461: Paying the price

Su Yue smiled slightly. He didn't say much about the Commander's praise, but it only strengthened his resolve. He knew that his abilities and the intelligence system were not just for gaining rewards, but more importantly, for protecting the safety of this world.

Just as everyone was busy clearing the warehouse and organizing evidence, Su Yue's intelligence system suddenly vibrated again, and a new urgent piece of information popped up. His eyes narrowed, and he immediately tapped to view it.

"Warning: Your friend Lin Xiao has been kidnapped by unknown forces. Current location is unknown. It is recommended to immediately launch a rescue operation," the intelligence system broadcasted in a cold but firm voice.

Su Yue's heart sank instantly. Lin Xiao was his close friend; they had grown up together since childhood, closer than brothers. Now that his friend was in trouble, how could he stand by and do nothing?

"Commander, I have an urgent matter and need to leave," Su Yue quickly decided, turning to the Commander. "I just received information that a friend of mine has been kidnapped, and I need to go rescue him immediately."

Upon hearing this, the Commander also showed a serious expression. "Mr. Su, do you need our help? We can mobilize police support for you."

"Thank you for your kindness, Commander, but this situation is urgent, and I may need to take some special measures," Su Yue politely declined the Commander's offer. "However, please rest assured, if needed, I will contact you in time."

After speaking, Su Yue left the warehouse in a hurry. He knew that every minute could affect Lin Xiao's safety, and he had to find Lin Xiao's whereabouts as soon as possible.

Su Yue walked quickly while checking the information provided by the intelligence system. The System was fully searching for Lin Xiao's location and also analyzing the possible reasons for the kidnapping and the mastermind behind it.

Suddenly, a flashing red dot appeared on the intelligence system's screen, showing Lin Xiao's current location. Su Yue's heart filled with joy, and he immediately rushed towards that direction.

On the way, he constantly checked the System's updated information, trying to find more clues. At the same time, he silently prayed in his heart, hoping Lin Xiao would be safe and sound.

Soon after, Su Yue arrived in front of a remote abandoned factory. The intelligence system showed that Lin Xiao was being held inside.

Su Yue took a deep breath, adjusted his state, and then quietly infiltrated the factory. Using stealth techniques and the guidance of the intelligence system, he successfully avoided all surveillance and alarm systems and arrived in front of the room where Lin Xiao was being held.

He gently pushed open the door and found Lin Xiao tied to a chair with tape over his mouth. Seeing this scene, Su Yue's heart was filled with anger and pity.

He quickly walked to Lin Xiao's side and carefully untied the ropes and tape from his body. Lin Xiao's eyes shone with surprise and gratitude when he saw Su Yue.

"Are you alright?" Su Yue asked with concern.

"I'm alright, thank you for coming to save me," Lin Xiao said weakly.

Su Yue nodded, and the heavy stone in his heart finally dropped. He helped Lin Xiao up, preparing to leave this dangerous place as quickly as possible. However, just as they were about to leave the room, a sudden rush of footsteps and shouts came, clearly indicating that the kidnappers had discovered their presence.

"Quick, they're over there!" a fierce voice roared.

Su Yue inwardly cursed, pulling Lin Xiao and running quickly towards the exit. However, the abandoned factory's passages were complex and winding, and they were soon caught up by the kidnappers.

A fierce chase unfolded inside the factory. Su Yue used the real-time data from the intelligence system to flexibly evade the kidnappers' pursuit while searching for an escape route.

Suddenly, a kidnapper rushed out from the side, swinging a club fiercely towards Su Yue. Su Yue reacted quickly, pushing Lin Xiao away, but he himself was hit heavily on the back by the club.

He let out a muffled groan, stumbled forward a few steps, and nearly fell. Lin Xiao was shocked to see this and quickly stepped forward to support him. "Su Yue, are you alright?"

"I'm alright, hurry!" Su Yue gritted his teeth, enduring the sharp pain in his back, pulled Lin Xiao up, and continued running forward. At the same time, his intelligence system was rapidly analyzing the current situation and the best escape route.

During the escape, Su Yue's intelligence system continuously issued warnings, alerting him to the surrounding dangers and viable escape routes. He tightly held Lin Xiao's hand, navigating through the complex passages of the abandoned factory.

"Su Yue, how's your back?" Lin Xiao asked worriedly, looking at the cold sweat beading on Su Yue's forehead.

