platoon to guard them, ensure they don't run around, tally the spoils, and support the follow-up troops."

"Also, remember what I instructed you on, and there will be a bonus at the end of the month if done well."

Frankly: "Boss... uh, no, Truth Department! Loyalty!."

After those words, the Truth Department turned and left.

Taking the troops, still reeking of battle smoke, they continued their advance by car.

The target being Da Haguai, 74 kilometers away from Hokuma.

Tonight and even in the coming days were destined to be sleepless nights for them.

After the Truth Department left, Frankly led a few soldiers into the warehouse to address the bewildered villagers.

"Please rest assured, we are the Super Earth force of Horizon Corporation, ordered to Cuba to eliminate drug dealers and anti-government forces."

Horizon Corporation?

Anti-government forces?

The villagers, isolated from news, might not even know that New America had declared war on Cuba, let alone anything about Horizon Corporation.

As for the anti-government forces?

Didn't you just fight the government forces?

Facing the confused villagers, Frankly spoke again.

"Additionally, those I call out, please step forward."

"Sanchez, Afroyoid, Tatano....."

Several names were called out, but none dared to step forward to acknowledge, not even approaching the soldiers, the strong scent of gunpowder and blood emitting an aura of foreboding. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

Soon, the villagers realized that those called were not just relatives of the previously captured, but were deeply connected, sons, daughters, spouses, parents, siblings.

Suddenly, many became tense with emotion.

"You.... sigh..."

Frankly, feeling helpless, was not good with words.

"Your relatives are heroes, martyrs, persecuted and sacrificed by anti-government forces, but their contributions will be remembered...."

Although it was the players themselves who killed them, and the incident was even broadcast live, right before everyone's eyes.

But it did not hinder how the official records would state.

Some definitions have to serve politics, just like Kang Youwei, how did he have the standing to be associated with Liang Qichao and Tan Sitong among the Six Gentlemen?

Doesn't prevent him from being defined as a positive figure.

No matter what those who survive might think in the future, what must be given will not be withheld by the Truth Department.

Seeing the crowd become more perplexed, Frankly was left without a solution, simply waving his hand.

A few soldiers then escorted some disheveled prisoners to the warehouse entrance, ruthlessly kicking the back of their legs, making them kneel by breaking the bones.

It was none other than Skai and his deputy, preparing to flee with the funds.

They were shot down and captured alive by players while attempting to escape via hovercar.

If not for needing them alive, they would have been killed on the spot.

"I surrender, I can lead you..."

Skai attempted to trade military intelligence and secrets for his life, but in the players' minds, he had already been marked for death; what he said might involve some hidden quests.

But the players, whose blood rage had not yet subsided, could care less, and only spared his life due to the Truth Department's orders.

"Skai, former Havana anti-government force major, committed treason, drug dealing and manufacturing, crimes against humanity....."

Frankly recited the charges for quite some time.

"Now, bring him out for a public trial."

Seeing the bewilderment turn into shock in many eyes, a hint of pride rose in his heart.

This time, you believe us, right?