If one embraced the resolve to die, then what task could truly be called impossible? For instance, take a few men, strap explosives to their bodies, and charge forward detonating themselves. Their lives would be lost, but as long as the forest was blown apart, the mission would be fulfilled.
The higher-ups had not spoken this directly, but the meaning behind their orders was exactly that.
The mission had always been perilous, but not unachievable. It only depended on the resolve one carried when carrying it out. This time, nearly every member of the squad had left with the determination to die, including Brother Zhang.
To be frank, sacrificing the elite soldiers of the old world—who had become ordinary men after the apocalypse—in exchange for long-lasting peace at the base, was not as hard of a decision as one might think.
Yet humans cling to life. It was at this moment that Lan Jin and her three companions appeared. Their powers were so formidable, surpassing even those of the strongest ability users in the base, that Brother Zhang's heart was immediately moved. Thus, he invited Lan Jin and the others to join the mission.
Of course, the rewards were real. That was unquestionable. After all, if any of the team did return alive, and there was nothing given to them, would they not cause trouble within the base? Even if the mission was a suicide mission, what if one or two managed to survive? Naturally, the rewards had to be genuine.
No one expected that Lan Jin and her group would actually take the bait and agree to go. Nor did anyone expect that, just as Brother Zhang had hoped, despite accidents along the way, the mission was carried out flawlessly.
Some soldiers died, yes, but it was far better than losing the entire squad in a bloodbath.
However, when it came to the very last step, the mission fell just short of complete success.
…
But was it truly a failure at the final step?
If it had been Lan Jin, she would have said that last incident was not a failure but a turning point. After all, the base had issued strict orders forbidding anyone from using any means to obtain powers. Yet if it was an accident...
Then it no longer had anything to do with them.
Brother Zhang being scratched in that moment could also be explained this way. If one thought more carefully, was it really just madness that led someone to scratch Brother Zhang?
Perhaps that strike had been intentional.
Regardless, Brother Zhang's wish had been granted. His squad not only survived but also had the possibility of gaining powers.
That was why, when the squad learned they had been scratched by the plants that could bestow abilities, no one panicked or argued. Instead, their voices carried a faint, barely concealed excitement.
Lan Jin finally understood what they were truly excited about.
…
Of course, Brother Li explained many things, but he certainly did not explain them with full clarity. Some things were better left unsaid, a silent understanding shared by all.
Even so, in his own heart, Brother Li thought the squad led by Brother Zhang had been very lucky.
After breakfast, Brother Li said, "I remember that before leaving, Brother Zhang extended your capsule dormitory stay. You should return and rest first. Even if you are going to fall into madness, it should still take some time. We will wait until Brother Zhang comes out before making further decisions. Also, during this period, I must ask you not to leave the base."
"Alright," Lan Jin and the others agreed.
Then Huang Jinghe asked, "A few days ago, I contacted the Capital city base. Has there been any reply? Or can I make another call?"
Brother Li replied, "I will inquire later. Why don't you rest first? When you come back down, if there is still no news, you can make another call."
Huang Jinghe nodded. "Alright. Thank you, Brother Li."
…
Most of the supplies in their bags had been prepared by Brother Zhang. Though the bags were theirs, the items within belonged to the base and had to be returned.
Lan Jin asked, "These things were supposed to be returned to Brother Zhang. Should we hand them over to you instead?"
Brother Li said, "No need. I will take you downstairs. You can return them directly at the service desk. Someone there will record everything and collect the supplies."
"Alright."
They went downstairs, handed in everything at the front desk, then headed straight for their dormitory.
Though they had not been back for days, they still had their keycards and room numbers. It was not as if they had forgotten the way.
Inside the elevator, Ling Jiang muttered wearily, "When we get back, I need a shower first. Then I'll sleep. We can contact each other after that."
"Fine. If you wake up hungry before the others, go to the cafeteria by yourself. I haven't slept properly in days. I'll probably sleep until tomorrow," Lao Gao said with exaggerated tone.
But it was not exaggerated at all. Not just Lao Gao, all four of them ended up sleeping for a full day and night before faintly hearing the vibration of a phone on the bedside. Only then did they stir from their beds.
When the four of them regrouped in the lobby, their faces looked terrible. After sleeping too long, everyone's face was swollen.
Ling Jiang laughed. "This swelling is too much. I've never swollen like this before. We should get some ice and put it on our faces."
"Where would you get ice now? Just give it time. It will go down," Huang Jinghe said knowingly. "I've pulled plenty of all-nighters before. I know from experience. It will fade quickly."
Sure enough, after breakfast, the swelling had already lessened by half.
Just as they were about to leave, Brother Li came running toward them in a hurry. "Heavens, you all can really sleep. Finally awake at last."
The four exchanged smiles but said nothing. Brother Li did not wait for a reply, instead turning to Huang Jinghe. "Your parents sent a message. First, they reported they are safe. Second, they left a note at the base. If you want to call them, you can do it now."
At those words, Huang Jinghe leapt to his feet, pulling Brother Li with him as he rushed downstairs.
The others followed at a slower pace.
On the way down, Lan Jin smiled. "Every time Xiao Huang contacts his parents, he brings back useful news. I wonder if he will this time too."
She was genuinely looking forward to it. Lan Jin had known the situation before the extreme cold, but for the aftermath, it was Huang Jinghe's inside information that provided insight. Some intelligence was always better learned sooner than later.
Ling Jiang was momentarily stunned by her words. "What kind of news usually? I've never heard you mention this before."
"Mostly about the weather to come," Lan Jin explained briefly. "Huang Jinghe's parents always pass along something important. Because of that, every time a new crisis comes, we are already somewhat prepared."