"Don't worry, I'm alright," Su Yue squeezed out a difficult smile, but his face was terribly pale.

The kidnappers pursued relentlessly, their shouts and footsteps getting closer and closer. Su Yue knew they had to find an exit quickly, or the consequences would be unimaginable.

The intelligence system suddenly emitted a strong light, guiding them to run towards an inconspicuous corner. Su Yue and Lin Xiao didn't hesitate, immediately following the guidance forward.

They arrived in front of a rusty iron door. Su Yue took a deep breath and used all his strength to push the door open. Outside was a desolate ruin, but for them, it was the hope of escape.

However, just as they were about to rush out of the ruins, a kidnapper suddenly rushed out from the side, trying to block their path. Su Yue reacted quickly, pushing Lin Xiao forward while colliding head-on with the kidnapper himself.

The two tumbled together in the ruins, Su Yue fighting with all his might against the kidnapper. In the fierce struggle, he suddenly felt a sharp pain hit him; it turned out the dagger in the kidnapper's hand had pierced his side abdomen.

Blood gushed from the wound, staining his clothes red. Su Yue gritted his teeth, endured the severe pain, snatched the dagger from the kidnapper's hand, and subdued him on the ground.

"Su Yue!" Lin Xiao exclaimed, immediately rushing back to help him up. "You're injured, we have to leave here right away!"

Su Yue nodded, getting up with difficulty. Supporting each other, they escaped the ruins and ran towards the distant road.

On the road, Su Yue and Lin Xiao anxiously looked for a vehicle they could hitch a ride with. Fortunately, a truck was slowly approaching not far away. They waved desperately. The truck driver saw them covered in blood, and although somewhat scared, he stopped the truck at Su Yue's request.

"Please, take us to the hospital, my friend is injured," Su Yue pleaded.

The truck driver looked at their pitiful state and nodded. "Get in quickly!"

On the way to the hospital, Su Yue's consciousness began to gradually blur. He felt the wound bleeding profusely, and his body's strength was rapidly draining away. Lin Xiao tightly held his hand, continuously calling his name, trying to keep him awake.

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"Su Yue, you have to hang on! We'll be at the hospital soon," Lin Xiao's voice was choked with sobs.

Su Yue slightly opened his eyes and saw Lin Xiao's anxious expression. He struggled to squeeze out a smile. "Don't worry, I'm alright."

However, his condition was getting worse and worse. Excessive blood loss from the wound caused him to go into shock, and his breathing became weak. Lin Xiao frantically called his name, but Su Yue could no longer respond.

The truck driver also realized the seriousness of the situation. He sped up and called for emergency medical services. At the hospital entrance, medical staff were already waiting. They quickly lifted Su Yue onto a stretcher and rushed him into the emergency room.

After several hours of intense rescue efforts, the doctor finally walked out of the emergency room. Lin Xiao immediately went up to him and asked anxiously, "Doctor, how is he?"

The doctor took off his mask and sighed. "The patient's injuries are very serious, and excessive blood loss has caused shock. We have done our best to stabilize his condition, but he is still not out of the danger period. The next 48 hours are crucial. If he can make it through, the hope of survival will greatly increase."

Lin Xiao burst into tears upon hearing this. He couldn't accept this cruel reality. He silently waited by the emergency room door, praying that Su Yue would pull through.

Meanwhile, Su Yue was lying on the hospital bed fighting against death. His consciousness drifted uncertainly in the darkness. The light of the intelligence system flickered beside him, seemingly providing him with strength. At this moment, the voice of the intelligence system sounded in Su Yue's ear.

"Host, hold on. As long as you can get through this, I will provide you with a special reward."

Hearing the voice of the intelligence system, Su Yue's consciousness recovered a little. He knew he couldn't give up just like this; he still had too many things to do, too many people to protect. He struggled to open his eyes. Although his vision was blurry, he still saw Lin Xiao's anxious figure.

"Lin Xiao..." Su Yue weakly called out his friend's name.

Hearing Su Yue's voice, Lin Xiao was overjoyed. "Su Yue! You're awake! That's great! You have to hang on!"

Su Yue nodded slightly. His voice was weak but filled with determination. "I... I will hang on. These people, I won't let them get away..."

