"No problem at all."

Gu Ji casually responded and turned to admire the beautiful scenery of the Mediterranean Sea. After half a day of intense combat, there was finally some time to rest for a while.

But happy times are always short-lived.

The distance between the southern outer islands and the Lebudas Port on the mainland of the Roman Empire is not far. After just half an hour of flying, before the sun could set, the plane landed at the military airport of the port.

"The bell of destiny has already sounded. The Fog Eagle Alliance army is pressing in. Our survival depends on this fight. We must liberate our city from the invaders. All defenders must be prepared for sacrifice, fighting until the last shell..."

As soon as he opened the airplane cabin door.

Gu Ji heard the pre-battle speech echoing from the speakers of the Hans Army base.

As the largest aggressor, the Hans Country actually labeled the allies as invaders, which was indeed the greatest "irony."

On the open ground of the base, a large number of Hans Country soldiers were boarding troop carriers in an orderly manner. Tiger Tanks, armored vehicles, PAK40 anti-tank guns, and various heavy weapons were successively heading for the port.

"It seems the final battle is inevitable..."

Just as he was mumbling to himself, an officer in a gray-green trench coat, holding a document, led two guards over quickly.

The officer first saluted Luca, then stated his identity.

"We are from the Punishment Camp. Let me explain your situation."

Upon hearing the words "Punishment Camp," Eugen, Ler, and others visibly shuddered.

The Punishment Camp, controlled by the field military police, was specifically used for punishing deserters, undisciplined soldiers, and those with "wavering willpower." They were made to atone with their lives, enduring severe corporal punishment, and were also sent to the Eastern Front as cannon fodder.

Luca was accustomed to such people and stepped forward voluntarily to recount the day's entire combat process in detail.

Upon hearing that the other side was the tank commander of the "1st Guard Banner Force," the gendarme officer's expression became much more respectful, and when it came to Gu Ji, his gaze turned to shock.

"Thank you, Officer Luca, for your account, and thank you all for your contributions to the Empire. Everything done by Private Herman has been recorded and will be reported to the higher-ups. Please go to the tent to rest now!"

After the gendarme officer left.

Eugen's face lit up with excitement.

"We helped the Empire capture a plane back. Do you think our performance this time will get us honors and rewards?"

"I'm not too sure, but there's no doubt about Herman, our buddy."

Ler patted Eugen's shoulder and laughed with a bit of self-mockery.

For him, just surviving back from the southern outer islands was the biggest reward.

Luca was long accustomed to such arrangements.

"Normally, soldiers who retreat from the front line are reassigned to non-combat zones or their hometowns for a half-month rest. After the honor and rewards are issued, they are reassigned to the battlefield."

Upon hearing this, Gu Ji's eyes lit up instantly.

"When is the soonest I can go home?"

"It depends on the reporting time of the gendarmerie and the arrangement from the command. If quick, maybe you can leave tomorrow or the day after."

"Herman, are you so excited because you miss home?"

Eugen's expression was downcast, still hoping to continue learning battle command from Gu Ji.

Having experienced life and death, Ler was also reluctant to part with Gu Ji.

Looking at those who had fought side by side, Luca spoke up.

"If there's a chance, I'll apply to bring you to the 1st Guard Banner to follow my command in battle."

"That would be great, then we could always be together!"

Eugen grabbed Gu Ji's arm, "Herman, don't forget to teach me!"

"Don't worry..."

They all laughed and chatted as they headed to the military camp canteen to fix their hunger, then followed the gendarmerie to check out the tent where they would rest that night.

The resting area for officers was separate from that for privates.

Gu Ji and Eugen were assigned to a shared bunk, and as soon as they entered, a strong odor of sweat and feet hit them.

He was already mentally and physically exhausted and couldn't care much, laying down to sleep as soon as he could.

Unexpectedly.

At around ten in the night, the entire military base suddenly became chaotic, waking him from his dream.

Gu Ji sat up from the ground with a jolt.

"What's going on?"

"This is bad, Herman. Everything Felix said was true. Just now, Radio Rome announced nationwide that the king has approved the resignation of the Prime Minister, Benito Mosnili, and appointed Marshal Pietro Badoglio to succeed him."

"What!?"

Gu Ji had already predicted the outcome in his heart, but still pretended to be shocked.

Stepping out of the tent, all Hans Army soldiers gathered at the northern edge of the military base's barbed wire, listening to the broadcast from the Lebudas city loudspeaker.

"The war is over!"

"Fascism is dead!!"

On the streets, people came out, shouting continuously. Some frenzied people took down portraits of Mosnili hanging on the walls and smashed or burned them on the spot. The entire city fell into a liberation frenzy.

Gu Ji couldn't help but sigh.

It seems the civilians had long been oppressed by the war, and resentment had been building for too long.

This scene also made many Hans Army soldiers lose their fighting spirit. The command hurriedly chased everyone away and sent additional gendarmes to supervise, only then preventing the further spread of emotions.

Gu Ji had no mind to heed all this.

The wheels of history cannot be turned by a mere speck of dust like him. His sole objective was to resolve the critical crisis at hand.

On the third morning.

After having the Hans Army-issued lunch, everyone finally received orders from the command that they could choose to visit their hometown, or follow their units' main forces to non-combat zones to rest.

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