I don't know my own name, and neither do the people around me. The instructor told us, "Names are superfluous; they will make us weak. We are the strongest warriors and don't need weak things. Names will cost us our lives on the battlefield, so we don't have names." My number here is No.13, and I am a sniper.
From as far back as I can remember, I have lived here. There were 875 people around me then, but now there are only 67 left. Tomorrow, I will participate in the school's first "graduation exam," and perhaps tomorrow I will die. People die in every "temporary test." I am already used to the life where the person talking to me today might be gone tomorrow.
I am not afraid of death; in fact, I look forward to it. When I was seven years old, I killed No.27, who slept in the bunk below me. He said "thank you" to me. I will always remember his expression at that time—no fear, no anger.
It was the first time I saw what the people around me called "the smile of longing." How I wish I could also see such a smile on my own face, but I can't. Because I am a coward, I both anticipate and fear death. Every time, I try my best to survive, whether it's attacking terrorist organization bases or assassinating national dignitaries, I have survived.
At 2 AM, I was "awake" asleep. I really look forward to tomorrow's "exam," really, I just want to die…
———Excerpt from "Sniper King's Diary," December 20th
On February 1, 2011, China officially launched an offensive against Taiwan. After encountering symbolic resistance from Taiwan, they completely occupied Kaohsiung City and established an advanced operational command post. The people of China were full of confidence in the reunification of Taiwan and hoped to celebrate International Labor Day on May 1st together with the people of Taiwan.
On the 7th of the same month, in the conference room of the advanced operational command post in Kaohsiung City…
"How can this be! Those damn Americans, what's it to them what happens within our own country! We've already endured their money and effort, and now they want to bring in newly developed weapons. I refuse to believe that their four humanoid armors can withstand our planes and artillery!" Liu Tao (Taiwan Operations Commander) jumped up from his seat in anger, veins bulging on his neck.
"Alright, alright, you're in your forties or fifties, can't you be more patient?" Zheng Yu (Chief of the Confidential Section of the Central Political Department) said with a smile. "The dignified Commander-in-Chief of the Taiwan Operations acting like a child, shouting and jumping."
"Then tell me, what should I be like? They're practically riding on our necks, and you're telling me to be patient?" Liu Tao irritably took out a cigarette from his pocket, lit it himself, and took a deep drag.
"It's not as exaggerated as you make it sound. This is a military secret; the United States will only release this information in three days. Overall, the true purpose of the United States should be the practical testing of new weapons." Zheng Yu lightly waved his hand, dispersing the smoke rings Liu Tao exhaled.
"Old Zheng." Liu Tao stopped smoking and turned to Zheng Yu, asking, "What the hell is the United States up to?"
"Comrade Liu Tao!" Zheng Yu straightened his collar and said seriously, "Do you know that you are probing state secrets?"
"Even if I am probing state secrets, will you tell me or not?" Liu Tao also became serious. "Remember that new batch of high-grade goldfish you bought…"
"Sigh, you've got me." Zheng Yu sighed helplessly.
"Do you know which country invented the first StopWar?"
"The UK? What does that have to do with the United States?" Liu Tao was completely confused, his face full of bewilderment.
"Actually, the United States developed it first, but they just didn't announce it. The UK only became the 'early bird' for the United States because of their technological support." Zheng Yu picked up his teacup and took a sip of tea, a habit he had before giving a long speech. Liu Tao knew something was up and excitedly perked up his ears.
"The United States began researching the technology to inhibit nuclear fission in 1990, but the results at the time were not ideal. Conversely, the research on individual soldier armament that the United States began in the same year was exceptionally smooth. Rumor has it that the United States has over 3,000 missing persons each year used for this research. The purpose of all this is very simple: in today's world where atomic bombs have become scrap metal, the power of individual soldier armament will be the absolute force on the battlefield. Counting it up, it's been 20 years, and the United States' actions have been quite low-key."
"But last July, the United States suddenly announced its withdrawal from the United Nations, which is very different from their usual low-key approach. Three days later, the United States will send new weapons to Taiwan for testing. What do you think the United States wants to do?"
