Chapter 850 - This Game Is Too Realistic

Chapter 850: The Southern Legion's Unconventional Tactics Honestly, Saren's demeanor completely shattered Chu Guang's preconceived notions about the Eastern Legion, as well as his impression of what a legion commander should be like. This man did not resemble a typical officer, nor even a conventional soldier. Not only did he carry himself with sophistication and speak with eloquence, but he also exhibited an elegance reminiscent of old nobility, even more so than Bannote, the civil officer. Chu Guang couldn't help but think that if this guy had a bottle of red wine beside him, he wouldn't look out of place in a painting. Particularly noteworthy was his gentlemanly and amicable demeanor, which bore an uncanny resemblance to Chu Guang's own demeanor. Of course, the resemblance was only partial at best. This situation was akin to how the Eastern Legion and the Alliance often found themselves at odds on most matters, yet there were intersections of shared interests on certain issues. Such as the affairs relating to the Eastern territories. Compared to the Southern Legion, whose colonial lands were relatively barren, the Eastern Legion controlled vast and fertile territories, making further expansion an endeavor where "investment exceeds return" and the "return on investment" paled in comparison to developing existing lands. Although the Eastern Legion's large base of junior officers was driven by the most direct motivation to achieve merit and fame, this drive wasn't enough to sway the upper-echelon military aristocracy—or, more specifically, the "great landowners" with extensive holdings. And the only real possibilities for the eastward expansionists to carve out a new domain, Generals Crass and Griffin, had both perished in recent eastward campaigns—one at the hands of the Great Chasm, the other in the war against the Alliance. Due to the reasons mentioned, the eastward expansionists, mainly composed of young officers within the Eastern Legion, have been largely marginalized. In contrast, the old military aristocracy tended to gravitate towards the civil administration of Triumph City, trading officers and resources among their spheres of influence. As for now, they had a new entity with which to conduct transactions—the Alliance. Though they didn't hold the Alliance's military equipment in high regard, they couldn't deny the quite practical use of the Alliance's tractors and other agricultural machinery. The situation with the Southern Legion was starkly opposite. Their homeland was relatively affluent, but their colonies were primarily located along the barren deserts' coastlines. Though abundant in minerals, these areas severely lacked arable land. As a consequence, regarding the invasion of the Boro Province, the Southern Legion’s upper and lower ranks shared a unified interest in war. Junior officers desired promotions through war, while the senior ranks needed to secure lands to uphold the prosperity of their home territories. What made the situation intriguing was the following: Despite the Southern Legion's unified war demand concerning the Boro Province, the Eastern Legion held an "unified opposition" to them—led by Legion Commander Saren, the landowning elite strongly opposed shattering old agreements. These two political entities, with starkly opposing interests, were historically yoked under the same banner. For a long time now, Chu Guang had found the contradiction inherent within the Legion—a survivor force—quite peculiar. As fate would have it, the man standing in the pale blue beam seemed to think similarly. With a pleased expression, the Legion Commander of the Eastern Legion, Saren, spoke eloquently. "...Just as there are no everlasting emperors, there are no everlasting laws. Every rule eventually becomes obsolete. This is true for the Federation of Man, the War Reconstruction Committee, and of course, our Legion is no exception." Chu Guang raised his eyebrows subtly, observing this unusual Verlandt with interest. "I never expected to hear such words from a Legion Commander of the Eastern Legion." Saren laughed heartily at this and also looked at Chu Guang with keen interest. "Now that you've heard it, could you satisfy my curiosity as a trade?" Chu Guang casually asked, "What do you wish to know?" Saren smiled and replied, "I'm curious about your perspective." Was there even a need to ask? By saying that, he was likely considering a separation within their ranks. However, Chu Guang had no intentions of meddling in their internal affairs, and a split within the Legion might not necessarily benefit the Alliance. After all, their mutual sabotage was at least delaying any unified aggression. The day they stopped 'playing nice,' the entire wasteland might suffer. After contemplating for a moment, he chose his words carefully before speaking. "I don't have much to say about your internal affairs, but objectively