Chapter 870 - This Game Is Too Realistic

Chapter 870: The Iron Sky! A monumental battle had just concluded, leaving the soldiers on the western front buzzing with triumph as they cleaned the battlefield. Meanwhile, in the rear echelon to the east, the scene was quite different. In the central region of Mazhou lay an unassuming little village, sparsely populated with only the elderly and children. Like Tiandu, this place was part of the Poluo Kingdom's territory. The primary difference lay in its remote location, rarely attracting public attention. Consequently, the locals were scarcely informed about the outside world. While the residents of Tiandu busied themselves preparing for exams, those in Liema City debated departing by boat for the exams in Tiandu. However, the locals here were still oblivious to the concept of exams. Furthermore, Ma Province's position between Mengma and Huzhou, coupled with the remnants of the Grey Wolf Army active in the area, presented the presence of three separate military factions. This situation rendered the Abusaiq authorities’ control nearly non-existent. With the exception of a few densely populated areas of a hundred thousand or more, most of the mountain villages remained unmanaged territories, even noble landowners had fled the poverty-stricken land. Such destitution naturally drove away the youth, save for those with family burdens. The ablest young men either ventured into cities or joined nearby military factions. Farming here was a dead-end, making even a full meal a rarity for a family. An elderly man, carrying a basket on his back, was returning home from the fields when he was unexpectedly stopped by a courteous young man. "...Excuse me, sir, could you tell me the way to Black Python Mountain?" The old man halted, inspecting the young man before him. Clad in long sleeves and burdened with a backpack, the man appeared pristine despite his travel-worn presence—an evident city-bred gentleman. The saying goes, one doesn't strike a smiling face. His manners made it difficult to harbor ill will. Especially since the old man was accustomed to condescending looks from those of higher status. Now, a gentleman stooped to converse, leaving him momentarily flustered. Rubbing the back of his head, he broke into a grin and modestly replied, "Oh, sir, 'sir' is too grand a title. I'm but a simple farmer. You're headed to... Black something? Oh, Black Python Mountain..." It wasn't until he uttered the name Black Python Mountain that the old man had a sudden realization and his expression shifted. Zaied smiled and, with a gentle affirmation, said, "I heard General Gopal is nearby, and I wish to pay him a visit." "Why would you want to visit that ruthless wolf?" the old man questioned, glancing around nervously to ensure their privacy before continuing, "Young man, heed my advice. That lot are nothing but trouble... bandits, really! The front lines are in turmoil, and they're taking advantage. But once the battle's won, they'll be forced to flee, one by one!" Zaied chuckled, exhaling softly, "Seems they’ve been quite the nuisance to you." Shaking his head, the old man sighed deeply, "Oh yes, indeed! Because of those scoundrels, we've had to stash whatever grain we have. They're here raiding frequently, just shy of stripping the walls from my house." "You’ve endured a lot," Zaied remarked empathetically, placing a reassuring hand on the elder's shoulder. "But old sir, fret not! What Abusaiq can't handle, I shall. In fact, I’m here to solve your troubles!" "Solve?" The old man blinked, giving Zaied a skeptical look. "A scholar like you... solving problems?" Zaied laughed, "I'm certainly no scholar. Just point me in the right direction." "A stubborn ghost can't be persuaded," the elder sighed. Despite Zaied’s determination, he could only point northwards, "Cross the hill ahead, and you’ll find the winding, serpentine mountain named Black Python Mountain. It's several days' journey. You won't make it alone, but his patrols are in the vicinity, wary of local militias. As you near the woods behind the mountain, announce your presence, and they’ll find you." Pausing, the old man gave one final warning, "He's truly no good... If you seek service, better go to Laxi or Abusaiq." Memories of burned villages lingered vividly, though he had not experienced them firsthand. Refugees from the north spoke of their villages, scorched by the Grey Wolf for scorched-earth tactics. Every former imperial minister was callous with lives. "I understand. Rest assured, I’ll take care of it," Zaied confidently assured the elder, patting his shoulder before heading in the directed path without a backward glance. A good man... Zaied pondered with a faint smile at the forest lying beyond. Were that man of good character, he wouldn’t venture to this forsaken place... Heading north, the deeper Zaied ventured into the woods, the more sparse the traces of humanity became. Occasionally, wolf howls echoed in the distance. Alone, without escort, Zaied picked up a stick as a walking staff, advancing with the resolve of a pilgrim. After traversing dense forests and thickets, he finally beheld the snake-like mountain ranges—Black Python Mountain lay ahead! Before he could call out as instructed by the elder to attract the patrol's attention, a dark rifle barrel suddenly aimed at him. "Don’t move." The voice, cold as if from