With the Black-Crowned Golden Eagle dealt with, their mission to provide reinforcements had come to a successful end.
They did not leave immediately. Instead, they landed and showed themselves before the officers and soldiers of the Seventh Battalion, letting them get a clear look at the Black-Crowned Golden Eagle's corpse. Only after reporting what had happened did they prepare to return.
"Wait, Garrison Commissioners."
Seeing that they were about to leave, an officer of the Seventh Battalion hurriedly said, "You protected the Capital from harm. That's an enormous achievement, and there will certainly be commendations from above. Why not stay to enjoy the honors and the public's applause?"
"No, thank you," Wu Ming politely declined. "As garrison commanders, we're responsible for the southwest's safety and cannot leave our posts without cause. We only came to the Capital's aid because these were exceptional circumstances."
"Now that the danger to the Capital has been resolved, it's time for us to return. Personal honors aren't as important as the safety of the people in the southwest, after all."
He smiled and waved a hand. "If there are any rewards from above, just send them to the Garrison Headquarters. This golden eagle is our spoils of war, so we'll take it with us. You can handle the ones on the ground as you see fit."
With that, the two lifted the Black-Crowned Golden Eagle's corpse and flew toward Shushi.
The soldiers of the Seventh Battalion stood where they were and watched them leave. The officer could not help remarking, "They seek no empty fame and think only of the people. With character like that, it's no wonder they became Southwest Garrison Commanders at such a young age."
Coming back to his senses, he looked at the battalion's soldiers and clapped his hands. "Stop staring.