Chapter 1160 Obedience Test

Gu Chengyuan's words slowly faded in the command center, like a stone thrown into a calm lake, but the ripples they created stirred up a storm in the hearts of everyone present.

After a brief silence, the three core leaders of the war zone reacted almost immediately.

Who are they? They are figures who hold the lives and deaths of millions in their hands, who have climbed to the top of the power arena since before the apocalypse, and whose political acumen is exceptionally sharp.

They were perfectly clear about the meaning and implications of Gu Chengyuan's words.

The first to react was General Wu Xianglin, Commander of the Southern Theater Command. He quickly relaxed and revealed a smile that was both surprised and enlightened.

"Hero! Commander Gu is right! He's absolutely right!"

Wu Xianglin's voice was loud and clear, carrying a heartfelt agreement: "Faced with the apocalypse, if humanity remains stagnant and closed off, it will only be courting death!"

"The Central Plains Theater dared to explore and break through, opening up a new path for all mankind! These soldiers endured unimaginable pain and risks, and the power they gained was precisely to protect more compatriots! They are not monsters, but heroes in all their right!"

As he spoke, his gaze lingered intently on the black figures on the screen once more, but this time, the fear and dread in his eyes were replaced by a light that mixed with admiration and intense longing.

He knew in his heart that no matter what fear he had of these "biological weapons," the reality that the Southern Theater Command was now dependent on the Central Theater Command for survival would not change.

More importantly, if... if the Southern Theater Command could also acquire this power, even if it were only some technology or a small number of "seeds"... how much relief would the survival pressure plaguing the theater command be?

This thought made his heart race, and his expression became increasingly sincere and fervent. Give him face? No, this was an opportunity he desperately wanted to get closer!

The Western Theater Commander, Wei Jingfang, reacted a beat slower, but with greater composure. He took a deep look at the imposing, dark red figure of Barto frozen on the screen, and then slowly turned his gaze to the calm-faced Gu Chengyuan.

The old general took a deep breath and said in his slightly hoarse voice, "Comrade Chengyuan is absolutely right. Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures."

"These warriors...their path must have been filled with thorns and pain. But they transformed that pain into the power to protect. For this alone, they deserve the title of 'heroes'."

He didn't offer the same exaggerated praise as Wu Xianglin, but the affirmation and recognition in his tone were much more profound.

He understood that Gu Chengyuan was seeking "political correctness" legitimacy for this force, and based on the increasingly close cooperation between the Western Theater Command and the Central Theater Command, as well as the possible deeper integration in the future, he had to and was willing to support this characterization.

This was not only to give face to Gu Chengyuan, but also to pave the way for the future development of the Western Theater Command. He knew better than anyone the strategic value of a "heroic" force of 30,000 men.

Finally, Lieutenant General Zhou Wei, Director of the Joint Political Work Department of the Eastern Theater Command, and Lieutenant General Wang Zhiming, Deputy Commander, exchanged a quick glance. They both saw a fleeting complex emotion in each other's eyes—fear, worry, but more so, a decision made after careful consideration of the situation.

Zhou Wei coughed lightly, cleared his throat, and his face showed just the right amount of solemn respect:

"Commander Gu has a brilliant vision! With the end of the world approaching, human civilization is in grave danger. Any force that can enhance our survival capabilities deserves respect and study."

"These soldiers... they are explorers and contributors. On behalf of the Eastern Theater Command, I pay the highest tribute to these heroic soldiers who have made outstanding contributions to the future of mankind."

His wording was cautious and official, expressing support while cleverly avoiding in-depth discussion of the ethical or security issues that "biological weapons" might bring.

Supporting Gu Chengyuan's characterization is currently the best option for maintaining good relations with the Central Plains Theater and obtaining valuable assistance.

Their underlying PTSD makes them wary of any powerful, uncontrolled internal forces, but right now, the external pressures to survive clearly outweigh the potential internal risks.

Wang Zhiming nodded slightly and added:

"Indeed. The essence of power lies in the person who wields it, in its purpose. Under the leadership of Commander Gu, the Central Plains Theater has always taken the revival of civilization and the salvation of our compatriots as its mission."

"With this heroic force under its command, it will surely be a sharp sword to dispel darkness and reclaim lost territory, and an important guarantee for the revival of civilization!"

For a time, the observation corridor was filled with praise for the "Ghoul" unit—no, it should now be formally called the "Special Operations Unit" or "Hero Unit."

The three theater leaders and their core entourage all tacitly concealed their previous shock, fear, and doubts, demonstrating a high level of political acumen and realistic consideration.

They understood that from this moment on, this powerful legion composed of "mutant warriors" had acquired a formal and glorious "identity" in the Central Continent War Zone and even in the possible new order of the future!

And they, as witnesses and... to some extent future stakeholders, must accept and uphold this fact.

Gu Chengyuan took in everyone's reactions, his face remaining calm and composed, though a barely perceptible hint of satisfaction flickered deep in his eyes.

This step was a success!

This can be seen as a united front activity before he is about to "take power," and at the same time, it is also a test of obedience...

He successfully used this "demonstration" and subsequent "characterization" to both intimidate allies and flex his muscles, pave the way for the special operations brigade's soldiers to return to human society, and once again highlight his leadership position in the new order before it was about to be established!

P.S.: I'll make up for the missed update tomorrow during the day. I'm sorry everyone, I've been really busy these past two days, and even these two chapters were only finished at 4 AM after I got home in the early hours... I apologize for the delay!

(bow!!!)