the underworld, was chilling, akin to a shadowy cave where serpents favor concealment. Zaied sensed multiple rifles targeting him, each gaze radiating wary hostility. He dropped the stick, raising his hands, addressing the unseen figures, "My name is Zaied, sent by Commander Abusaiq to negotiate... Please, let me meet your leader." Laughter erupted among ranks. Holding a rifle, Gopal smirked. Who would’ve thought an idle stroll would catch such a prize? "I’m the leader here," declared Gopal, a former Grey Wolf army strategist, now its general. "Sent by Commander Abusaiq, hmm... You traitors sure are audacious to approach." Zaied, hands still raised, chuckled lightly, "Why shouldn’t we be? These days, anyone with some skill rebels. If I’m a traitor, aren't you the same? If you weren't, you’d align with His Majesty Akbar, not linger here." Gopal's eyes narrowed, the air bristling with hostility from the surrounding soldiers. The atmosphere grew tense. Yet, Gopal's brows suddenly relaxed, revealing a sardonic grin, "Interesting, so tell me, what message does your master have for me?" Zaied surveyed the area, confronting deep-seated hatred within their gazes. Once the empire's proud warriors, lauded heroes, they were now discarded like stray dogs. Utoved never trusted this group, yet Zaied knew they embodied true loyalty to the empire. While others abandoned the empire—even the rural folk acknowledged Abusaiq as the "new king"—this group never forsook their former loyalty. Alayyan was like this, as were his men. For this reason, they bore immense hatred for Abusaiq, their erstwhile comrade. Zaied realized revealing any official seal spelled immediate demise. That wasn’t its purpose. "Let’s speak candidly," Zaied maintained eye contact with Gopal. "Abusaiq isn’t my master. A two-faced, indecisive figure like him could never be my master." Gopal chuckled abruptly, "What are you getting at?" "I can restore General Alayyan's honor, yours, your families’," Zaied declared, scanning those around as he turned his gaze back to Gopal. "More than that, I can offer you vengeance." The ranks quieted, disbelief etched on all faces. Reputation restoration for General Alayyan? From an unknown individual like this? Gopal’s pupils slightly contracted, clearly intrigued. But that sentiment lasted only a fleeting moment. He quickly realized this was a test, letting out a cold chuckle, the barrel of his gun inching closer. "Do I need it?" Despite Gopal masking his emotions with precision, the man standing before him noted that momentary flicker of expression. Receiving the affirmation he sought, Zaied remained unfazed, his gaze affixed on General Gopal, utterly ignoring the barrel nearly touching his nose, and spoke softly. "If you have no need, why not join up with Laxi, or directly throw your lot in with Abusaiq, instead of leading your men as bandits here? You’re well aware this path leads to destruction. Once the Kingdom of Poluo finishes dealing with the southern army, their first action will be dealing with you." Gopal retorted with a sneer. "You're talking as if they've already won." "How could they lose? Or rather, how could the southern army win," Zaied replied with a slight smile, "You, being the strategist of the Grey Wolf Army, undoubtedly possess insights equal to mine." Without waiting for a response from Gopal, Zaied continued, "They’ve all misunderstood and underestimated you, when only I perceive that you and your general were truly loyal... you shouldn't be entering your graves burdened with disgrace, but should rather be celebrated and revered by every survivor of the Poluo Province." Suddenly, Gopal broke into a loud laughter, startling birds from the trees. He lowered the gun in his hand. "Interesting... this makes the second time I’ve felt this way." Seeing the gun lowered, Zaied's face lit up with a joyful smile. "So, what's your answer?" "I'm intrigued by your claim to restore General Alayyan's honor and to help me avenge. But you should know, my hatred isn't just for Laxi but for everyone." Zaied asked, "Everyone?" "Yes..." Gopal's eyes gleamed malevolently as he enunciated, "Everyone who abandoned and betrayed us... they must all face consequences." Ah, so that's it. Zaied exhibited a sudden understanding, observing this man who seemed more twisted than himself, focusing on those eyes as fierce as a hungry wolf. No wonder even a simple old farmer deemed him untrustworthy—his hate was etched clear across his face, aimed at every Poluo person. "...Then you've come to the right person," Zaied chuckled, extending his right hand. "In this world... I'm probably the only one who can fulfill your desire." Gopal grinned slyly as he grasped Zaied's hand firmly, "Perhaps not... but I believe if I wait long enough, I’ll find someone like you." Implicit in his expression was the sentiment: It's you! Zaied, maintaining a radiant smile, vigorously shook Gopal's hand. "Then here's to a fruitful partnership." Conversations as candid as today's were unlikely to occur again. The moment he led the Grey Wolves out of the forest would herald the birth of an illustrious leader in Shezhou. The survivors of Poluo Province would remember this moment, not knowing the exact words spoken that day. To facilitate future memoirs, he had deliberately chosen not to take his student along. Having convinced Gopal, Zaied naturally revealed his