Chapter 872 - This Game Is Too Realistic

Chapter 872: Open and Concealed Threats The war report was not only updated on the official forum but also appeared in the hands of Commander Abusak. Presidential Office. Sitting at his desk, Abusak finished reading the report in his hands, stood up energetically, and couldn't help but exclaim. "Damn it... After playing the underdog for so long, it's about time we had a win! This battle was beautifully fought!" Seeing the commander-in-chief's expression of joy, Wadiya, the internal affairs officer standing by, also wore a happy smile. However, mindful of his responsibilities, after a brief moment of cheer, he gently reminded. "Sir, the captain of the Eleventh Battalion is Yokale, and he's one of Yudono's people." The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Borro and the Internal Affairs Office of the Academy may share similar names, but their functions and objectives are entirely different. The latter is responsible for the internal management within the academy, while the former aligns with the Mammoth Nation's assault troops, acting essentially as a domestic special agency. It monitors whether military officers and commissioners perform their duties and keeps secret dossiers on individuals that need surveillance. For example, people like Anwur, whose wings have grown strong, young capable officers like Isher, or political figures like Education Commissioner Kabaha and Agricultural Commissioner representing different political strengths, have all been under advisement. Even "out-of-power" figures like Zaid and his association were monitored as a precaution. However, upon realizing that this family association had little potential to become a significant political force, and hardly any chance to step onto the political stage of the capital, the investigations were scaled back. Meanwhile, closer attention must be paid to those in the military who collude with the Weilan Empire. Abusak himself had once been involved with the legion, and given the current tight-knit battle situation, there could very well be those hedging their bets, ready to make a treacherous move. A certain ruthless figure who died on the throne had always been an indelible shadow in Abusak's mind. He constantly feared the sudden emergence of a madman who might kill him, which is why he was always cautious in his defensive preparations. However, Borro housed numerous internal forces. Each major commissioner held military power, and he himself only managed to secure the position of commander-in-chief with the support of multiple factions, making it impossible to blatantly form an assault team, pointing guns at anyone who opposed him as Rasina had. Thus, this department mostly operated behind the political scenes of the capital, mainly conducting background investigations to provide references for the commander's decisions. Abusak understood the implication behind Wadiya's words; Battalion Commander Yokale was once a subordinate of Yudono, meaning he was part of King Anush's old guard. In the entire Borro army, he was most wary of Anush's old troops. Those individuals were like ticking time bombs. Not only were they likely to seek revenge against him at any moment, but they also had the potential to vindicate King Anush in the future, dragging Borro into an unfathomable abyss. Although a joint effort with other commissioners had purged a batch of the most extreme individuals, he knew that such a hasty and authoritarian purge could never be thorough. This is where the filthiness of governance truly lies. The best outcome for these individuals was a heroic death on the battlefield, carrying along with them the sins of the king's army, rather than becoming living heroes. Abusak hesitated for a moment but ultimately couldn't bring himself to make a ruthless decision. He sighed. "...We can't always live in the past; we must also look toward the future." Wadiya was slightly taken aback and respectfully inquired. "What do you mean, sir?" "We need to give him a chance to bear our mark... Besides, integrating some promising officers into our ranks is beneficial for us." Abusak pondered for a long while, his gaze falling on the war report as an idea vividly crossed his mind. "Here's the plan... Promote Isher to the rank of Two-Star Commander and assign him to lead the Third and Eleventh Battalions of the Northern Field Army to support Mammoth Nation's operation in the northern three states!" The Akkale victory by the Third Battalion and the alliance's death corps were key in defending, capturing an entire legion's battalion intact; Commander Isher certainly deserves a promotion. The Two-Star Commander rank is fitting for such merit! Moreover, being a former subordinate of Anwur, and Anwur being his man, Abusak found this arrangement suitable for making Yokale one of his own as well. Hopefully, this guy isn't too dense to appreciate the good intentions behind this gesture. As for Akkale County, it should be managed by other battalions. The legion, having suffered losses there, would inevitably seek to reclaim their pride, foreseeing it as a grueling battle. With Dog Region hanging by a thread, Borro's timely support not only consolidates strategic ties with Mammoth Nation but also averts significant casualties for allied troops in the upcoming tough campaigns, while enlisting a future prominent general to his faction. This could indeed be described as killing three