While Jimmy and the others were searching near the forest, Raymond's voice came through the radio, stating one of the two helicopters needed to be redirected to provide emergency aid to a five-member team that had been ambushed. The team had already been shot, and one agent was suspected to be dead.

This news immediately cast a shadow over the agents present. For days, although several of their brothers had been injured, there had been no deaths. Their adversaries had consistently adhered to a non-lethal code until now. With this boundary breached, it meant no one was safe anymore.

Few of those who could be called in were novices; most were seasoned agents who had weathered many a case. The difference between ordinary agents and field soldiers was well understood by everyone. Their identities previously engendered a certain restraint in their adversaries, which was the main reason behind their tension without fear. But should their enemies cast off such restraint, they might need to seek reinforcements.

Jimmy and Mahong shared similar sentiments; however, Jimmy's thoughts remained largely unchanged. This was one of those rare large-scale events that could potentially push him to his limits, offering an opportunity for advancement. Coupled with his confidence in his own skills, he wasn't worried about his safety. Mahong, on the other hand, was getting a bit nervous, genuinely hoping Raymond would call in some reinforcements, not necessarily elite forces, but at least support from a military level.

With one helicopter still providing them guidance, Jimmy and the rest didn't halt their search efforts. However, this time, they weren't as dispersed. Each group now consisted of at least five people and wouldn't stray too far apart, remaining within range of hearing gunfire.

Raymond didn't wait idly by either. Besides dispatching a helicopter for the rescue, he directed other agents to investigate who had ambushed them and where the assailants might have fled.

This wasn't like the previous days anymore. Raymond dialed DHS headquarters without delay, requesting deployment of two six-man SRT teams for backup. If they suffered more losses, it would reflect poorly on him. He explained the adversaries' prowess during the call, emphasizing how the agents on the case couldn't withstand such armed intimidation.

It would take some time for DHS reinforcements to arrive; until then, they had to rely on themselves. Fortunately, it was still just tracking traces and not engaging in combat, providing some semblance of safety.

After searching the area around the forest for several kilometers, Jimmy and the team shifted their focus. As per Raymond's instructions, they headed to where the ambushed agents were, initiating a thorough ground search from there.

Jimmy and Mahong stayed together in one team, opting not to partner with strangers, which could be bothersome in an emergency. Mahong preferred Jimmy's company, trusting his abilities more than others.

Following the directive, Jimmy and Mahong drove to an interception point to provide support, as only three agents were stationed there, making the situation precarious. En route, Jimmy noticed someone lying in a hidden spot by the roadside, causing him to flash his hazard lights and park along the road. Mahong followed and stopped behind him.

After exiting the vehicle, Jimmy drew his gun and cautiously approached. Upon seeing the person, he holstered his weapon, shouting, "Mahong, someone has been killed." He crouched to inspect the scene. The victim hadn't been shot but had their throat slit. The deceased appeared not to be a regular citizen but rather a homeless person. Beside them lay an open backpack with scattered belongings, likely the person's possessions.

Mahong joined Jimmy, frowning as he examined the wound, simulating a knife grip with his hands. "Throat slit from behind... In this setting, it was done by them—clean and professional."

Jimmy: "Why? Why would they target a homeless person?"

Mahong: "Perhaps their movements were noticed."

Jimmy: "And their pack has been rummaged through messily. Were they after something? Food? Water? It doesn't seem logical to trouble a homeless person."

Mahong: "Maybe it was just checking for items after the kill. Be cautious; judging from the wound, it's not long since they died. Blood hasn't fully coagulated yet; it likely happened within the past half-hour."

Jimmy: "Meaning they haven't gone far. Within half an hour, at most 3 kilometers, especially if they're moving armed."

Mahong: "Right, let's get the helicopter to search nearby."

Jimmy: "Let's also look around ourselves, maybe we can find them."

Jimmy and Mahong returned to their vehicles and continued driving northeast, nearing their destination. After reuniting with the three agents, they'd take up positions at the intersection.

As they were about to reach their destination, they suddenly heard rapid gunfire, followed immediately by a call for help through the radio.

Jimmy quickly engaged his police lights and sirens, speeding towards the source, with Mahong in pursuit. They responded on the radio, assuring they were on their way.

After advancing a short distance, Jimmy spotted their target about two hundred meters away. Several figures were running across the grass in the area where the gunshots had originated, although no suit-clad agents were visible.

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