Strongest Soldier King

In the following three days, Luo Zheng stayed idly at the guesthouse, eating in the cafeteria when hungry and watching training sessions at the training ground when bored. He wasn't allowed to train there without permission, though activities like running that didn't interfere with the training were permissible.

Three days wasn't long, but it wasn't short either. Yet for Luo Zheng, each day felt like an eternity. His superiors had delayed their decision, leaving him in suspense. It was torturous. On the morning of the fourth day, a guard came running and said the commander had summoned him. Luo Zheng knew the results had come, and he sighed in relief. At least there'd be some resolution. He straightened his uniform and followed.

Arriving at the commander's office and saluting, Luo Zheng felt anxious as he faced the commander, worrying about the two-year agreement. If he were dismissed from the service, everything would be over.

"You seem nervous?" The commander was surprised and asked Luo Zheng.

Hearing this, Luo Zheng unintentionally relaxed a bit inside, and with a stern face, he replied, "Report, commander, no."

"Huh?" The commander looked at Luo Zheng doubtfully, not seeing the anxiety from before, and then smiled, "Don't be nervous, it's good news. I understand the details. You've done well and brought honor to our regiment. Sadly, this honor cannot be publicized, but I hope you understand."

"Understood, understood, commander. So, I'm not being discharged from the military?" Luo Zheng asked cautiously.

"Discharged from the military?" The commander, puzzled, repeated the question. Seeing Luo Zheng tense up again, he sternly scolded, "Who the devil told you that?"

"No, no, I guessed it myself." Luo Zheng didn't expect the commander to be so fierce, and he quickly laughed and explained, "Since the decision was delayed, I thought the military might discharge me."

"Did anyone actually tell you anything?" The commander pursued skeptically.

"Not at all," Luo Zheng hastily replied, certain.

"That's good then. Remember to keep your matter confidential. No matter who it is or when, do not reveal even a word. It's a military secret, understood?" The commander said, at ease again.

"Yes, it will rot in my stomach," Luo Zheng quickly replied. Military secrets were no joke. If leaked, it meant a military court and severe repercussions.

"Hmm. Regarding your matter, after study by the party committee and the organization, and approved by the general administration, we're awarding you a First-Class Merit once. This is the Merit Medal. Due to the need for confidentiality, we won't hold a ceremony, but the general administration entrusted me to give you the medal," the commander explained as he took out a box.

The box was opened, revealing a medal with the insignia of the Huaxia's military in the center and five large diamond points around it. When Luo Zheng saw the medal, he was stunned until the commander personally placed it around his neck. He then saluted solemnly, "Thank you, commander, thank you, the organization."

"Hmm, good, you deserve this," the commander smiled with satisfaction and handed Luo Zheng the box, reminding him, "You may show the Merit Medal, but not discuss the matter."

"Yes." Luo Zheng realized the gravity of the secrecy as the commander repeatedly insisted on it and readily agreed.

The commander had a look of admiration in his eyes, wanting to keep Luo Zheng close for further grooming, but regretting considering the order for specially convened training. Nonetheless, he said, "You've earned this reward, and the organization has decided to promote you to Sergeant. There are two options, and I'd like to hear your preference. One is to serve as the squad leader at the ancient path outpost; the other is to join the military district's training for three months, after which we'll decide based on the situation. Where would you like to go?" the commander earnestly asked.

Sergeant was a non-commissioned officer rank, just one step from Lieutenant. Advancing from a Second-Class Soldier to Sergeant required ascending through First-Class Soldier, Junior Corporal, and Sergeant ranks. Knowing he had been promoted several grades at once, Luo Zheng was overjoyed. Serving as squad leader at the ancient path outpost might lead to becoming a platoon leader, a promising future. But recalling the two-year agreement, Luo Zheng unhesitatingly said, "Report, commander, I want the training."

"The training is very tough, and it carries certain risks to your life. Even after it, you'll still be a common warrior," the commander cautioned gently, making one last effort.

Luo Zheng was aware of these facts. A Sergeant's rank didn't equate to a specific position. Being a squad leader at the outpost would have made him somewhat of an official, whereas, after the training, he'd still be a common warrior without any specific duties, merely holding the rank of Sergeant. Yet, his expression remained resolute as he stated, "Report, commander, I have thought it through."

"Alright, pack up; this afternoon I'll arrange for someone to take you to report there," the commander said regretfully.

"Yes." Luo Zheng happily agreed, his expression becoming somber as he softly asked, "Commander, what arrangement has been made for the brothers at the outpost?"

"They are heroes, martyrs. The organization awarded them a Second-Class Merit individually, and a Second-Class Merit collectively. Their remains have been cremated and handed over to their families. Rest easy, the organization will handle the aftermath properly, and we won't let our heroes shed blood and tears," the commander said gravely and earnestly.

"Yes," Luo Zheng relaxed, saluted, and left.

Returning to the guesthouse, Luo Zheng looked at the Merit Medal in his hand and the new non-commissioned officer uniform delivered by the guard, feeling as if he were dreaming. He hadn't imagined that in his lifetime, he'd become a non-commissioned officer, let alone a Sergeant. Even if he returned like this, he'd be worthy of his family. Suddenly, a beautiful image flashed in his mind, and his expression hardened as he thought, "The two-year agreement, I must become stronger."

After lunch, the driver came to pick him up, and as they left the regiment headquarters, the guard said with envy, "Brother, yesterday you were just a Second-Class Soldier, today you're a non-commissioned officer. It took me three years to reach non-commissioned officer rank; you did it in one day. It really is a case of 'some guys have all the luck.'

"You flatter me," Luo Zheng didn't want to delve into this matter, fearing it might lead to revealing too much inadvertently.

Noticing Luo Zheng's reluctance to discuss it further, the guard tactfully changed the subject, "Brother, this training in the military district attracts elite soldiers from various units. Those who pass remain; those who don't return to their units. Push hard, brother. I've heard that those who pass might have a chance to join the Special Forces. Not to hide it from you, my greatest wish in life has been to join the Special Forces, but unfortunately, it's not meant to be. But if you make it into the Special Forces, you must treat me to a drink and let me rejoice with you. Then I can also proudly say that I was the one who took you there."

"Certainly." Luo Zheng, hearing of the opportunity to join the Special Forces, thought of Lan Xue and became filled with longing. The saying in the military went, 'If you're a soldier, strive to be in the Special Forces.' As a warrior, Luo Zheng also deeply desired this. Although he initially thought his chance was lost once he went to the ancient path outpost, now with the opportunity before him, he clenched his fists and silently vowed.