第117章 "Midnight Countdown"

**117章：「权力的游戏，权力之战—暗夜的挑战」(The Game of Power, Battle for Power—Midnight Challenge)**

Zhao Tianxiong jolted awake, his heart racing like a jackrabbit. The alarm had startedlel him out of his slumber, and now his team was scrambling to get ready for their next mission. He quickly threw off his blanket and stumbled out of his bunk, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

As he joined the others in the briefing room, Captain Zhang's words still echoed in his mind. "The game is on. The game is life and death."

Lieutenant Wang, the team's second-in-command, was already briefing them on their next task. "We've received intel that a high-ranking official from the Ministry of National Defense is going to make a stopover in our sector tonight. We need to escort him to the airport and ensure his safety."

Zhao Tianxiong's instincts screamed at him to be cautious. He glanced around the room, noticing that the team's usual banter was absent. Everyone seemed subdued, their eyes fixed on the briefing screen as if they were all thinking the same thing.

"Sir, what's the real story?" Zhao Tianxiong asked, his voice low and serious.

Lieutenant Wang's expression turned grim. "Let's just say that this official has some... sensitive information with him. Information that could change the course of the country's history."

The team exchanged nervous glances. Zhao Tianxiong's mind was racing with the implications. This was no ordinary escort mission.

As they set off into the night, the darkness seemed to press in around them. The city lights twinkling in the distance only made Zhao Tianxiong feel more uneasy.

"Sir, what's the protocol for tonight's mission?" he asked Lieutenant Wang.

"It's standard procedure," the lieutenant replied, his voice firm. "We'll have a team of four, with you and I as the escort. We'll meet the official at the outskirts of the city and escort him to the airport."

Zhao Tianxiong nodded, his hand instinctively going to the pistol at his hip. This was going to be a long night.

As they approached the designated meeting point, Zhao Tianxiong could feel the tension building. He scanned the surroundings, his eyes picking out the smallest details. This felt off. Too quiet.

Suddenly, a dark figure emerged from the shadows, a cold smile spreading across his face. "Ah, Captain Wang. I see you're here to escort me to the airport."

Zhao Tianxiong's instincts screamed at him to be on high alert. Who was this guy? And what was he doing here?

"Who are you?" Lieutenant Wang demanded, his hand resting on the grip of his own pistol.

The figure chuckled, his eyes glinting with malice. "You'll find out soon enough. But for now, let's just say that I'm a... representative of the game. And you're all just pawns."

With that, the figure turned and disappeared into the night, leaving Zhao Tianxiong and his team staring after him in confusion.

"What just happened?" Lieutenant Wang muttered, his eyes narrowing.

Zhao Tianxiong's thoughts were racing. This was no ordinary mission. This was a game of power, and they were just the pawns.

As they set off into the night, Zhao Tianxiong couldn't shake the feeling that they were walking into a trap. And that the only way to survive was to stay one step ahead of the game.

But who was playing the game? And what was the real objective?

Only time would tell. The night was young, and the game was just beginning.

**To be continued...**