CHAPTER 871: CHAPTER 871: OPEN SPEARS ARE EASY TO DODGE, HIDDEN ARROWS HARD TO GUARD AGAINST

The same battle report was not only updated on the official website forum, but also appeared in Leader Absek’s hands.

Presidential Mansion.

Sitting at the desk, Absek finished reading the report in his hand, stood up spiritedly, and couldn’t help but exclaim.

"Damn... After being a loser for so long, it feels damn good to finally make a comeback! What a beautiful fight!"

Seeing the chief leader’s happy expression, Wadya, the Internal Affairs Committee Member standing by, also had a smile on his face.

However, fulfilling his duties, he softly reminded after the smile.

"Sir, the Ten Thousand Leader of the 110,000 team is Yakale, that person is with Udonuo."

Although the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Poluo Country and the Academy’s Internal Affairs Department have similar names, their functions and establishment goals are entirely different.

The latter is an institution responsible for internal management affairs of the Academy, while the former in fact aligns with the Mammoth Nation’s Assault Squad, equivalent to an internal secret service responsible for monitoring whether officers and committee members at all levels are performing their duties, and also creating secret dossiers for certain individuals that need attention.

For instance, close associates like Anvo who have grown wings, young officers like Yishel who have abilities, and even education committee member Kaba Ha representing literary political strength, agricultural committee members representing farming political strength, etc., are included.

This includes even Zayed "in the wild" and the Family Meeting, which have been advised by Internal Affairs to observe. It’s just that later his subordinates did not see any potential for the Family Meeting to become a political force, or even have a chance to enter the political stage of Tiandu, so investigations were reduced.

After all, there are too many things that need attention.

Compared to the Family Meeting that did nothing, those guys in the army who are flirting with the Weilante people deserve more attention.

After all, he himself once flirted with the Army, the battle situation is so urgent now, surely there are people hedging bets ready to play tricks behind the scenes.

The ruthless person who died on the throne has always been an indelible shadow in Absek’s heart.

He always worries about a lunatic suddenly jumping out to kill him one day, so he has been cautiously doing preventive work.

However, there are multiple forces within Poluo Country, several major committee members hold military power, including himself, who secured the position of chief leader of Poluo Country with the help of multiple forces, so it is naturally impossible to boldly establish an assault squad like Laxi and point submachine guns at anyone who opposes.

Therefore, most of the time this department is active behind the political stage of Tiandu, mainly conducting background investigations to provide reference for the chief leader’s decisions.

Absek understood what Wadya meant by saying that Yakale, the Ten Thousand Leader, was once Udonuo’s subordinate, implying he was a former subordinate of Heavenly King Anush.

Among the entire army of Poluo Country, he is most wary of Anush’s former subordinates.

Those people are like time bombs.

Not only are they potentially seeking revenge at any time, but they are also likely to turn tables for Heavenly King Anush in the future and drag Poluo Country into an unseen abyss.

Though he joined forces with other committee members to purge a batch of the most extreme individuals, he knows clearly that urgent purges like that could never be thorough.

The dirty side of zz, lies herein.

The best fate for these people is to die tragically on the battlefield, carrying the evil committed by the King’s Army, rather than becoming living heroes.

Absek hesitated for a moment, but ultimately failed to harden his heart, sighed and said.

"...We cannot always live in the past, we also need to look forward."

Wadya slightly stunned, respectfully said.

"What do you mean?"

"We must give him a chance to be marked by us... Moreover, absorbing some promising officers is a benefit for us."

Absek pondered for a long time, his gaze fell on the battle report, and suddenly opened his mouth.

"Then... promote Yishel to two-star Ten Thousand Leader, appoint him as the commander of the Northern Field Army, leading the Third and Eleventh teams to support the Mammoth Nation’s operations in the Northern Three States!"

In Akale’s victory, the Third team and the Alliance’s Death Legion were the main defense, capturing one of the Army’s ten thousand troops in entirety, its commander Yishel should logically be promoted.

This two-star Ten Thousand Leader was well-deserved!

Not only that, this person was once the subordinate of Anvo, who is his own, making Yakale count as one under his command.

If this guy isn’t foolish, he should understand Absek’s painstaking intent.

As for Akale County, it should be handed over to other teams.

Moreover, since the Army suffered a loss there, they certainly will reclaim face from it soon, which would likely be a fierce battle.

Currently, Dog State is precarious; Poluo Country’s past helps consolidate relations with the Mammoth Nation strategically, avoid casualties in one’s troops tactically in the upcoming tough battle, while also drawing a promising future general into his faction.

This could be said to kill three birds with one stone!

Absek was greatly satisfied with his strategy, and Wadya, after thinking all over, saw no issues with it, hence respectfully accepted the order.

"Yes."

Wadya accepted the order, turned around, and left the office.

Absek returned to sit at the desk, but before he got comfortable, he received a call from the Alliance representative, who informed him of the disastrous news that four airships had already arrived at West Sail Port.

The Alliance representative comforted him not to worry too much, although worrying would be useless, evidently not fitting as comfort.

One airship had destroyed half of Lion City, now there came four.

If this news were to be announced, probably half of Poluo Country would be in chaos before the battle even starts.

While he was fretting, urgent footsteps suddenly came from outside the office, followed by two thudding knocks, and before he could respond, the door was rudely opened.

"Absek, give me an explanation, damn it! What does this mean!"

Striding into the office was "Tiger King" Duwata with an angry look, fiercely slamming the newspaper in his hand onto the desk.