speaking, I find your reasoning sound." Saren continued to smile, "So, does the esteemed administrator believe the Alliance, too, will have its expiration?" "That's an obvious eventuality," Chu Guang chuckled lightly, answering in a matter-of-fact tone, "Even stars burn out eventually. How could a flame on the ground last forever?" "I didn't expect you to be so broad-minded. But if the day comes, wouldn't you find it a pity? It's the labor of your life, and not just yours alone. It's something you and your compatriots created, risking everything." Saren gazed at Chu Guang with interest, yet it didn't seem as if he was truly looking at him. His gaze seemed to pierce through, focused on someone not present. But Chu Guang paid little heed, responding from his stance. "Why would I find it a pity? The Alliance is just an aid institution. We never intended to become eternal truth, nor do we claim to represent it. Instead of claiming to teach humanity truth, we wish to impart the courage to explore the future, unwavering confidence, and some methods that we once tried." "If, one day, a brighter light emerges on these lands, I would only feel gratified that my successors did not let us down, that they continued to pass the torch, rather than become keepers of my or the 'New Era's' tomb... In doing so, our burning will truly have meaning, and we weren't the last leg of the relay. How could I regret such an outcome?" Saren's eyes remained fixed on Chu Guang for a long time, without making a sound, leading Chu Guang to briefly suspect network issues again. After half a minute, Saren sighed deeply, expressing with a sense of wonder. "I now understand why Vanus chose to stay and follow you." Too similar. Absolutely too similar! Though the voice and visage were different, those were the words the great one once said—or at least something similar. However, most Verlandts have forgotten them. Or perhaps, they've only remembered the parts they wanted, using loyalty as a sword and honor as a shield, eventually becoming the "keepers" in this man's words, engaging in disgraceful acts under the guise of righteousness, transforming earned equality into authoritarian rule, turning from the persecuted into the "plague" of the wasteland. Even Saren was one of them. Saren's heart was filled with conflicting emotions. As the commander of the Eastern Legion, his feelings towards the Marshal were exceedingly complex. On one hand, he genuinely revered the great one, regarding him as an idol in his heart. On the other hand, he had to face reality, acknowledging that he represented more than just himself, and had to consider the interests of his affiliated group. If only the great Marshal could be as active as a century ago, rather than occasionally tossing out cryptic messages as he does now. Then, they wouldn't be dealing with these internal conflicts. Watching Saren lost in thought, Chu Guang surveyed him curiously. "...How unexpected, that you'd remember a centurion's name." Saren was momentarily stunned, then laughed heartily, jesting. "I hadn't heard of him before, but times have changed. That fellow has infiltrated the Alliance's inner circles as a Verlandt and even climbed to the post of Chief of Staff of the Alliance's Army. If I hadn't heard of such a figure, wouldn't it show my ignorance?" Chu Guang laughed, saying, "There're quite a few Verlandts living within the Alliance. We don't concern ourselves with heritage, only if one's abilities and responsibilities match their position." Saren chuckled and remarked, "Is that so? Perhaps one day I'll visit to see if your claims match reality." To Saren's playful remark, Chu Guang responded with a friendly smile. "...As long as your visit is peaceful, you're always welcome." ... The talks lasted for two hours. Alliance Administrator Chu Guang and Eastern Legion Commander Saren enjoyed a captivating conversation. Despite intermittent communication issues, the positive atmosphere remained unaffected. During the meeting, both parties agreed that the prior agreements between the Eastern Legion and the Alliance would remain valid. In addition, on top of the existing agreement, both parties signed a supplementary clause. The gist was that the conflict between the Southern Legion and the Alliance would not affect the ongoing cooperation between the Eastern Legion and the Alliance. Furthermore, the Eastern Legion and its vassals would cease supplying any military materials to the Southern Legion. This negotiation essentially marked a clear division between the Eastern Legion and the Southern Legion. The lords and nobles of the Falcon Kingdom could finally take a breath of relief, no longer fearing entanglement in this unwanted calamity... Meanwhile, outside the celestial city of Boro Province, an H-1 "Dragonfly" military transport aircraft was making a gentle descent towards a makeshift airstrip. This airstrip had been dug out one shovelful at a