birds with one stone! Satisfied with his cunning plan, Abusak saw Wadiya ponder over it, finding no fault before respectfully accepting the order. "Understood." Wadiya accepted the command and exited the office. Abusak returned to his desk, barely setting his chair when he soon received a distressing call from the alliance representative, learning that four zeppelins had arrived at West Sail Harbor. The representative tried to console him, reassuring him not to worry, yet clearly, it offered little real solace. With just one zeppelin having wreaked havoc over half of Lion City, news of four arriving at once could very well plunge Borro into chaos before any fighting even starts. Amidst his vexation, urgent footsteps suddenly echoed outside his office, followed by two loud knocks. Before he could respond, the door was crudely flung open. "Abusak, damn you, explain yourself! What does this mean?" Striding into the office, "Tiger King" Duawata, his face livid with rage, slammed a newspaper onto the desk. Startled, Abusak thought an assassination was underway. His hand reflexively reached into his desk drawer until recognizing Duawata, and he rose with annoyance, cursing. "What the hell has gotten into you now?" Duawata's eyes widened, his anger evident as he cursed. "What has gotten into me? I've been out there with my men fortifying the defenses against the Weilan Empire while you sit here in comfort, and you ask what's gotten into me? I have one simple question: why isn't my son on there?" Perusing the edition of "Survivor Daily," Abusak glanced at the list of contestants and instantly understood the situation. Kabaha, ever headstrong, had not only compiled a ranking list but brashly publicized it, leaving no room for recourse or redemption. While he might feel satisfied, others surely did not. Furthermore, half the 500 names listed belong to nobles of the previous regime. Regardless of the thinking of the capital residents, what about the soldiers' perception? Even if those selected truly were promising leaders, this was not the way to implement it. He emulated the Alliance and the South Sea Union's representative council to foster a space for problem-solving without leading directly to armed conflict when issues arose. Yet Kabaha, enjoying the carte blanche privilege of a committee member, treated Abusak as a monarch with absolute say. Caught between feelings of exasperation and amusement, Abusak mostly felt a sense of weary helplessness. Perhaps appointing Kabaha as the Education Commissioner had been a mistake. Once the University of the Capital was established, appointing him as its president seemed more suitable. Though capable, he evidently lacked the knack for politics. Nevertheless, given the current fragile state of affairs, he had neither the time nor the mind for meticulous adjustments, opting instead to pass this issue along until after the war. "...The exam matter isn't under my jurisdiction. If you have any concerns about the scores, perhaps discuss them with our Education Commissioner." Duawata's eyes squinted skeptically. "Not under your jurisdiction? Wasn't Kabaha your appointee? Fine then, guess I'll be paying a visit to extend my hospitality!" Turning to leave, he was halted by Abusak's sharp declaration. "Halt, right there!" Duawata paused, glancing back without a hint of intimidation. "Abusak, I call you chief, consider you one of us, thus I speak bluntly. The brothers follow you because we believe that with you lies more potential than with Anush." "You promote the remnants of the old empire, and I don't oppose that. Borro can certainly benefit from them. But if you plan on letting them lord over us, treating you as an untouchable emperor, don't say I didn't warn you. The last person who did that didn’t end well." Abusak’s heart skipped a beat, Anush’s face once again surfacing in his mind. His eyes widened, but he managed to suppress his anger. Rising from his seat, he walked over to his old friend, placing his hands on his shoulders, speaking earnestly. "Hey! You’ve misunderstood me, brother. How could I allow those old imperial nobility to ride on your backs? Those five hundred students are going to Mammoth Nation to learn, not to enjoy a life of comfort! You, as a major commissioner, why are you concerned about a few students’ slots? If you want to secure a path for your son, just let me know which unit you want him in." Duawata let out a cold laugh. "I'm not worried. My son is definitely material for a general, but my subordinates are watching closely. You can stop playing dumb; once this war is over and it's time for rebuilding, you honestly think those students will merely become professors? Even if they chose the academic path, do you think their students won't become directors or ministers?" Before Abusak could respond, Duawata continued, word by word. "You’ve maneuvered brilliantly... nurturing the children of the old empire's elite, then waiting till the war takes its toll on us the old guards, using these new elites to balance our offspring. Heh, I knew you were a crafty old fox, but don't take us for fools." "This... You’re overthinking it. Are you aware of the current situation? The legion’s airships are nearly at our doorstep!" Abusak wore an expression caught between laughter and tears. Truth be told, he hadn’t considered this layer of strategy; although, it did sound enticing when mentioned, potentially making him consider such tactics. To