"What appointment?"
Mike glanced at the information panel, waiting silently for a response.
"The appointment is for you to become the Special Operations Commander of the Jinling Region. During the ongoing apocalyptic disaster, you will represent the nation's will, safeguarding the lives and property of the region's citizens."
Special Operations Commander?!
What a title!
Mike's eyes gleamed, feeling the weight of it. What is righteousness? This is it!
With official authority in hand, everything he did would be justified.
While others in the apocalypse fought, killed, and ran amok, Mike would be different. "Sorry, I have a mission to fulfill."
"I am not like you."
"Comrade Su, you understand that under the current mechanisms of these mysterious entities, we cannot return to carry out this responsibility."
"Our only option now is to choose to bleed more outside, hoping that the people inside the country live more peacefully and have a higher chance of survival."
"Even so, based on our models, large numbers of citizens will still suffer and die in the ongoing apocalyptic disaster."
"In the last month, we've already lost too many of our people, and we can't wait any longer."
General Wang paused, his voice calm, yet infused with firm resolve. "We need you, and we need more people like you—those who remain loyal to the nation and its people."
"In these dire times, we need those who can bravely step forward, shouldering the responsibility to defend China."
"Your actions in the past month have proven your sincere faith in the nation and its people. Your data and rankings show that you have the strength to protect a region's safety."
"Therefore, Comrade Su…"
General Wang issued a solemn invitation: "Are you willing to accept this appointment to protect the nation's peace and ensure that more people survive the apocalyptic disaster?"
Mike didn't hesitate in his response.
"Of course, I'm willing!"
This was the moment he had been waiting for.
From now on, whenever someone addresses him as Commander Mike, there would be no need for explanations.
He would be the Commander of Jinling, the Special Operations Commander—with a mission in hand, a responsibility in his heart, and righteousness in his grasp!
From this moment forward, those two words would be his to carry.
"Very good."
General Wang's satisfied voice came through the panel. "Comrade Su, from today on, I will be your direct superior contact. I will be fully responsible for your single-line communication, and in the future, I will work to secure the possibility of a double-line contact."
"I also want to thank you once again for your contribution to the national military in this donation."
"But I must emphasize one point: if possible, please avoid donating too many items."
Mike was puzzled. "Why?"
Why reject the obvious benefits?
"The safety of the people is more important," General Wang explained logically. "Your strength now impacts the safety of an entire region's people."
"The safety of the people outweighs our own."
Mike became serious.
Without exaggeration, he realized he wasn't yet at this level of understanding.
Those who could put the safety of the people above their own, rejecting everything beneficial to themselves for the greater good, were truly worthy of respect.
"I will do everything I can," Mike promised earnestly. "At least in Jinling, I'll make sure everyone survives!"
He couldn't express the grand ideal of placing the people before himself in words, but this down-to-earth promise was his sincerest declaration.
"At least in Jinling, there won't be any chaotic end-of-world scenes!"
"I will be the shield and sword for the people!"
Mike's voice rang out, full of passion, but General Wang remained calm.
"I hope so. We will be watching your performance and supporting your work."
In the ensuing conversation, General Wang carefully explained the duties of a Special Operations Commander.
As expected, the responsibilities were to protect the people, resist the apocalyptic disaster, eliminate criminals, and similar tasks.
Fearing that Mike might not fully understand, General Wang quickly outlined several useful policies, tips, and management knowledge, as well as some "clumsy methods" he referred to as small tricks.
Mike listened quietly, not revealing the fact that he had a talent for internal affairs, like Jiang Xiaoci, assisting him.
Some things were better left unsaid.
As long as what he did benefited the people, a little secrecy was acceptable.
As the 10-minute conversation was nearing its end, General Wang added, "Comrade Su, do you have any questions left?"
"Time is running out, so please ask quickly. I will do my best to answer any questions within my scope."
Mike broke the silence and asked, "The top two on the leaderboard—what did they donate? How did they get so many points?"