time by survivors mobilized by Abu Saik, and was only barely functional, but better than nothing. Fortunately, the Alliance's military vehicles were not picky about their operating conditions. The "Dragonfly" wobbled and swerved as it landed, but thankfully no accidents occurred. As the aircraft touched down, the survivors standing outside the airport fence erupted in astonishment, their faces filled with disbelief. "So this is what a plane looks like!" "How does such a massive hunk of iron fly?!" "I'm more curious about how it lands!" "Blessed be the Rat God... may we be free from harm, may all unclean things fly away..." Some were exclaiming in wonder, others were left gaping, and a few clasped their hands together, muttering unrhymed couplets in prayer. These people had lived here most of their lives, and had never seen something so awe-inspiring. Though they had been told what the runway was for when flattening the land, the shock of personally witnessing a plane's landing far exceeded any rumors they had heard before. Disbelieving cries and whispers filled the air. Amidst the fascinated crowd of onlookers stood Zayid, the president of the Family Association, with a genial smile hiding the deceit behind his gaze. If only that plane had crashed... From the moment it came into view, he couldn’t help but harbor this thought. Though a crash might create fractures in the hard-fought unity of Boro Province, it would at least relieve him of many troubles. Alas, he didn't possess the power to bring down a plane with a mere look, and the snake god he revered did not heed his "prayers." While the plane wobbled as it landed, it ultimately came to a stable halt on the runway. Concealing his regret, Zayid chuckled lightly and led the nearby family members in applause, murmuring aloud. "...Facing the Southern Legion's invasion is Boro Province's top priority. The alliance between the Kingdom of Boro and the Mammoth Nation is truly a blessing for the province!" The surrounding applause thundered, and even residents who did not belong to the Family Association joined in, carried by the atmosphere. Savva, in applause, discreetly cast a glance at Zayid before shifting his gaze away. He recalled clearly how different this man's words had been just the night before. But such words were known only to him. After Zayid's remarks, family members nodded in agreement, rallying those around them, including the reporter from the Survivor's Daily. The lanky young man from Golden Garon Harbor shared the sentiment wholly, and after applauding, he turned to Zayid with admiration, speaking with earnestness. "If only these battle-hardened officers could uphold the broader perspective like you do." His name was Krish. Since last year, he had been working with the Survivor’s Daily in Golden Garon Harbor. By virtue of his work, he had witnessed firsthand how the coalition had drifted from being a hopeful collective to something “staid.” Initially, they had held high hopes for Lassi, only to discover he was no benefactor. He entrenched in his gains, conducting trade rather than expanding influence, intervening only when the Heaven Army acted, capturing the northern three states opportunistically. The Boro National Coalition mirrored this dissonance, pretending allegiance to the Alliance while actually courting the Legion with sidelong glances. Especially the Grand Officer, Abu Saik, was the pinnacle of hypocrisy. Outwardly liberal, yet he clung tightly to power, mimicking the Alliance by gathering industry representatives, but only toying with their ambitions, leaving the insightful thinkers sidelined. Ironically, he was worse than Lassi, at least the latter was transparently devious—his nefarious deeds executed with brazen clarity. In this light, only Zayid emerged as a genuinely earnest and benevolent figure, an idealist ready to humble himself for tangible outcomes. His limited capabilities notwithstanding, he shared his resources with the "family" alongside him. He ventured to Seilei Port, confronting the Legion by mobilizing coerced laborers, drawing the ire and slander of the Legion. Witnessing the indignant young man, Zayid gave a kind smile, comforting him. "Hey, don’t speak ill of those officers! If they hadn't had a grand scheme, they wouldn't have stood up." Krish sighed, "I know, I just think...if they could wholly set aside their interests, then even without the Alliance's aid, we could unite on our own." And unite more completely than the halfway measure currently in place—an alliance shackled by mutual wariness. Looking at the earnest young man, Zayid gave a placid smile. "Focus on yourself; we can't impose on others. Besides, having the Alliance's support isn’t a bad thing. Both external and internal forces wield power. Our relationship with the Alliance is akin to a family—a younger brother's efforts are crucial, but an older brother's help is indispensable!" Krish blushed, scratching