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The first to notice the abnormal deaths among the cattle was the Biochemical Unit. The first to initiate an investigation into the matter was also the Biochemical Unit. Naturally, the ones who understood the objectives of the operation best would only be the Biochemical Unit.

Lucien, representing the Biochemical Unit, was the only one who could answer the questions raised by Long Zhan.

"Based on the intelligence we've gathered, they've already evacuated all the scientists and imposed military-grade lockdowns there. Judging by all aspects, it's impossible for anyone else to be inside the hospital," Lucien explained with sound logic, leaving no gaps in reasoning. The expressions on everyone's faces made it clear they believed his conclusions.

"Alright, since you've put it that way, I can only hope your assumptions are correct," Long Zhan shrugged, ceasing further argument.

Even though Long Zhan knew Lucien's assumptions were wrong, he couldn't blurt out something absurd like, "I've seen it on TV plots and am certain there are not only guards but also civilians inside," just to convince everyone.

"Any other questions?" Jason asked again. The group's silence signified unanimous agreement that there were no further concerns.

"OK, since there are no questions, everyone, go get ready," Commander Alric clapped his hands to draw the attention of Team B members, specifically reminding them, "This is a CBRN mission. Don't mess up your gear. Meet at the airport in one hour."

(CBRN stands for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear, signifying high-risk biochemical missions.)

Team B's official members each had their exclusive "Iron Cage," which served as a personal storage room for equipment and supplies, typically measuring around 3 meters by 3 meters.

To ensure quick deployment during missions, every Team B member had gear packages pre-prepared for specific operations like VBSS (Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure), CBRN, HVT (High-Value Target), CT (Counter-Terrorism), and SR (Special Reconnaissance).

For regular special forces like the Navy SEALs, an individual soldier might have one set of exclusive combat gear, with additional equipment only available as needed during operations.

After all, specialized combat gear is expensive, with the most basic set costing $200,000–300,000. With the SEALs numbering in the thousands, providing each member with a personal set amounts to an astronomical expense.

Being a typical special forces unit, the SEALs don't enjoy a particularly generous budget. Their gear must be versatile enough to adapt to various operational environments to minimize costs.

However, the situation is entirely different for DG's Tier 1 operators.

As part of the U.S.'s most elite Tier 1 Marine combat force, it's normal for official DG members to possess seven or eight, even up to a dozen, pre-packed equipment sets for different missions.

The equipment is pre-sorted into packages, ready to be deployed for specific operations, saving time. Each operator's storage room is worth millions of dollars.

That's DEVGRU—luxurious and unapologetically so.

Moreover, if there are additional needs for gear or weapons beyond the pre-packed equipment, operators can communicate with the armory and logistics officers, who will try their best to accommodate the requests.

Such privileges are unimaginable for units outside the U.S. Tier 1 forces.

Team B members returned to their private storage rooms to retrieve their CBRN combat gear packages and high-altitude HAHO (High Altitude, High Opening) parachute systems.

The gear was then brought to the hall's storage area, where the logistics team handled its transportation to the airport for loading.

Long Zhan, however, was not yet an official member of Team B, so he lacked the enviable "Iron Cage" and still had to temporarily source his equipment.

This didn't trouble Long Zhan at all. Instead, he used the opportunity to "bond" with Diaz.

Claiming he needed a set of combat gear and offering his strength in exchange for some help, Long Zhan tagged along as Diaz's assistant. In doing so, he also took the chance to explore the "logistical world" of the Red Team as a newcomer, uncovering its secrets.

Turning every unfavorable situation into an advantage was central to Long Zhan's philosophy of time management.

An hour quickly passed.

Everyone gathered at the airport, boarding the familiar C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft.

Long Zhan was not one for flashy gimmicks. He preferred efficiency and reliability, whether in combat or equipment. Unless absolutely necessary, he rarely switched weapon models.

As such, his choice of combat gear this time was almost identical to his setup for the previous HVT mission.

He carried the MK46 Mod 0 light machine gun paired with a medical system.

The only addition was a set of protective gear: the XRT Ensemble Level 3 Protective System from Blauer, a comprehensive setup including a suit, trousers, and a mask, ensuring he was unaffected even if toxic gases lingered in the hospital.

This was essential for CBRN missions.

Given that the mission involved HAHO tactics—high-altitude jumps with precise high-opening deployments to specific locations—Long Zhan also carried an additional high-altitude parachute system: the RA-1 Airborne Tactical Parachute System.

This rectangular parachute, similar in performance to an aircraft wing, is referred to as a specialized ram-air canopy in the industry.

Priced at tens of thousands of dollars, it was worth nearly a year's salary for Long Zhan.

Thankfully, while expensive, it was highly effective.

Its unique aerodynamic design and structure made it easier to control in the air, allowing for precise landings.

At the extreme altitude for high-altitude, high-opening jumps—9,000 meters—the RA-1 system enabled parachutists to glide up to 80 kilometers, essentially turning parachuting into an aerial flight.

With this system, Team B could easily glide from Iraq into Syria.

Equipped with GPS, altimeters, and oxygen systems, the RA-1 required no additional purchases, making it a complete package.