Chapter 0001: The Tragedy of the Outpost

A generation of elite soldiers, rising from the border, overcoming adversity

"Bring the target over here," the captain commanded coldly

The undulating mountain ridges reveal a relatively flat open area on the mountainside, where a dazzling red flag flutters. Beside the red flag stands a cluster of low barracks—this is the outpost stationed at the ancient road along the northwestern border of Huaxia. Below the mountainside lies a canyon, and within a radius of several hundred miles, this is the only ancient road that connects east and west. In ancient times, this road was highly active, serving as a golden passage for smugglers. In today's peaceful era, it is desolate and uninhabited, with only this inconspicuous sentry silently guarding the ancient road, preventing any illegal crossings.

"Yes." A person beside shouted and turned to rush out.

The robust man stood approximately 1.85 meters tall, comparable in size to others, with the muzzle of his weapon pointed downward. He exuded a feral, violent aura, calmly scanning the room. His gaze landed on the flour on the cutting board that had not yet fully come together, and a trace of disdainful cold laughter flickered at the corner of his mouth. He removed his tactical sunglasses, revealing eyes as sharp as those of a hawk.

"Going home to farm, I suppose. I didn't learn much in the army, but I did gain a lot of strength, which is most suitable for farming." This was said casually by Zhuzi, yet a hint of bitterness flashed in his eyes. Who doesn't want to make a grand impact while serving in the military? Who is willing to return quietly and unnoticed?

The outpost on the ancient road has only one squad of personnel. Apart from the lookout stationed at the observation tower in the square, the others are all huddled in their rooms preparing dinner. The desolate outpost is devoid of human presence, and life here is exceedingly dull. Aside from cooking, keeping watch, patrolling, and entertaining themselves, the only remaining activities are counting ants and chasing wild rabbits. The soldiers assigned to the border outpost have largely lost their aspirations and hopes, merely waiting for their discharge to return home.

A cool breeze swept across the semi-deserted peaks, stirring up clouds of yellow sand, while withered grass rolled up into the sky. Dark clouds loomed overhead, and the temperature dropped sharply, adding a touch of desolation to this barren landscape. The first rain of autumn was imminent, and a few mountain eagles let out sharp cries, embodying defiance and pride, before soaring into the clouds, quickly disappearing from sight

Before everyone could rush out of the kitchen, a barrage of fierce bullets swept in from outside. The heavy curtains and glass windows were utterly incapable of stopping the onslaught of bullets, shattering into pieces in an instant. Following this, two grenades were thrown in, producing two earth-shattering explosions. Several soldiers in the kitchen fell into a pool of blood, with no one spared.

"It is the 95 model 5.8mm caliber automatic rifle," Squad Leader Wu Kai said, listening intently. Suddenly, his expression changed dramatically as he shouted, "Not good, it is our standard automatic rifle. There is a situation. Everyone, follow my orders, go through the back door, take up defensive positions, do not leave the barracks, and be cautious of snipers." As a veteran of the sentry post, Wu Kai had not participated in combat, but he had heard a lot of the experiences passed down through generations and keenly sensed that something was wrong.

"Where is the shooting?" Everyone was taken aback, hastily putting down their tasks and looking towards the squad leader, Wu Kai

At dusk, on the southwestern border of the country

A crisp gunshot rang out.

From the sound of the gunshot to the moment of being attacked and killed, it was merely two seconds. The several soldiers who were just laughing and chatting moments ago turned into corpses, all with their eyes wide open, unable to close them even in death

The smoke quickly dissipated, and a person dressed in a tiger-striped universal camouflage combat uniform entered. This combat uniform is claimed to have the best camouflage effect for mountain and jungle operations. The newcomer, with their body turned sideways and a thick layer of face paint, wore a steel helmet adorned with dried grass and branches, tactical sunglasses, and held an M16A4 automatic rifle at shoulder level, with their head lowered in a posture ready to fire at any moment, and was wearing blast-proof military boots

A head adorned with a grass ring emerged from an inconspicuous corner at the mountain peak, its cold gaze searching for something, the face smeared with paint wore an expression of indifference, a detachment from life and death. It quickly retreated, and after a short while, a SVD sniper rifle was drawn out, the scope fitted over the eyes to continue the observation, akin to a wolf concealed in the shadows watching its prey. Before long, this person withdrew again, and there was no further movement.

"Got it." A soldier who was tending to the fire casually responded, tossing a piece of firewood aside. He stood up, measuring nearly 1.8 meters in height, with a gaunt face and a sturdy build. His military uniform was very clean and well-pressed, and despite being at the distant border, the soldier's blood had not run cold.

Squad leader Wu Kai is a veteran from Hebei, known for his straightforward personality and sense of justice, earning the deep affection of his comrades. If he does not achieve anything significant, he will retire in six months. In this desolate wilderness, it is rare to even see a bird, so where could one find accomplishments? In the military, without merit, promotion is merely a luxury.

The person referred to as the captain had a flicker of doubt on his face, and a burst of energy emanated from every pore of his body as he exclaimed: "This is bad. According to reliable intelligence, there are a total of 10 people at this outpost, and one is still missing. It seems we need to adjust our plan to rest here for a night after taking the outpost. Inform the brothers to clean up the battlefield, replenish ammunition and supplies, and evacuate the scene immediately. Damn it, Ghost Hand, search the surroundings and see if we can find that person."

"Regardless of what it is, that is their private matter. Who doesn't have a few secrets? I warn you, if he is unwilling to speak, you should not pry indiscriminately, lest it lead to awkwardness for everyone. There is plenty of time ahead. If Brother Luo Zheng is willing to share, then let him. Zhuzi, you still have half a year left, right? What are your plans for when you return?" Class leader Wu Kai inquired.

Wu Kai said nothing further, and in the kitchen, everyone fell silent, each lost in their own thoughts.

"Squad leader, you still don't know Luo Zheng? Don't be fooled by the fact that he's a new recruit; when he gets serious, not even a wolf, but a tiger would have to retreat. He's quite formidable, isn't he? Could it be that he possesses the legendary ancestral martial arts?" said a soldier beside him with a cheerful smile.

Everyone responded in unison and rushed towards the back of the kitchen. The back of the kitchen was connected to the armory, and everyone usually kept their weapons close at hand. However, during meal times, the outpost had not experienced any incidents for several years, leading to a sense of complacency. While cooking, they had concentrated their weapons in one place, and this oversight cost everyone their lives

It is about to rain, this damned weather, why doesn't it rain gold? Haizi, you are the squad vice leader, go take a trip, bring a raincoat. Luo Zheng, that little brat, should be back soon. It's his first time going to the camp to collect supplies, don't get lost, or you'll be carried away by a wolf, and that would become the biggest joke of our Northwest Army. I can't afford to lose face like that. " Wu Kai said while kneading the dough, looking nothing like a squad leader, the highest commander of the outpost. He really doesn't look like a squad leader, the highest commander of the outpost.

Report, Captain: seven individuals have been killed, along with one sentry and one guard, totaling nine individuals, with no other suspicious findings. The most recent arrival, after inspecting the kitchen and backyard, immediately turned around to salute and report.

Two individuals followed this person, dressed similarly, kneeling on one leg, holding their guns at the ready as they quickly aimed to survey the situation inside the room. While speaking through their earpiece, they reported, "All clear, no suspicious findings," and slowly rose to their feet, taking two steps forward to open the door, allowing a burly and formidable man to enter.