Forged in Steel and Blood

[2020 “A Century of Glory” Realistic Fiction Writing Contest]

Huo Wa, the king of the kids in Gela Village. A hero, yet also a deserter, looked down on by his friends. Taught a bitter lesson in blood and fire, he reflected on his mistakes and rose to fight again. He ventured deep into the tiger’s lair to seize guns, rescued captured laborers from a bandit den, and repeatedly distinguished himself on the front lines, earning the title of “Frontline Hero” from the East China Field Army…