Egypt, Suez Canal.
One of the world's busiest shipping channels was bustling under the sunrise light, with cargo ships of hundreds of thousands of tons passing through. Container stacks resembling small mountains gave a sense of modern industrial shock. The sea breeze was warm, occasionally blowing sand—just as usual.
Among the numerous vessels, the most eye-catching was a ten-thousand-ton dark blue icebreaker flying the Antarctic research station flag, cutting through waves as it approached.
Port workers looked puzzled, exchanging glances thinking what's an icebreaker doing here? Physically hot.
Though the Nile Delta had some Mediterranean climate, overall it was greatly influenced by tropical desert climate. The cityscape was covered with a golden filter, today especially sandy and windy. The icebreaker didn't pass through the Suez Canal as everyone guessed but turned to the military base's deep-water port, soon disappearing. Seeing this, workers discussed among themselves:
"Oh, what big shot has arrived?"
"The Indian Ocean doesn't have Disaster Beast attacks, shouldn't need troops deployed."
"Did you hear? A new infection with joint stiffness appeared in the city. Maybe it's related to investigating that."
"Who cares about our lives? Even when Holy Relics skilled in perception came, they were helpless... Besides, didn't this disease get better quickly? Cairo is forever peaceful and tranquil."
At these final words, the worker's expression went blank for a moment then became somewhat fanatical as he concluded. Other colleagues nodded in agreement with "Cairo forever peaceful" echoing repeatedly. After a moment, everyone continued working.
Just as usual.
At the military base's deep-water port, Witch leaped down from the deck, sun hat fluttering in the wind, chiffon skirt dancing in the breeze.
Her mischievous behavior slightly stunned the receiving officer, but noticing the military rank badges and Holy Relic symbols on her chest, he remained respectful.
Just then, a white-haired, white-browed woman in white military uniform elegantly walked down an ice slide to shore—stern and imposing, keeping others at a thousand miles' distance. World colors seemed unable to leave traces on her, and beneath her expressionless face hid earth-shaking power.
"Your honored visit brings great honor to the base. We've arranged a hotel."
The Witch's eyes lit up as she was about to speak, but Snow Maiden blocked her: "Don't listen to any requests she makes later. We're here on business combined with vacation tourism, not the reverse."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Your posture, bearing, and formation are truly ugly. When I arrived, I saw many warships covered with barnacles—quite regrettable."
"Anyway, we've contacted His Excellency Pharaoh in advance. He's ready to meet anytime."
The officer's tone was cold with visible disdain. Holy Relics known by codenames rather than real names without exception reached the level of manipulating Knowledge Poison, capable of complete liberation as mobile natural disasters causing widespread devastation. Among codename Holy Relics were even more bizarre ancient Holy Relics—simply acting was troublesome, requiring countless reporting procedures and inspection processes. Anyone would be unwilling to deal with them much.
The welcome ceremony ended hastily amid Snow Maiden's reproaches. The distant Cairo base didn't care about your rank—if you're not my superior, too lazy to bother.
The Indian Ocean war zone was the most peaceful and militarily neglected.
Before coming, they hadn't felt anything particular, but seeing was believing—worse than imagined. The training ground even had soldiers playing cards and soccer, beachhead fortifications had unrepaired gaps, and sand erosion left indelible marks on too many facilities.
Snow Maiden murmured: "Really a bunch of rude fellows. Not even a tour guide, yet they talk about nominal inspection. How to carry out work?"
"Commander, your location is Cairo Military Port, Pacific War Zone Base No. 12, controlling the Mandeb Strait to Suez Canal area, with coverage extending to the Persian Gulf and even Cyprus. Disaster Beasts here have been rated low-frequency for 10 consecutive years. Plus endless regional conflicts—rather than fighting Disaster Beasts, this place leans toward extraterritorial hegemony pressure points, symbolizing humanity's continued internal strife." After this lengthy discourse, Witch sighed.
"As one of the world's ancient civilized countries, how pitiful and sad—the land of two oceans, three continents, five seas where war never ceases."
"..."
Witch stood with hands behind her back, gazing at the Red Sea, breeze stirring her long hair, face melancholy.
"Holy Relics don't investigate the past. Being transferred to the Antarctic Treasury is confidential among confidentials. Could you have previously served the Indian Ocean war zone? Or grown up here?"
