Rebirth in the Dragon Kingdom: The Strongest Blade

Chapter 18 Promotion of Military Rank

Lin Zhe spent eight months in the Hunter Blade Special Forces, and felt it was more fulfilling than the two years he spent in the border defense company. The training facilities here were incredibly comprehensive: a high-altitude parachute tower, a diving training pool, a simulated urban battlefield, an electronic warfare laboratory... each and every one of them allowed him to hone his abilities in every way.

Every day at four in the morning, while most team members were still asleep, Lin Zhe would get up and practice his skills. The Hunyuan Gong taught by Chen Qingshan progressed rapidly in the high-intensity environment of the special forces. He could clearly feel that the "qi" in his body was becoming more and more abundant, and his five senses were becoming more and more acute. In fact, during a nighttime infiltration training exercise, he could tell how many people were within thirty meters just by their breath, even with his eyes closed.

This improvement is two-way. On the one hand, he constantly absorbs the professional training of the special forces; on the other hand, he combines what he learned from Chen Qingshan and Zhang Jian with his memories from his previous life, practicing and improving it in real combat.

The missions were indeed numerous. In eight months, Lin Zhe participated in seventeen operations: clearing out armed strongholds across borders, rescuing trapped personnel, intercepting important intelligence, counter-terrorism raids... Every single one was real combat, every single one was a dance on the line between life and death.

"Lin Zhe, you saved my life again today!" After returning from a mission, Chen Feng patted Lin Zhe on the shoulder, still feeling lingering fear.

It was an ambush in the border mountains. Chen Feng's squad was surrounded, but Lin Zhe, with two men, managed to tear a hole from the side and also took down the enemy commander.

"Of course." Lin Zhe wiped his gun, his tone as calm as if he had just gone to the market to buy groceries.

But the team members knew that behind every "it should be" from Lin Zhe lay precise judgment, decisive action, and extraordinary composure. After eight months, no one in the Hunter Blade Special Forces dared to challenge Lin Zhe. So what if he's a twenty-year-old major? He's got the skills!

When he has free time, Lin Zhe will go into the equipment room to study the special forces' weapons and equipment. Looking at the equipment that he considers "outdated," he will shake his head and then take out his notebook to take notes.

The notebook was already full. From individual soldier equipment to communication systems, from weapon performance to tactical concepts, he meticulously organized his memories from his previous life, combined them with the actual situation of this world, and wrote a series of technical reports.

He regularly sent these reports to the General Armaments Department. Initially, it was once a month, then every two weeks, and sometimes once a week. The content became increasingly in-depth, ranging from equipment improvements to tactical innovations, from individual soldier systems to battlefield informationization...

In the General Armaments Department, the office responsible for receiving Lin Zhe's reports has practically become a "Lin Zhe hotline." Every time a report arrives, the entire department goes into "preparedness mode."

"Here it comes again!" Xiao Zhang from the Technical Department looked at the encrypted email that popped up on his computer, feeling both excited and annoyed. "What is Major Lin researching this time?"

Upon opening it, one sees "Feasibility Analysis and Preliminary Design Scheme for Individual Soldier Exoskeleton System".

"My God..." Xiao Zhang gasped, then quickly made a phone call, "Director Li, Lin Zhe's new report: a soldier's exoskeleton! Yes, the kind you see in science fiction movies!"

Soon, the entire technical department was brightly lit. The veteran experts surrounded the report, their eyes gleaming, and lively debates erupted.

"This powertrain design... is brilliant!"

"The material requirements are too high; it's probably not feasible at this stage."

"Look at this part, he provided an alternative solution that can achieve 60% of the effect using existing materials..."

It's tiring, really tiring. Ever since Lin Zhe started "producing regular reports," the researchers in the General Armament Department have doubled their overtime hours. But no one complains, because Lin Zhe's reports are like treasures; every layer you dig reveals a surprise.

