This was the simple and fulfilling life of a soldier, where at the higher echelons, Feng Yi might already be considered dead. They didn't entertain such thoughts and wouldn't ponder so much. All they knew was that after the legion commander left, the entire unit was taken over by Deputy Commander John. No outsider could intervene. Therefore, even if the legion commander was designated as alive, they wouldn't consider whether it was an illusion deliberately crafted by the higher-ups or an explanation to the public.

One day, all of a sudden, John received commands from Feng Yi. Through his unquestionable tone, John could almost feel the boundless rage within Feng Yi. The news from Feng Yi was the ultimate reassurance for John!

John decided to carry out the order immediately, excitedly summoning Apophis to execute this special Icebird cleanup operation.

Apophis clearly couldn't understand why at this critical juncture, they would assemble 1000 elite troops to go to that godforsaken place. "Colonel, shouldn't we be intensifying the consolidation of our limited strength at this time?"

Upon hearing this, John smiled with a deep and meaningful expression, asking Apophis to first take a seat, then quietly lighting a cigarette for himself and said, "It's your time to shine, don't worry, we have someone up top looking out for us." He gave Apophis a wink, which seemed like an understanding only men share.

At that instant, it was as if Apophis suddenly grasped something. Even though John hadn't said much, that look instantly injected Apophis with endless strength!

The legion commander, he... he was truly still alive.

That's right, despite his family elders' opposition, he resolutely refused to become a super soldier and instead chose to wait—for Feng Yi and his fiery fleet. He believed that one day he would prove his choice.

As a man, sometimes choice is indeed more important than effort. Apophis firmly believed that one day he would return to his homeland in glory, piloting his mecha, but he hadn't expected that this day would come so suddenly and so prematurely.

"No, I must personally select those 1000 elite soldiers." Apophis, who hadn't fully settled into his seat, sprang up and was out of sight in a flash...

Such an impatient young man, John hadn't even given him Feng Yi's communication number yet.

—

Back on Icebird Star, Feng Yi walked with a heavy tread back to Hugo's room. Looking at his somewhat despondent appearance, Feng Yi's voice was unspeakably profound, "What, planning to stay in this godforsaken place forever?"

"That's the reality, I'm tired of war."

"Huh, that doesn't sound like something he would say. Although I don't know much, the Hugo I know of was once the most loyal soldier of this realm. His soul, his convictions, were enough to make anyone feel inferior."

"What are you trying to say." Hugo's gaze gently shifted towards Feng Yi.

"Why give up on something that has been carried through for so long? Is it because of disability? I refuse to believe that a warrior of iron will would be defeated by disability. If I said that it might be possible to heal it, would he change his current mindset?"

Upon hearing this, a light flickered briefly in Hugo's eyes, but it was just for an instant before it dimmed down again... He shook his head in self-mockery, with a wry smile, his expression unaltered from before as he self-servingly picked up a bottle of beer, popped the lid, and started chugging it down. Unbeknownst to him, Hugo found that leaving the troops wasn't so bad after all.

Feng Yi did not interrupt Hugo, Instead, leaning against the window, he talked to himself, "Think about it, those soldiers still fighting bloodily on the frontline, whether officers or enlisted, known or unknown to us. Most of them carry a significance in battle far less than yours, yet they never concern themselves with their gains or losses. Why? Because they are soldiers, and war inevitably brings death and injury. Our ranks are never short of the wounded, but aside from sacrifices, what else can soldiers of the empire take away? Do we have more to lose?"

"What exactly are you trying to say? If there's nothing important, please leave. You're no longer welcome here." Hugo said, yet his body did not move to actually dismiss Feng Yi, because he found himself somewhat afraid to hear Feng Yi continue.

Feng Yi said, "Adversity often ignites a person's fighting spirit. I don't believe you're someone who gives in easily and drifts with the current. I'm only trying to convey one thing—compared to now, this isn't the life you yearn for. Your desired resting place is the battlefield, those days filled with roaring fire and gun smoke. Am I wrong?"

At last, Hugo fell silent, unable to answer Feng Yi's rhetorical question for a long time. He could feel his heart suddenly pounding—a long-missed warmth and impulse, an indescribable yet familiar sensation that he had often experienced in the past.

"I've experienced failure, anger, pursuit, and even surpassed others. I know I'm not good at confiding, but my understanding is no less than anyone else's. I, too, would weep hot tears for a fallen comrade or sink into sorrow over someone's departure because they mattered to me. Yes, perhaps even my time is running short. Until one day, I suddenly discovered that as long as I could continue on my path, I would find myself a step closer to the goal I'm chasing. Of course, regardless of whether your goal is good or bad, is crap or virtue, justice or evil, giving up is so inconsequential compared to everything you've ever held on to."

"Perhaps you're right, but with my current state, have you thought about what I can do if I go back? Continue wasting the nation's resources?" Sitting in his deformed wheelchair, Hugo's nails were practically digging into his flesh, his suppressed emotions clearly far more restless than they appeared on the surface.

"So this is the excuse for your evasion. You haven't done anything wrong. Failure isn't terrible, but refusing to confront your former self is. Although I don't have any right to criticize others, do you think constant evasion can really solve the problem? That's nothing more than a coward's act—think about your former comrades. Dovir has always seen you as a brother and a role model. What have you brought him? Have you considered Dovir's feelings or General Greedy Wolf's sentiments? Yes, you haven't let anyone down, but your departure will plunge those who care about you into endless sorrow."

Hugo's breathing grew heavier, and the act of drinking had ceased unknowingly, replaced by a face showing unfamiliar care. It was a gaze as if suddenly realizing something was lost. Even though he remained still, every cell of Hugo's soul was twitching slightly...

"But... but I've lost my legs?" Hugo asked, seemingly in eager anticipation of Feng Yi's next words.

"I told you before, your legs might heal. Although I can't guarantee complete success and I'm uncertain about the degree of recovery, functioning normally like an average person shouldn't be a problem."

A shockwave hit Hugo's heart, and the phrase "functioning normally like an average person" thundered through his mind. Even his body shook slightly in response as he transformed from a dejected middle-aged man into a sharp-eyed man. "What should we do next?" he asked.

"Leave this place."

"Looks like we can't get out," said Feng Yi, just as Eggy blurted out unexpectedly, sensing the lighter mood, "The goons from that gang have surrounded the door."

"You little rascal, why didn't you say so earlier?"

"I saw you two having a heart-to-heart, the atmosphere was just right. I didn't want to interrupt. I've already recorded and saved the video just now. Anyway, the trash outside can be taken care of by you personally."

Damn it! Feng Yi really wanted to smash that little annoying dinosaur. As he stepped outside, he looked around and realized that the area had been thoroughly encircled by the gang factions in the distance. They seemed to know Feng Yi had some strength and didn't rush to approach. Instead, it looked like they had set up a vast net around him, as if ignorant people can ascend the heavens, a herd unaware of a tiger's might!

(Feeling off-kilter, this chapter was a bit of a struggle to write. My head's been in a dizzy state for days, not sure if it's blood pressure, blood sugar, or something vascular. Just to let you know, I'm not entirely sure if I can maintain a steady update schedule.)

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