"I'm Greek. As a citizen of the world's largest shipowner nation, I also do business in this area, often responsible for Cairo routes. There's some connection."
Hearing this, Snow Maiden's beautiful eyes widened as she blurted out:
"No wonder you often appear free-spirited and undisciplined—turns out it's habits formed in the Indian Ocean war zone."
"My dear commander, I kindly offer to be your tour guide and you say this about me?" Seeing her superior's embarrassed expression after realizing her slip, Witch smiled faintly, meaning no reproach, just finding it amusing. "Let's go to the sand dune battery that most represents Base No. 12."
"Don't forget our purpose for this trip... though touring first is also fine."
Snow Maiden glanced back at containers being slowly unloaded from the icebreaker and shook her head. These guys moved so slowly, even protecting damaged Holy Medicine jars was difficult.
She was angry.
If not for Artist Miss's attack on the Relic Treasury causing chaos, probably no one would realize the Holy Medicine had unknowingly been used up. Investigation revealed several cases of unauthorized loss. Someone was embezzling—though dealt with, it was still a great shame.
Both military and mercenary people were infiltrating this institution, making it chaotic. Perhaps leaving for a while would provide clarity.
So Snow Maiden proactively requested leave, bringing trusted subordinates to Cairo.
This place housed one of the world's few large relic excavation sites where Holy Medicine jars were unearthed. The pharaoh who once experienced this item should have methods... Though hopes were slim, it was worth trying. Otherwise, without Holy Medicine to suppress relic erosion, death rates would increase. Death in such situations would be very troublesome—Faceless One and Life Spores' cooperative resurrection couldn't work, likely evolving into having to use that top-secret relic...
"Hooray!"
"We've arrived." Unknowingly, the Witch had brought her to high ground.
Snow Maiden shaded her eyes with her hand. Looking back, she could see the pyramid complex by the Nile—weathered brick and stone bearing millennia of wind erosion, heavy and ancient. Looking toward the horizon captured the busy Suez Canal, humanity's civilizational vitality essence.
Indeed nice. The wind became cooler, and in her keen sensory world, human voices bustled and life energy flourished, making the guardian strongly feel the meaning of duty.
But somehow she felt something eerie from the city—something only she could perceive. No living person's perception would feel violated, but her never-beating Heart of Profound Winter resonated strangely, as if something specifically used behavioral simulation to learn life reactions...
Unfortunately, that aura flashed and disappeared without flaws. Could her mental power have inadvertently encountered the pharaoh's?
"Commander, the scenery here is nice, right?"
Snow Maiden put aside suspicion and simply immersed in vacation. "Speaking of which, where's the battery?"
"Dismantled and sold as scrap metal."
"What about the sand dunes?"
"Excavated for building materials."
Give me a break! Hearing this, she rubbed her temples, too lazy to sigh anymore. Things she couldn't control could never be interfered with—simply turn a blind eye.
"You don't know—actually the Indian Ocean war zone has poor integrity. This place wasn't wealthy or advanced to begin with, lacks funding, yet has so many rapidly developing super-populated cities crying for resources. Everyone has to fend for themselves."
"Showing me this—are you trying to deliberately annoy me?"
The Witch quickly waved her hands. "I mean, why not think differently? Many people in the world live relatively relaxed outside Disaster Beast rhythms."
Hearing this, Snow Maiden was slightly stunned, her expression softening. This interpretation was simple and crude but correct—she was too tense.
Splash!
Suddenly, underwater current wave sounds caught Snow Maiden's attention—not heard, but sensed through the second relic Memoir that could guide Knowledge Poison, detecting massive contamination housed in some petite individual, exposing a trace of reaction from coastal departure.
"Do you feel it?" She grabbed her partner's hand and shook it. The latter nodded with sudden realization—as a relic user specializing in technique abilities, she was very sensitive.
"Target is at Base No. 12 Port F. Only the ocean currents there can quickly leave the African continent for Pacific routes."
Before finishing, Snow Maiden created an ice slide from her feet straight to the sea surface, then swept up her companion in a princess carry. Soft jade in her arms—instantly infinite low friction plus acceleration sent them speeding away.
"What happened?"
Base soldiers witnessed an ice stairway erected in the air like a cannonball firing. The next moment they leaped into the sea.
