Volume One: Mutation Chapter Twelve: Major General

The power of the nation is immense. Even by today’s standards, the scale of such a colossal project is astonishing; to achieve such progress in so short a time leaves one awestruck.

Soon, the helicopter squadron found an empty apron and landed. As soon as they disembarked, a squad of soldiers in immaculate uniforms approached. Their leader was a middle-aged officer whose hair was half gray. Liu Cong had no knowledge of military ranks and could not discern his status, though he supposed it must not be low.

Chang Jian led his team forward and saluted crisply, “Sir! The No. 3 helicopter squadron from Huainan Military District has successfully escorted the military supplies. Awaiting instructions!”

“Good work. You’ve had a tough journey—go rest for now. We’ll take care of unloading the supplies,” the middle-aged officer said, patting Chang Jian’s shoulder. “Xiao Liu, take them downstairs and arrange a place for them to rest.”

“Yes, General!”

General! Liu Cong was secretly amazed. This was his first time meeting someone of such high rank.

After settling Chang Jian and his men, the general finally turned to Liu Cong, his expression grave as he asked in a deep voice, “You are Liu Cong?”

“Greetings, Sir. I am Liu Cong,” Liu Cong replied earnestly, saluting.

The next moment, the middle-aged officer solemnly returned the salute.

“My name is Zhang Chu. I thank you for saving our soldiers twice, and for your willingness to serve our country.”

Liu Cong replied with equal seriousness, “Sir, there’s no need for thanks. It’s what I ought to do.”

Liu Cong’s deeds had already spread among the upper echelons of the military. Though they had watched the videos dozens of times, Zhang Chu was meeting him in person for the first time. Liu Cong’s honest and reserved demeanor contrasted sharply with his presence in the videos, prompting Zhang Chu to laugh heartily.

“Young man, you’re talented and have a fine character. Our military needs people like you!”

“Sir, please don’t praise me. I just did what needed to be done—anyone else would have done the same,” Liu Cong replied, his reserve softened by Zhang Chu’s infectious smile.

“All right, let’s dispense with the formalities. Come with me; there’s someone else who wants to meet you,” Zhang Chu said, patting Liu Cong’s shoulder and motioning for him to follow.

Curious about whom he was to meet, Liu Cong nonetheless followed without asking further.

Along the way, soldiers greeted Zhang Chu, their eyes filled with curiosity as they glanced at Liu Cong walking behind the general. After all, such a handsome face was rare in the ranks.

They walked a considerable distance across the wide dam before Zhang Chu led Liu Cong down a staircase into the structure. After traversing a long corridor, they arrived at a heavily guarded area, lined with several closed doors.

Zhang Chu pushed open one of the doors and led Liu Cong inside.

The room was filled with unfamiliar equipment, and the densely packed monitors gave it the air of a scene from a science fiction film.

Below the monitors, several female soldiers were analyzing and recording data. When Zhang Chu entered, they stood and saluted.

“Is the commander online? Connect me to the commander,” Zhang Chu said, pulling Liu Cong to sit at the conference table, directly facing a blank monitor with a camera beneath it.

Soon, the video connected. The screen lit up, revealing an elderly man with white hair and a kindly face.

Liu Cong stood with Zhang Chu and saluted.

“Commander, this is Liu Cong.”

“Liu Cong, is it? I’ve wanted to meet you for a long time,” the elderly man said with a smile. “Lately, you’ve been the topic of our conversations more than anyone. Among us old men, you’re quite the celebrity.”

“Commander, I only did what was necessary,” Liu Cong replied, slightly embarrassed.

“The situation is grave now. Every soldier’s life is precious. You possess extraordinary abilities, but still braved unknown dangers to save our men—that courage is rare. Such spirit must be promoted and rewarded. I’ve heard you wish to serve the nation; let me ask you directly—is that true?” The commander’s expression turned serious.

“Commander, with disaster upon us, if the motherland needs me, I am willing to serve,” Liu Cong answered solemnly, meeting the gaze of the elder on the screen.

