Chapter 289

After returning to the base, Aria Bennett skillfully landed the helicopter on the designated pad.

"You all go rest first. I need to report on the armory situation," Lieutenant Carter said, waving them off.

Aria knew he was actually going to debrief about last night's incident but simply nodded without comment.

Back at their quarters, the group idly passed time by playing mobile games together.

Knock knock knock—Over an hour later, a rap sounded at the door.

"Got time? Let me show you the villas," Carter stood at the entrance, beaming.

"Absolutely!" They immediately tossed their phones aside and sprang up.

The villa district was quite a distance away, so Carter specially drove an armored SUV to pick them up.

The scenery outside the windows blurred past, and fifteen minutes later, a pristine new neighborhood came into view.

"This was originally a newly built residential area, now designated as the core zone of the base," Carter explained. "Only those with special contributions to Sanctuary Base get to live here."

Aria's team clearly fell into that category, hence their allocation of an outer-ring standalone villa.

"There are five vacant units here—pick one," Carter pointed at several white two-story houses nearby.

"Same interior?" Aria asked.

"Yep, just different locations."

After touring the options, they selected the one closest to the central garden. Standing on the balcony, the entire garden vista unfolded before them.

"Here, the keys," Carter grinned as he handed them over. "I had a feeling you'd choose this one."

This villa had the prime spot, with several families eyeing it—all of whom he'd blocked.

"Thanks," Aria accepted the keys before adding, "If you ever need help, just ask."

Carter's eyes lit up. "Then I won't hold back."

He hurried off, and soon after, military trucks arrived delivering essential supplies.

"Boss, someone wants to buy intel," Miles Sutton waved his phone. "Should we have them come over?"

Aria smirked. "Let them come. Perfect chance to show them what we're made of."

Miles caught her meaning and promptly sent their location.

Several teams arrived quickly but were stopped at the villa district's entrance.

"Register first," the guard said coldly.

Only after verification were they permitted entry.

"Holy hell, how are you living here?" Everyone gaped at the luxurious villa.

Miles cocked his chin up proudly. "Base reward. Jealous?"

"How’d you pull that off?" someone couldn’t help asking.

"Classified," Miles replied mysteriously, gesturing them inside.

Soon, the living room was packed.

"You really have two intel leads?" a team leader asked skeptically.

Ronan Caldwell nodded calmly. "Obviously."

"Proof?" the man pressed.

Aria had prepared for this. She pressed a button on her watch—

Ding! First intel unlocked...

The robotic female voice echoed through the room, leaving everyone stunned.

"You—you actually recorded it?"

The teams exchanged glances, now completely convinced. Simultaneously, they cursed inwardly: Team Bennett is way too calculated!

"Deal!" Several captains gritted their teeth in agreement.

Just one point—they could afford that!

Little did they know, this was only the beginning...