That day, the Strategic Affairs Department held a grand retirement ceremony.
More than a dozen Dragon Riders, including Yang Kui, stood in neat formation on the elevated platform. Some had applied for retirement themselves, while others were forced to retire for various reasons.
Commander Zhao Ruifeng personally saw them off in full uniform.
At the same time, the screens behind the platform played footage related to each retiring Dragon Rider.
The footage included written records of the Dragon Riders, records of their operations, and, at the end, a list of every operation they had participated in during their service, along with their contributions and more.
This footage would be preserved forever in the Strategic Affairs Department's archives. Every Dragon Rider's name would be remembered.
Finally, amid the sound of ceremonial cannon fire and thunderous applause, the retiring Dragon Riders walked toward the waiting military vehicles.
Those vehicles would take them home in glory.
Along the way, some Dragon Riders broke down in tears.
Others shouted loudly.
"Comrades, we aren't leaving. We're just continuing to fight alongside everyone in other places!"
"I won't forget you, and I hope you won't forget me either!"
"My name is Wei Maoshi! I've been here! I've fought! I have no regrets! I'm proud to have been a Dragon Rider!"
"Comrades, sorry about this. From now on, I'll have to leave the battles to you. I, Old Zhou, can only cheer you on from the sidelines."
"Comrades, goodbye."
"Although I, Lu Minghui, have retired today, if the Strategic Affairs Department ever needs me, I'll definitely come back!"
Applause, tears, and cannon fire eventually faded into silence.
The veterans left, and new recruits arrived.
Humanity had continued moving forward step by step through this constant alternation of old and new, never stopping its advance.
It hadn't