Liu Yong exuded an air of calmness as he maintained his relaxed posture, his voice brimming with unwavering confidence. "Fear not, for I possess the unwavering certainty of emerging victorious."
Witnessing this display of composure, shooking his head in amusement, his smile carrying a tinge of wryness. Deep within, he pondered how to explain to the Prime Minister if Mr Liu sustained any injuries. Thoughts of persuasive explanations began to take shape in his mind.
A group of individuals, including Liu Yong, Said Cameo, and Atar, moved toward the adjacent training ground, capturing the attention of the onlookers—both fellow trainees and trainers. The training ground sprawled across an expanse akin to three or four standard football fields, accommodating many activities. The bustling scene featured some engrossed inline training, others engaged in weight-bearing cross-country drills, and a few taking aim at distant targets in the shooting range.
Lined up beside the training ground were neatly parked tanks, armoured vehicles, and off-road vehicles, accompanied by several helicopters. Liu Yong, Said, Atar, and their entourage garnered further curiosity, swiftly capturing the onlookers' attention, including those currently engaged in training.
While the nature of training demanded undivided focus and restricted any stray glances, the presence of this particular group of individuals spoke volumes. Mainly, Said and Atar possessed an air of significance, setting them apart. The training ground's overseer swiftly approached, assuming a formal stance, saluting, and delivering a loud report. "Your Excellency, we are currently engaged in our daily training routine. Your guidance is awaited."
Said, cognizant of the impending combat competition, realized that their presence would inevitably disrupt the training, inhibiting the trainees' ability to concentrate fully. Thus, he decided it would be best to halt all activities altogether. "Cease the training. Everyone shall gather to witness the upcoming combat competition."
A fighting competition? The mere mention of it sparked excitement among the officers, mainly when they laid eyes on Atar. The prospect of witnessing a battle became tantalizingly appealing. One of the officers couldn't help but voice his anticipation aloud. "Chief Instructor Atar has arrived. I wonder if he will participate."
"It's unlikely. The chief instructor has refrained from engaging in combat for quite some time," another officer said, sharing the sentiment.
"Have you noticed? These are the elites from the special warfare unit, personally instructed by Chief Instructor Atal himself. Their combat competitions are always spectacular. Today promises to be an eye-opening experience," a third officer commented, his excitement palpable.
"Look, next to General Said, there's a young man who appears to be from the Yan Kingdom," a curious officer remarked.
"What brings someone from Yan here? Could it be that he is a guest of General Said, like us, here to witness this combat competition?" speculated another officer.
Over a thousand officers and soldiers stood in impeccable formation, yet their whispered conversations created a buzzing undercurrent. Resting during this brief respite, their minds wandered, sparking many discussions. Although everyone knew a combat competition was imminent, the specifics remained uncertain.
Amidst the murmurs, Said ascended the fighting platform, his voice reverberating powerfully. "Ladies and gentlemen, prepare yourselves for the forthcoming combat competition. One of the contenders is none other than Mr. Liu Yong, the esteemed leader of the Global Shipping Group."
Liu Yong responded with a gracious smile and a wave, stepping into the fighting arena.
What? One of them hails from the Yan Kingdom.
Numerous individuals were left dumbfounded, never considering the possibility that Liu Yong, an unexpected participant, represented the Yan Kingdom. Questions lingered regarding the identity of the other contender.
"Could it be an elite member of the special operations unit?" one officer speculated.
"Most likely. Perhaps a member sent by the special warfare unit to challenge Mr. Liu Yong," another officer theorized.
"Look at Liu Yong, dressed in a shirt, tie, and leather shoes. Is he truly serious?" one officer remarked sceptically.
"I suspect it's merely a formality. As a guest, we cannot cause him any harm," another officer said, suggesting that Liu Yong's involvement might be more symbolic than substantive.
"Well, I had anticipated an enthralling combat competition, but it seems we're in for a lackluster affair. Hardly worth the anticipation," an officer remarked dejectedly.
The chorus of conversations continued, echoing the sentiments of the crowd. They appeared to have already settled upon the outcome of the competition, finding humour in Liu Yong's audacity.
Observing the growing amusement, Said raised his hand, commanding silence. The entire scene quickly fell into peaceful tranquillity. After all, every individual present was a disciplined soldier, accustomed to adhering to protocols more diligently than the average person.
With the audience now attentive, Said resumed speaking in a resounding voice. "On the opposing side, we have the esteemed members of the special warfare team, led by Atar, the chief combat instructor of the National Defense Division. They total twenty-three in number."
Another wave of astonishment washed over the crowd, leaving them momentarily stunned. They couldn't fathom what they had just heard. This couldn't be a jest!
Liu Yong alone, they pondered, would challenge Atar, the chief instructor, along with twenty-three members of the special warfare team. The notion seemed preposterous.
Following a brief silence, a collective exclamation rippled through the audience. The scene erupted into an uproar.
One officer, his voice strained from shouting, exclaimed, "Your Excellency, this can't be a joke!"
"The Yan Kingdom representative just defeated twenty-three opponents, including Chief Instructor Atal," another officer blurted out.
Atar's countenance soured, his heart seething with anger. He hadn't desired to participate in this contest, aware that victory would be considered a slight and defeat an unbearable humiliation. Nonetheless, he couldn't ignore the storm of emotions brewing within him.
Taking the lead, Atar ascended the fighting arena alongside the special operations team members. His voice carried across the quiet arena as he addressed the assembly. "Ladies and gentlemen, I share your sentiment. It was the other party's suggestion that one person should face us all."
"Rest assured, I shall endeavor not to exert excessive force, and I have instructed my team members to employ minimal strength as well."
Laughter resonated from the crowd, some even teetering on the brink of tears. Their joy seemed aimed at Liu Yong's audaciousness.
"How amusing! He dares to face twenty-three opponents alone?"
"Indeed, perhaps only one or two will make a move, and he will be swiftly defeated."
"I wager he won't last a minute."
"No, I'd say he won't even last thirty seconds."
The officers and soldiers, numbering over a thousand, engaged in lively discussions, their demeanour implying they had already concluded the outcome of the competition.
Seizing the role of referee, Said Cameo raised his hand and signalled for silence. The clamour subsided, and he proceeded with the next step. Both Liu Yong and Atar acknowledged their readiness.
Said Cameo retrieving a whistle and positioning it within reach. He had predetermined that he would immediately blow the whistle if the situation worsened, such as Liu Yong sustaining a severe injury. As the Prime Minister's guest, Liu Yong must not be subjected to harm. Assured of his contingency plan, Said blew the whistle, marking the beginning of the competition.
A thousand pairs of eyes in attendance focused intently on the fighting ring, engendering absolute silence.
Atar, seemingly hesitant to engage, gave a signal, and two special operations team members promptly rushed toward Liu Yong. The remaining team members appeared disinclined to intervene, confident that two members would suffice.
The two special forces operatives braced themselves, roared in unison, and charged at Liu Yong, one from the left and one from the right.
With a slight smile, Liu Yong shifted his position and met their advance head-on. A resounding "bang, bang" echoed in a shocking turn of events, leaving even Atar struggling to discern the sequence of events. The two special forces members were sent flying, crashing heavily onto the fighting platform, incapacitated and unable to rise.
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