CHAPTER 869: CHAPTER 869: IRON SKY

A fierce and exhilarating battle had just concluded, with the soldiers on the western front cleaning up the battlefield, feeling triumphant, while the rear on the eastern front presented a different scene.

Central Horse State.

A nondescript small mountain village, sparsely populated, mostly with elderly and children.

Like Tiandu, this place belonged to Poluo Country, but the only difference was that the former was on the border, rarely appearing in the public eye.

Conversely, the people here knew very little about what was happening outside.

While the residents of Tiandu were busy preparing for exams, and the residents of Fierce Horse City were contemplating whether to take a boat to Tiandu for the exams, the locals here didn’t even know what exams were.

Not only that.

Due to its position between Mammoth State and Tiger State, coupled with the remnants of the Grey Wolf Army active in this area, creating a situation with three different military factions, Leader Absek’s control over the area was extremely weakened.

Outside of a few densely populated areas with hundreds of thousands of people, most of the mountain villages were actually areas not governed by anyone. Even land-owning nobles had fled from hunger.

In a poor place like this, young people naturally could not be retained.

Unless they had families that couldn’t move, most young men who were able-bodied either went to work in the city or joined a nearby military faction.

At least here, honestly farming wasn’t a viable living, and it was difficult for a family to have enough to eat.

An old man carrying a basket had just finished working in the field and was on his way home when a polite young man suddenly stopped him on the way.

"...Dear sir, could you tell me the way to Black Python Mountain?"

The old man stopped, glanced at the young man, noticing his backpack and long-sleeved clothes. Despite his travel-worn appearance, he had a clean look, clearly a respectable person.

As the saying goes, one doesn’t hit a smiling face. His courteous demeanor naturally made people take a liking to him.

Especially since the old man was accustomed to being looked down upon by landowners, he was somewhat flattered that someone respectable was willing to speak to him.

Scratching the back of his head, he grinned and politely responded.

"Oh dear, I don’t dare to be called ’sir,’ I’m just a farmer... You’re asking for Black... Black Python Mountain, right..."

As he said this, the old man suddenly realized the place was called Black Python Mountain, and his expression changed immediately.

Zayed nodded with a smile, speaking in a gentle and pleasant tone.

"I heard that General Gopal is around here, and I wish to pay him a visit."

"Oh, why would you want to find that man-eating wolf?"

Before the young man could explain, the old man nervously glanced around, making sure no one else was nearby, then earnestly continued to advise.

"Young man, take my advice, that pack of wolf cubs is no good... They’re just a bunch of bandits! It’s just that the front line is busy with the war, and Leader Absek can’t spare the manpower to deal with them. Once this war ends, none of them will escape!"

Zayed smiled and sighed.

"It seems these bandits have caused you a lot of trouble."

The old man shook his head, sighing deeply.

"Ah, indeed! Because of those guys, anyone with any surplus grain has to hide it carefully. They come to rob us every now and then; they almost stripped the plaster off my walls."

"You’ve suffered," Zayed sympathetically said, placing his hand on the old man’s shoulder as if he couldn’t bear to see him suffer, "But sir, don’t worry! What Leader Absek can’t handle, I’ll take care of! In fact, I’m here to solve your problem!"

"Solve?" The old man was taken aback, looking at him suspiciously, "You’re a scholar... What can you solve?"

Zayed laughed at the words.

"I’m not a scholar... Just tell me how I can find him."

You cannot persuade a ghost that’s bound to die.

Seeing that he insisted on going, the old man sighed, pointing behind him.

"Over the mountain ahead, that winding mountain resembling a giant python is called Black Python Mountain. It’s several days’ journey to walk there. You can’t get in alone, but his people patrol that area, watching for nearby city militia. Once you reach the forest behind the mountain, just walk a few steps forward and shout, and they’ll naturally come to find you."

After saying this, the old man kindly added.

"That person is indeed no good... If you want to join the army, it’s better to find Laxi or Leader Absek."

The memory of the burned villages was vivid.

Although he hadn’t experienced it, he heard from refugees from the north that their village was burned down by the Grey Wolf Army for some scorched earth strategy.

