Chapter Two: A New Mission Upon Return

"Captain, Captain. Please wake up, we're almost there."

Zhang Desen, who had been sound asleep, was roused by the adjutant at his side. Once awake, Zhang Desen stared blankly for a moment before asking, "Where are we?"

The adjutant replied, "Captain, did you dream about that day again? Have you forgotten? We're all on the flight back home right now. We'll be landing soon. The highest leader has already come personally to the airport to meet us. If we don't get ready, we might be running late."

At these words, Zhang Desen immediately snapped to attention. "Alright, let's get up right away. Is everything prepared?"

The adjutant responded, "Rest assured, Captain, everything has been taken care of for you."

"Good!"

Without delay, Zhang Desen began to wash up. While freshening up in the lavatory, he glanced out the window. Outside the cabin, the sky blazed with sunlight, not a cloud in sight—just like the clarity in Zhang Desen's heart. Yet, as he washed, his thoughts drifted back to that unforgettable day.

Back then, through tireless effort, Zhang Desen and his team, together with elite special forces from other nations, managed to break through to safety just before the explosion reached their position. Remembering the scene, Zhang Desen still found his heart racing. Had they moved even a moment slower, no one could predict what might have happened.

After confirming everyone's safety, they counted the numbers and found that, miraculously, none of the international special forces had been lost in the operation—everyone was present, though some bore minor wounds. It was nothing short of a miracle.

While tending to their wounded, the special forces from all countries rejoiced at their collective success and the fact that every life was spared. Laughter and cheers filled the air, and even the raging storm seemed affected, the downpour gradually easing.

Of course, not everyone was pleased with this outcome. The captured leader remained arrogant, cursing the special forces from every country.

Yet, no one took him seriously. In fact, his tirades seemed to fuel the team's joy; the more he spat his venom, the more exuberant the soldiers became.

Naturally, they did not allow him to carry on for long—his mouth was quickly silenced, and he was escorted back to the training base under heavy guard.

Upon returning to the joint international training base, the Celestial Empire's Flying Dragon Special Forces stood out for their achievements: they had been the first to locate and infiltrate the target base, and ultimately captured the enemy leader themselves. Their merit was unmatched, earning them the highest score in the competition.

Because of this, combined with their outstanding performance in the prior competitive drills, the Flying Dragon Special Forces secured the All-Round Champion Trophy for the international special forces joint training.

Although several months of training remained, the results were already beyond doubt.

The special forces from other nations did not hesitate to offer their congratulations to the Flying Dragon team, and no rifts arose from their loss.

Still, there was one thing that puzzled Captain Zhang Desen: not long after that day, team member Tang Shijie was suddenly summoned back to the homeland ahead of schedule, with no clear reason given.

As a professional soldier, however, Zhang Desen knew that obedience to orders was his paramount duty, and so he did not question it further.

Though the Flying Dragon team had one less member for the remaining months of training, they neither grew complacent from their guaranteed victory nor lost their composure due to the absence. Instead, they pressed on, embodying the true spirit of soldiers—humble in victory, unwavering in defeat—achieving even greater results and earning the respect and praise of their international peers.

Now, at last, they were coming home in glory.

...

"They're back!"

On the ground at the airport, a crowd of distinguished officials finally spotted the descending aircraft, their excitement erupting into cheers. Every one of them held high rank, whether as military leaders or political elites. The airport itself was a secret military facility, designated A001, just north of the capital.

Aboard the plane were the very special forces who, in the competitive joint exercises by the Amazon River, had triumphed over the world’s finest and claimed the all-around championship. Tears of gratitude filled their eyes.

On one hand, they had fulfilled their mission, overcoming adversity to defeat the elite soldiers of other nations and earning new respect for the Celestial Empire's special forces, bringing honor to their homeland. On the other hand, they were finally returning to their long-missed country and, even before landing, saw their leaders waiting to greet them, feeling the warmth and care of their nation.

Soon the plane touched down safely. As the cabin doors parted, these heroes emerged, with Captain Zhang Desen—strongest among the Flying Dragon Special Forces—leading the way.

Zhang Desen now bore the rank of Lieutenant General. Every member of the team held officer rank, the lowest being Captain; Zhang Desen’s was, of course, the highest.

He had once been fair-skinned, but the harsh sun of prolonged training had tanned his face—though it did not diminish his natural handsomeness and charisma. Only twenty-seven years old, nearly two meters tall, with a high-bridged nose and a square jaw often adorned with a smile—one that, to women, was especially captivating.

Now he marched his sixty-odd team members in perfect formation toward the supreme leader of the Celestial Empire.

As they halted before the nation’s highest authority, they snapped to attention and saluted, greeting the leader who had come in person to welcome them home.

Amidst a chorus of welcomes and blessings, the leader himself shook hands with Zhang Desen and his team, leading them to their specially arranged quarters.

Naturally, a celebratory banquet followed.

...

After the festivities, Captain Zhang Desen and his team had only two days to rest before diving back into new training regimens.

They understood that past glories were just that—past. Only through unrelenting effort and the constant pursuit of excellence could they continue to grow stronger.

Zhang Desen always remembered a line from "Romance of the Three Kingdoms": "The way of a general is to neither rejoice in victory nor grieve in defeat."

He agreed with this philosophy, but believed it should apply not only to generals, but to all soldiers. This was a lesson he often imparted to his men, though he would adapt the wording to fit his message.

He also remembered the warmth of that day when, upon their return, the supreme leader had personally escorted them to their quarters and expressed heartfelt concern for their well-being.

At the next day's celebration ceremony, their ranks were officially promoted—Zhang Desen now held the rank of General, with corresponding promotions for his team. That same day, they received the Hero's Medal—an immense honor—and were granted a brief holiday.

Though the leave was originally meant to be longer, at the team's unanimous request, it became only two days.

Today marked the beginning of new training.

The sun was harsh, the heat oppressive—standing still was enough to make one sweat profusely—yet nothing could deter the elite Flying Dragon team from their rigorous regimen.

They all shared one thought: to strive for the next success. Minor hardships could never defeat them.

After a morning of training, noon arrived, and the session ended promptly.

After lunch, just as they were preparing to rest, the military police suddenly appeared at their door.

Everyone was taken aback, as no one believed any rules had been broken, and they were eager to understand the unexpected visit.

The MP captain led the way, immediately inquiring, "Is Captain Zhang Desen here?"

Zhang Desen replied at once, "I am. What is the matter, comrades?"

The MP captain responded, "Captain Zhang Desen, I am Company Commander Li Chengzhi of the Military Police. I am here under orders from higher command. This is not a disciplinary matter—please do not misunderstand. You are requested to come with us immediately on an extremely important official matter."

After saluting, Commander Li delivered his message.

"Understood!" Zhang Desen answered without hesitation. He gave necessary instructions to the Flying Dragon team and then departed with Commander Li.

On the way, Li Chengzhi confided that this was a new mission, of the utmost secrecy, and that Zhang Desen must observe strict confidentiality—speaking to no one of it.

The details, he said, would only be revealed at the designated location.

Though Zhang Desen found this odd, he asked no further questions, believing that everything would become clear in due time.

Deep inside, he felt a surge of anticipation, for as a soldier, nothing thrilled him more than facing new challenges, fulfilling new missions, and realizing his value on the field of duty.