The wind was cold now, the kind that seeped past armor and into bone. But she didn't shiver. Her gaze drifted toward the horizon, where the faint glow of distant fires painted the sky a dull orange.
Little did she know somewhere out there, another level of threat was waiting. Another hunt was already calling her name.
She turned away from the scene, her shadow stretching long across the rain-slick, blood drenched ground. Each step was measured, unhurried like a predator retreating into the dark, carrying victory, dominance in her silence.
Far behind her, the rotors of the grounded helicopter creaked as they slowed, the sound fading until it was swallowed by the night.
---
The convoy thundered through the night; headlights is cutting pale dark paths through the mist. Inside the military transport truck accompanied by command-and-control vehicle, medical evacuation vehicle, armored vehicle, the captured commander sat shackled in reinforced restraints, flanked by two guards who never once loosened their grip on their weapons and with all eyes on him. Restraining him from any suspicious movement.
By first light of morning, they reached major containment facility—a sprawling compound of steel and concrete, its walls crowned with sensors and automated turrets. The gates parted, convoys enter in it with roaring declaring the victory of their war.
Wei Lan stepped out first, her boots striking the wet pavement with quiet authority. She followed the guards as they dragged the commander through biometric checkpoints, retinal scans, and layered security. Finally, he was shoved into the deep-cell chamber, sealed behind triple-locked blast doors. The red indicators blinked once before turning green. Contained.
Wei Lan stood with her arms folded, eyes fixed on the door until the last mechanism clicked into place. Then she tapped her comms, her tone calm and steady.
"Headquarters, this is Wei Lan. The commander has been transferred and secured in major containment. Subject is alive and under maximum restriction. Mission complete."
The line crackled before HQ answered.
"Copy, Wei Lan. Outstanding work. Submit your after-action report upon return. Be advised intel suggests his capture is already agitating their allied cells. Expect escalation."
Wei Lan's gaze lingered on the sealed doors, imagining the man inside pacing like a trapped animal. She allowed herself the faintest smile.
"Acknowledged," she said. "Wei Lan out."
Pulling her hood up against the morning chill, she strode toward the extraction point, her shadow stretching long in the pale dawn. The mission was done—yet the war had only shifted to its next stage.
Two day later, Wei Lan is reporting to headquarter.
In conference room.
The air inside the room is heavy, room wall is covered with banner, honour of the past victories hanging above. In the semicircle table all head official is sitting together in between her current long time superior and her inspiration General Han Yangcheng.
"Wei Lan" he began, his voice carrying across the room," you have delivered us another victory that is also your unparallel success. Congratulation with your clever and well organised not only capture the enemy commander but also cause least harm to our soldier. This was not only the tactical success but strategic turning point. For this council extends its highest commendation along with your promotion".
Wei Lan salutes her senior said in calm manner," I will wield this trust wisely, General."
General Han's expression softened for the briefest moment, before he pushed the data pad toward her. "Then it is time for your next mission."
The holographic table hummed to life; projecting images of a desert wasteland scarred with excavation sites. Rows of tents, diggers, and ancient stone structures lay beneath the sand, faintly illuminated by energy scans.
"This is an archaeological excavation site in Sector K-12. Our sources confirm enemy infiltration. They are after something buried in these ruins—something old, powerful, and dangerous."
Wei Lan's eyes narrowed as she studied the projection. "Artifacts?"
"Not just artifacts," General Han- said grimly. "We don't know exactly what they seek. But if they secure it first, the balance of this war could collapse. Your mission is to take command of the site under the guise of providing military protection. Find what they're after. Secure it—or destroy it.
Wei Lan's fingers brushed the data Pad. Her voice was steady, resolute.
"Then I'll go where the war has shifted—into the sands. If the enemy believes the past will save them, I'll make sure it buries them instead."
General Han said," meeting adjourned"
She saluted, turned sharply, and walked toward her transport. Behind her every step whispering her victory. Ahead in the ruins of devasted land the new battle is waiting for her steps.
On the eve of military drill, the parade ground stretched wide, li ned withe thousands of soldiers in perfect standard alignment. Banner stretched in the mid-air snapped by wined, drums beats thundered the sky and the roar of engines from hovering gunships rolled across the sky.
Wei Lan stood at the center of the drill ground, a commanding figure in the sharp lines of her lieutenant general's uniform. The tailored jacket bore its insignia with quiet weight—silver stars glinting against dark fabric, the polished peak of her cap casting a steady shadow across her eyes. Her boots were spotless, heels striking the tarmac with the measured cadence of authority as she moved along the ranks.
The soldiers under her command felt her presence before she spoke. Every posture stiffened, every formation straightened, as though her gaze alone corrected imperfections. She carried herself with effortless discipline, her back straight, her stride even—each step communicating control without the need for raised voice or excess gesture.
Her expression was calm, but it left no doubt of expectation. When her eyes swept the assembled battalion, they lingered just long enough to make every soldier feel both seen and measured. The effect was electric: the drill, once mechanical, sharpened under her watch into precision. Commands rang out clearer, rifles lifted smoother, boots struck the ground with thunderous unity.
Thank you for reading my book. This is my first book of this theme. If there is any grammatical error, please comment in below.