Chapter 446

After Leitao successfully destroyed the Japanese Army supply depot, the roar of engines in the distance grew increasingly distinct—the Japanese Army reinforcements were closing in. He made a split-second decision and quickly turned to dive into the jungle. Before he had run far, a gust of wind swept over him, thick with pungent smoke and the nauseating, stinging odor of mustard gas. Leitao’s pupils contracted sharply; he realized immediately that the detonated ammunition had hidden mustard gas shells inside. It was too late to retrieve his gas mask, so he quickly tore off his sleeve to cover his nose and mouth, held his breath, and sprinted toward the windward side. His lungs ached from the effort of holding his breath, but he dared not pause for a single second; every moment spent in this area increased the risk of poisoning. Scanning his surroundings as he ran, he spotted a steep rock face to his left, dense with shrubs growing near the top. An idea struck him. He dashed toward the cliff, clawing his way up with both hands and feet.