After finalizing the plan to undertake the high-stakes task and making the necessary preparations, Sofia left the base with a clear mind. Her first stop was the pharmacy, where she carefully selected and purchased the medicines and supplies she would need for the dangerous mission set to take place in just two days. With everything now in order, she felt ready to face the challenges ahead, her focus unwavering.

On the other side of town, Christ had spent the past days devotedly taking care of his brother, Camine Roy, who had been in a coma. The weight of responsibility had kept Christ on edge, but when Camine finally regained consciousness, relief washed over him. For the first time in days, Christ allowed himself a small, fleeting smile, though his typically cold demeanor quickly masked it. The brothers exchanged words, reconnecting after the long, silent ordeal.

After a while, Camine, still weak from his recovery, grew tired and drifted off to sleep. Christ ensured his brother was comfortable and settled before quietly leaving the room. He felt a deep sense of relief knowing that Camine was on the mend, but he also knew there was no time to rest. There was still much work to be done. With his brother's health stable, Christ turned his attention back to the Roy Corporation, where pressing matters awaited him. He returned to the office, ready to resume his duties with the same relentless drive that had carried him through the recent crisis.

As Christ was about to enter the company, his phone rang. Glancing at the screen, he saw it was a call from the Dark Guards, his elite mercenary group. Without hesitation, he answered the call.

"Boss, a new task has been issued by the authorities from above," the voice on the other end reported, carrying a tone of urgency.

Christ immediately understood the significance of the message. When his contact referred to "authorities from above," he was alluding to the military authorities who often covertly operated in the dark underground market. The military, seeking to maintain its strength while keeping its actions discreet, frequently issued critical and high-stakes missions through these shadowy channels. These missions were too sensitive to be handled openly and required the precision and secrecy that only top-tier mercenaries like the Dark Guards could provide.

The Roy family, with its deep and intricate connections within the military, played a pivotal role in this covert world. Christ, as the de facto head of these operations, was the one orchestrating much of this underground business. The missions not only reinforced the family's power but also ensured their influence extended far beyond the visible surface of society.

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Christ's mind quickly shifted gears. Although he had just returned to handle pressing matters at the Roy Corporation, the call from the Dark Guards demanded immediate attention. Balancing the visible and the hidden sides of his responsibilities had always been a part of Christ's life, and he knew this was one of those moments where his dual roles would intersect.

With a silent nod to himself, Christ acknowledged the task ahead. He couldn't ignore the mission; it was both a duty and a strategic move that could further secure the Roy family's dominance. As he walked into the company, his thoughts were already focused on the new task, analyzing the possible risks and planning the next steps. The Roy Corporation could wait for now—his attention was needed elsewhere, in the shadows where true power was often wielded.

After finishing all the tasks at the Roy Corporation, Christ knew there was little time to waste. With a sense of urgency, he left a message in the mercenary group's secure communication channel, instructing them to prepare for the impending mission in Death Valley. This was not just any mission—it was a high-risk endeavor that required meticulous planning and unwavering resolve. As he sent the message, his thoughts briefly lingered on Sofia, knowing she was also making her preparations for the same perilous journey.

When Sofia's mercenary group accepted the high-risk task, Christ was informed almost immediately. It didn't take long for him to uncover the reason why—they weren't the only ones taking on this dangerous mission. Through his connections and a brief investigation, Christ learned that the second-largest mercenary group, now under the leadership of a new, formidable leader, had also taken up the task. Christ quickly realized that the mission would likely involve a collaboration between these two powerful groups.

Two days later, Christ made a strategic move and messaged Sofia, proposing a collaboration to ensure the success of their shared mission. He knew that in the deadly terrain of Death Valley, pooling their resources and working together could be the difference between life and death.

Sofia, always one step ahead, was not surprised by Christ's message. She was well aware of the Roy family's extensive influence and had anticipated that such a proposal might come her way.

Understanding the benefits of this alliance, Sofia didn't hesitate to agree. For her, this was not just about completing the mission—it was about leveraging every opportunity to strengthen her own position and secure the success of the task ahead.

With the decision made, Sofia and Christ prepared to unite their forces. This collaboration between their mercenary groups marked the beginning of a powerful, albeit cautious, alliance. Both leaders were known for their strategic minds and ruthless efficiency, and together, they were a force to be reckoned with.

As they set their plans into motion, each was acutely aware of the high stakes involved, but both were determined to see it through to the end. The mission was now not only a test of their skills but also of their ability to work together in the face of immense danger.

Sofia and Christ, each driven by their own motivations, found themselves aligned in their determination to take on this formidable challenge. Two days later, they set out on their journey, both fully aware that Death Valley was a place of legend and danger, where few dared to venture.

Their first step was a flight to Shanghai, a city teeming with life and energy, yet serving only as a brief stopover on their way to the unknown. The atmosphere between Sofia and Christ was charged with anticipation. Although they exchanged little conversation, there was a mutual understanding that this mission required them to be at their best, both mentally and physically.