"Does it want to launch a full-scale war? But even if atomic bombs have really become useless, the armies of various countries are not rookies holding small rifles like in World War II." A cold sweat broke out on Liu Tao's back.
"You're right, so the United States proposed the testing of new weapons during this very period. The testing method is that just four sets of individual soldier armament can allow the trash Taiwanese army to win. Now the eyes of the whole world are watching here. The war to reunify Taiwan is no longer as simple as imagined. It's not an exaggeration to say that it's a war that concerns the future direction of the world." Zheng Yu pushed up his glasses, his gaze behind the lenses deep.
"It really is complicated." Liu Tao smiled helplessly, rubbing his temples which were a bit swollen. "Aren't you afraid of crushing me by giving me such a heavy burden?"
"Liu Tao, who is known as China's 'Number One General,' is also afraid of a heavy burden? That's too strange, isn't it?" Zheng Yu teased. "Then why didn't you say the burden was heavy when the higher-ups only gave you 1,000 men and asked you to eliminate the Turkic terrorist organization?"
"There's nothing strange about it." Liu Tao lit another cigarette and took a deep drag. "Everyone is afraid, and I am also human. But I know that the Chief of the Confidential Section of the Central Political Department is visiting me now, it shouldn't just be to catch up with an old classmate, right?"
"Do you know about Special Ops Team Seven?" Zheng Yu asked expressionlessly, his eyes as sharp as an eagle's.
"You mean the Central government will send them here…" The cigarette butt in Liu Tao's hand fell to the ground with a snap, and an incredulous look appeared on his face.
"I'm leaving." Zheng Yu said, getting up and walking towards the conference room door, his steps steady.
"Hey! You're leaving before you finish talking?" Just as Liu Tao reacted, Zheng Yu had already pushed open the conference room door.
"Some things are better left unsaid, but please remember that in these 20 years, we haven't just been idly watching others develop!" Zheng Yu turned his head back and smiled.
Liu Tao watched Zheng Yu's plane take off through the conference room window. He sighed and said to himself, "It has begun! Although I knew long ago that we couldn't escape it, I still feel regret now that it has really started. Sigh, I hope China can see the final appearance of the Earth."
February 10, 2011, in front of the White House in the United States.
"Welcome, everyone from the press. I would like to express my gratitude to all of you for being here." Edward (U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense) clapped his hands with a smile. The reporters gave a perfunctory two claps, and then the cameras and microphones in their hands were pointed at him like guns.
Edward didn't feel embarrassed; on the contrary, he thought it showed the world's attention to the United States. "Now, I won't waste everyone's time. The purpose of inviting everyone here today is to announce the latest results of the United States' weapons research. Please take a look…" After speaking, everyone turned their heads to look at the rear indicated by Edward. At the same time, everyone was shocked. Liu Tao, who was watching the live broadcast in the Taiwan Operations Command Center, laughed exaggeratedly and said, "Am I watching a 'Gundam Special'?"
Standing 20 meters behind the crowd was a robot 2.3 meters tall with a shoulder width of 1.2 meters. The angular arms, chest, and legs not only gave a strong visual impact but also exuded powerful strength.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is the latest U.S. individual soldier protection armor." Edward stepped down from the platform and walked to the side of the robot. This scene made Liu Tao in front of the television laugh for a long time because the 1.8-meter-tall Edward standing next to the armor looked as small as a child.
"Excuse me, Mr. Secretary, can this robot move for us to see?" The Chinese reporter was the first to react from the shock and asked urgently.
"Mr. Reporter, you misunderstood. It's not a robot, but armor! Individual soldier armor! It is directly controlled by personnel inside. It is the most perfect individual combat equipment." After Edward finished speaking, he narrowed his eyes and looked at the armor with a happy expression.
"Mr. Secretary, can you please demonstrate the performance of this armor?" asked the British reporter.
"Alright, alright, now I have another piece of news to announce." Edward returned to the podium. "To commend the efforts of Taiwanese scientists throughout the weapon development process, the U.S. government has agreed to Taiwan's request to lease four sets of individual soldier armor. We hope everyone doesn't misunderstand; the United States has always adhered to the One China policy. This lease is purely for scientific research and has nothing to do with the war between Taiwan and China."
