Ark Chess Player.

“Sentinel. I can see that you have doubts about me. It’s not just you; I also have many unresolved questions in my heart. Some people don’t want me to revisit my past, but why should I, Lin, seek the approval of others when I do things? After the battle, we can find the answers together.”

Lin Lu released his left hand from the military flag and placed it flat in front of the young Sarkaz man. This survivor, who had fallen into the past and never stood up to face the present and the future, needed this hand most now.

“Tell me, are you planning to obey my orders and fight alongside your former comrades?” Lin Lu beckoned, his gauntlets reflecting a faint light, outlining the sentry’s silhouette. “Or are you still clinging to this confusion, like a child hiding in a corner crying?”

The sentry looked up blankly.

Before him, cobalt blue flames rose gently from the eye openings of the dark hood.

Behind Lin Lu, the Sarkaz heroes watched the Sentinel with anticipation and encouragement.

The sentry grasped Lin Lu's hand.

Even the Sentinel was surprised, wondering if he should have hesitated a few more seconds, or at least not reached out his hand so quickly. It made his three years of inner struggle seem like child's play, far too frivolous. But when the Sentinel's gaze met the BOSS's, the question that had always puzzled him was answered; he understood why no one else would condemn the BOSS no matter what.

Three years ago, at the ancient ruins of Moonlit Lake, the BOSS must have been engaged in an unprecedented and arduous battle. Even the former leader of the combat team perished because of it. How fierce must that battle have been? So much so that even the legendary mercenary, who always upheld the principle of protecting his own on the battlefield, could only continue forward with resentment until he completed his mission and then dragged his almost mangled body out.

Those who fought to the very end at that time were not just sentries.

Isn't the same true for the BOSS?

"Please give command...to us!"

It is a great honor to be able to fight alongside you again after three years.

Lin Lu held the hand in his. Sometimes, all it takes to understand a person is a handshake.

The sentry's hands were not long and slender; compared to Lin Lu's hands, they appeared rather small, yet they were covered in scars.

These are the traces of sentries waving battle flags time and time again, fighting on the front lines of the battlefield.

"You deserve this support."

Lin Lu looked directly at the other person and agreed.

The Sentinel's palm felt like it was holding a ball of flame. The Lin Lu dark gold gauntlets radiated intense heat—scalding, yet painless. Like a gift and blessing from an elder, surging Originium power washed over the Sentinel's entire body. Having once honed his skills in extremely harsh environments out of despair, his Originium fusion rate had long since reached an alarming level, but now the pain within him had vanished. The Sentinel felt his mind was crystal clear; he could now freely unleash his mental power and unleash the most perfect Originium techniques.

Ash Etching - High Alert · Part 3

The Sentinel's movement speed is increased by 30%, and the attack and defense bonuses given to teammates are increased to 100%.

The battle banner flew high, its red fluttering in the wind, the insignia of the Greedy King Behemoth vividly displayed, its roar echoing through the heavens! Including Lin Lu, all the Sarkaz heroes felt a surge of power within them, a call from their bloodline. This was the Originium Arts possessed only by the ancient Sarkaz; the Sentinels could connect with each person, informing them that the war had begun!!

"Fight to your heart's content!"

Lin Lu could not hide his exhaustion, but he was smiling.

At that moment, Lin Lu understood the significance of the existence of the Army Without Borders.

—To provide a place for all soldiers who have nowhere else to go.

Chapter 328 Khaki Escapes Too! (4K)

"—!!"

An indescribable shriek shook the air, and the monster's roar was sharp and piercing.

The Bone Raider raised its hands, trying to grab Arno, who was wreaking havoc on its chest. But the cunning human dragged its black and white longsword and ran wildly, nimbly dodging the five sharp claws with distinct joints, leaving wounds on its massive body and scattering bone fragments everywhere.

The mindless monster was incredibly agitated, like a lion driven mad by a tickle, waving its claws around in displeasure.

