Chapter 579: Lagging Behind at Eighteenth
"He promised me, he would definitely return, but he did return, only it was his ashes that came back..." The woman was already unable to cry out.
In fact, when she chose to marry a man like this, she was already aware of the possibility.
Knowing that her man could very likely sacrifice his life.
But, when the day really comes, it is still very hard to accept.
That's why many women don't like dating soldiers.
The risk is too great.
No woman wants to stake her happiness on a man who might lose his life at any moment.
"Sister-in-law... please accept my condolences..."
"Sister-in-law, rest assured, we will take care of you and the children in the future!"
"..."
Everyone didn't know how to comfort the woman.
In fact, each of them was feeling very sad in their hearts.
After all, he was once their comrade-in-arms.
Knowing that a fellow comrade had sacrificed, who wouldn't feel sad?
Yet, the moment they donned their military uniforms, they understood.
Sacrifice is inevitable.
And for them.
It's not just a sacrifice, it is also the ultimate honor.
To lay down one's life for the country!
The woman dabbed at her tears, the sorrow in her eyes suddenly replaced by a deep sense of pride.
"Don't worry, I am also a soldier, and I am proud of him!"
As it turned out, No.9's wife.
Was once a soldier as well.
Looking at this woman, who endured the pain of loss and yet remained resolute and strong.
Everyone felt a surge of respect.
"Salute!"
No. 1 called out the command.
Everyone in the room raised their palms towards the woman in salute.
The woman smiled.
She smiled radiantly.
In this moment, the honor of a soldier transcended life and death, transcended everything!
Her husband may have died.
But he left behind an immortal loyal Soul.
"No.9, we wronged you. Have a peaceful journey! The nation will not forget you!"
"From now on, your wife is our wife, your child is our child, your family is our family!"
Though these words sounded odd.
Your wife is our wife.
But at that moment, no one felt that there was anything inappropriate.
Tears filled the woman's eyes.
Her man had sacrificed, and she didn't even know how.
Just an urn of ashes was handed to her.
There wasn't even a proper funeral.
But at least, there was still a group of people who remembered him.
The nation would not forget him either!
The woman left.
She left with a smile and everyone's respect.
But the atmosphere in the private room was somewhat stifling.
Especially for Su Chen, his brows deeply furrowed.
He began to doubt.
Doubt whether he should have rallied his former comrades.
As soldiers, to sacrifice is normal.
Especially for Special Soldiers.
They are always engaged in high-risk missions.
Never knowing which day they might die in the line of duty.
Or rather, they should have been indifferent to life and death long ago.
They could even face death with equanimity.
But when sacrifice is right in front of them.
It is still somewhat hard to accept.
Especially when it's one of their own comrades who has sacrificed.
Su Chen indeed wanted to rescue his former instructor.
But the danger of this rescue mission was simply too great.
Even he himself couldn't guarantee his safe return.
If these comrades joined the mission with him, without doubt, more would sacrifice.
Perhaps they were not afraid of sacrifice.
But Su Chen really did not want to lose any more comrades.
Su Chen suddenly stood up and said in a firm tone: "Brothers, I am happy and reassured that you're here today, but I ask you to withdraw from the mission. This time, I will go alone to rescue the instructor!"
"No.18, what are you talking about!"
"Yeah, you know how dangerous Heavenly is better than anyone else. Going alone is tantamount to seeking death!"
"Don't worry, we are not cowards afraid of death. If it weren't for the instructor imparting us so much knowledge, maybe I would have already died during a mission."
Hearing Su Chen's words, everyone became agitated.
Since they've come here, not a single one is afraid of death.
"Brothers, I understand how you feel, but don't forget your duty. You all carry a lot on your shoulders, you are the nation's ultimate weapons, the nation still needs you! And so do your families..."
Su Chen was telling the truth.
Although no one among these seventeen people present revealed their current identities.
He knew.
These weren't Ordinary People.
Each had a crucial role to play.
Losing just one would be a great loss to the nation.
If the mission was within Huaxia's borders, perhaps letting them join would be alright.
But this mission was outside of Huaxia's territory.
And they couldn't expect any support from the nation.
So he decided to give up the idea of involving them.
"Moreover, the instructor has fallen into their hands. If too many of us show up at once, the enemy might harm the instructor."
"If you really want to help me, be my support instead!"
"..."
Su Chen's eyes conveyed a plea.
He knew these hot-blooded men weren't so easily persuaded.
But he had to persuade them.
Having experienced the downfall of Reverse Dragon, he didn't want to see any more sacrifices.
This time, he was too hasty.
He should not have sounded the rallying call.
"No.1 has a point. Heavenly's influence is enormous. If we all enter at once, they will definitely notice. Then, the instructor's safety cannot be guaranteed. Even if we take action, we still need to ascertain the instructor's location first," No.1 mused.
He had the best performance back then; it remains true now.
"But we can't just watch him go to his death alone?"
No.1's gaze fell on Su Chen, as if trying to see through him.
Only after a long time did he let out a long breath and said: "Don't worry, today's No.18 is not the same No.18 who lagged behind in the past."
Su Chen felt a little shocked upon hearing this.
When No.1 looked at him just now, he truly felt like he was being seen through.
Could No.1 see through to his current strength?
Although No.1 indeed was the strongest among the eighteen back then.
But now, Su Chen could be certain, his strength is definitely the strongest among the eighteen.
"No.18, how confident are you of rescuing the instructor?" No.7 asked.
"One hundred percent!" Su Chen stated firmly.
Of course, it wasn't a hundred percent, not even fifty percent.
But it's Su Chen's habit.
Every mission, as long as it must be executed, he has a hundred percent confidence!