Underwater on the deep seabed indeed existed a massive "seaweed" mass full of vines and mud.
It was too large, like a sunken ship immersed in ocean. Surrounding fish schools and even plankton avoided it, seemingly wrapped by countless tentacles with unclear true form. But the more they observed, the more splitting headaches occurred as indescribable whispers poured into their minds—eerie sounds making hair stand on end. Though clearly prosperous bright shallow seas, it was incomparably dark, this seaweed mass carrying contaminating power.
After brief stupor, two top Holy Relics immediately reacted, each releasing magical power strikes. Terrifying might hit the target but appeared twisted.
All phenomena—colors shattered, mixed, chaotic—only irregular, uncoordinated scenes filled all senses.
"Roar—"
After hostile, threatening roars, surroundings returned to normal.
They looked toward the previous location—where was any seaweed monster? No trace... No, that guy's true appearance seemed to be a mass of tentacles.
The two exchanged glances, understanding from each other's shock that this inexplicable encounter wasn't simple. Probably attributable to some special Disaster Beast—after all, the Pacific Fallen Zone was increasingly active, possibly spilling to adjacent oceans. They had to bring news to allies.
Onshore was chaos: "Hey, what's happening?" "Get to shore quickly!" "A bunch of troublemakers!" even mixed with ill-intentioned reproaches.
Next, officers heard detailed reports but maintained poker faces throughout without any response.
Their faces showed clear dismissal. Since so, Snow Maiden and Witch needn't stick their warm faces to cold buttocks, immediately stating they'd leave after relic preservation was complete. Both sides disliked each other.
Half an hour later.
The dangerous Holy Medicine jar was packed in a special material briefcase. The two carrying it drove toward their destination.
Cairo suburban relic excavation site—a formation of well-equipped approved personnel let guests pass. Before them was cemetery-like buildings.
Entering, there was actually a moldy smell, flickering eternal flames, deep corridors without any windows. Surrounding brick and stone carved countless fine runes—familiar to Witch, who was proficient in this. Representing concepts like sealing and meditation, specifically crafted to suppress relics' Knowledge Poison.
The corridor's end was a yoga room with an elderly figure sitting cross-legged on fine silk.
Withered like dead wood, wrinkled skin, completely mummy-like appearance. Fortunately, white robes and various hand and foot ornaments weakened the horror, or the Witch might have fired a fireball.
She thought it was too eerie. Indeed, the stronger ancient Holy Relics became, the more inhuman they were. Snow Maiden's normal activity being relatively humanlike was rare.
"Isn't my formal wear beautiful?"
"No, this is my first meeting with His Excellency Pharaoh, so I was somewhat rude. Anyway, thank you for your contributions in the catastrophe battle twenty years ago, which also saved me."
The Witch quickly corrected herself. Her serious attitude made that bark-like face smile faintly.
"Let's talk business. Pharaoh, there's something you should know." Snow Maiden's expression became serious, staring at her colleague's expression: "Earlier we encountered a seaweed-like monster at the coastline. Its power nature combined mental and reality interference contamination, seemingly able to spread through conceptual transmission, possibly possessing ocean attributes... How much do you know?"
"First time hearing, but doesn't sound like good news. Thanks for the reminder—I'll have people watch."
Pharaoh's non-existent eyebrows furrowed.
"Never mind, probably some Disaster Beast. Let's not mention this thing. You should know my purpose—can you supplement Holy Medicine?"
After Snow Maiden's series of complex unlocking procedures, the briefcase finally opened. Inside lay a ceramic jar quietly, surface covered with fine cracks, obviously repaired. Medicinal fragrance spread, but nothing remained inside—cleaner than if licked by rats.
"When excavated, I reported this thing belonged to non-renewable strategic resources—use one, lose one. This day came earlier than expected."
"I'm very sorry..."
"No need to blame anyone—attributable to unevolved human internal strife and their fundamental flaws. Let's not get angry over this. There are still methods. Though unable to refill, the Indian Ocean war zone has preserved some Holy Medicine. Peace's benefit is always having surplus. I'll give it to you now."
Finishing, Pharaoh took out a brocade box, pouring ointment into the jar. Waves of fragrance, refreshing to the heart—moldy smell completely gone.
