When General Wang's last words faded, the panel in front of Mike slowly disappeared.
[Communication has ended.]
A brief message popped up, confirming that everything that had just happened was not a mere illusion.
"Phew, I made it," Mike breathed deeply, exhaling slowly.
Though the conversation was short, Mike felt a peculiar sense of significance. Throughout the exchange, General Wang had emphasized that the apocalypse was not just a disaster to be feared, but a widespread calamity affecting humanity on a global scale.
For the Chinese people, it could be summed up in four words: Resist disaster, save lives.
Mike muttered to himself, repeating General Wang's words. Honestly, if he were still just an ordinary survivor in the apocalypse, or living in peacetime, he wouldn't have been so moved. He would have probably scoffed at such words.
But humans were strange that way. The more Mike found himself in this position, the more weight and meaning he felt in those two phrases. The apocalypse was not an excuse for chaos, nor should it justify tyrants rising up and wreaking havoc on their own people. That would be a regression of human civilization.
Mike thought deeply: "If I didn't have an SSS-level talent, if I were just another ordinary survivor constantly facing life-threatening dangers, what would I most desire?"
"Maybe I would long for the military to step in, for the warriors bringing disaster relief to appear in front of me."
"What would happen if all that was left in the disaster were thugs and power-hungry strongmen?"
Clearly, not everyone had top-tier talents or survival skills. Ordinary people were the foundation of the world, the majority.
The idea of blindly worshiping the strong and ignoring the cries of the weak was not part of the Chinese spirit.
China's history had endured countless large-scale calamities, more than any other nation, and thus understood deeply what needed to be done during such crises.
In times of peace, one may not see it, but it was only at pivotal moments in human history that a nation's resilience was truly tested.
In the apocalypse, slaughter and death should not be the main theme. The true advancement of human civilization was shown through salvation and sacrifice.
Mike sat silently on the couch for a long while before slowly picking up his communicator and calling for Jiang Xiaoci.
No matter what Jiang Xiaoci was busy with, she would always respond to Mike's summons immediately.
"Sir?"
Jiang Xiaoci stood before him, noticing the calmness in Mike's expression. It was different from usual—a deeper calm, a sign of growth after yet another transformation.
"Just now, the higher-ups contacted me." Mike looked at Jiang Xiaoci and relayed the entire conversation with General Wang.
"Congratulations, sir!" Jiang Xiaoci smiled gently. "You've finally secured an official title, which will make things a lot easier moving forward."
"Yes, but the pressure is going to be much greater." Mike nodded, a sincere sigh escaping him. "This title comes with a heavy responsibility and duty."
"I never really believed I'd make it this far. I never thought I'd step up and become a hero to save my people."
"But now... truthfully, thinking about what I might have to do, it's heavy, but it's also exhilarating."
Mike looked at Jiang Xiaoci, not hiding anything. He laughed and said, "Honestly, it's pretty exciting. Who would have thought I'd one day be a national hero?"
No man could resist the allure of heroism, of sacrificing for the greater good! When disaster strikes, you step forward to protect millions!
That's the kind of romance only men truly understand.
"History makes the hero. In every special era, there are different people standing on the world stage," Jiang Xiaoci said softly. "Everyone has their own identity and beliefs. Sir, you are merely following your heart, making your choice. There's no distinction between right or wrong, only whether or not the future can be fulfilled."
Jiang Xiaoci's voice softened. "The good or evil in a man is often in his own hands. Now that you've made your decision, you must strive and work for it."
A man with ambition always captivates a woman.
Mike could sense that Jiang Xiaoci looked at him with more admiration and approval than before.
An excellent woman never despises a man's weaknesses. As long as he has a strong heart and the potential for growth, he will become someone capable of standing on his own.
"Well, here's a new problem." Mike spread his hands, looking helplessly at Jiang Xiaoci. "Now that I'm a commander, if I truly want to follow through with this responsibility, the plan you made for me to be the 'Behind-the-Scenes Power' is probably going to fall apart."
To achieve great things, one cannot hold back. Only the petty worry and hesitate, while a true leader should be straightforward and unafraid.
"The plan itself is never set in stone. It should evolve with the times," Jiang Xiaoci shook her head. "I support your decision, sir. This is a great opportunity to benefit the people, and it will leave a mark on history."
"However, your safety is still the priority. The behind-the-scenes plan can be modified, but it cannot be completely scrapped."
Jiang Xiaoci's attitude was firm. Mike's new identity had already become a benchmark.
At least in Jinling, Mike held the officially recognized title of the righteous commander. He also understood the difficulties and dangers faced by ordinary people. In a sense, he had already become a beacon for uniting the city's survivors.
He could do nothing, but he must survive and give hope to others, ensuring the survival of the many.
"Alright, I believe you." Mike nodded. Just as he was about to say more, a new prompt appeared in front of him.
[The second round of the apocalypse war has ended!]
[Due to your current war points ranking, you are eligible to receive war legacy!]
[War legacy is being calculated. The national military will have the right to adjust your war legacy share.]
[You will receive your war legacy within 24 hours. Please await the military's arrangements.]
Is it over?
Mike was a bit surprised, but understood the efficiency of the higher-ups.
Though it seemed like a lot of people, the communication could be spread out and handled quickly—within a day, they could finish it.
Moreover, this was urgent. Every delay meant more survivors dying.
The current government may not be globally top-tier in all fields, but in disaster relief and safeguarding the people, they were unquestionably the best in the world.
"Let's see the records from the second round of the war."
Mike opened the records of the apocalypse war. The most recent entry was simple:
[9:20 PM, all enemies eliminated, battle concluded.]
It was easy and almost effortless.
Before this, the national military had already captured all the enemies, just waiting to finalize the war legacy arrangements before ending the war.
From the two rounds of war so far, it seemed that the national military no longer needed to focus too much on the war itself. They could now focus on helping and supporting the survivors.
"I wonder how the other countries are doing. If they fell for the traps of division early on, their situation might be dire."
Mike muttered to himself, reflecting.
Globally, it was hard to find another nation as united as China. In times of peace, they could suppress the people, but in times of disaster, they would immediately respond with collective effort and unity!
Such stories had been repeated countless times. Mike, like the rest of the people, was accustomed to this unity. It was ingrained in their very bones.
If Mike had not experienced this firsthand, he might not have felt the weight of his own growth, but now, it was clear.
Originally, Mike thought the war legacy would take longer to distribute. A thousand shares were not something that could be arranged quickly.
However, just after he finished reading the brief battle information, another prompt appeared in front of him.
[Congratulations! Your war legacy allocation has been completed! It is now being transmitted!]