Finally, as if struck by a brilliant idea, the Bone Raider paused for a few seconds before suddenly accelerating! It charged towards its original target location, trying to shake off the annoying bug; it had no time for play now!

"Oh hoo!"

Arno, left suspended in mid-air, couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.

He was not a Liberi, or rather, even the Liberi race could not fly at their own will.

While Terra possesses Originium Arts, which can replace magic, unfortunately, not everyone has the extraordinary ability to control gravity. Arno, in particular, cannot even learn a basic spell. He can meditate for a week while holding a staff, but he can't even conjure a single flame.

Originium Arts' adaptability flaws, in a sense, make Arno a gift.

Since he doesn't know magic, Arno can only focus his efforts on other areas. After all, one can't be stuck with just one thing; as long as you don't give up, there's always a way.

The benefits for Class A combat personnel in the Army Without Borders are not simply a matter of high monthly salaries and doubled insurance premiums.

As top-tier combatants, A-level combatants not only receive custom-designed weapons and armor from the research team, but can also exchange their merit points for special items or place orders for exclusive equipment. Furthermore, merit points can be used to redeem costumes, paint, spray paint, equipment plugins, and buff cards. This operational model is similar to that of Chaolong Mountain, sharing the same lineage—in short, it's extremely grindy.

Arno straightened his back slightly in mid-air, and the 3D Maneuver Gear he had obtained from the support team came into play. It was said that the BOSS had once faced an enemy ten meters tall and couldn't reach him even after jumping, so he proposed the engineering concept design to Ms. Baihuang of the research and development team, Meruru.

The barrel-shaped cylindrical bellows has two independent rotating spindles on each side. The core energy source is the conversion of Originium into compressed gas, which is then blown directly onto the fans for rotation. To prevent interference from the gas entering through the intake, the fan exhaust section is specially designed in the shape of a shuttlecock, used to adjust the pressure of the Originium gas and control the output power.

Two hooks shot out from the main shaft of the three-dimensional device on Arno's waist, flying straight forward and firmly wedging into the amber-colored veins of the skeletal raider, which were exposed like skin. The telescopic lines, made of the same material as the Fulton recovery device, taut instantly. Because the skeletal monster was running wildly, Arno had no time to regain his balance and was pulled away like a kite.

The sudden acceleration caused the straps covering Arno's entire body to tighten under his coat, making his waist feel heavy from the weight and his muscles tense. Fortunately, Arno lifted his right leg in time, moving his limbs as if dancing in the air, smoothly distributing the pressure to other parts of his body, thus avoiding the risk of being torn apart by centrifugal force.

Fortunately, this is a slum with no tall buildings; otherwise, this one blow could have rubbed someone against the wall and turned them into minced meat.

From being flung away to being hooked back to the target, and then being dragged along until regaining balance, less than six seconds passed in total.

In the briefest moment for an ordinary person—a moment too short to even drink a glass of water—Arno's mental and physical coordination was like the violent collision of metal blocks, sparks flying. He averted a near-fatal humiliation and launched an attack like a wild beast.

The black and white longswords merged into a two-handed greatsword through their interlocking sounds. Arno once used this sword to slay another ALEPH-class Abnormality.

These two swords were made from materials from two anomalies of unknown level, type, and attribute. At least, this information was not recorded in the files of the Army Without Borders. However, Arno also did not know the origin of these swords due to his amnesia, only that he had carried them with him since he became conscious.

This is probably related to Arno's past, which is why he is so obsessed with aliens.

For ordinary people, they probably will never understand how terrible amnesia is. It's like losing your footing; the only knowledge left in your mind constantly feels out of place because you simply can't remember where you got those experiences from.

Self-doubt is a daily occurrence for every amnesiac patient, like a part of the body is missing, and phantom pain comes from time to time.

To alleviate this pain and to recover his lost memories, Arno chose to join the Army Without Borders after being violently suppressed by Lin Lu. He regarded Lin Lu as his teacher because Lin Lu was always able to teach everyone things they didn't have before, or precious things they hadn't yet realized.