Seeing this, Witch winked at her superior: See, slacking war zones occasionally prove useful.
"Speaking of which, your excavation site unearthed the most research materials about previous eras. Any new discoveries?"
"If I must say, abundant evidence indicates a prosperous extraordinary civilization where ordinary people could go long periods without eating, drinking, or resting—incomparably happy. Moreover, imagine if excavating someone who existed in that era—what would happen? Though restricted by insufficient magical power, their realm wouldn't change. Truly the strongest."
"You think there'd be fewer conflicts?"
"Haven't you tried Egyptian flatbread? Pity. You know the delta can no longer support this population—everyone hovers between starving and not starving. Disputes over the Jordan River never cease; they'd rather war over water. When people possess better bodies, naturally they'd reduce initial resource requirements. We could pursue spirit, even interstellar travel."
Getting excited, Pharaoh clasped hands with enthusiasm, absolutely convinced.
Surrounding space's magical power responded joyfully. Only then did Witch realize those runes were maintained by the Holy Relic himself—suppressing his own contamination.
Unfathomably deep!
Reportedly, Pharaoh wielded the ultra-wide-area destruction relic called Ten Plagues—infinitely powerful and varied, suitable for complex battlefields, often finding enemy-breaking strategies. Even facing Catastrophe Disaster Beasts swarms, he repeatedly achieved merit.
Actually, Ten Plagues leaned more toward curse-type but through the master's adjustment became terrifying existence capable of producing material and conceptual damage.
Drawn from mythology with blood plague, frog plague, lice plague, fly plague, epidemic plague, boil plague, hail plague, locust plague, plague of darkness, death of firstborn—10 different manifestations. From the moment it gained a compatible user, it could destroy nations.
As for the second legendary relic, it was even more mythologically colored...
"If Holy Medicine is insufficient and a Holy Relic happens to die from erosion, should it be time for resurrection rituals?" Snow Maiden asked directly.
"It's a top-secret level relic. I qualify as compatible but that doesn't mean I control it. That thing is too forbidden."
"So I remind you to guard it well—don't be like me, unable to even protect Holy Medicine."
"Won't hide from you—what everyone calls a resurrection ritual is a codename with another true name. Resurrection is just a secondary product, or others' understanding. After using it on the Ring of Levitation's compatible user, I felt guilty and swore to permanently seal it. So Holy Medicine is the final insurance. Beyond that, let's calmly accept death. Holy Relics also have their end."
The three fell silent.
Theoretically, deeply fused Holy Relics lived long lives. As long as they withstood erosion, they were basically equivalent to immortal. Who didn't crave eternal life? That was the ultimate dream.
Many colleagues applied for Holy Medicine under the pretense of healing injuries but actually reduced erosion to prolong life. Only those present were either young or had accepted reality. But eventually, they'd face it because Holy Relic "old age" states were full of torment, leaving no choice but to pursue it.
Pharaoh's terrifying appearance indirectly proved his curse definitely couldn't be endured through stubbornness.
He mentioned as if casually: "I heard the Relic Treasury encountered strange events—attacked by a Magical Girl who could become a painting. What exactly happened? Convenient to reveal some information? Perhaps I can help investigate."
Snow Maiden nodded and gave a complete account. After finishing, she stood: "Then we won't disturb you further. Take care. Hope we can meet again."
She indicated her subordinate should repack the jar.
"Sorry, inconvenient to move—won't see you two off." Pharaoh, who had slightly stood, waved: "May fortune favor us. Next meeting, I'll definitely bring you local specialties."
After polite farewells, the Relic Treasury duo left the tomb. Looking at the heavy briefcase in hand, they sighed in relief—trip worthwhile. Time to return.
At this moment, crescent moon hung high, deep and dark. Even they didn't notice a girl wearing Anemone hair ornaments observing from nearby for a long time.
Moments later, she smiled disdainfully and turned to disappear.
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Okinawa Island, a private hospital room.
Due to increasing Pacific Disaster Beast Fallen Zone activity, the locality repeatedly became frontline supply positions, inevitably leading to further infection spread, including new contaminations resistant to specific medicines. Corridors bustled with people coming and going, but everyone subconsciously ignored a girl in plaid skirt.
Erina looked weary, almost supporting herself against walls toward the corridor's end room. Even when people made physical contact along the way, they automatically forgot without reaction.
