Reincarnated With An SSS-Rank Talent In An Apocalyptic World-Chapter 78: Lee Bai’s Trap

With the path cleared, we climbed the bridge and began advancing. Apart from displaced and destroyed vehicles, damaged sections of the bridge, and scattered debris, it was relatively safe. However, we didn’t dare let our guard down—this bridge was the easiest place to stage an ambush.

We had soldiers watching our backs and flanks, even scanning the Sabine River on both sides for any sign of movement. I knew Jake was among the soldiers stationed at the rear, but I didn’t worry. I had already placed my [Doorpost] mark on him while adjusting his collar. Should anything happen, as long as he calls my name, I can reach and save him instantly.

Why am I doing all this?

Control.

I didn’t pick him because I felt sorry for him—but because he’s someone I can use. This world abandoned him. He has no place in society, so I’ll give him one in mine. As the one who pulled him out of hell, he’ll naturally grow to be loyal and dependent on me. That gives me complete control over him.

Like I always say: I don’t need friends. I need subordinates.

Halfway into our advance, the end of the bridge came into view—but it was blocked.

Orcs sat mounted on ferocious black wolves, each twice the size of any wolf native to this planet. These orcs were massive, nearly twice the size of the grunts we killed earlier. Each wielded a smaller version of those spiked metal shields their first line had used.

Behind them, more orc grunts formed a barricade with their towering shields, sealing the exit.

Seated on the largest wolf was that damn Orc Berserker. He didn’t even bother with a shield. He held a battle axe in each hand and wore that same cocky smile that always made my eyes twitch with rage. Based on their lineup, I understood their tactic: prioritize speed to close the distance and render our guns useless.

"Bastard... Do you think it’ll go just the way you planned it?" I grinned, reaching for Rai’ki, but before my fingertips touched it—

Ding!

The sound of a system notification made my eye twitch. It was never good news.

[Lee Bai has set up a trap! Both paths have been blocked by Orc Beast Riders!]

My brows furrowed.

Bang!

Almost immediately, I turned around and noticed a red flare shoot into the sky from the rear—and a shaky voice followed.

"A rift! A dark rift is opening at the other end of the bridge!" Jake’s voice rang out like a bell, loud enough for everyone to hear.

Buzz!

Only now did a thought cross my mind—and I realized how ignorant I had been this whole time.

The crimson barrier that once protected Louisiana stretched to the other end of the bridge. For that to happen, it meant Lee Bai’s system recognized that section as part of his territory.

Right now, we were deep inside his domain. Just like me, he can open a territory gate anywhere within his zone.

This shouldn’t be new to me—but somehow, I didn’t think of it.

How can I be so stupid... even with over 10 points in Intel?

Instinctively, I glanced at Kenza, who wore a worried look while gazing back at me. Silently, we acknowledged we were in a sticky situation.

"I’ll check the back!" I yelled, and she nodded.

Door!

[Energy Points: 17/20]

A door opened behind me, and I jumped in. Instantly, another door opened behind Jake, and I stepped out—but he didn’t seem to notice. Other soldiers around him gasped and took a few steps back, but his terrified gaze remained fixed on the Orc Beast Riders now lined up in the hundreds.

However, that wasn’t all.

More orc grunts wielding shields and javelins poured out of the dark rift behind us, taking formation and blocking our escape route.

"Relax... We haven’t lost yet." I said, grabbing Jake’s collar.

He yelped in shock and turned, only to see me standing there.

But this wasn’t the time for pleasantries. I jumped back, dragging him into the gate with me. In the next moment, we were in the padded white room.

Bam!

Jake fell hard onto the floor, his cap flying off and revealing his brown hair.

"Go over to that corner, lay on the ground, and keep your head down until I return," I ordered, pointing to the far-left corner of the room. "Weapons and deadly attacks will fly through this place—but as long as you do what I say, you won’t get harmed."

Jake blinked in confusion, glancing from me to the gate behind him, then to the one in front of me.

"Okay, big brother!" he answered—with a strange sort of conviction that left me confused.

Isn’t conviction meant for fighters, for warriors ready to die on the battlefield?

Who the hell hides with conviction?

I could only watch as he ran to the corner and laid down, face to the floor but eyes looking in my direction. He gave me a thumbs up, and I couldn’t help but chuckle.

"Good lad," I said, before walking through the gate I came from—returning to the frontlines where Kenza was waiting. freeweɓnovel-cøm

The moment I stepped out, I saw her standing beside the gate, talking into the walkie-talkie.

"Requesting air support," was all I heard before she turned to me with a questioning gaze.

"It’s the same in the back," I replied. "They’ll probably start with a ranged attack from both sides before charging in."

Kenza’s frown deepened as she pondered for a second, then nodded and glanced at the two Ascendants nearby. With a gesture, she sent them off.

She turned back to me.

"My team and I will attack the rear and clear the path for a possible retreat if needed," she explained. "Can you and your men handle the frontlines?"

She added quickly, "Just hold out for as long as possible," probably trying to ease the pressure on me.

But I just grinned mischievously and nodded.

"Hold out? I plan to annihilate them!" I declared.

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