I was a general in South America

Few Colombian households own televisions, as the country lacks any manufacturing industry, and everyday appliances are mostly smuggled or imported.

Regardless of the method, the exorbitant prices are unaffordable for the poor.

Every night when night falls in the communes of various cities, any small shop with a television will always be filled with a group of neighbors.

7.30 ....

The state television's punctual news broadcasts are the only way most people learn about the country.

In Medellín-Vegado, a 14-inch black-and-white television sits on the windowsill of a local grocery store.

The boss must have gotten this from somewhere; it's a secondhand item, and the screen is covered in static.

But that doesn't stop the shop from becoming the liveliest place on the street every night, where adults watching TV with their children are always clamored to buy some snacks.

It's a clever trick to attract customers.

As usual, more and more customers carrying small stools gathered at the entrance, chatting with each other.

But the image on the television was different from before; Diana Tuyval's beautiful face appeared on the screen.

"Diana...? What's going on? It's not even 10 o'clock yet. Has today's program been moved up?"

Some customers noticed this, muttered something, and then excitedly shouted to the crowd.

"Diana's show has been moved up today, that's fantastic... finally, I don't have to watch those long, tedious news stories anymore."

The appeal of the "national goddess" was on full display at this moment; even the children who were playing and laughing nearby put down their games and gathered around the TV when they heard her name.

"Mom, Diana looks so beautiful today."

The enthusiastic Colombian women even started going out into the streets to call on their friends and family.

"This isn't a TV station; it looks like an outdoor shoot. Could it be Diana's new show...?"

"No matter what program it is, we support her. Her views on the program the day before yesterday were absolutely right. The government should provide more subsidies to the poor."

"I also think that besides supporting drug prohibition, Diana's words were quite objective. Cocaine is no good, but I support Pablo...!"

"I also support Pablo; without him, there would be no Envigado...! It would be wonderful if she supported Pablo too."

"Bullshit! Pablo didn't actually traffic drugs. It's just that his political enemies in parliament are using this as an excuse to prevent a hero from emerging from the poor."

The magical yet fragmented words were being discussed in a lively chatter among the crowd, with everyone expressing their own opinions, but their eyes remained fixed on that small screen.

"Good evening, viewers. This is not a new program, nor is it a news broadcast."

As the camera zooms out, the background behind Diana comes into view, showing a row of more than a dozen military Humvees parked on a flat area, with nearly a hundred armed soldiers in formation.

"I am now in Manizales. As you can see, the soldiers behind me are the Colombian government's newly formed rapid reaction force."

"Just to remind you, this is not a drill...!"

"Colombian national television will broadcast live the entire military operation launched by Lieutenant Lucas Bolivar Franco's Manizales Rapid Reaction Force against the North Valley drug cartel."

"This is the first time in Colombian history that a drug bust has been broadcast live, and it will be a milestone in Colombia's fight against drugs."

"Before the operation begins, Lieutenant Lucas Bolivar Franco would like to say a few words."

The scene shifts, and Lucas appears in military uniform...

Among the viewers gathered in front of the television, someone immediately shouted, "I've seen him in the newspapers and on TV. He's the one who declared war on major drug cartels and even placed drug dealers' corpses in front of the police station."

"The Chatan Group isn't some kind of gang; I've heard they're connected to Medellín."

"Bullshit, Pablo isn't a drug dealer. Even if Medellín is involved in drug trafficking, it's for our benefit."

"Live-streaming drug bust. This Lucas looks very young. He'll be wanted by the drug cartel tomorrow... Drug control? It's because of people like these that Colombia is in such chaos."

"Yes, they are the real culprits disrupting public order. What's wrong with drug trafficking? Everyone makes money... If Colombians don't grow coca, are they supposed to grow corn?"

Clearly, Lucas wasn't very popular in Pablo's hometown.

The saying "bad people come from poor and remote places" is not just an empty phrase. Many Colombians believe that growing coca is more profitable than growing crops.

But where there is good, there is also bad.

In the corner of the yard in front of the grocery store, a small, thin figure huddled behind his mother, peeking out half his head... and whispering.

"Mom, I don't think what they said is right. I remember when I was in school, my teacher said that cocaine is a drug, and drugs are harmful. Kunsan's father was killed by drug dealers."

"Sweetie, you're right." The middle-aged woman turned around with a loving expression and stroked the child's head, praising him with certainty, "Remember what your teacher said, he will be proud of you."

"Good evening, viewers of Colombian national television... I am Lucas Bolivar Franco."

The images on the television caught the little boy's attention.

Standing next to Diana, Lucas and Diana, if you disregard the heavily armed atmosphere, gave off a rather golden couple vibe.

"The Manizales Rapid Reaction Force, acting on orders from the Colombian military, will launch Operation 'Operation Cartel' in ten minutes against the North Valley drug cartel, which has been ravaging the city for ten years."

"We will take zero-tolerance measures against this organized crime group entrenched in Manizales until the last drug dealer is wiped out."

"Colombians have suffered from drugs for far too long. Combating drugs is not only the responsibility of the government and the military, but also the desire of every Colombian. For my children to be free from the harm of drugs, for our families to be free from the coercion of drug traffickers, and for my country to be free from the ravages of war."

"I, Lucas Bolivar Franco, am willing to be a pioneer, representing the Manizales Rapid Reaction Force, to tell all the people of Colombia that the army has the capability, the determination, and the obligation to eradicate all drug cartels on this land."

"This time we will not compromise or back down. This is a life-or-death struggle with the drug cartels, until I shed my last drop of blood for Colombia."

"This land belongs to all the people of Colombia. For our tomorrow, for our hope, we hope to have your support."

"Let Mestizo be great again! Victory will ultimately belong to the Republic of Colombia!"

Lucas solemnly uttered his final words, and the scene returned to Diana. The aloof goddess was now also moved by his words, her eyes filled with a touch of fervor.

"Victory belongs to Colombia!"