Though she could manage this, she actually had no ink replenishment—this was manifestation of existence power depletion.
After the Antarctic battle, she first used paintings as boats, drifting to New Zealand, from New Zealand to Australia, then through Indonesian archipelago regions before finally reaching Okinawa Island—full of twists, massive consumption, nearly disappearing.
Creak.
She barely pushed open the door, seeing the familiar figure still lying in bed, sleeping peacefully with calm breathing. At this moment, all fatigue disappeared.
"Sorry for the long trip. I'm back, Teacher Erina."
The girl in the painting sat bedside, feeling replenishment from technique magic's strongest magic's massive energy. If comparing herself to a battery, the creator was undoubtedly a nuclear power plant, guaranteeing sufficient consumption. If the true Painter fought, she shouldn't lose to Snow Maiden. How embarrassing—couldn't help wondering if conscious-level creations' existence actually hindered the master...
"No, you can't think of yourself this way. We share honor and disgrace with Teacher Erina. Everyone should join hands to overcome difficulties!"
Erina patted her cheeks encouragingly.
Then she took out yellowed parchment from her embrace. Written on it: Fairy Advent with related obscure hints—a page from the Prophecy Book. Couldn't possibly tour the treasury and gain nothing. This, at least, was supremely useful.
Fairies might help Teacher Erina awaken... Of course, just wishful thinking. They might not even guarantee it.
Boom!
Suddenly the sea surface raised water columns, dispersed water vapor making countless people faint and sleep. Instantly surroundings became gray and misty.
Erina quickly protected her creator, looking out the window with a pale face.
An octopus head rose from the sea, but then a neck appeared. Claws grabbed the shore for leverage—one knuckle comparable to a small fishing boat. Then the behemoth revealed its back, actually growing flesh wings. The monster's whole body flowed with seawater and mucus, chin tentacles opening countless eyes, finally locking onto this location.
She hugged Erina preparing to flee, but the next moment the monster disappeared. A black-skirted girl sat on the windowsill—dark green hair exceeding her height, resembling tentacles with eyes.
"Please stay, esteemed miraculous creation lady."
"Who exactly are you?"
"I come by command, but you probably aren't interested in those boring background settings. Straight to the point: we have methods to save Erina."
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One week after the North-South Pole War ended.
During this time, Hibiscus continuously monitored the situation and maintained contact with Bull. Both sides exchanged intelligence, results, and power status—at least superficially quite harmonious.
They had no fundamental contradictions now, same as before, because in these short 7 days another situation occurred:
The Pacific Disaster Beast Fallen Zone erupted in large-scale riot events with organized active attack signs—unprecedented in the past 20 years, adding tension. Who told you to set off firecrackers? Now you've made a big mess. Fortunately, overall it was controllable.
The Mercenary Alliance had just gained control over Anti-Disaster Beast allied forces—naturally no one wanted provocation, but everyone watched what you caused.
Hibiscus found this amusing, restraining herself from mocking Bull's gambler psychology.
Victory was everything.
The perpetrator himself felt no guilt—after all, if the coup included the strongest Pacific war zone, they'd definitely lose miserably.
In short, they should thank Disaster Beasts for actively leaving Fallen Zones to wreak havoc. Common enemies' existence finally ended internal strife toward unified external resistance—in some sense, an assist. But this also meant the Mercenary Alliance better establish status with new offensives. If you're "domestic experts, foreign amateurs," don't blame everyone for overthrowing mere incompetents.
Of course, tension currently limited to Pacific war zones. From global perspective, rarely peaceful.
Bull stated bluntly: "Very sorry, probably can't spare time for another meeting, but Ms. Pasha will represent me for coordination as usual."
Hibiscus welcomed this reply: "I look forward to it."
Since the catastrophe battle, tense atmosphere gradually stabilized. Casually connecting with an ambitious man wasn't necessarily good—both sides tacitly distanced somewhat while cooperation continued.
This week, Hidden Island crossed from equator through Indonesian regions back to Ningfeng Harbor, finally establishing mist layers around Fireworks Island. Transportation work continued.