Any old minister of the Empire, none of them treated people as people.

"I understand. Rest assured, leave this matter to me."

Zayed said, smiling and patting the old man’s shoulder, then turned and walked toward the direction the old man had pointed.

Good man...

Watching the dark forest, a faint smile appeared on his lips.

If that person were a good man, he wouldn’t have come to this cursed place...

Leaving the village, he headed north.

The further he walked into the forest, the scarcer the population, and he could vaguely hear the howl of wolves.

He did not bring any escorts.

Zayed casually picked up a stick as a walking stick, walking alone like a determined pilgrim.

After a long journey, passing through dense forests and thorny thickets, he finally saw the mountain range that coiled like a giant python upon the earth.

Ahead was Black Python Mountain!

The remnants of the Grey Wolf Army were hiding there!

A smile appeared on Zayed’s face, and just as he was about to follow the old man’s advice and shout to attract the attention of the nearby patrol, a dark gun muzzle suddenly aimed at him.

"Don’t move."

The cold voice seemed to float from hell, eerie like a long-lost cave.

And that’s precisely where serpents liked to hide.

Zayed could feel at least ten guns pointed at him, all the gazes filled with vigilance and hostility.

He dropped his stick and simply raised his hands, facing the dark gun muzzle, he said.

"My name is Zayed. I’ve been sent by Leader Absek to negotiate with you... Please let me see your leader."

Laughter erupted around him.

Holding a rifle, Gopal grinned.

Unexpectedly, while roaming out of boredom, he stumbled upon such a big catch.

"I am the leader here, former staff officer of the Grey Wolf Army, and now a general of the Grey Wolf Army. Leader Absek, tsk tsk... you rebellious traitors really dare to come here."

Zayed raised his hands above his head and smiled faintly as he spoke.

"Why wouldn’t we dare? Nowadays, anyone with a bit of skill raises troops in rebellion. I am a traitor, and how are you any different? If you truly aren’t, you should have aligned yourself with His Majesty Akbar instead of staying here."

Gopal’s eyes narrowed slightly, and the surrounding gazes became hostile.

The atmosphere on the scene gradually grew cold.

But at this moment, Gopal suddenly relaxed his brow and said with a cold smile.

"Interesting, I’m curious to hear what message your master has entrusted you to deliver to me."

Zayed glanced around, seeing in those gazes a deep-seated hatred.

They were once the Empire’s most proud warriors, once heroes admired by thousands. Now, they had been abandoned like stray dogs to await death here.

Even in death, the Witch Camel never trusted these guys, yet he clearly knew they were the Empire’s most loyal.

When everyone else had abandoned the Empire, even old farmers acknowledged Absek as the "new king," they alone never abandoned their former lord.

Arai Yang was like this.

His subordinates were like this.

It was precisely for this reason that they hated Absek, their former comrade, so deeply.

It was that man who turned their loyalty into a joke, making them clowns in the eyes of others.

That’s why Zayed knew that if he took out that commission, he would be dead for sure.

That document was not meant to be used like this.

"... Let’s speak frankly," Zayed fixed his gaze on Gopal, "I have never considered Absek my master; a deceitful, indecisive fellow like him isn’t worthy of being my master."

Gopal suddenly burst into a laugh.

"What do you want to say?"

"I can help General Arai Yang restore his reputation, and you, and your families," Zayed glanced around and then back at Gopal, "Not only that, but I can also help you seek revenge."

The atmosphere around them fell silent, and one gaze after another showed disbelief.

Help General Arai Yang restore his reputation?

This no-name nobody?

Gopal’s pupils contracted slightly, showing some temptation.

But that lasted only a moment.

He quickly realized this guy was testing him, then sneered, pushing the muzzle of his gun a bit closer.

"Do I need it?"

Even though he hid his emotions carefully, the man standing before him still caught that fleeting change of expression.

Having received that affirmative response, Zayed maintained his composure as he looked at General Gopal, not even glancing at the gun muzzle close to his nose, speaking softly.

"... If you don’t need it, why not go to Laxi, or directly join Absek, rather than stay here as bandits with your men? You know this is a dead-end; once the Poluo Country deals with the Southern Legion, their first order of business will be dealing with you."