the back of his head bashfully. "I understand. I harbor no complaints against the Alliance… It's just Abu Saik—he doesn't feel like a trustworthy person." Zayid intervened gently. "Don't speak like that; Master Abu Saik is truly a hero in my eyes. Unlike our minor skirmishes, they engaged Verlandts with real grit." He sighed pensively. "Unlike us, spilling blood but gaining nothing... I truly feel I've let Seilei Port's family down." Krish's heart ached for Zayid's forlorn gaze, prompting him to voice his indignation. "You have no reason to feel this way! We witnessed your struggle; it was far from fruitless." "Additionally, there’s no blame for you—what revolution comes without blood? You faced the Legion’s soldiers, while Abu Saik faced weaponless civilians. If you acknowledge any guilt, surely Abu Saik should hang his head in shame!" "Ah, Commander Abu Saik faces his own burdens. Don’t speak poorly of him..." Zayid shook his head, inwardly proud of his maneuvering, yet kept his words unimpeachable and humble. Krish shook his head, convinced this insightful man was merely deluded, unable to see through Abu Saik’s hypocrisy. Yet this notion only fueled his journalistic fervor. If Boro Province's perceptive few were blinded by such charades, even with victory, their future might only be shrouded in endless night. His heart swelled with zeal; Krish's eyes sparkled, already forming the outline of his next article. Zayid smiled silently, shifting his gaze to the now-stationary aircraft. He needed only to wait. This was his forte. Like a snake coiled silently in the snow… At a distance, surrounded by soldiers, the Mammoth Nation's Commander-in-Chief, Lassi, disembarked from the cabin. Approaching Abu Saik, who waited by the runway, he directly extended his right hand. "Pleased to meet you, Commander of Boro, Mr. Abu Saik." Both hailed from military backgrounds, yet their auras starkly contrasted. After all, Lassi was battling against the Arayan when Abu Saik was merely a subordinate under the latter. Though ascended to high office, Abu Saik still bore the rugged demeanor of a peasant in royal garb. Nonetheless, not intimidated, Abu Saik instinctively glanced at Lassi’s sidearm before grinning and shaking the offered hand warmly. "Pleasure to meet you... I've long heard of your famous name, General Lassi!" Lassi laughed heartily. "I'm not worthy of fame, the one truly renowned is you, Commander Abu Saik. I've heard of your forces sweeping across the entire Boro Province even from Mammoth City." Abu Saik returned the compliment with a smile. "Haha! Not the entire province, just about half! But you know the level of those city defense troops, beating them isn't much of a feat! You, however, made your name with a single battle! Even the 'God of War of the Empire', Arayan, fell to you!" "It was mere coincidence, nothing more. I didn't expect him to end that way," Lassi sighed, a look of regret passing over him. "I owe you an apology, and I hope you won't hold it against me." Abu Saik blinked in surprise, then burst into laughter. "Why would I? If you ask me, you did well to kill him! He was just a dog who only saw his master and ignored his brothers, seeking personal glory at the cost of thousands. I only regret not killing him myself to rid the Boro people of a menace!" Lassi might have continued, but [The Far-Sighted Hawk] was losing patience and interrupted with a cough. "Enough flattery between you two. The Legion only left us sixty-plus hours. We need to quickly discuss our combat strategy." The representatives of the warlords from Tiger State and Leopard State had already arrived and were waiting in the operations command center. Though their leaders didn't personally fly over like Lassi, the ones sent were essentially their second-in-command. Prompted by the Alliance representative, Abu Saik quickly collected himself, adopting a serious demeanor. "Mr. Eagle is right! Please, everyone, follow me to the operations command center—" Before he could finish his sentence, an officer came running over with a serious expression, skipping formalities to whisper hurriedly in Abu Saik's ear. Abu Saik's face went from initial confusion to drastic change as he listened to the whispered words. Lassi, standing before him, underwent a similar transformation. His relaxed smile vanished instantly after a call came in to the guard beside him. Upon taking the call, his composed demeanor was replaced by one of concern. Meanwhile, The Hawk was left in the dark, unaware of what had transpired. Fortunately, his three trustworthy companions were at the frontlines and did not keep him in the dark for long. A message soon appeared on his VM. "The Legion! The Long Noses have started firing!" Seeing the message flash across his VM screen, The Hawk stopped breathing for a moment. Geez! Weren’t we told the expansion pack would update in seventy-two hours? Now this sneaky move?! To be continued...