---
Ordinary people generally can hold their breath for less than a minute; being able to hold it for 30 seconds already means normal lung function.
Professionally trained divers can hold their breath for two to two and a half minutes; a few with exceptional talent can even exceed three minutes.
For Navy SEALs, in order to meet battlefield demands, holding their breath for two and a half minutes is considered passing, and three minutes is outstanding.
Most people's limits lie around three and a half minutes.
This is why, except for Sean, the other white SEALs like Marcus and Dietz could only hold between three and a half to four minutes before reaching their limit and forced to give up.
Sean, however, could still keep going at four minutes—partly because young bodies endure better, but mainly because of his innate talent.
This latter point was the same for Long Zhan, whose physique was superior to ordinary men.
His physical recovery was faster, and his breath-holding ability was stronger.
Long Zhan relied on his natural physical gifts combined with years of relentless, disciplined training. In all military skill-related aspects, he had never lost.
This time was no exception.
Long Zhan didn't want to lose either.
Since Sean, that rookie calf, dared to challenge him, Long Zhan was determined to teach him what "real strength" meant.
At four minutes, the final round began. Sean reached his limit at four and a half minutes; the veins on his exposed neck bulged, his skin turned an abnormal red, and his body began to tremble.
He was forcing himself to endure.
In contrast, although Long Zhan occasionally started to produce a few bubbles, his overall state remained very stable.
At this state, the difference was clear as day.
Sean, having reached his limit at four and a half minutes, summoned his astonishing willpower and survival instinct to hold on until four minutes and forty-seven seconds.
*Splash!*
Water splashed everywhere.
Sean, nearly fainting from holding his breath, suddenly lifted his head sharply out of the water basin, his body unable to stay steady, falling backward onto the ground.
His chest heaved rapidly; his mouth opened wide, desperately gasping for air to relieve the feeling of his lungs about to burst.
"Oh shit!"
"No more playing."
"Woohoo, the champion is born."
"WOW\~"
...
As Sean gave up the match in such a sorry state, the gathered members of Bravo Team erupted into wild cheers and odd noises, the atmosphere rivaling Cristiano Ronaldo scoring a goal in a World Cup final.
At this joyful, harmonious moment, winning and losing became less important.
This was the atmosphere they wanted!
Finally victorious, Long Zhan raised his head, took a deep breath to ease his body's discomfort, wiped the water droplets off his face, then spread his arms wide and slowly turned 360 degrees.
He greeted the crowd's cheers with the posture of a champion.
Then, walking over to Sean lying on the ground, he extended his right hand and said, "Sean, compared to me, you're still a little short on skill. But as a rookie newcomer, you're already very strong."
"Thanks. Next time, I'll definitely beat you."
After gasping for more than a dozen breaths, Sean's condition somewhat stabilized. He grasped Long Zhan's hand and pulled himself up from the ground.
Seeing the mix of recognition and stubborn refusal to lose on Sean's face, Long Zhan couldn't help but sigh...
Youth is truly wonderful!
The light entertainment that helped regulate team morale ended with Long Zhan's ultimate victory.
As the winner, Long Zhan received a crate of Budweiser. He didn't hoard it for himself but opened it right there, distributing bottles to everyone.
Letting everyone feel a moment of happiness and relaxation on this turbulent country's morning.
Further strengthening the bonds between each other.
The vast network of connections that could help one succeed and become a powerful support came from these small everyday moments.
Drops accumulate into a flood; friends spread across the world.
And so it was!
Just as Long Zhan and the others each had a beer in hand, chatting happily and enjoying the morning, a commander wearing the rank of major approached.
He clapped his hands and said, "Hey, guys, quiet down."
The major was the highest-ranking officer responsible for this mission; his arrival meant the mission was finally taking shape. Long Zhan and the others immediately stopped joking around and listened.
"The codename is confirmed: Operation Red Wing. Time of action: 1800 hours tonight. Briefing in one hour at the operations center."
The major's words were brief, not a single wasted syllable. He finished speaking and turned around to leave, the entire process brisk and decisive.
The members of Bravo Team had been waiting for this sentence. After hearing it, every one of them was thrilled beyond measure.
Afghanistan's endless deserts, scorching heat, and harsh conditions—everyone wanted to complete the mission quickly and get home. No one wished to stay here even one more day.
Long Zhan also wanted to get started soon.
When facing difficulties, avoidance is not the solution. The best choice is to face them head-on with courage and find a way to shatter them.
The sooner they completed this deadly mission, the sooner Long Zhan could fully relax.
Then return to begin his DEVGRU career.
"Can I go?"
At this moment when all the veterans were delighted, Sean the rookie suddenly became confused and had to ask the old guys for advice.
Actually, everyone was required to attend the briefing.
This was Sean's first time participating in a special operations real combat mission, and in this regard, he was a complete rookie. It was normal for him to think that newcomers might not be qualified.
Sean's question gave the older guys a chance to have a little fun with the newbie.
Otherwise, they'd feel bad ignoring such a fresh rookie's words.
"Maybe—just maybe—you're not qualified," Marcus said seriously, then walked away.
"Stay optimistic, don't lose heart, rookie," Dietz said earnestly, patting Sean on the shoulder, then shook his head regretfully as he left.
"Come on, I'm rooting for you, young Patton," Matt suppressed a smile and returned to the dorm.
"Hey, guys, help me out here."
Sean really wanted to go on the mission with the big guys, but after being knocked down by these old veterans, his confidence plunged to rock bottom. He could only turn to the remaining members for help.
"I'll tell you, Sean, your first mission is…"
Frank kicked over a folding chair, causing the basin on it to tip over onto the ground. He pointed at the basin and said, "Clean all this up, OK?"
After saying that, afraid he'd laugh out loud, he gulped down his drink and left.
Even Commander Murphy joined in, pointing to the chair and basin left from the earlier contest, furrowing his thick brows and saying, "If you can clean this place up, I'll allow you to participate."
"Yes, sir. Mission guaranteed."
Sean's spirits, which had hit rock bottom, instantly lifted when he heard there was still a chance to attend the mission briefing. He quickly got to work.
"Damn, these old bastards."
Long Zhan witnessed the entire process: these veterans in Bravo Team had teamed up to mess with the rookie, and Sean hadn't the slightest clue. Long Zhan silently laughed at the situation.
He sighed...
This fresh rookie really is easy to fool.
---