think the "Tiger King," with his burly appearance, had a sharp mind mirroring his own. Why were his surroundings filled with such meticulous thinkers?! If these individuals redirected even a fraction of their cunning elsewhere—becoming scientists, engineers, or artists—the alliance wouldn’t be the one constructing the space elevator, and the legion wouldn’t have room to invade them. With the so-called plans crafted from Weilandt’s straightforward minds, they could hang the legion out to dry. "Regarding this particular matter, my subordinates demand an explanation, which is why I'm here seeking one. If you can’t provide it, I'll convey your words to them, and what follows won’t be my responsibility." Seeing Duawata holding firm, Abusak’s temper flared, glaring as he warned, "I advise you not to act rashly! Should we fail to hold Heizdos, both you and I—" Duawata raised his hand, interrupting him. "Rest assured, when it comes to major issues, I will act judiciously. However, should someone exploit their power for personal gain, the reformist loyalists won't idly stand by." "If that's all, I’m returning to the barracks." With that, Duawata left without looking back. Abusak watched his retreating figure, seething yet helpless. Just then, Wadiya, who had earlier sent a telegram to the front lines, returned. Noticing the commander-in-chief's stormy demeanor and having crossed paths with Commissioner Duawata in the hallway earlier, he quickly pieced together the sequence of events. Closing the door behind him, he softly suggested. "Sir, perhaps it's not my place to say this... but sometimes we must be a tad more ruthless." Abusak sighed. "It’s not that I'm unwilling to be ruthless or that I'm dwelling on old ties; it’s the circumstances that bind us. Weilandters are lurking outside, while Shaluk, the sly fox, waits in the south to reap benefits. If we act too outrageously here, Shaluk will seize the opportunity to rally another cause, and the chaos will not just remain confined to Heizdos." Considering the commander-in-chief's concerns, Wadiya proposed timely counsel. "What’s the alliance's stance on this matter?" Abusak shook his head. "On the battlefield, we can rely on them, but the alliance clearly states they won't interfere in our internal affairs. Furthermore, they advised against being overly harsh on our own people; otherwise, I wouldn’t have bothered with this committee. Alas, it’s time, or rather the lack of it, that burdens us. A few more years and things would be different." Perhaps it wasn't solely Kabaha’s fault; the entire committee appeared inherently flawed. They verbalize support for reform outwardly while harboring omnipotent monarchs internally, viewing themselves as loyal advisors daring to criticize, not integral members of the collective. And the trouble is, this emperor shows up selectively. When their own interests are threatened, these commissioners unfurl the flag of equality, advising against rash actions. Yet, when they aim to seize assets from others, suddenly, they wish for unbounded and unscrupulous intervention. This applies to the education commissioner, the industrial commissioner, and agricultural commissioner alike. Perhaps, from its inception, the fate of this committee as a seemingly united yet truly divided entity was sealed. And yet, at this critical juncture, Borro needs unity most. After contemplating, Abusak looked at his internal affairs officer and gave an order. "Assign some individuals to protect Commissioner Kabaha and his family... I'm concerned that a faction within the military might target him." Now that the examination list is public, there's no turning back. However, solutions are still possible. For instance, adding an honor roll outside the regular exam list, allowing military families a separate chance. Or granting extra scores to the fallen soldiers’ children in the next exam. But Borro's unilateral decision here isn't enough; Mammoth University must also consent. Their educational resources aren’t infinite; internally, they face distribution challenges akin to ours. Moreover, recalling Duawata's words, Abusak realized he started around discussing his son, but subsequently, spoke for his subordinates' interests. In hindsight, it makes sense; as a grand commissioner, he wouldn’t prioritize a few study-abroad slots. There’s likely more at play. Such as influence in economic, industrial, transport, cultural, and other realms. Currently, Borro remains impoverished and ignorant of such domains, necessitating overseas learning in the future. The five hundred students represent pioneers in breaking new grounds; henceforth, how roads are built, power lines extended, mines excavated, and steel crafted all hinge on their decrees. Although Abusak held no guarantee that the sons of his ten-thousand commanders would inherit similar ranks, securing a few slots for influential roles seemed feasible. Subtly, people often reveal what they care most about without realizing. It was at this moment that Abusak grasped Duawata's seemingly "innocuous" closing remark. Because that’s how Duawata truly thought! This guy had certainly concealed his intentions well! With this realization, Abusak added a final instruction to Wadiya following his initial directives. "On second thought, relocate Kabaha and his family to the celestial palace... Announce publicly that I've placed him under house arrest." This way, military discontent might subside. Then, by