Chapter 220 How should I start?
Chapter 220 How should I start?
From that day on, Su Ming entered a hellish training session. The veteran agent seemed incredibly critical of him, with each day's training meticulously detailed and demanding, pushing Su Ming to his limits. During the first few days, Su Ming was practically bruised and battered—whether it was close combat, firearms handling, or complex infiltration techniques, the veteran agent used practical methods to make Su Ming realize his shortcomings.
One day, training took place in a deserted factory. The veteran agent set up a complex scenario: Su Ming had to infiltrate the factory, gather intelligence, and escape amidst numerous enemies within a specified timeframe. Upon entering the factory, Su Ming carefully observed every corner, attempting to employ his previously acquired skills in concealment and reconnaissance. However, within minutes, his tracks were discovered by the veteran agent's "enemies." Almost instantly, Su Ming was surrounded, and his mission failed.
"You're doing it wrong," the veteran agent said coldly after the mission. "You're relying too much on the so-called 'rules.' Real enemies won't wait for your attack step by step."
Su Ming lowered his head, panting, drenched in sweat. He had never felt so powerless and defeated. But he understood that this was exactly what the old agent was trying to teach him—in the world of spies, any plan could collapse in an instant. The only way out was to adapt to the situation and always be faster and more ruthless than the opponent.
Subsequent training became even more brutal. The veteran agent no longer merely taught Su Ming techniques; instead, he made him constantly face the realities of failure and danger. Every failed mission was met with harsh criticism and merciless physical punishment. At night, Su Ming often collapsed on his bed, exhausted, aching all over, seemingly on the verge of collapse. But each time, he forged ahead and continued the next day's training.
Gradually, Su Ming began to grasp the deeper meaning of the old agent's teachings. He learned how to exploit the environment, how to conceal his emotions and intentions, and more importantly, he understood the most crucial qualities of an agent: patience and composure. During several near-hopeless mission simulations, he began to abandon his reliance on established rules and instead proactively create opportunities. Although the old agent never directly praised him, Su Ming could sense a subtle shift in his attitude.
Once, Su Ming, under the guidance of a veteran agent, infiltrated a heavily guarded warehouse on his own. His target was a highly confidential document, and the warehouse was riddled with traps and surveillance cameras. The mission seemed impossible, but Su Ming, with his cool head and understanding of the enemy's psychology, successfully obtained the document and escaped unscathed.
After the mission was completed, for the first time, the veteran agent didn't immediately criticize Su Ming. Instead, he silently looked at Su Ming and nodded. This simple gesture, more than any praise, inspired Su Ming. He knew he had finally reached a new level.
However, Su Ming's training didn't stop there. The veteran agent told him that the real challenge lay ahead. The organization's top brass had issued a new order, requiring Su Ming to carry out a crucial mission within a month. This mission was related to national security, and his opponent was a high-ranking agent who had defected and was familiar with all the espionage techniques and had been secretly planning for years.
The old agent said, "This mission is not only a test of your abilities, but also the ultimate test of your loyalty." He paused, a trace of worry flashing in his eyes. "I have fought this traitor before. He is extremely dangerous."
Su Ming stood by the window, gazing at the buildings in the darkness beyond, his heart pounding. The night was exceptionally quiet, the rustling of leaves in the wind resonating distinctly. He knew his mission had only just begun. The renegade senior agent was hiding somewhere, and the intelligence Su Ming had received indicated they had begun a covert operation and could launch an attack at any moment.
The light inside the room was dim, and Su Ming's face was hidden in the shadows. He pulled a piece of paper from his pocket. It was a piece of paper that the old agent had given him before leaving. It contained only a few lines of words: "Don't trust anyone. Behind every move of the target, there is a deeper purpose." The words were written in a vigorous and powerful hand, as if reminding Su Ming to stay awake at all times.
He gently folded the note, knowing full well that the true challenge lay not in physical strength or skill, but in the battle of the mind. His opponent was a former operative, familiar with every move and thought pattern of the agent, forcing him to be even more cautious. No amount of combat training could fully simulate this psychological confrontation—he would have to use his mind to defeat a foe far more cunning than himself.
"What are you thinking about?" The old agent's voice suddenly rang out, interrupting Su Ming's thoughts. He sat in a chair in the corner, his hands folded in his lap, his eyes still sharp.
Su Ming took a deep breath and replied, "I was wondering, why me? There are people in the organization who are more experienced than me, so why let me take charge of this mission?"
The old agent glanced at him, his lips curled up slightly, revealing a faint smile. "Do you think I haven't asked the same question before? When I first started, I also questioned whether I was the 'right person.' But in the end, I realized that this isn't something you choose; it's something you become part of the mission. No one can do it for you."
Su Ming fell silent. From the moment the mission was assigned, he had a vague feeling that he couldn't shirk this responsibility. He knew he had already embarked on this path, and turning back was impossible. The old agent's attitude had gradually shifted from initial harshness to current thoughtfulness, implying that he now viewed Su Ming as his true successor, not just a disciple requiring constant instruction.
"How should I start?" Su Ming asked in a low but firm voice.
The old agent was silent for a moment, then slowly spoke, "Hide yourself, observe, and wait for him to reveal a flaw. Every wrong move will provide you with an opportunity. Remember, never act rashly. Patience is your weapon."
Su Ming nodded. He had a preliminary plan for this mission, but he knew it was far from as simple as it seemed. The enemy knew him very well, and if he wasn't careful, he would be lured into a trap.
As night fell, Su Ming quietly left his hiding place and crept towards his target's location. He chose a well-hidden path, his steps light and steady, as if blending into the darkness. Deep in the city, he quickly found an abandoned building with a wide view, allowing him to observe his target's every move.
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