Gopal sneered and said.

"You speak as if they’ve already won."

"How could they lose? Or rather, how could the Southern Legion win," Zayed smiled faintly, "Since you’re the Grey Wolf Army’s staff officer, I believe your insight is no less than mine."

Without waiting for Gopal to respond, Zayed continued.

"They all misunderstood you, looking down upon you, but only I know, you and your former general are true loyalists... You shouldn’t carry your shame and enter the grave; you should be adored and respected by all survivors of the Poluo Line."

Gopal suddenly burst into laughter, the sound loud enough to frighten birds from the forest.

He lowered the gun in his hand.

"Interesting... This is the second time I’ve felt this way."

Seeing the lowered gun, Zayed’s face lit up with a joyful smile.

"So, what’s your answer?"

"I’m very interested in you helping General Arai Yang restore his reputation and helping me seek revenge... But I must tell you, my hate isn’t just for Laxi, but for everyone."

Zayed: "Everyone?"

"That’s right..." Gopal glared at him insidiously, speaking word by word, "Everyone who abandoned and betrayed us... they must all pay the price."

So that’s how it is.

Zayed revealed an expression of sudden realization, watching this person more twisted than himself with interest, especially studying those eyes like those of a hungry wolf.

No wonder even that old farmer thought this guy was no good.

He wore his hatred on his face.

And the target of that hatred was all Poluo people.

"... Then you’re looking at the right person." Zayed suddenly laughed, extending his right hand forward, "In this world... I’m probably the only one who can fulfill your wish."

Gopal grinned and shook his right hand.

"Not necessarily... But I believe if I wait, I will find someone like you."

It’s you!

The expression seemed to say.

Zayed beamed with a radiant smile, firmly shaking his hand.

"Then let’s look forward to our successful cooperation."

Open and honest dialogue like today will probably never happen again.

From the moment he led the Grey Wolf out of the forest, a wise and martial hero would be born in Snake State.

The survivors of the Poluo Line would remember this moment, but no one would recall what they said that day.

For the convenience of writing memoirs later, he deliberately didn’t bring his student along.

After convincing Gopal, Zayed took out that commission as a matter of course and spoke of the plan he had in mind.

He had already passed the first "impossible task" set by Absek; now came the second.

Currently, Snake State was under Shaluk’s great command, who would surely not allow a no-name nobody to seize power.

Even holding the appointment as "Snake State War Zone Commander" would be useless.

If he impulsively went there, his situation would be even more dangerous than going alone to the wolf’s den today.

Shaluk would definitely rack his brains trying to make him disappear, and it would be as easy as squashing an ant. After all, that place, though his hometown, is Shaluk’s territory.

However, all of this is based on the premise that he went there to seize power.

What if he wasn’t going there to seize power?

Or rather...

The real person seizing power wasn’t himself.

Zayed spoke softly to Gopal about what he intended to do, and Gopal’s face first showed a hint of shock before revealing an expression of admiration after hearing him out.

Such a ruthless plan...

He indeed found the right person.

Two scheming guys simultaneously put on sinister smiles.

As things were nearing the end, Gopal suddenly spoke, looking at Zayed who had put away the commission.

"By the way, how did you know General Arai Yang was wronged?"

Zayed replied without hesitation.

"Which matter are you talking about?"

"The Tasang River’s embankment," Gopal shrugged, "At first, they said it was the city defense army who blew it up, later they changed their story saying we ordered the city defense army to blow it up, indirectly causing the death of 100,000 people... Actually, not that many people died, and it had nothing to do with us."

Zayed raised his hand slightly, interrupting him with some impatience.

"Does such a matter matter? Were the villagers on the border of Horse State and Mammoth State killed by the Moon Clan Resistance Army?"

He hadn’t been there, but a glance at the map also told him Laxi had no benefit in doing this.

As for the dam, perhaps it was indeed Laxi’s doing, but not because the map revealed any flaws, rather because that guy guiltily built another one.

If he were in command, he wouldn’t do such a foolish thing. When has a king ever been reasonable in admitting mistakes?

