The Ultimate Soldier

Chapter 5: The Necessary Path

The battlefield was silent now. Smoke curled into the sky, and the acrid smell of gunpowder lingered in the air. Bodies lay scattered, a grim testament to the fight that had taken place. Simon August Jenner stood amidst the wreckage, his Desert Eagles still warm in his hands. His crimson eyes scanned the horizon, ensuring no enemies remained.

The mission was complete. The enemy stronghold had been neutralized.

No Regrets

Simon holstered his pistols and surveyed the carnage. His squad moved with precision, securing the area and tending to the wounded. For a moment, he stood still, the weight of his actions pressing down on him. He had led the charge, taken the lives of countless men, and ensured the success of the mission.

Yet, as he looked at the destruction, there was no remorse in his heart.

Simon clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. They were a threat to innocent lives, he thought. If I hadn't done this, more people would have suffered. I did what had to be done.

It was the mantra that had carried him through three years on the frontline. Every decision, every action was driven by a single purpose: the greater good.

The Aftermath

One of Simon's lieutenants approached him, saluting crisply. "Major Jenner, the area is secure. No survivors on the enemy side."

Simon nodded. "Good. Get the wounded back to base and have the engineers sweep for any remaining traps. We leave nothing behind."

"Yes, sir."

As the lieutenant turned to relay orders, Simon glanced at the bodies of the enemy soldiers. They were young, many no older than himself. He felt no pity for them. They had chosen their path, and he had chosen his.

His thoughts drifted back to Gigi's face, the worry in her eyes during their brief call. He had promised her he would return, but deep down, he knew the cost of keeping that promise. Every mission brought him closer to the edge, closer to the point where returning might no longer be an option.

A Visit to the Camp

Back at the forward operating base, Simon walked through the camp, his presence commanding respect. Soldiers paused to salute him, their admiration for the Major evident. He was a legend among them, not just for his unparalleled skill but for his unwavering commitment to their cause.

Inside his tent, Simon sat at his desk, pulling out a journal. It was one of the few personal items he allowed himself. Flipping to a blank page, he began to write:

"Day 1,095. Another mission complete. Another step closer to peace, or so they say. I don't regret what I've done. I can't afford to. The lives we save outweigh the lives we take. That's what I tell myself every night."

He paused, tapping the pen against the paper. "I miss her. Gigi. I saw her face today, and for a moment, it felt like the world wasn't so heavy. But I can't let myself think like that. Not yet. There's still too much to do."

A Glimpse of the Future

As Simon closed the journal, a knock came at the tent flap.

"Enter," he said.

The lieutenant stepped inside, a solemn expression on his face. "Major, HQ has sent new orders. We're being redeployed to a new sector. High-value target, high risk."

Simon nodded, already preparing himself mentally. "When do we leave?"

"At dawn, sir."

The lieutenant hesitated. "Sir... you've been at this for three years without rest. Maybe you should—"

Simon cut him off with a sharp look. "The moment I rest, people die. We leave at dawn."

"Yes, sir." The lieutenant saluted and left.

Simon leaned back in his chair, staring at the map on his desk. His path was clear, even if it meant sacrificing everything.

To be continued...