Thanks to the Ruan Xinyue and Ruan Manyue sisters' spacetime abilities, Thousand-Li Viewing Mirror could operate in shifts—transportation twice as efficient as before. Building materials moved from Ningfeng Harbor to Fireworks Island, actually entering Hidden Island, then transmitted to Arctic Ice Island—perfect closed loop.
Clank!
Mechanical sounds represented machine after machine passing through, shuttling in misty night colors.
From Hidden Island office building perspective, Hibiscus could see big guys disappearing one by one beside the transmission mirror. As one of the Light Magic world's top props, it served as transfer station—a hard life. Since following the Church, it never rested.
Besides Disaster Beasts, Minase Kaori's monster army also joined construction. In her words, she should seize opportunities like Senior Protea to strengthen magic proficiency.
Though nighttime, the beach remained busy. Jin Yulu blew whistles shouting "One-two-one," exercising with juniors.
"Drain your stamina—properly experience limits."
"Only knowing limits teaches where to break through. Speed up, quickly complete third awakening."
Magical Girls' qualifications varied greatly—some even lacked magic development potential. But under Salvation Church's systematic cultivation, basic issues weren't problematic.
Hibiscus delegated everything to Jin Yulu. After all, her thinking was still quality over quantity. Basic numbers depended on world trend changes—she couldn't help. Simply let existing Magical Girls' mediocre ones possess self-protection power, better than becoming cannon fodder.
Ring ring ring!
The desk phone connected to Jin Ruochu's voice: "Military people are almost here. Meet at Waterfront Pier No. 4."
"Haven't done business with them in ages. I'll be right there."
They referred to General Josh's aide Li Yingge. Since that time saving severe infections as Dr. Mu, both sides reached cooperation. This rekindling perhaps represented new changes. Moreover, the other party's appointment was particular—recognizing Jin Ruochu as Changfeng Group executive participation. So Pacific war zone directly ordered from two major pharmaceutical enterprises. When could they be so free? Was this Bull's promise?
Hibiscus left Hidden Island with curiosity, arriving at Ningfeng Harbor area. Originally controlled by coastal gangs, new districts were built, changing the dirty, chaotic appearance.
But this wasn't charity—she needed to maintain some violent groups to avoid trouble.
Behind seemingly prosperous resort stalls, interest chains concentrated in companies, with unchanged networks.
Surrounding people frequently nodded greetings: "Good evening," "Want a drink?" "I just caught a fish," etc. Seeing this, she declined with smiles—today honored guests demanded alertness.
Seaside port.
In the horseshoe-shaped bay docked a medical ship with frequent ambulances transferring personnel. Approaching were Jin Ruochu and numerous officers, led by Li Yingge.
"Dr. Mu, long time no see. You look spirited."
"Just busy with some unimportant matters."
Hibiscus casually brushed off the topic. Even facing keen fusion modifier, two Growth Stage Magical Girls concealed magical power reactions—appearing as ordinary people to others. Moreover, mental power scanning required energy expenditure, too lazy for casual sensing—simply hiding in plain sight.
After brief pleasantries, officers went to busy settling seriously wounded, while Li Yingge briefly left to give space to the two Magical Girls.
Jin Ruochu explained: "Fallen Zones bred stronger infections—old specific medicines greatly discounted."
She gestured toward the medical ship passage where more transported were covered with white cloth—probably already sacrificed for all humanity. Battle situation was intense. Disaster Beasts provoked by firecrackers wouldn't easily give up, probably causing trouble for a while.
"How are casualties?"
"About 2.5 times more than news reports. Will only increase short-term."
Hibiscus appeared thoughtful but switched to magical power transmission: "Cooperating with Black Canisters can indeed upgrade specific medicines—feasible. But scaled production needs time, while Disaster Beasts might rush out all at once... Logically, Pacific war zone shouldn't appear so embarrassed. If I'm not mistaken, probably other reasons exist?"
"Because the just-concluded Holy Relic civil war left war zones militarily depleted, especially lacking elite main forces and equipment—the most vulnerable time."
"In some sense, we're also instigators—should clean up the situation."
"Also, Fallen Zone surrounding communication environments worsen, so military is interested in new technology we're developing, hoping to bring to battlefields."
At this, Jin Ruochu's expression was complex. Though she tried ensuring business secrets, the other party saw through with one phrase.
Hibiscus wasn't surprised—indeed, the world's top military organization had keen eyes for talent.