Lin Xiao tightly gripped Su Yue's cold hand, his eyes flashing with anger and determination. "Don't worry, I won't let them get away either. They must pay the price for what they've done!"

The intelligence system spoke again at this moment, only audible to Su Yue. "Host, I have sensed your determination. As long as you overcome this difficulty, I will not only provide a special reward but also help you track the whereabouts of those kidnappers and ensure they receive the punishment they deserve."

A warm current surged in Su Yue's heart. He knew he wasn't alone. With the support of the intelligence system and Lin Xiao's companionship, he had to persevere, not just for himself, but also for those innocent victims.

Time slowly passed in anxiety and waiting. Su Yue's condition gradually stabilized under the full efforts of the doctors and nurses. Meanwhile, Lin Xiao wasn't idle either; he began investigating the mastermind behind this kidnapping using his network of connections.

Finally, on the day Su Yue was out of the danger period, the intelligence system also brought good news. It had successfully tracked the kidnappers' hiding place and provided a detailed map and action plan.

Su Yue looked at the information in his hand, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. "It's time for them to pay the price."

Su Yue took a deep breath and said to Lin Xiao, "Now that we have this information, we can start making a plan. I want them to know that harming the people I cherish comes with a price."

Lin Xiao nodded, his expression serious. "Tell me, what do you need us to do?"

Su Yue pondered for a moment, then began to elaborate on his plan. "First, we need to ensure the safety and suddenness of the operation. According to the information from the intelligence system, these kidnappers are currently hiding in an abandoned warehouse. We can use the cover of night to approach it silently."

"Second, we need a clear division of labor. You will be responsible for external vigilance, ensuring our operation isn't unexpectedly disturbed. As for me, I will personally enter the warehouse and confront those kidnappers." As he spoke, a cold light flashed in Su Yue's eyes.

Lin Xiao was a little worried. "You're going in alone? That's too dangerous!"

Su Yue smiled slightly and patted Lin Xiao's shoulder. "Don't worry, I have the intelligence system with me; it will provide me with real-time intelligence support. Plus, I have this." Saying that, he picked up an exquisite pistol from beside the bed.

Seeing this, Lin Xiao knew Su Yue was fully prepared, so he nodded. "Okay, I trust you. When do we act?"

Su Yue looked at the sky outside the window. "Tonight. It's a dark and windy night, the perfect time for action."

Su Yue held his breath, taking each step carefully, trying not to make any sound. His heart rate gradually accelerated, but the gun in his hand was held even more steadily.

"It's here." The voice of the intelligence system sounded in Su Yue's mind, guiding him towards the kidnappers' hiding place.

Su Yue quietly peeked out and found the kidnappers gathered around a bonfire, seemingly talking about something. They hadn't noticed Su Yue's approach, which gave Su Yue an excellent opportunity.

"Prepare for action," Su Yue silently muttered in his heart, while adjusting his position to ensure he could subdue the kidnappers in one go.

Just then, one of the kidnappers suddenly stood up, seemingly needing to relieve himself. He walked towards Su Yue's direction, causing Su Yue's heart rate to instantly accelerate.

However, just as the kidnapper was about to discover Su Yue, the intelligence system suddenly issued an alarm sound. Although only Su Yue could hear this sound, it made him react instantly.

Su Yue lunged forward, placing the pistol against the back of the kidnapper's head. "Don't move! You're surrounded!"

The other kidnappers were startled by this sudden turn of events and raised their weapons. But under Su Yue's threat, they had no choice but to obediently put down their weapons and raise their hands in surrender.

"What are you doing? We are..." one of the kidnappers tried to argue, but was coldly interrupted by Su Yue.

"I'm not interested in who you are. All I know is that you kidnapped my friend and attempted to harm him. Now, you will pay the price for this." Su Yue's tone was cold and firm, causing the kidnappers to feel a sense of dread.

Su Yue scanned the subdued kidnappers, a sense of satisfaction welling up in his heart. He knew that this success was not only an affirmation of himself but also a testament to the intelligence system's capabilities. However, he also knew this was just the beginning; the real challenges lay ahead.

He turned his head to look outside; Lin Xiao was still keeping watch. Su Yue knew this was not the time to relax. He had to use the intelligence system to find out what secrets were hidden behind these kidnappers.

"intelligence system, initiate deep scan," Su Yue silently muttered in his heart.

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