"It's tiring but enjoyable," the head of the technical department said with a smile. "Before, we were working in isolation, but now Lin Zhe has paved the way, and we just need to follow. Just how much does this young man have in his head?"

The benefits are tangible. All new equipment related to Lin Zhe's report will be first tested by the Hunter Blade Special Forces. Lin Zhe, as the improver, will personally lead his team in testing, gathering feedback, and making further improvements.

For example, the individual soldier terminal, while not yet officially deployed across the entire army, is already in service with every soldier. Its palm-sized screen can display battlefield maps, enemy and friendly positions, receive commands, and upload intelligence. This thing is incredibly useful in missions, significantly improving efficiency.

During a cross-border reconnaissance mission, Lin Zhe's squad penetrated 120 kilometers behind enemy lines. Intelligence was transmitted back in real-time via individual soldier terminals, allowing the rear command center to feel as if they were on the scene. After the mission, Qin Feng patted Lin Zhe on the shoulder: "This thing is practically a cheat code!"

A few months later, Lin Zhe was promoted to vice captain of the Hunter Blade team, leading a ten-man squad on his own. No one objected to this appointment—his strength and achievements spoke for themselves.

Lin Zhe personally selected and trained this team. He simplified the fighting techniques taught by Chen Qingshan and taught them to the team members; he improved the special forces training methods he had seen in his previous life and used them in daily training; he even customized training plans according to each person's characteristics.

"Captain Lin, where did you learn these training methods?" asked team member Xiao Ma. He was the team's sniper, and Lin Zhe had specially designed a set of breathing and stability training for him.

"I figured it out myself." Lin Zhe wasn't telling the truth. "What suits you best is the best."

The results were obvious. In the monthly combat drills within the Hunter Blade team, Lin Zhe's ten-man squad won first place for five consecutive months. It wasn't a narrow victory, but a crushing defeat—they were superior in tactical coordination, individual skills, and battlefield adaptability.

Looking at the results of the competition, Qin Feng shook his head and smiled wryly: "That kid Lin Zhe is not only strong himself, but he can also lead others. Our Hunter Blade team has been elevated to a whole level by him alone."

The team members' trust in Lin Zhe was genuine. It wasn't just because he was strong, but also because he truly cared about his teammates. He was the strictest during training, but the most caring in their daily lives; he was the calmest during missions, but the most concerned about the safety of his teammates.

During a real battle, team member Lao Li was shot in the leg. Lin Zhe carried him on his back, retreating three kilometers through a hail of bullets, and even took down two pursuers in the process. When they returned, Lao Li, with tears in his eyes, said, "Team Leader Lin, from now on, my life is yours."

Lin Zhe simply patted him on the shoulder and said, "Take good care of your injury; the team needs you."

Beijing, the Central Military Commission building.

In a spacious office, several retired generals, their stars of command gleaming on their shoulders, sat around a conference table. Spread out on the table was not a map, but a thick stack of technical reports—all submitted by Lin Zhe over the past eight months.

"...The feasibility report for the individual soldier exoskeleton system—this is already the seventh major technical proposal." The deputy minister of the General Armaments Department, an elderly general with gray hair, pointed to the report. "The previous six—night vision improvement, thermal imaging upgrade, individual soldier combat system, new bulletproof materials, tactical drone solutions, battlefield information framework...each one is at least five years ahead of our current level."

He paused, then emphasized, "Some things, like this battlefield information framework, I consulted experts, and they said it's at least ten years ahead."

The conference room fell silent. The generals flipped through the report, their expressions growing increasingly grave.

"Did Lin Zhe do all of this by himself?" a lieutenant general asked. "He's only twenty years old, isn't he?"

"He's twenty-one, just had his birthday." Another file was pushed over. "This is his complete resume: two first-class merits in the border defense forces, participated in seventeen missions in eight months in the special operations team, all of which were successful, with outstanding individual performance. He is currently the deputy captain of the Hunter Blade Special Operations Team, leading his squad to maintain a perfect record in internal team combat."

