A quarter of an hour later, everyone arrived at the headquarters and quickly got out of the car. The entire team stood in formation, waiting for instructions from their leaders.
Just then, everyone saw Tang Xinyi step out of Fan Tianlei's car.
Li Erniu whispered, quite puzzled, "Is Instructor Xiao Tang going with us?"
"How would we know?" Wang Yanbing replied hesitantly.
Qin Feng sternly reprimanded in a low voice, "No discussing in formation. Be careful you don't get chewed out."
Fan Tianlei and Tang Xinyi stood together at the front of the formation, quietly awaiting the arrival of the leader and their briefing.
Not long after, the commander of the Wolf Fang Special Forces Brigade emerged.
"Attention!" At the command, everyone turned in unison and saluted the commander.
After the salute, it was the commander He Zhijun's turn to speak and issue instructions.
In everyone's eyes, Commander He Zhijun was a formidable, towering soldier with sharp eyes. The moment he appeared, no one dared to breathe loudly.
He Zhijun scanned the group before him and couldn't help but feel puzzled. "Normally, it should be the veteran soldiers sent on missions. What's going on this time?"
"Why are they all new recruits? Didn't I tell you to pick the best?" He Zhijun asked Fan Tianlei with confusion, his tone turning into an interrogation. This mission was no child's play; it was a very tricky case. He needed elite soldiers, and Fan Tianlei's actions were bordering on insubordination.
"Yes, they are the best," Fan Tianlei responded earnestly to He Zhijun's doubts, and he truly believed his men were the best.
He Zhijun looked at Fan Tianlei very seriously and reiterated, "You must understand the seriousness of this matter. I'm not asking you to train new recruits. If the mission fails, you'll be court-martialed."
"Yes, I understand!" Fan Tianlei understood the gravity of the situation, but he also had great confidence in his men, believing they wouldn't disappoint him. "Number One, they are indeed the best, and I will take responsibility for my decision."
He Zhijun still hesitated and frowned at Fan Tianlei's repeated affirmation and guarantee about his soldiers.
However, after a few seconds, He Zhijun made his decision. "Since you are responsible for this matter, I trust your judgment."
Fan Tianlei's face immediately broke into a smile upon hearing He Zhijun's words.
At this moment, He Zhijun's gaze fell on Tang Xinyi standing beside them, and he asked with some confusion, "Director Tang, what are you doing here?"
"Report, Commander!" Tang Xinyi immediately explained, "Chief of Staff Comrade wished for me to participate in this operation. I have reported to the military region's leaders and received approval."
Tang Xinyi briefly explained her purpose for being there, specifically emphasizing that she had sought permission from the leaders and had been granted approval.
After hearing Tang Xinyi's explanation, He Zhijun said no more. He directly addressed everyone and stated:
"Comrades, we have just received an urgent order from headquarters. The leader of a certain international terrorist organization is about to enter our country. Police intelligence indicates that they may be planning terrorist activities within our borders. Combating terrorism is our solemn responsibility as soldiers. Relevant departments have initiated a joint counter-terrorism emergency plan, and we are part of that plan."
After briefly explaining the situation, He Zhijun turned on the projector. A photograph of a middle-aged man with a ferocious face and curly hair appeared on the screen behind him.
He Zhijun pointed at the person in the photograph and explained, "He is known as Octopus. His real name is unknown, and he is between thirty-five and forty years old. He is the leader of the Asian Black Special Action Team, with close ties to many foreign terrorist organizations. He has previously organized terrorist activities against our tourists and expatriate personnel abroad. Our public security organs and Interpol have pursued him multiple times. He is a murderer, steeped in sin. Intelligence indicates he will be entering the country tomorrow by flight. We do not yet know what kind of terrorist activities he plans to organize."
After introducing the individual, He Zhijun clicked the projector remote. A map of Canghai City appeared on the screen. He Zhijun turned and used the red laser pointer to indicate the possible locations where Octopus might appear on the map.
"This is a map of Canghai City. The terrain of Canghai City is very complex. The urban area faces the sea on one side and is surrounded by mountains on three sides. Intelligence suggests Octopus has already established a base near Canghai City, planted insiders, and dispatched a large number of terrorists into the country. Our mission is to cooperate with local public security organs to track and reconnoiter Octopus. Once his lair is discovered, we will launch a surprise operation to completely destroy this secret terrorist nest within our borders."
After explaining these details, He Zhijun surveyed everyone, awaiting their response.
When no one responded, He Zhijun added, "Comrades, this Octopus is no simple character. He has been involved in terrorist activities for many years, operating across multiple countries without harm. A significant portion of his subordinates are former special forces veterans from foreign armies, and they are equipped with sophisticated weapons. In other words, this is a real battle. The specific operations will be arranged by the Chief of Staff."
Fan Tianlei nodded upon hearing this, indicating his understanding.
"You are all newcomers. Here, I have only one requirement: all actions must be subject to command," He Zhijun stated solemnly as a final reminder to everyone.
After speaking, He Zhijun looked at the group and asked loudly, "Young men, are you ready?"
"Always ready!" the group responded loudly.
"The operation codename is 'Black Fist.' From the codename, you should understand that this is a highly classified black box operation. I hope you will remember the secrecy discipline," He Zhijun instructed at the end. "That is all from me."
After confirming that everyone had no issues, He Zhijun stood at attention, saluted the group, and then turned to leave.
At the same moment, Fan Tianlei immediately ordered, "Salute!" "Dismissed!"
After He Zhijun's figure disappeared, Fan Tianlei immediately walked to the front of the group and looked at everyone present. "Out of seventy-eight potential candidates from the entire military region, only twelve of you remain. I believe you are the best. You each have your strengths and have undergone extensive training. Now I ask you one question: is there anyone who wishes to withdraw?"
Upon hearing this, the entire group fell silent.
Seeing this, Fan Tianlei said sternly again, "If you falter after entering this door, you will face battlefield discipline. Don't blame me for not showing mercy then. I will ask one last time: is there anyone who wishes to withdraw? You have ten seconds to answer."
Just then, Li Erniu suddenly spoke, "Report!"
Hearing this, Fan Tianlei sharply said, "Those who wish to withdraw, stand outside the door!"
"No!" Li Erniu immediately explained upon hearing Fan Tianlei's words, "I was wondering if I could call my wife."