When Arno learned that Lin Lu had lost his memory, what he was actually thinking was... Damn, that's awesome!

Great!

Arno is a very honest person.

Being too honest makes me have no friends.

Therefore, he especially wanted to know whether Lin Lu, who was still ranked number one in his heart, could still teach, impart knowledge, and resolve doubts as before after losing his memory.

"You're really something... teacher."

Arno glanced at it briefly and couldn't help but sigh.

The next moment, he placed his feet on the back of the skeleton raider's neck, raised his greatsword high, and stabbed downwards!

While this is a weakness for other types of monsters, the nape of the neck is of unique importance to any creature.

The skeleton raider's charge faltered slightly, and it was in that brief pause that it created a huge opening!

The Sarkaz piercing hand held his steel spear horizontally, the dried blood on the iron spike seemingly melting from the heat, gradually turning into a foul-smelling stench that rose upwards. He quietly circled around to the rooftop of the still-standing building in the distance, the best spot Lin Lu had chosen for him; now it was his stage.

As a commander, Lin Lu's brilliance lies not in his unparalleled close combat skills, nor in his precise and outstanding marksmanship, but rather in his ability to master a wide variety of weapons and his suitability for Originium.

Lin Lu's true strength lies in his vision and courage. He dares to think and act, so what if all the environmental factors are against him? He can create opportunities for himself, and everything within his sight is his domain.

Fearless charge – this is the power that Lin Lu bestowed upon the Sarkaz piercing hand.

This speed-based sprint damage multiplier will be increased to the Semperson head!

"Charge! Khaki Detachment!!"

The Sentinels' bloodline power connected each of them, and Lin Lu's voice could resonate directly in the hearts of the Sarkaz heroes. This was probably the highest level of a "tool," not only able to increase attack and defense by 100%, but also able to act as a microphone.

The Sarkaz piercing hand slowly lowered his head, his heavy footsteps booming as he charged towards the top floor of another building. The moment his feet touched the ground, the blood energy surrounding him exploded like nitrogen, making him one with the vehicle, accelerating ever faster along the path Lin Lu had laid out for him!

Red, with horns, a multiple of three!

Like a shooting star, its terrifying speed brought the charge to its extreme!

Sarkaz Piercing Hand leaped high into the air. As a remnant soul, he didn't need to consider the burden on his physical body, unleashing his full power without reservation. What an overbearing close-combat style! It was a fight to the death, and even against a monster about three stories high, he remained as ferocious as a tidal wave.

"Come on!!"

The sentry couldn't help but shout out.

His eyes welled up with tears again without him even realizing it. Being able to fight alongside these comrades once more was something the Sentinel hadn't dared to dream of for the past three years. Now, his chest was filled with fervent blood, like a cooled, lifeless soul regaining its humanity, and a fierce will rising from the depths of his dark green visor.

The sentry raised the military flag high and unleashed Originium Arts without reservation.

He let out a slightly immature, but resounding Sarkaz war cry.

"—!"

Perhaps because they heard the sentry's voice, the Sarkaz piercers' charge speed increased again, creating a whistling shockwave in the air.

The next moment, with the arc of a falling meteor, the piercing spear pierced the skeletal raider's left foreleg. Countless bone fragments and veins mixed with amber liquid were torn apart by this sharp force, debris cascading down like a waterfall. The monster was finally wounded! This was one of Lungmen's proudest three heavy defensive networks, a feat that even the concentrated fire of Wall Maria's defensive equipment could not achieve!

"Great!"

Arno let out an excited cheer!

As Arno used his 3D Maneuver Gear to land on the monster's nape and plunged his greatsword into it, the wild beast, wounded, was forced to slow its rampage. In that brief moment of pause, within a few seconds, the Sarkaz piercing soldiers were in position for their charge.

