True Great Power Responsibility

South China Sea, Z Nation.

Inside an office.

An old man stood before a desk, his left hand behind his back, while his right hand held a brush, writing something on a large sheet of Xuan paper spread out on the desk.

"Report!"

A clear voice from outside the door interrupted the old man's actions.

The old man looked up. His features were well-defined, and his pair of tiger-like eyes shone with spirit, exuding authority yet also a sense of approachability.

His hair was entirely black, combed back, giving him a capable yet solemn appearance.

He looked to be around fifty years old. If not for the wrinkles on his face and his slightly aged voice, one wouldn't be able to tell that this elder was already seventy years old.

"Enter!"

Though his voice was slightly aged, it was full of vigor, making anyone who heard it feel at ease.

It was fitting, as this old man was the pillar of Z Nation.

The one who entered was a young man in his twenties, wearing a Zhongshan suit. He was the old man's bodyguard.

"Report, Sir. General Xu Shiyan, Commander of the Military Department, is ready for the video conference at your invitation."

"Open the projection!"

"Yes!"

The bodyguard activated the holographic projection and then withdrew, leaving the old man and General Xu Shiyan of the Military Department alone.

Once the projection was active, a man in a dark green military uniform appeared.

The man had a square face, etched with determination and ruggedness. He looked to be in his sixties, with streaks of white at his temples. The epaulets on his uniform bore three stars.

This was none other than General Xu Shiyan, the Commander of the Military Department, a General!

This was the highest rank in the military since the founding of the nation.

The number of generals in the entire People's Army with three stars could be counted on one hand.

The commanders of the major military regions were at most Lieutenant Generals, and some were only Rear Admirals.

General Xu Shiyan immediately saluted the old man upon seeing him.

No matter how high his status in the military, he dared not be presumptuous in front of this elder.

"No need to be formal. You, you're still the same."

"I know you're unhappy about the Jaeger Combat Department having independent command authority, but none of that matters right now. I believe you've also seen the proposal regarding the mastermind behind the Kaiju."

"This is a war for our species now, concerning the future survival of humanity. Regarding the Kaiju, my attitude and that of Mao Shucheng of the Jaeger Combat Department are the same: annihilation!"

"Whether they appear near our country or even on Sakura Island, we have an obligation to destroy them!"

"We can no longer stand by and watch. If countries continue to be scattered like before, we will eventually be defeated one by one and annihilated by 'them'."

"At that time, money? Profit? Power? All will be fleeting. We must step forward first and set an example for promoting a truly united front among nations! This is our responsibility as a great power!"

"Now, I need you to set aside your prejudice against the Jaeger Combat Department and assist them in fighting the war against the Kaiju. Will you support me?"

"Of course, Sir. The People's Army will always follow your will."

"No, not for me, but for the 1.4 billion Huaxia compatriots, and for the future of the entire human race!"

"I understand, Sir. I will go down and make the arrangements now."

With that, Xu Shiyan exited the holographic projection.

His words meant absolute adherence to the old man's instructions, not just lip service.

No one could be perfunctory in this matter of human survival.

The old man returned to his desk and blew on the calligraphy on the Xuan paper. The ink had already dried.

The eight characters written there were: "United as one, united in heart and mind!"