The two came to a huge observation window.
Beyond the window lay thick ice, with an illumination system below casting a dim blue glow that lit up the patterns within it.
"Commander Lin."
Long Zhan offered him a cigarette.
Lin Mo waved it away.
"I don't smoke."
Long Zhan did not insist. He lit one himself, took a drag, and exhaled smoke that dispersed before the window.
"Once the Portal opens, command of the Expeditionary Force rests with me."
His voice was calm.
"But Great Xia's future, and the lives of those twenty-five thousand soldiers, rest with you alone."
Long Zhan turned around, his expression grave.
"I remember the supreme commander's orders very clearly."
"Your safety is the highest priority in this expedition, above every mission objective."
He paused.
"Even if... the entire Expeditionary Force is wiped out."
The smile faded from Lin Mo's face, and he said nothing.
After a moment of silence, he smiled again.
"General Long, I understand what you mean."
"Don't worry."
"I don't have many virtues, but I am afraid of dying."
"I won't gamble with my own life, much less with the lives of twenty-five thousand soldiers just to play some bullshit bleeding-heart hero."
Long Zhan stared at him for a few seconds, then stubbed out his half-smoked cigarette on the railing.
"I trust you."
Back in his room, Lin Mo threw himself heavily onto the bed.
Put plainly, Long Zhan's words meant he was worried Lin Mo would act recklessly and cause unnecessary casualties.
Fortunately, Lin Mo knew his own damn limits. He had always believed in leaving professional work to professionals and would not blindly throw his weight around.
So far, everything was progressing steadily.
He rolled over and switched off the bedside lamp.
When Lin Mo opened his eyes again,