"The key is," the old general continued, "that these technical reports aren't just theoretical. The Hunter Blade Special Forces are already testing the improved equipment with remarkable results. During the last cross-border mission, it was thanks to the individual soldier system he designed that intelligence was transmitted back in real time, allowing command to watch as if it were a live broadcast."

"There's nothing more to reward him for." An elderly general with completely white hair took off his glasses and rubbed his temples. "Twenty-one years old, major, two first-class merits, and now he's made such a significant technological contribution... According to convention, a contribution of this level should at least be awarded a first-class prize for scientific and technological progress, and his military rank should be promoted as well."

"But how much should he be promoted to?" someone asked. "Lieutenant colonel? He was only promoted to major eight months ago. Colonel? That's too fast, it'll cause controversy."

"Afraid of criticism, you suppress meritorious officials?" the old general said in a deep voice. "Back when I was fighting, there were regimental commanders who were only nineteen years old! As long as you have ability and battle achievements, age is not a problem!"

Silence fell over the meeting room again. The generals were all weighing their options.

Finally, the white-haired old general made the final decision: "Alright, the technical contribution should be awarded at the highest level. As for the rank... I propose a promotion to lieutenant colonel. The reasons are excellent: significant technical contribution, outstanding combat performance, and exceptional leadership ability. As for age..."

He surveyed the entire room: "Our army cannot suppress truly talented individuals because of their age. Lin Zhe's example is meant to tell the entire army: If you have the ability, you can rise to the top! No matter your age!"

"agree."

I second that.

"I have no objection."

The resolution was drafted and submitted to the highest level. Three days later, the approval came down: approved.

Southwest Military Region, Hunter Blade Special Forces Training Ground.

Lin Zhe was leading his squad in an urban combat drill. Gunfire erupted amidst the simulated ruins, and the team members coordinated seamlessly, their tactical movements clean and efficient. Lin Zhe charged to the front, rolled, raised his gun, and fired three bursts, instantly felling three "targets."

"Beautiful!" Qin Feng, who was watching the game, couldn't help but cheer.

After the drill ended, the team members gathered around, covered in sweat but with excited eyes. Lin Zhe was about to give his debriefing when suddenly, the sound of a car came from the camp gate.

An off-road vehicle bearing the license plate of the Military Region Headquarters drove in and parked beside the training ground. Commander Chen Jianfeng got out of the car himself, followed by the Director of the Political Department and several officers.

"Assemble!" Qin Feng gave the order, and the entire team quickly lined up.

Chen Jianfeng walked to the front of the line, his gaze landing directly on Lin Zhe, a smile he couldn't hide on his face: "Lin Zhe, step forward!"

"Yes!" Lin Zhe stepped forward.

Chen Jianfeng took a document bag from the accompanying officer, opened it, and took out an official document. He cleared his throat and spoke in a loud voice:

"Comrade Lin Zhe!"

"arrive!"

"After deliberation by the Central Military Commission, in recognition of your outstanding contributions to military technological innovation and combat missions, you are hereby awarded a First-Class Merit and promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel! This order is issued by the Central Military Commission!"

After a few seconds of silence, cheers erupted from the training ground as soon as the words were spoken.

"Lieutenant Colonel! Captain Lin has been promoted to lieutenant colonel!"

"A 21-year-old lieutenant colonel! My God!"

"First-class merit! That's the third one!"

Lin Zhe was stunned. He knew his reports were valuable, but he didn't expect the Central Military Commission to directly award him a prize and even promote him beyond the usual ranks.

Chen Jianfeng walked up to him, personally pinned the First-Class Merit Medal on him, and then replaced it with the shoulder insignia of a lieutenant colonel. The insignia became two bars and two stars, gleaming in the sunlight.