commission order, outlining the plan he envisioned. He had passed Abusaiq’s initial "impossible test," now faced with a second. Presently in Shezhou, Sahloque sat as the high commissioner, who would never allow a nameless upstart to seize power. Even armed with the title of "Commander of the Shezhou War Zone," simply storming in would be more perilous than today’s lone venture into the wolf's lair. Sahloque would exhaust his cunning to erase him effortlessly, as crushing an ant, for although it was Zaied’s hometown, it remained Sahloque’s domain. However, all of this speculation held weight only if he were seen as seizing power. What if he wasn't the one aiming for power? Or perhaps... the true power seeker was someone else entirely. In a low voice, Zaied disclosed his plan to Gopal, whose expression initially froze before changing to one of admiration. Such a cunning plot... Clearly, he had found the right person. The two schemers exchanged malicious smiles, aligning in understanding. Just before parting, as Zaied pocketed the commission order, Gopal suddenly inquired, "By the way, how did you know that General Alayyan was wronged?" Without missing a beat, Zaied replied, "Which incident do you refer to?" "The Tasan River dam," Gopal shrugged, "Initially, they claimed it was the city defense army's doing, then accused us of ordering it, indirectly causing 100,000 deaths... Though, hardly that many died, and we had no involvement." Zaied raised a hand, somewhat impatiently interrupting him. "Does any of that matter? Were the villages at the Mazhou-Mengma border destroyed by the Moon Tribe Resistance?" Never having been there, a quick glance at the map was enough for Zaied to deduce that Laxi wouldn’t benefit from such actions. As for the dam, it might indeed have been Laxi’s doing, but only because he hastily rebuilt it, feeling guilty. Zaied wouldn't have committed such folly—no ruler ever admits fault, for incompetence isn’t incompetence until confessed. Of course, these were thoughts he wouldn’t even share with his closest confidants, like Sava. Gopal fell silent, unable to answer this. In sheer numbers, Alayyan's kills undoubtedly exceeded Laxi's and were more intentionally driven. Zaied merely patted Gopal's shoulder, offering no further explanation, casually remarking, "When we win, they'll all take the blame for it." ... Xi Fan Port, Governor's Office. General Gurion sat in his office, the battle report in hand, his expression steely. After a long pause, he rose abruptly, throwing the report onto his desk with curses. "A bunch of incompetents!" Two mechanized infantry brigades! One crippled, the other captured entirely, even the centurion was taken—all this with airship cover! These swine waste food just by living; better they shoot themselves! Standing at the door, the officer dared not breathe heavily, eyes fixed straight ahead. The aide beside him, expression serious, lowered his voice, "Our frontline severely underestimated the enemy, a pressing issue. This time our adversaries aren't just local forces but Alliance volunteers." "The biggest issue is that imbecile Wolf!" General Gurion fumed, "Sent to scout Akale County, he led his troops into the river like chasing shrimp, escalating a skirmish into a full-blown battle—losing himself and dragging down the 37th Brigade with him!" The aide sighed wryly, "That's exactly the problem... These folks seem to see medals walking on two legs and, long term, they're bound to suffer greatly!" Frustration mounting, General Gurion reached for the phone to berate Sergeant Ryan on the eastern front. Before he could, another call interrupted from General Staff Headquarters. Gurion’s gut clenched, yet he steeled himself, pressing the line through. Soon, the voice of the Chief of Staff came through. As the South Army's second-in-command and his direct contact, the Chief inquired, "What's the situation in the war zone?" With urgency, Gurion reported, "Excellent, Commander Otley has led three brigades into Gouzhou! Soon, we can launch the second wave!" After his report, the Chief merely acknowledged with an "mm" before questioning further, "And the eastern line?" Gurion's expression stiffened, but under the Chief’s inquiry, he had to continue, "We've captured Lion City, now fully controlling Lion State—soon, we’ll conquer Tiandu, bringing all of Poluo Province under our control—" His words had barely left his mouth when the voice on the other end of the line interrupted him. "I’ve already heard about the incident with the 36th Brigade." The governor's office fell into an unnerving silence, where even the sound of a pin drop could be distinctly heard. Gurion hadn't expected this embarrassing news to reach the General Staff back at the headquarters. His Adam's apple bobbed as he struggled to respond. "The situation with Wolf... was an unforeseen incident. There were terrain issues, weather problems, and most significantly, the element of surprise from the Alliance." Though he had cursed Wolf only moments ago, Gurion now found himself reluctantly defending the fool. After all, his subordinates' incompetence only highlighted his own foolishness in entrusting them with responsibilities. Under the accountability system, the corps and the empire were completely different, even opposites. After patiently listening to Gurion’s explanation, the Chief of Staff quietly remarked, "Regardless