Border Provocation

Commander Tian wasted no time. Suppressing the excitement in his heart, he organized a brief report and headed for the Upper Capital center.

At that moment, in the central conference hall of Upper Capital.

The senior leadership was holding a national strategic security meeting.

Chairing the meeting was an elderly man whose authority needed no anger to command respect. The stars on his shoulders glittered beneath the lights.

In a steady voice, he was briefing the attendees on the current border situation:

"...White Elephant Country is stirring again on the western front. Same old problem.

The mines John Bull planted back then, those vaguely drawn lines.

They treat them like family heirlooms and insist that we recognize them."

There was a trace of cold mockery in the old man's tone.

"It wasn't as if we never gave them a chance. Even when we were tightening our belts, we considered letting things go.

We even considered giving up a little in exchange for time to develop peacefully.

And what did that get us? They kept pushing their luck."

He brought up a projection displaying a complex terrain map and markers showing both sides' deployments.

"Later, we seized an opportunity and taught them a hard lesson, breaking the hand they had stretched out.

Afterward, we even voluntarily withdrew twenty kilometers.

We showed our sincerity, and that bought us several decades of relative peace.

But now!!!"

The old man tapped the table, his gaze sharp.

"Who knows where they got this misplaced confidence.

Or perhaps they think our main strategic direction has us tied down, so they think they can get away with it again. Their hides are itching.

If they want to test our bottom line, then we'll make sure they never return!"

The conference room fell silent, filled only with the heavy breathing of senior generals and strategists.

"The current situation is delicate." Number One spoke.

"Our contest with Bald Eagle has reached a critical stage, and all of Blue Star is watching.

White Elephant Country is stirring up trouble at a time like this. It is hard to say there are no other forces pulling the strings behind them.

Our principle is this: we must never show weakness strategically, and we will not yield an inch of territorial sovereignty.

But at the same time, we must exercise extreme caution and cannot fire the first shot lightly.

We cannot give the other side or international public opinion any excuse to escalate a local clash.

That would disrupt the rhythm of our primary strategy.

Our main spearhead must remain firmly aimed at Bald Eagle.

The trouble on the western front must be resolved, but by special means—fast, precise, and ruthless.

And we have to make them hurt so badly they can't even complain!"

That was the dilemma. They needed powerful retaliation, yet could not employ conventional military methods that would easily leave them open to criticism.

Just then, there was a soft knock on the conference room door. After being granted permission, Commander Tian strode inside.

He could feel the heavy pressure permeating the air, and he gripped the report in his hand tightly.

At that moment, it seemed to weigh a thousand tons.

"Leaders, distinguished officials, forgive me for interrupting the meeting." Commander Tian stood at attention and saluted, his voice ringing loud and clear.

"A core subproject of the Dragon City Plan has just achieved a breakthrough. I have an urgent report!"

Everyone's eyes immediately focused on him.

The elderly Number One's gaze flashed like lightning. "Speak!"

Commander Tian quickly handed over the report and delivered his briefing in the most concise terms possible:

"Twelve soldiers who volunteered for the Chakra Substrate human compatibility experiment.

All completed substrate implantation two hours ago.

They endured pain far beyond ordinary human limits, relying on astonishing willpower.

They successfully withstood the process of cellular assimilation and energy system reconstruction!

Their vital signs are all currently stable, and monitoring data confirms it.

Stable, self-regenerating chakra energy circulation systems have successfully been established within their bodies!

I repeat, the experiment has succeeded! We now possess the first batch of soldiers who have mastered supernatural energy from another world!"

"What?!" A suppressed cry of shock rose in the conference room.

Even these powerful figures, who had weathered countless storms, were shaken by the news.

The elderly Number One abruptly rose to his feet, took the report, and swiftly scanned the key data and conclusions.

Without asking for details, he went straight to the most crucial intelligence.

"What is the current condition of the successful soldiers? Their capability assessment? Can they form combat effectiveness? How soon?"

Commander Tian had come prepared. "The soldiers are undergoing thorough examinations and restorative adjustments.

They are expected to regain basic mobility within twenty-four hours.

The First-Generation Chakra Source is oriented toward stability and adaptability.

The basic abilities it grants include, but are not limited to, physical capabilities beyond those of ordinary people.

Initial chakra perception, as well as techniques for applying certain basic chakra abilities.

As for the time needed to develop combat effectiveness..."

He paused, his eyes sweeping across the map of the tense border situation displayed on the conference room screen.

A bold thought, almost insane in its audacity, took shape in an instant.

His voice suddenly rose, carrying the sharp edge of someone ready to stake everything on one move:

"Leaders! I believe there is no need to wait for them to fully familiarize themselves with all their abilities!

What they possess now is already an unprecedented dimensional strike!

Doesn't White Elephant Country think we would not dare act in a conventional standoff?

Don't they want to play along the edges, pull little tricks, and take advantage?"

He pointed at the sensitive disputed area on the map, his tone decisive:

"Please authorize the immediate formation of a top-secret special response detachment centered around these twelve soldiers.

Codename... Thunderbolt! They will not need to carry firearms.

They will be equipped only with specially made cold weapons.

Using their newly acquired, superhuman abilities in mountain traversal, infiltration, endurance, and close-range surprise assaults.

Under absolute secrecy, they will advance to the front line of the dispute and even... cross the actual line of control!"

The conference room was so quiet that a pin drop could have been heard. Everyone was drawn in by this audacious proposal.

Commander Tian continued outlining his plan, speaking faster:

"Their mission will not be large-scale engagement, but targeted elimination and deterrence!

They will specifically target the most arrogant and active White Elephant Country commanders at forward outposts, those constantly creating incidents.

Key members of special patrol units, as well as provocateurs, will be eliminated with precision.

And throughout the entire operation, not a single shot will be fired, nor will any evidence of our standard-issue weapons be left behind!

They will suffer in silence. Even if they cry to the international community, they will have no evidence, and everyone will only see it as an excuse for their failure!"

This plan perfectly matched the senior leadership's core requirement: retaliate, deter, yet leave no handle for others to seize!

The elderly Number One said nothing. With his hands behind his back, he slowly paced to the enormous situation map and stared at the plateau.

The entire conference room was silent as death, awaiting the decision.

After a full minute, the elderly Number One suddenly turned around, all hesitation gone from his eyes.

"Good! The Dragon City Plan has earned its merit!"

"Tian Zhiguo!"

"Present!"

"In the name of the Supreme Strategic Security Committee, I approve your plan!

The Thunderbolt Detachment will be formed in secret immediately and placed under the direct command of the military!

You are granted the highest operational authority! Remember," the old man said, enunciating every word.

"I do not want some minor skirmish. I want a thorough operation!

I want to hit them so hard that for the next ten years, they won't dare look in that direction again!

Then we will concentrate all our strength on dealing with Bald Eagle!"

"I guarantee the mission will be completed!"

Commander Tian straightened his back. The hand holding his salute trembled slightly with excitement.

The Dragon City Plan's first field test.

Was about to begin!