The communication pulse faded as Harrison's body went limp, his tactical radio falling silent forever. But the damage was done—somewhere in the jungle depths, Lord Vance would receive confirmation that his investigation team had encountered forces beyond their capabilities.
'Clever bastard. Turned defeat into a strategic victory.'
Ethan's Apex Mane form stood over the captain's corpse with grudging respect. Here lay a warrior who'd understood the true meaning of duty—sacrifice that served purposes greater than individual survival.
But respect couldn't change tactical reality. Harrison's final act had compressed their operational timeline dramatically. Lord Vance would know within hours that significant opposition existed in this territory.
'Time just became my most precious resource.'
