Chapter 290

The team captains exchanged glances before reluctantly complying with Xavier Boone's request, sending text messages to the system number from their phones.

Lucy White tapped her screen, compressing and sending the audio file.

A soft ding signaled the delivery.

The captains eagerly hit play. As the recording's contents became clear, realization dawned on their faces.

"So that's how it is..." murmured a blond captain. "No wonder they wanted points in exchange."

Another captain ventured cautiously, "We heard you've already secured the second clue?"

Xavier's lips curved slightly. "Correct."

"Though the second one's trickier." He held up two fingers. "This much—two points."

The captains shared knowing looks.

"We also heard..." The first speaker lowered his voice. "You're selling the lab location and access method separately?"

Xavier and Lucy exchanged amused smiles.

So those two teams had leaked the information after all.

Though the base didn't openly guard the lab, surveillance was everywhere. Apart from Lucy, no one had managed to open that biometric door.

Those teams must've wasted their points failing to access it, then spitefully spread the news.

Perfect.

"True," Xavier confirmed readily. "This one's a bargain—just one point."

The captains visibly relaxed. "We'll take that!"

The second clue's authenticity was questionable—no sense being swindled.

Xavier produced a stack of pre-prepared notes from his backpack, distributing them methodically.

Other teams gaped.

Damn, this was premeditated!

Grumbling internally, they still completed the transactions through gritted teeth.

Better than wandering around clueless.

As the group prepared to leave, urgent knocking interrupted.

Finn Wallace opened the door to reveal base staff outside.

"Lieutenant Leo sent supplies," said the lanky lead man, offering a receipt. "Miss White's signature, please."

Lucy took the pen, signing with a flourish.

Crates of provisions followed—fresh produce, staples, poultry, even brand-new bedding.

The other teams stared, slack-jawed.

They'd nearly torn the island apart scavenging meals, while Team China lounged in luxury?

This wasn't a competition—it was a vacation!

Finn and the others barely suppressed smirks as they conspicuously arranged the bounty.

"Why's the base giving you so much?" someone finally blurted.

Finn jutted his chin proudly. "Because our Boss Lucy completed two S-rank missions!"

"Boss...Lucy?" Blank stares all around.

Finn pointed. "That's her—our Boss."

The other teams: "......"

What kind of title was that?

"Ahem, impressive..." they forced out, burning with curiosity. "What missions were worth this?"

As Finn hesitated, Lucy answered casually:

"Dr. Roland's biometric lock malfunctioned. I fixed it."

She shrugged. "Saved a few researchers too."

Skeptical but confronted with the evidence, they had to believe.

"Oh," Lucy added suddenly, "do you know the lab's location?"

Headshakes.

"Thirty-minute drive." She blinked innocently. "But without navigation..."

Watching their dismay, her smile sweetened:

"Funny—I happen to have spare maps..."

The other teams nearly choked.

This...was next-level entrepreneurship.