Incompetence isn’t incompetency, admitting mistakes is.

Of course, these are thoughts he keeps to himself, never mentioning them even to his closest ally Sava.

Gopal was momentarily speechless, unable to answer this question.

Speaking solely in terms of the number killed, Arai Yang definitely killed more than Laxi and with more subjective intent.

However, Zayed simply patted Gopal’s shoulder without explanation, casually saying.

"When we win, it’s all their doing."

...

West Sail Port, Governor’s Mansion.

Sitting in the Governor’s Office, General Giulion finished reading the battle report, his face a steel-blue hue.

After a long pause, he angrily stood up from his chair and slammed the battle report onto the table, muttering curses.

"A group of useless idiots!"

Two mechanized ten thousand troops!

One was crippled in battle, and the other captured as complete units, even their leader was caught.

And this was all under the protection of airship cover!

These pigs, living is simply a waste of food, better to just shoot themselves!

The officer standing at the door didn’t dare to breathe, could only stare straight out the window.

The nearby strategist appeared solemn, lowering his voice to speak.

"...Our frontline forces were too careless, this is a big problem. This time, our opponents are not only the nations of Poluo Province but also volunteers from the Alliance."

"The biggest issue is that idiot Wolfe!" General Giulion vented his anger, "Sending him to scout Akale County and he instead led the troops into the river to catch prawns, turning a minor skirmish into a battle, not only losing his own forces but dragging down the 37th ten thousand troops!"

The strategist wryly smiled and said.

"That’s precisely the issue... These guys see anyone as walking medals, in the long run, they will definitely suffer major losses!"

General Giulion furiously shook his head, picking up the phone, intending to reprimand Commander Ryan responsible for the East line, but before he could dial, another call came in.

The call came from the General Staff.

Giulion’s heart sank but he braced himself to press the connect button.

Shortly thereafter, the voice of the Chief of General Staff came over the line.

This person is the second in command of the Southern Legion and also the one who directly communicates with him.

"How’s the war zone situation?"

Not daring to neglect, Giulion immediately reported.

"The war zone situation is excellent, General Otley leading three ten thousand troops has successfully entered Dog State! Soon we can initiate Stage 2 offensive!"

After hearing his report, the Chief of General Staff simply responded with "Hmm" before continuing to ask.

"And the East line?"

Giulion’s expression froze a bit, but facing the Chief’s inquiries, he could only continue.

"...We have taken Lion City, the entire Lion State is now under our control, soon we will capture Tiandu, at which point the entire Poluo Province will be under our control—"

His words were cut short by the voice from the other end of the line.

"I’ve already heard about the 36th ten thousand troops incident."

The Governor’s Office fell silent instantly, as if a pin dropped it would be clearly audible.

He hadn’t expected this incident to have already reached the General Staff, Giulion’s Adam’s apple moved as he spoke with difficulty.

"Wolfe’s incident... was unexpected, due to terrain and weather reasons. Of course, the primary cause was the Alliance’s surprise attack."

Though he had cursed Wolfe moments ago, now he found himself having to say some favorable words for that fool.

After all, the stupidity of subordinates does not excuse his own errors, rather it makes him seem even more foolish for entrusting that buffoon with responsibility.

In terms of accountability mechanisms, the Army and the Empire are entirely different, even completely opposite.

Patiently listening to Giulion’s explanation, the Chief of General Staff replied quietly.

"Regardless of the reasons, this is a disgrace for the entire Southern Legion... I don’t care if you use negotiations or other means, get those prisoners back."

General Giulion solemnly faced the impending threat.

"Yes!"

The Chief of General Staff on the other end seemed somewhat satisfied with his attitude and did not overly reprimand him. After a brief pause, he continued.

"Additionally, don’t be too eager for quick success. Since swift victory is impossible, then consolidate each position steadily... After all, our opponent may not be just the Alliance."

General Giulion replied with firm resolve.

"Yes!"

The Chief of General Staff didn’t waste much time on meaningless matters. He asked a few more questions before hanging up the phone.

Looking at the disconnected phone, General Giulion exhaled deeply, unaware that the sweat had soaked his back.