"I'm not judging them, I'm just curious. I thought I had donated enough, but it seems they donated almost double what I did."
General Wang chuckled, assuring him, "It's not a sensitive issue. Let me explain."
"They are survivors from Beijing and Hangzhou, both of whom possess very high-level talents. One of them lost most of his family in the apocalyptic war dungeon."
"He has a higher sense of sacrifice, so he donated more."
"As for the other one, he hasn't shared much about himself, but his donations were also quite substantial, including a large amount of basic resources and system tools."
Mike understood instantly.
So, one of them was from a prestigious family!
No wonder he contributed so much—his relatives were almost all lost in the apocalyptic war dungeon.
As for the other one, though he hadn't shared much, he seemed to be a powerful figure, perhaps even possessing an SSS-level talent.
"Do they also hold the title of Special Operations Commander?" Mike inquired.
General Wang nodded without hesitation. "One of them does. The other is still being evaluated and considered."
"We do collect intelligence and analyze survivor rankings for different regions, and we assign official titles to encourage people to do more for the public."
"But the appointment is not entirely based on strength. In fact, strength is less than half of the criteria."
"To be appointed, one must have a proven record of serving the people during the first round of the apocalypse. The minimum requirement is that they don't indiscriminately kill or commit crimes."
General Wang's explanation made sense—after all, the military wasn't going to appoint a ruthless criminal as a Special Operations Commander.
They cared about the overall survival of the country's survivors, and they wouldn't focus too much on any individual.
As long as someone cooperated, that was enough. If someone didn't follow orders, they knew how to deal with them.
Mike realized that even if the national military were no longer on Earth, they had ways to deal with nationwide thugs.
Just like the newly appointed Special Operations Commanders—if the order came down, any rebellious criminals would be surrounded and taken down.
"I have one more question," Mike hesitated. He didn't dare ask anything too sensitive but decided to subtly probe, "What if a commander meets the requirements but is not strong enough? How can we ensure the safety of the people in that region?"
"We've considered that as well," General Wang said. "In such cases, we appoint multiple commanders to work together. Also… have you heard of the War Legacy?"
Mike nodded, "I know."
General Wang smiled. "The first 10,000 can receive a share of the War Legacy, and this fact cannot be changed, even for those who do evil."
"We can't alter the basic mechanism, but we can influence the amount and share each person receives from the War Legacy."
Mike understood instantly.
The rankings and the War Legacy were set—there was no changing that outcome.
But the higher-ups could adjust how much of the War Legacy each person would get!
And judging by the general's tone, the War Legacy was likely worth far more than Mike had initially thought—it seemed to hold the potential to help weaker commanders gain the strength to protect an entire region.
"So, how many commanders are there in the Jinling region?" Mike asked.
General Wang laughed heartily. "Comrade Su, what are you worried about?"
Mike quickly explained, "Ah, it's not like that! I'm not thinking about power struggles."
"If there are other comrades, I'd prefer to contact them early and work together."
General Wang's laughter filled the line. "Don't worry. You are the only commander in Jinling, one of the top three in the country. We think you won't need any more help."
"Any additional assistants might become a burden, which could endanger the safety of the people."
Mike relaxed.
It made sense.
Regions with weaker overall strength needed multiple commanders, but Jinling had a top-tier commander like him, so there was no need for extra hands.
"It seems the responsibility on my shoulders is quite heavy."
Mike nodded, feeling relieved. He didn't want anyone else interfering with his work.
"It is heavy," General Wang chuckled. "Anything else you need to ask? We have less than thirty seconds left."
"Ah, 10 minutes passed so quickly!" Mike was caught off guard. He still had many questions, but time was running out.
"No, that's all."
Mike took a deep breath and, after weighing it in his mind, said solemnly, "Please rest assured, I will do my best as the commander!"
"I believe you, Comrade Su," General Wang's final words came through, unwavering and calm.
"The country will handle the outside, and you are entrusted with the safety within. Please, accept the test from the Party and the people!"
"Resist the apocalypse, rescue the people!"