"Lin Zhe," Chen Jianfeng patted his shoulder, his voice not loud, but everyone around could hear, "you're a treasure of our military region now. The General Armaments Department calls every day asking for you, saying it's a waste of your time in the special forces. But I told them, Lin Zhe is a soldier first, and a technical expert second."

He paused, then chuckled, "But you're something else, ever since you joined the army, your rank seems to always be higher than your direct superior's. In the border defense company, you were a major, and the company commander was a captain; now in the special forces, you're a lieutenant colonel, Qin Feng is the captain and a major, and you're the deputy captain..."

This remark drew a burst of laughter. Qin Feng also laughed: "Commander, I don't mind. The stronger Lin Zhe is, the stronger our Hunter Blade becomes."

Chen Jianfeng nodded and turned to the entire team: "This award today isn't just for Lin Zhe personally, it's for your Hunter Blade Special Forces team too! You've proven with your actions that the soldiers of our Southwest Military Region are not only brave and tenacious, but also intelligent and skilled! Keep up the good work!"

"Yes!" The roar shook the heavens.

After the ceremony, Chen Jianfeng called Lin Zhe aside, his tone becoming serious: "Lin Zhe, with honor comes pressure. A 21-year-old lieutenant colonel, the entire army is watching."

"I understand, Commander."

"Okay." Chen Jianfeng nodded with satisfaction. "Also, we hope you can go to the General Armaments Department regularly to provide guidance. Your technical ideas need a professional team to implement them. But don't worry, your main job is still in the special operations team; technical guidance is a side job."

"yes!"

After seeing the commander off, Lin Zhe returned to his unit. The team members surrounded him, chattering amongst themselves:

"Team Leader Lin, it's on you!"

"He's a lieutenant colonel now! Time to celebrate!"

"Captain Lin, how did you get such a brain? You're good at both warfare and scientific research..."

Lin Zhe responded with a smile, but he knew in his heart that this honor was both an affirmation and a responsibility. The Central Military Commission's direct order to award him meant that his every move would be scrutinized at a higher level.

In his previous life, he didn't reach the rank of senior colonel until he was thirty-five; in this life, he became a lieutenant colonel at twenty-one. The speed was too fast, so fast that he was somewhat dazed.

But he quickly adjusted his mindset. Since he had chosen this path, he had to keep going, and he had to walk it steadily and go far.

Training continued. In the afternoon's combat training, Lin Zhe personally took to the ring, taking on three opponents single-handedly, still handling the situation with ease. The team members looked at this young lieutenant colonel vice-captain with admiration, but also a near-reverence in their eyes.

That evening, Lin Zhe was writing a training summary in his dormitory. The door was pushed open, and Qin Feng walked in, carrying two cans of beer.

"Want some drinks?" Qin Feng handed over a can.

The two clinked their cans together. Qin Feng looked at the lieutenant colonel's rank on Lin Zhe's shoulder and suddenly laughed: "Lin Zhe, to be honest, when I first saw you, I thought you were just a genius with a powerful background. But now I know, you're not a genius, you're a monster."

Lin Zhe laughed: "Captain Qin, are you praising me or insulting me?"

"I'm impressed," Qin Feng said, taking a swig of his drink. "I served in the army for twelve years, rising from private to major, every step of which I risked my life for. You, on the other hand, went straight to lieutenant colonel after a year on the border and eight months in special operations. That speed is unprecedented."

He paused for a moment, then said, "But I admire you. You have the ability. Your skills, tactics, combat, command... are all top-notch. What's even more commendable is that you are humble and composed, and genuinely lead your troops."

"Captain Qin, you flatter me," Lin Zhe said. "I just did what I was supposed to do."

"The things that should be done..." Qin Feng repeated, shaking his head, "These 'things that should be done' are things that many people can't do in their entire lives."

Outside the window, night was deepening. In the special operations camp, only the footsteps of patrolling sentries could be heard.

Lin Zhe lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling. A twenty-one-year-old lieutenant colonel, three first-class merits, deputy captain of the special operations team... these titles carried a heavy weight.