introducing a widely acceptable new proposal, the matter could resolve itself. "Understood." Wadiya nodded earnestly, then recalled something and continued, "Additionally... there’s another matter I must report." Abusak pressed his temples, asking nonchalantly. "What’s that?" Cautiously, Wadiya relayed, "The Zaid you previously sent to the East has recruited the Gray Wolf army." Abusak looked up, involuntarily opened his mouth, dazed for a moment before speaking. "...That fellow can pull that off?" Referring to that individual who would almost bow upon seeing him? Wadiya nodded subtly, sharing in his disbelief. They hadn’t anticipated incorporating the Gray Wolf army, yet this unknown rookie convincingly subdued them. Regardless, it undeniably counts as good news; at least one potential threat is neutralized. "We received the telegram just moments ago. Presently, they’re en route to Serpent Region as per your command..." Serpent Region... Currently, it’s under Shaluk’s control. Abusak closed his eyes, pondering for a moment before suddenly reopening them and stating, "If this Zaid indeed has the capability to persuade the Gray Wolf army to surrender, he might actually give Shaluk a tough time." Wadiya raised an eyebrow. "Are you thinking of using wolves to swallow tigers?" Abusak chuckled. "I doubt he has the skill for that, but if he can unsettle that sly Shaluk, it’s still beneficial." Since he couldn’t effectively command either of the two armies and didn’t have the bandwidth to handle them, letting them tussle amongst themselves wouldn’t interfere with front-line operations. After all, he planned to settle the score with Shaluk over his desertion. Thinking he could profit by watching from a distance without lifting a finger? Abusak intended to show him that such expectations would be unmet. Hearing this clever tactic, Wadiya couldn’t help but give a thumbs up, praising, "Brilliant leadership." In his heart, he truly admired his commander. Although Abusak wasn’t as straightforward as the alliance’s leaders, when it came to cunning, the alliance’s managers couldn’t hold a candle to him. Though nothing to boast about, it was certainly a skill. Had Anush taken this leadership position, no matter how many times he tried, it might still end with him being shot on the throne... While the wars in Borro province raged on, the Hundred Yue Strait remained in peaceful tranquility across the sea. Fries Port and Cruller Port faced each other across the strait. Initially the size of mere fishing villages, these ports had since developed significantly. Gone were the days of untidy streets; orderly rows of houses stood as a testament to change. Standing on the ship’s deck, Yarman squinted towards the northern direction, speaking to Henk, who hailed from the New Continent. "On the northern shore is Fries Port... Do you see that beach?" Henk followed the direction of Yarman’s pointing finger. The area was on the outskirts of Fries Port, near the westernmost jungle. There, on a dazzling coastline, villas of unique styles dotted the land. The small Western-style houses seemed to blend seamlessly with the environment, appearing almost as if they sprouted naturally from the ground, rather than being constructed brick by brick. Having never seen such peculiar designs, Henk’s eyes widened in curiosity. "What’s that?" Yarman smiled. "That's a kind of biomaterial created by the alliance... I’m not entirely sure of the specifics, but what I want to talk about isn’t the houses, but that beach." Henk looked puzzled. "Is there something special about that beach?" Squinting, Yarman continued, "Over a year ago, back when the empire still stood, a group of ‘Gray Wolves’ landed here, attempting to raid Fries Port, only to be driven back into the sea by the alliance." Rumor had it there were hidden truths to the event, possibly even involving aquatic mutants. However, the version he currently recounted was the most widespread. The dissemination of truth often loses fidelity in process. Even with seemingly trivial matters. "Was the alliance once enemies with the empire?" Henk’s face bore disbelief, starkly contrasting the narrative of the Western Legion's propaganda. According to what he'd been told, the empire wavered between the legion and the alliance, taking benefits from the legion while considering leaning towards the alliance. A cowardly civilian bureaucracy indulged sneaky rodents, ultimately leading to the West Sail Harbor incident, prompting the Southern Legion to wage a just war. Seeing Henk’s surprise, Yarman grinned, "They are even now, but their fight is only with the empire, not the survivors who live there." Henk took a curious second glance at his fellow countryman. Since leaving the legion's territory, this guy seemed to smile more frequently. Increasingly curious, he wondered what was so special about the alliance that made even a Weilandt native admire it so. "Will we dock there?" The wealthy port sparked his interest. Beyond the appealing scenery and beauty, his instincts suggested latent opportunities lay there—possibly the chance for a resurgence! A new trade route! Far more enticing than high-risk arms dealing. Looking at the nearby harbor, Yarman smiled and said, "Our destination isn’t here; it's a place called Settlement One." Henk instinctively asked, "Where’s that?" Without hesitation, Yarman replied, "The former Fries Port—another land full of hope." To be continued...