Captain Chen Dafeng of the Special Operations Team: Ready for Action!

"Sacrifice in times of crisis doesn't truly move the heart. But a savior who emerges in the face of danger shines brighter than anything else.

This isn't a flaw in human nature; it's simply how people are.

Jiang Xiaoci's strategy was meticulous. Initially, she disagreed with Mike directly deploying troops to the city center's gathering place. Her main concern was that such an aggressive response would damage the halo around the commander's identity, inadvertently playing into the enemy's hands and adding confusion to the situation. After all, the national government was known for preferring defensive tactics, and to launch an offensive without sufficient provocation could be seen as too extreme, possibly losing the support of the public. If they failed, it would be a disgrace; if they won, people might still perceive Mike as someone too quick to anger and too hasty to deploy forces.

But now, Jiang Xiaoci had no hesitation. With the enemy ready to send armed forces to abduct civilians—potentially causing harm—this was the perfect moment for Mike to act. His commander status could be reinforced through the actions that followed: If they succeeded, it would show Mike's protection of the people; if they failed, it would portray him as a martyr, sacrificing for the good of all. Either way, Mike would emerge as a hero.

Jiang Xiaoci was always careful with Mike's position, shaping every decision to ensure he looked like a man of righteousness, framing each move with a sense of greater purpose. Of course, she didn't think Mike would fail. Even though the enemy's combat tactics were still unclear, she was confident that strategy and intelligence would always defeat brute force.

"What if they hold the civilians hostage?" Mike suddenly asked. Given the enemy's desperation, this scenario seemed likely. What if they couldn't abduct people back to the city center and instead decided to kill them on the spot?

Jiang Xiaoci's tone remained calm: "In times of chaos, some will die. We are not gods, we cannot save everyone. We can only do our best."

Mike fell silent for a moment, then sighed deeply. "I understand. Do what you need to do."

Mike realized that, perhaps because he had just received his commander position, he had grown a bit too confident and idealistic, expecting perfection. He had the national will to back him, but it wasn't always going to work out perfectly. Sometimes, decisiveness meant sacrifices.

"But I will do everything I can to ensure the safety of as many as possible."

Jiang Xiaoci's voice softened with a hint of affection. "After all, you love the people, and so do I."

Mike froze for a moment. He wasn't moved by her words, but something about it struck him—Did she mean she would go to any length to save people, even at great military cost? He knew if this were Lin Yue, she would be willing to make that sacrifice, but Jiang Xiaoci wouldn't. She was far too calculating to make such blunt losses.

Mike didn't ask further. He could tell Jiang Xiaoci had much to handle and didn't want to drag her into explaining every detail. Instead, he sat back and connected with Lin Yue, who was currently commanding the rescue team of 10,000 soldiers on the front lines.

"Lin Yue, did Jiang Xiaoci stop you from leading the team to the city center?" Mike asked, his voice filling the communication link.

Lin Yue, absorbed in monitoring the rescue teams on the citywide holographic map, brightened at the sound of Mike's voice, then sighed softly. "Yes, sir. Miss Jiang refused my offer to lead, and asked me to stay back."

In times of war, the best soldiers always long to prove their worth on the battlefield. Lin Yue didn't mind the rescue work but was eager to face the enemy directly.

"She arranged for Qin Dashan to lead the team. I was left behind," Lin Yue explained. Qin Dashan, an S-level general, was exceptionally skilled, both in military tactics and in combat prowess. Unlike Wang Shi, who possessed futuristic tech modules, Qin Dashan excelled in strategy and was a natural field commander.

"Qin Dashan... that seems appropriate," Mike mused. "What about Wang Meng? What's he up to?"

Wang Meng, another S-level general, was more adept in direct combat. His expertise lay in close-quarters and ambush tactics, making him the best frontline commander. Without a doubt, Mike knew Wang Meng was one of his most valuable assets.

"Wang Meng is still in the rear, overseeing this district," Lin Yue replied, pointing to the dense cluster of blue dots on the holographic map.

Mike was puzzled. "He's in the rear? But we're heading to battle... why leave your best combat commander behind?"

He understood why Jiang Xiaoci didn't want Lin Yue on the frontlines. Lin Yue was Mike's most trusted asset, and her administrative rank was just below Jiang Xiaoci's. But Wang Meng? Mike couldn't figure that out.

"Something's off... Jiang Xiaoci has other plans!" Mike's realization hit him suddenly. He motioned to Lin Yue to zoom in on the map: "Check the situation at the Little White Bear gathering place. What's their mission right now?"

"Little White Bear?" Lin Yue quickly located the symbol on the map. A few green dots flickered, indicating some scattered activity. These were likely combat-ready survivors.

"Their task is to assist with our rescue efforts and manage the survivors in their own gathering place. They've been given fewer resources to avoid direct involvement," Lin Yue clarified.

Mike raised an eyebrow. "What about Chen Dafeng?"

Lin Yue hesitated. "I don't know. Miss Jiang said his status is unique and hard to manage, so he was only assigned to a special operations team, where he can decide when to join the rescue efforts. She didn't want to force him."

"Not manage him? She can't be serious!" Mike's frustration grew. "Chen Dafeng is the strongest survivor in the city! Jiang Xiaoci must be planning something."

Mike's realization was swift: "The problem lies with Chen Dafeng!" Jiang Xiaoci had orchestrated this all along, setting him up as a pawn.

"This poor guy... Jiang Xiaoci is going to use him as a weapon!" Mike concluded with a grim smile.