It didn’t take long for the military aircraft that departed from Osan to enter Chinese airspace.0

In the plane, Kang Chan put on the military uniform, military boots, bandana, and helmet that Yoon Sang-Ki handed him. The military uniform was in a faded light gray color, and for the first time since he began joining South Korean operations, the national flag was sewn near the top of his left upper arm.0

After wearing the appropriate gear, the soldiers split roles and started arming themselves to the teeth. As usual, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho each took an MP5SD submachine gun, a rifle, a combat knife, and extra magazines. This time, they also put two grenades in the pockets of their vests.0

Click. Click.0

As Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho checked the breechblock on their rifles, the plane filled up with a new kind of tension.0

“Gather ‘round,” Kang Chan ordered. In response, the soldiers rallied up at the center of the plane.0

Kang Chan subtly smiled. Judging from the soldiers’ behavior and the look in their eyes, they seemed to be calm and relaxed. It was a stark difference from when they participated in their first operation, which was in France.0

“This is a full picture of the town of Sangar, our target location, and this photo shows where we think the hostages are being held,” Kang Chan began. The soldiers concentrated on the map and photos that he was showing them.1

Kang Chan then took out another map and pointed to one area on it with his index finger. “The plane will be dropping us off here at Kabul[1] Airport. From there, we’ll be taking a helicopter to Ghazni[2], where a local guide will help us get a truck to Sangar. This place will be our Point Alpha, and this will be Point Beta.”0

The soldiers nodded. Kang Chan no longer had to explain things in detail for them to understand what he meant.0

“I’ll be leading Team One. Woo Hee-Seung, you will be my...0