“Excellent! Now, let me ask you: to what extent can you use your abilities?”

Liu Cong understood this was a question about his power. After some thought, he replied, “At present, I can handle smaller monsters. I haven’t faced larger ones yet, so I’m not certain.”

“And in the future?” The commander picked up on his implication.

“Give me enough time, and I can wipe them all out,” Liu Cong said firmly.

He was not speaking lightly. The Black and White Divine Sword was constantly strengthening his body; the stronger his physique, the greater the power he could withstand. As long as he operated below his body’s threshold, his energy was inexhaustible—like a machine gun with endless ammunition, provided it could handle the strain.

“Very well! We’ve decided to grant you the rank of Major General, directly under our command and not subject to anyone else’s orders. When on missions, you’ll automatically serve as the local wartime special operations commander and may assist in combat. Given the extraordinary circumstances, the ceremony will be postponed; your rank will be issued by Comrade Zhang Chu. From now on, you’ll communicate directly with me. Is that clear?”

Everyone present was stunned. To be promoted straight to Major General—an achievement many could never reach in a lifetime. According to his ID, Liu Cong was only twenty-three; so young, and already a Major General. His military path would be smooth indeed.

But merit must be rewarded. With such abilities, no one would begrudge him.

Liu Cong felt relieved—not for the rank, but because he feared joining the army would mean losing his freedom. Having tasted the joy of unfettered flight, he couldn’t bear to be micromanaged. Learning he wouldn’t be subject to others’ orders eased his mind.

He only wanted to fight on the battlefield, not be told by anyone when and where to fight.

“Understood, Commander!”

After a few more instructions, the video call ended.

“Congratulations, young man—so young and already a Major General. In a few years, you’ll probably surpass me!” Zhang Chu said with a smile.

“Uncle Zhang, please don’t tease me. My only skill is dealing with these monsters; I’m useless otherwise,” Liu Cong replied, rubbing his nose.

“Killing monsters is good enough. If I had your abilities, I would have had a field day, but my body can’t keep up anymore. It’s good to be young!”

“Uncle Zhang, you’re not old yet—you’re still young!”

“Haha! You rascal, I bet you’ve used that silver tongue to charm many girls.”

“Actually, no, Brother Zhang. I have two friends whose fate I don’t know—whether they’re alive or dead. Can you help me check if they’re in the safety zone?”

“I’ll look into it for you, but it may take some time.”

...

Three days later.

Liu Cong lay atop the dam, basking in the sunlight as energy coursed through his body. A soldier ran up below, “Sir, Commander Zhang requests your presence. He says it’s urgent.”

Liu Cong sat up and leapt down, “Understood, I’m on my way.”

A swift figure darted across the dam—by now a common sight on G15, so much so that people no longer found it strange.

“Uncle Zhang, what’s the matter?” Liu Cong pushed open the door and found Zhang Chu deep in thought, his brows furrowed.

“Come, look at these images.”

On the monitor beside him, several gigantic wolves were running. Captured by a high-altitude drone, each wolf was ten meters long and five meters tall.

Such size could only be described as monstrous.

After the disaster, animals infected by the black water not only grew enormous but their bodies became much stronger, with greatly increased resistance to injury. Ordinary firearms were almost useless against them.

“These mutant wolves are heading toward a small human settlement. Many were relocated westward days ago, but there are still over a hundred civilians remaining, with only a handful of defenders.”

Zhang Chu spoke gravely, “We are the closest military district, but sending troops now would be too late.”

“They need your help—only you can save them.”

“Brother Zhang, tell me the location,” Liu Cong said without hesitation, urgency leaving no room for delay.

“Excellent!” Zhang Chu was visibly relieved, handing Liu Cong a wristwatch.

“Wear this—it can receive our signals. I’ll mark the location on it.”

Liu Cong took the watch and strapped it on; the futuristic device resembled a miniature computer, displaying a radar sweep across its screen.