Four days later, the fleet finally arrived at its destination—Mindanao.
Zamboanga!
As the ship approached the ruined city, the officers and soldiers wore complicated expressions. A month ago, bombing and shelling had left Zamboanga in ruins. Now, citizens were slowly returning.
A few hours later, the troops began to disembark. Lin Mingshan's family lived near the port. As the security forces came ashore, he spotted them, eyes widening in disbelief. Suddenly, he ran over, shouting excitedly,
"You're here! You're really here!"
Even without seeing a flag, the language and appearance of the soldiers could not be faked.
Soon, the area near the port was packed with civilians who had rushed from the city, bringing their children and surrounding the soldiers. Though the troops were strangers, the people treated them like long-lost kin.