of the reasons, this is a disgrace for the entire southern corps... I don’t care if you negotiate or find another way, but retrieve those captives." Gurion responded with seriousness akin to facing an adversary. "Yes, sir!" Satisfied with his stance, the Chief on the other end didn't excessively berate him but instead continued after a brief pause. "Also, don’t rush things. If a swift victory isn't possible, then consolidate each position steadily… Our opponent may not just be the Alliance." Gurion replied with unwavering conviction, "Understood!" The conversation didn’t dwell on trivial matters, as the Chief proceeded with several more inquiries before concluding the call. Hanging up, Gurion exhaled deeply, not realizing until then that his back was soaked with sweat. Surprisingly, the Chief hadn't reprimanded him... Staring at the phone, his earlier rage subsided into uncertainty. Should he still call the front line to give Ryan a round of scolding? Just then, a knock sounded at the door, and a military officer entered soon after. “General, the reinforcement airships—Rolling Thunder, Giant Axe, Fortress, and Iron Wall—have entered our airspace!” Hearing this, Gurion’s face brightened, a fist clenching involuntarily. “Excellent… Summon the airship captains for a briefing as soon as they dock!” The officer, standing at the doorway, saluted. "Yes, sir!" A total of four airships had arrived at Xi Fan Port. They brought not only formidable firepower but also the specialized "Wanderer" tanks, designed to counter the League's Tank No. 3s and anti-tank electromagnetic cannons! Gurion planned to deploy all four airships to the eastern line to assist in capturing Tiandu with Ryan's command. Eagerly, Gurion rose from his desk and approached the window facing the harbor. Under heavy black clouds, the majestic bows of steel ships slowly revealed themselves, resembling a steel canopy sheltering the sky! Attracted by these massive structures in the air, passersby on the street below stopped in disbelief, gazing up at the sky. Among them were expressions of surprise, confusion, joy, and even fear... These were genuine instruments of war. Nothing could withstand the fiery rain that would descend from above! Seeing the spectacle unfold, a relieved smile finally appeared on General Gurion's face. "…It's over." Meanwhile, at the foot of the governor's mansion, the new Emperor of Xilan, Akbar, bore a sycophantic grin, holding an ornamental banner. On the crimson banner, grandly inscribed in artistic calligraphy was: ["Congratulations to General Gurion on his successive victories!"] He wished to personally present the banner to General Gurion, but unfortunately, the doormen ignored his standing as emperor, barring his entry regardless of his explanations and entreaties. At that moment, a military officer exited the governor's mansion. Akbar recognized the officer as someone associated with Gurion. Seizing the opportunity, Akbar approached with a fawning smile, explaining his purpose. However, after listening, the military officer wore a peculiar expression, staring long at the banner in Akbar’s hands. “…General Gurion has a meeting and cannot see you.” Akbar's smile froze, but he refrained from outwardly reacting, instead asking, "Then… when might he be available?" "He's occupied for the foreseeable future; it's best not to disturb him if there's nothing pressing," the officer replied impatiently, glancing again at the banner in Akbar’s hand, "I’ll pass this banner onto him for you." The truth was, if Gurion saw this banner now, in his current mood, it might provoke an outburst. Unaware of the recent setbacks, Akbar’s understanding of the front-line situation was still fixed on Ryan’s supposed triumphant conquest over Poluo’s 200,000 troops, capturing Lion City in one fell swoop. Handing over the banner, Akbar couldn’t resist adding a reminder, "I haven’t seen General Gurion in a long time… When he’s free, please introduce me." "Understood." Taking the banner and rolling it up tightly, the officer grumbled a reply before heading off. Akbar hesitated, wondering if the officer was heading in the wrong direction but held back the question. It was then that the roar of engines broke through the clouds, resonating down to the ground. Initially mistaking them for alliance bombers, Akbar's face paled as he instinctively sought cover—until he glanced up and recognized the airships, not belonging to the alliance but to the corps! Four monumental ship bows pierced through the dense clouds, displaying their indomitable presence. His eyes widened, shock transforming into jubilation. "Hahaha! Now those bastards will get what's coming to them!" In contrast, the elderly Lion tribe individual trailing behind Akbar wore a face of terror, muttering incessantly. One Hornet had devastated half a city back then, and now four such behemoths had arrived... He couldn't fathom any manner of resisting such a threat. Especially when they marched together in battle... Tiandu seemed doomed to become a ghost town. No matter how many minor victories they claimed, they paled before such absolute might. Perhaps only a miracle itself—specifically, intervention by the Alliance’s Administrator—could save them... His aged, deeply furrowed face was overshadowed by despair, a sentiment not solely his. "It's over..." This time, it might truly be over. To be continued.