Animal Whisperer: Take Back My Life and Love Chapter 488: The Death Zone

"Currently, he is waiting for extraction. We need to get him safely back across the border immediately. Only when he returns can our operation proceed. We need to strike the enemy where it hurts."

Escorting an undercover agent home required crossing the treacherous Tripoint and vast stretches of no man's land.

"The organization has carefully evaluated this mission..."

Captain Simmons’s tone became exceptionally solemn. "We believe that you and your brother working as a team is the best choice."

The Tripoint region near Southeast Brasia was incredibly complex. It was a land of tropical rainforests, toxic miasmas, and predatory beasts. Beyond the natural dangers, there were the private militias of Roland and other criminal syndicates, along with minefields and intricate river systems.

"To an ordinary operative, the Tripoint is a death trap where every step could be your last. However," Simmons said, his voice reflecting absolute trust in Nancy’s abilities, "these obstacles are lethal for others, but for you, they provide a home field advantage. The snakes and beasts of the jungle can be your eyes and ears. You can use the power of nature to navigate the difficult terrain. The organization believes you can turn this land of death into a secret passage to bring our hero home."

Nancy nodded firmly. "I understand. You can count on me."

After hanging up, she immediately called Simon. He knew exactly what she was going to say before she even spoke.

"Nancy, we go together. As long as I am there, I will keep you safe."

That evening, Nancy packed her gear with clinical efficiency. Before leaving, she made a point to visit the animals at the zoo. When she reached the snow leopard enclosure, she saw a touching scene. Barry was with Star, playing with the young snow leopard. Despite the difference in their sizes, the dog and the leopard moved gently together. Barry was half-crouched, the lines of his face softening in the warm yellow light.

Nancy paused, watching them in silence for a long time. Barry seemed to sense her presence and turned his head. He could tell immediately that something was weighing on her mind. He did not pry. Instead, he reached out, took the snow leopard’s furry paw, and gently pressed the soft pad against Nancy’s forehead.

The snow leopard seemed to find this amusing. It tried to lift its other paw, clumsily reaching for Nancy’s cheek while letting out a comforting purr. The warm, soft touch on her forehead and the furry movement against her face melted away much of the heaviness in Nancy’s heart.

"What is wrong?" Barry asked softly.

Nancy took a deep breath and looked into his eyes. "I have to go away for a while on an important mission. It might be a long time before I return. While I am gone... I am leaving the zoo in your hands."

She smiled slightly. "I am officially appointing you as the acting director of Loren Zoo. You have full authority."

Barry did not ask for details. He gave her a long look and nodded. "Understood."

"I will hold down the fort. The zoo and I will both be waiting for you."

But he suspected he might not be able to wait for long.

…

The next morning, before the sun had fully risen, Nancy boarded a military transport plane bound for the southwest border. Hours later, the plane touched down at a hidden field hospital. A mud-splattered military SUV was waiting for her, and once she was inside, it plunged into the vast mountains.

As they drove further, the road became increasingly rugged. The vegetation outside grew thick and wild, shifting from temperate forests to the tangled roots of the tropical jungle. The air grew heavy with the scent of damp earth and greenery. The temperature climbed, and a stifling humidity began to seep into the cabin.

After several hours of jolting travel, the SUV slowed down and stopped in front of a hidden mountain hollow. Several low, camouflage-painted buildings were half-hidden among the dense trees, surrounded by observation towers and simple defensive works. This was the Southwest Border Outpost.

The outpost served as the forward tactical point for facing infiltration and illegal border crossings. It was also the base for the extraction mission.

"Nancy, follow me."

Simon had arrived early and led Nancy into the post. Nancy looked through a high-powered telescope and saw rolling mountains and jungles covered in dense greenery as far as the eye could reach.

Simon put down the telescope, his expression grim. "We are very close to the border line. Once we cross it, we are in the true gray zone."