This was a perfect teamwork! Without Arno's assistance, the Sarkaz Impaler might have been the one to be defeated in a collision between two beings of completely unequal size.

Is this a coincidence?

No, there is only one answer!

All of this was part of the BOSS's plan!

Even with amnesia, a single kick is enough for him to understand my fighting style and predict my movements. He issues commands to the others at precise moments, unleashing coordinated attacks that deliver unexpected and devastating blows to the enemy. Truly worthy of being called our teacher! Splat! Indeed, the teacher's commands and I are a perfect match!

Arno was very moved.

Tears welled up in the corners of her eyes.

For the past three years, he has been hunting aliens alone.

There is only one reason: his teammates have difficulty keeping up with his movements, cannot understand his thinking, and are unable to make the corresponding coordination.

Arno had attempted to obey Bai Huang's orders and cooperate with the C-rank combat team stationed at Lungmen. That operation ended badly; to rescue these courageous but incompetent C-rank personnel, Arno was forced to abandon the attack on the WAW-class monster and focus on defense. This allowed the anomaly to escape, and it remains missing to this day. It's unknown whether it has been secretly contained by another organization or has successfully infiltrated some dark corner. For a time, Arno developed paranoia, always feeling that the monster lurked in the shadows, constantly watching him with forty pairs of pale eyes.

Of the entire Borderless Army, only two people were able to tame Arno and command him in battle.

One is the current combat team leader, who also had the foresight to recognize talent and promptly persuade the sentry to return.

The other person, of course, needs no further explanation.

"Praise the BOSS!"

Arno let out a devout sigh.

Amidst the Bone Raider's violent shaking, Arno, nearly thrown off, stomped heavily on the monster's nape, driving his greatsword deeper. He didn't let this golden opportunity slip by, pulling the lever-like mechanism on the hilt three times in quick succession! The Crimson Queen's Charge System activated, releasing Originium dilution liquid from the sword, flames rising steadily!

Arno attempted to melt the monster's head directly, plunging his greatsword deep into its neck bone to disintegrate it with intense heat.

Just like with machines, if you encounter a disobedient part that can't function properly, you remove it.

However, a normal monster would be driven mad by excruciating pain or even fall into a coma after such an attack on its nerve centers. The Bone Raider, however, was more focused on its nearly unbalanced left foreleg, causing Arno to frown. He had a premonition that his move wouldn't be a killing blow. Now that things were done, he had no choice but to continue welding. He could at least somewhat restrain the monster's movements, creating an opportunity for the BOSS… wait?

"Weak point...in the chest!?"

Given Arno's adoration for Lin Lu, he naturally wouldn't believe that his teacher deliberately kicked him just to vent his anger. Everything his teacher did had a purpose; even his breathing purified the air of Terra. The reason he sent me to this monster's chest was clearly to have me destroy this place!

Arno's eyes lit up, regretting that he hadn't understood his teacher's intentions sooner.

In a sense, Arno's prediction was correct...

Even Lin Lu, who was in charge of overall command, did not expect that this boy who kept adding drama to his life had such a rich inner world.

Lin Lu maintained his Spirit Domain. In his eyes, the Bone Raider's health bar didn't decrease much due to the Sarkaz Piercer's attack. On the contrary, because of Arno's action of severing the nape of the neck, he could see the total health dropping at a visible rate.

"I see... Each part of the torso has its own independent algorithm, no wonder it can regenerate so many times."

Lin Lu placed his hand on the sentry's shoulder, transmitting the command to each Sarkaz hero through bloodline magic.

"Not a single bone will be left; dismantle it."

Chapter 329 Sentinel, Are You Afraid? (4K)

"Tear it down."

The Sarkaz swordsman and the Sarkaz magic swordsman exchanged a glance.

The former retained his lifelong habit of holding the pendant and praying before battle.

The latter, on the other hand, carried a crudely crafted Originium Greatsword on his shoulder, with black flames swirling around its blade.