Unexpectedly, the Chief of General Staff hadn’t scolded him...

Holding the phone, he hesitated whether to call the front line and harshly reprimand Commander Ryan.

Just then, there was a knock at the door, and soon an officer entered.

"Report to the General, the reinforcements Thunder, Giant Axe, Fortress, Iron Wall airships have entered our airspace!"

Upon hearing this, General Giulion’s face instantly showed joy, and he couldn’t help but clench his fist.

"Great... Have all the captains come to the barracks for a meeting as soon as they arrive!"

The officer at the door saluted.

"Yes!"

This time, four airships arrived at West Sail Port.

They brought not only overwhelming firepower but also the specially designed "Wanderer" tanks to deal with the Alliance Number Three tanks and anti-tank railguns!

He planned to deploy all four airships to the eastern line to support Commander Ryan in capturing Tiandu!

Feeling invigorated, General Giulion rose from his desk and walked to the window facing the harbor.

Beneath the thick black clouds, a series of majestic steel hulls began to emerge, resembling a steel dome that eclipsed the sky!

Attracted by the massive airborne objects, pedestrians in the street stopped their footsteps, casting incredulous gazes at the sky.

Among them were expressions of astonishment, bewilderment, delight, or fear...

These were true war machines.

No one could withstand the fiery rain descending from the skies!

Upon witnessing the scene, a long-awaited smile of relief appeared on General Giulion’s face.

"...Victory."

Meanwhile, downstairs at the Governor’s Mansion.

The new emperor of West Winds, Akbar, with a sycophantic smile on his face, carried a silk banner.

The banner bore a grand line in artistic font.

[Congratulations to General Giulion for his continued victories!]

He wanted to personally present the banner to General Giulion, but unfortunately, the servants at the door were inattentive, not taking him, the emperor, seriously.

No matter how much he persuaded, he couldn’t enter, so he could only stand anxiously at the door.

Just then, an officer emerged from the Governor’s Mansion.

He recognized the face as someone from General Giulion’s entourage.

Seeing his opportunity, Akbar quickly approached with a smile and explained his intent.

However, after hearing his intention, the officer wore a strange expression, particularly staring at the silk banner for a long while.

"...General Giulion is scheduled for a meeting and may not be available to see you."

Akbar’s face stiffened, but he ultimately restrained himself and asked.

"Then... do you know when he will be available?"

"He’s been very busy lately; you should avoid disturbing him unless necessary," the officer said impatiently, waving his hand, and took another glance at the banner. "I’ll deliver this banner for you."

General Giulion was currently in a foul mood, so seeing the banner might provoke an outburst.

Yet Akbar was unaware of the situation, still basing his understanding of the frontline battles on the news of Commander Ryan defeating Poluo Country’s 200,000 troops and capturing Lion City in one battle.

Handing over the banner to the officer, he continued to remind him earnestly.

"I haven’t seen General Giulion for a long time... If he has some free time, please do introduce me."

"Got it."

Rolling up the banner and securing it, the officer replied impatiently before heading outside.

Akbar almost questioned if his direction was wrong but held back from asking.

Just at that moment, the roar of engines emerged from the clouds, spreading towards the ground.

Thinking it was the Alliance bombers coming again, Akbar’s face changed instantly, looking for shelter instinctively, until he glanced up and saw it wasn’t an Alliance aircraft but the Army’s iron airships!

The four majestic hulls pierced through the heavy clouds, showcasing their dominating presence in the sky.

His gaze first became dazed, then turned into ecstatic joy.

"Hahaha! Now those bastards will finally get what’s coming!"

Unlike him, the old Lion Clan man meekly following behind showed a frightened expression, muttering to himself.

A single Horn Number had already destroyed half a city, and now there were four...

He couldn’t even begin to imagine what could possibly counter these things.

Especially if they launched a joint attack...

Tiandu seemed to have become a dead city.

No matter how many local victories, they seemed so insignificant in the face of absolute power.

Perhaps only a miracle itself—only the Alliance’s Manager could save them...

His wrinkled face was filled with despair, and he wasn’t the only one with such thoughts.

"It’s over..."

This time might truly be the end...