"You can even say something as blatant as 'no 300 taels of silver buried here.' Your skin is thick enough!" Liu Tao said disdainfully.
"Mr. Secretary, I would like to reiterate that we just want to see this weapon move." The Russian reporter stood up.
"I understand everyone's thoughts, but the armor is not as perfect as imagined. Testing it here could easily endanger everyone's safety. Everyone should wait for the specific test reports given by the Taiwanese scientists! But there is one thing I would like to ask my journalist friends to remember: there is no individual soldier in the world today who can harm it. Okay, that concludes today's press conference. There will be a reception in the restaurant behind us later. If anyone has time, I sincerely invite you to attend." Edward said, walking towards the backstage. It was rumored that only American reporters attended the reception that night.
"Okay, America's show is over, now it's our turn to perform." Liu Tao turned off the television and picked up the phone. "Secretary Chen, immediately issue a notice to all armies to stop the planned offensive against the surrounding areas. We will rest in place for seven days. In addition to normal patrols, other soldiers will be granted a special three-day leave in place. Also, tell the people in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to release a statement about the reason for the Chinese soldiers' rest in place."
"Commander, what reason should we give?" Secretary Chen was completely confused by Liu Tao.
"Stupid! Just say, 'China, fearing that the four incomplete armors leased by the United States to Taiwan might cause accidental injuries to soldiers during testing, has specially suspended all military activities. We will wait for Taiwan to complete the armor testing as soon as possible before continuing the war of reunification.' Anyway, say whatever will make the Americans' faces burn." Liu Tao hung up the phone with a snap. He leaned back in his chair and sighed, "I'm really tired. Why has a perfectly good battle turned into a competition of new weapons? Now we just wait for the arrival of Special Ops Team Seven from the Central government. I hope China's 20 years of effort haven't been in vain."
At this moment, an image of someone suddenly flashed through Liu Tao's mind. Excited, he stood up from his chair and muttered to himself, "Could it be that he is one of the special ops team members? My God, if it's true, then it seems it won't be easy for the United States to make their plan work!"
And at this moment, on the wide airfield of the Kinmen military base, a military transport plane was waiting to head towards Kaohsiung City.
"Final confirmation of instructions: you will proceed to Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. There, you will completely obey Commander Liu Tao's orders. This is your first mission after graduation. Failure is not allowed!" In the darkness, a burly man roared at the four people in front of him, his voice echoing like thunder in the air.
"Sir, if he orders us to make unnecessary sacrifices, can we handle it according to the regulations of the Special Operations Forces?" a cold female voice asked, with a hint of barely perceptible chill in her tone.
The officer thought for a moment and said in a solemn tone, "Yes, you can disobey and kill him. Now, pick up your equipment and get on the plane."
"Yes, sir!" the four people replied in unison, their voices loud and carrying a sense of grim determination. Three of them quickly picked up the black bags, each weighing a full 100 kilograms, and ran quickly towards the airport, their figures disappearing into the night.
"No.13, do you have anything else?" the officer asked, looking at the last person remaining in front of him.
"Sir, has the authority to launch the Seed special bullet been transferred to Commander Liu Tao?" the boy's voice was slightly immature but carried a hint of firmness.
"No! The Central government officially transferred the authority to launch Seed to you when they decided to make you the sniper of Special Ops Team Seven. Whether to launch it and when to launch it is entirely up to you…" the officer said expressionlessly, his tone devoid of any emotion. But after he finished speaking, the cold sweat on his back had already soaked through his uniform.
"No.13 understands!" The speaker was a boy only 17 or 18 years old. He quickly picked up the black backpack beside him and ran towards the airport. In a short while, he had caught up with the teammates running ahead.
The officer looked at his back, his eyes filled with complex emotions, and muttered to himself, "The Taiwanese army probably doesn't know what kind of life they are about to face, do they? I just hope that the 'graduation exam' incident doesn't happen again! I believe you can make the United States realize that we are equally powerful…"