I only wanted to retire, but I ended up becoming an extremely popular character.

"I have read your report on the hostage rescue. You did a fantastic job; both important hostages were safely rescued."

"As for the minor injuries sustained by the hostages during the rescue, that's something that can't be helped."

"After all, you don't know the hostage's true identity, and the mission didn't mention the hostage's identity."

"Fortunately, the hostages are not in any serious danger, so you don't need to worry about them too much."

Lieutenant Wesley was taking Zod to meet the important figure, and overall, he was quite satisfied with Zod's performance.

To meet that important person, Lieutenant Wesley made a point of shaving his beard, combing his hair, and tidying his uniform impeccably.

Zod replied absentmindedly, "Yes, Lieutenant!"

He didn't want to see that important person; either he wanted praise for his successful hostage rescue, or he wanted criticism of the outcome.

Regardless of the outcome, appearing in front of superiors would not be a good thing for Zod.

"By the way, do you know whose relatives those two hostages are?" Wesley suddenly asked.

Zod replied listlessly, "I don't know."

The sound of military boots pounding on the floor echoed in the corridor.

"That's a close relative of Colonel Xavier, so you need to be careful about your tone and attitude from now on. Also, don't be nervous, I'm here!"

As he spoke, Wesley wiped the sweat from his forehead and then secretly wiped the cold sweat from his palms onto his pants.

Zod still caught Lieutenant Wesley's subtle movement.

You're the one who's nervous, Lieutenant Wesley.

He mechanically replied, "Yes, Lieutenant!"

"If you have the opportunity to be transferred to Colonel Xavier's troops, be sure to seize it. You are still young, there is no need to waste your prime years staying in such a small town, that's a dead end."

Lieutenant Wesley was young, passionate, and hardworking once.

However, due to a failed mission, he was left to guard this remote town, completely losing his chance for promotion.

After his career faltered, he gave up and took to playing cards and drinking.

Actually, there aren't many activities in this small town, and there are quite a few things that people feel helpless about when they reach middle age.

"No, Lieutenant, I have feelings for this place, and I don't want to leave."

Zod did not respond to Wesley with an affirmative tone this time.

Wesley's lifestyle was Zod's ultimate dream!

If Zod had Wesley's job and lifestyle, he could live comfortably until retirement. What more could he want?

Furthermore, Zod felt that his best superior was someone like Lieutenant Wesley, who was aware of his own mediocrity.

Therefore, he never gave orders blindly, and he rarely caused trouble for Zod. Wesley simply enjoyed the life before him and quietly drifted along.

Zod spent a relatively peaceful period under Lieutenant Wesley.

"You don't need to consider my feelings. I'm not the kind of man who's afraid of his subordinates getting promoted faster than me. If one day you become a general, I'll be content if you can come and visit your former comrade-in-arms and old superior."

Wesley believed he knew Zod all too well: young, strong, talented, and with virtually no flaws in his character.

He believed that Zod said this for two reasons: first, to save face and avoid being envious of others; and second, because young people are too young, thin-skinned, and overly modest, and don't know what they want.

However, as Zod's former superior, Wesley would definitely seize this opportunity to help out his promising young subordinate.

"Lieutenant Wesley, I..."

Just as Zod was about to speak, Wesley gestured for him to be quiet.

During their conversation, they arrived at the door of an office.

Wesley straightened his uniform, cleared his throat, and slowly knocked on the office door: "Report, it's Wesley. I've brought Lieutenant Zod here."

"Come in!" A deep male voice came from inside the house.

Wesley paused for a moment before stepping into the office somewhat hastily, followed closely by Zod.

In the office, Colonel Xavier Kress, a man around 50 years old with a scar near his eye, was sitting at his desk reading official documents, a cigar dangling from his lips.

Standing next to Xavier was one of the hostages rescued by Zod, named Stella, a young and beautiful girl who looked to be only about 20 years old.

Xavier put down the documents in his hand, his gaze sweeping over Wesley and landing on Zod: "You're Zod?"

"Yes, Colonel!" Zod stood at attention and gave a military salute.

Xavier exhaled a smoke ring: "I heard from Stella that the choice you made between the hostages and the honor of being an Imperial soldier was quite the display of courage!"

"I was just doing what every Imperial soldier should do," Zod replied neither humbly nor arrogantly.

He couldn't figure out the colonel's personality either, so he could only deal with him as he went along, taking it one step at a time.

"Hmph, what a boastful tone." Xavier sneered.

Seeing that Colonel Xavier's expression was not good, Wesley quickly defended Zod: "Colonel, that was a top-secret mission. After receiving the mission, Lieutenant Zod did not know the true identity of the hostage."

"Wesley, I'm talking to Zod right now, so don't interrupt." Xavier's tone carried an undeniable air of authority.

Xavier continued to question Zod: "Lieutenant, now you understand my relationship with these two hostages. If you had to choose again, would you still choose the honor of an Imperial soldier and refuse to lay down your arms?"

To be honest, Zod couldn't figure out whether this important figure's roundabout rhetoric was an attempt to salvage the reputation of his family or simply a test of Zod.

Why can't you just say it more clearly?

"I will still choose the honor of an Imperial soldier. No matter who is standing on the other side, I will not lay down my weapon. No compromise will bring final victory."

Of course, Zod wouldn't tell Xavier that he was simply valuing his own life.

If forced to choose between his precious life and the glory of the Empire, Zod would not hesitate to give up something he never had in the first place in order to survive.

"Hmph!" Xavier, cigar in his mouth, chuckled noncommittally. "Do you know who you've offended by saying that?"

Xavier's words sent a chill down Zod's spine. He thought, "Is he really going to mess with me?"

Is it too late to change your mind now? Anyway, it's just a hypothetical situation.

However, since things had come to this point, Zod had no choice but to continue, because a soldier whose stance was wavering would only make people more disgusted.

Anyone who has read even a little history knows that no one likes a fickle person.

"I am a soldier of the Empire. I fight only for the interests and glory of the Empire. The Empire is my strongest backing, so I have nothing to fear! If you do not like any of my words, I can take them back, but my stance will not change because of them."

Zod felt that these repetitive, formulaic remarks were getting out of control, and he was starting to lose his bearings.

But if Zod doesn't say these empty platitudes, what else can he say? He can't exactly say that he's afraid of dying, which is why he won't lay down his weapons.

This will only hasten his death.

"Young people really are fearless!"

Xavier had met many young officers and soldiers, and they were more or less wary of him.

To be precise, it's not Xavier, but the rank insignia on Xavier's shoulders.

They were afraid of saying the wrong thing, or were too eager to impress Xavier to show their true selves.

However, Xavier saw no cowardice or hesitation, nor any hypocritical affectation, in Zod's eyes; he simply stated his position and choice.

Such pure soldiers are rare at all times.

Or rather, he saw a reflection of his younger self in Zod's words and demeanor.

"I'm scared! I'm so scared! Don't ask, or I might give myself away!"

Zod just wanted to leave the office as soon as possible; he still felt a sense of warmth and familiarity with the people of Hessen.

City people have too many tricks up their sleeves!