From a young age, Zhang Han exhibited an extraordinary aptitude for strategy and combat. By the time he was a teenager, he had already outperformed seasoned soldiers in tactical simulations and physical endurance tests.
His family's legacy loomed large over him, but he embraced it, driven by a desire to honour the sacrifices of his forebears.
At just Twenty-one, during a critical conflict on the nation's borders, Zhang Han led a small unit against overwhelming odds. His strategic brilliance and unyielding courage turned the tide of battle, earning him the respect of his peers and the admiration of his superiors.
News of his heroics spread like wildfire, and he was soon celebrated as the youngest military hero in the history, all of these were exaggerations, of course.
The media even dubbed him "The Phoenix of the Battlefield," as a symbol of hope and resilience.
Major Li snapped back to the present, his mind racing with thoughts of the legendary figure who was about to step into the camp.
"Prepare the trainees," he ordered, his voice steady despite the fear bubbling beneath the surface. "We need to show him that we're ready for his leadership."
As the trainees lined up, the boys' formation, a mess.
Zhang Han strode in, tall and commanding, his uniform crisp and adorned with medals that glinted in the sunlight. The air shifted as he approached, a palpable energy radiating from him.
"Attention!" Major Li barked, and the instructors snapped to action, maintaining order among the students.
Zhang Han stepped onto the field, his eyes scanning the chaotic scene before him. The acting chief instructor, Major Xia, stood beside him, trembling, a look of fear etched on his face.
The boys, supposed to be in formation, were instead clustered in groups, chatting and laughing.
Zhang Han's gaze narrowed as he spotted the instructors, trying to regain order, but were being ignored.
Without a word, Zhang Han strode into the midst of the chaos, his presence commanding attention. " Do you know what you were here for? Split into two groups!" he barked. "Those who can't follow simple instructions, step forward!"
The unruly boys exchanged skeptical glances, but Zhang Han's piercing gaze left no room for argument. They hesitated, then stepped forward, protesting.
"Who are you to command us?" one of them boldly sneered.
Zhang Han's eyes twitched, his jaw clenched. "You'll find out soon enough. First, let's see if you can follow a simple order."
With a swift gesture, he divided the boys into two lines. The unruly ones, now facing him, looked like they'd rather be anywhere else.
"Drop and give me twenty push-ups!" Zhang Han barked.
The boys hesitated, but Zhang Han's glare left no room for disobedience.
They reluctantly dropped to the ground, struggling through the push-ups.
As they finished, Zhang Han's gaze swept over them, his expression unyielding. "Now, run five laps around the training ground. And don't think about slacking off."
The boys exchanged fearful glances, "Why should we listen to you?", one of the courageous boys questioned.
The soldiers: "…" these boys really are courting death. Don't they see the metals on his uniform? This is the senior colonel of the entire army.