Startled by the commotion, Absek initially thought someone was assassinating him, his hand reaching into the desk drawer, until he saw it was Duwata who came in, he angrily straightened up and cursed.

"What the hell is wrong with you again?"

Duowata glared, cursing angrily.

"What’s wrong with me? I’m out there on the defense with the brothers against the Vellante people, while you sit here in the office enjoying yourself. What the hell is wrong with me? I just have one question for you: why isn’t my son up there?"

Absek picked up the "Survivor Daily", glanced at it, and his eyes fell on the list of the big exam. Instantly, he understood what was going on.

This Kaba is really stubborn, making a ranking list and even publishing it in the newspaper, leaving no room for any remedy.

He felt fine with it, but that wasn’t necessarily the case for others.

Moreover, in these 500 names, more than half are relatives of the old regime’s nobles. Even if you don’t ask how the residents of Tiandu City feel about it, what would the soldiers think?

Even if those 500 people selected are truly pillars of society, this isn’t the way to handle it.

The reason he modeled this committee after the Alliance and South Sea Union’s representative meeting was so that everything could be put on the table to discuss. There shouldn’t be situations where there isn’t even a channel for discussion, and when problems arise, everyone pulls out their guns and goes to extremes without a word.

This guy, though.

He wears the committee member hat, enjoying the benefits of being able to say anything in the committee, yet he treats his Absek as an absolute monarch.

Absek felt both angry and amused, but more than that, he felt helpless and frustrated.

Perhaps appointing Kaba to the educational commissioner position was indeed a mistake.

Once Tiandu University is built, it might be better to let him be a university president instead.

This guy has some skills, but it’s clear he’s not cut out for politics.

However, at this critical moment, he doesn’t have the heart for more detailed adjustments. He can only temporarily kick the ball back and deal with it after the war is over.

"This... the exam matters are not under my jurisdiction. If you have an issue with the scores, talk to our education commissioner."

Duowata squinted his eyes.

"Not under your jurisdiction, but wasn’t Kaba appointed by you? Fine, then I’ll go visit his house with some people now!"

He turned to leave, but Absek suddenly shouted at the back of his head.

"You stop right there!"

Duowata paused, turned back to glare at him, with no hint of fear in his eyes.

"Absek, I’m calling you Chief Leader because I consider you one of us. I’ll be honest with you. The brothers follow you because they think it’s a better path than following Anush."

"I have no objection to your promoting the remnants of the old Empire. Poluo Country has uses for them. But if you let them shit on the brothers’ heads wanting to be some absolute emperor, don’t blame me for not warning you—the last person who did that didn’t end up well."

Absek’s heart skipped a beat, and Anush’s face appeared in his mind again.

He widened his eyes but eventually suppressed his anger, stood up from his chair, walked to his old friend’s side, placed his hands on his shoulders, and spoke earnestly.

"Hey! You misunderstood me, brother. How could I let the old nobles of the Empire ride on the brothers’ necks? Those 500 students are going to the Mammoth Nation to gain experience, not to enjoy themselves! And as a big committee member, why are you fixated on those students’ spots? If you want to pave a path for your son, just tell me which division you want!"

Duowata chuckled coldly.

"I don’t care; my son is definitely material for a general. But my subordinates are keeping a close watch. Don’t play dumb with me; after we win this war, when it’s time for construction, will you only let those students become professors? Even if they do become professors, won’t the students they teach end up becoming heads or ministers?"

Before Absek could respond, Duowata continued word by word.

"This move of yours is brilliant... nurturing the nobles’ children of the old Empire. Once this war is over and most of us old guys are dead, you’ll use the power of these new nobles to balance against our children. Tsk tsk, I knew you, old fox, aren’t easy to deal with, but don’t take us for fools."

"No... you’re overthinking it. Do you know what time it is now? The Army’s airship is almost on our doorstep!" Absek looked exasperated.

Frankly speaking, he hadn’t thought that far, although it did sound interesting and might be worth a try.

Speaking of which, this ’Tiger King’ seems burly and rough, but who knew he was as cunning as me in ten thousand ways.

Why are the people around me always like this?!

If these bastards would just shift this cleverness to other areas, becoming scientists, engineers, or artists, even painters, would we have needed the Alliance to build the space elevator, or the Army to invade them?

With Vellante’s straightforward schemes, they could just hang them up and beat them!

"One thing at a time. My subordinates demand an explanation from me, so I demand an explanation from you. If you don’t give me one, then I’ll tell them exactly what you said, and whatever happens afterward isn’t my fault."

Seeing this guy resistant to all persuasion, Absek’s anger surged. He glared and warned him.

"I warn you, don’t mess around! If Tiandu City can’t be defended, both you and I—"

Duowata raised his hand to interrupt.

"Don’t worry about that. I won’t mess around on significant issues, but if someone is corrupt, the reformists won’t stand idly by."

"If there’s nothing else, I’m heading back to the camp."

Leaving those words, Duowata walked out without looking back.

Absek stared fiercely at his retreating back, frustrated yet helpless.

It was then that Wadia, the Internal Affairs commissioner who had gone to send a telegram to the front lines, returned.

Seeing the stern face of the Chief Leader, and recalling the brief encounter with Duowata earlier in the corridor, he immediately guessed the reason for the situation.

Closing the door behind him, he reminded him in a low voice.

"Sir, perhaps I shouldn’t say this... but when we need to be ruthless, we must be ruthless."

Absek sighed.

"It’s not that I can’t be ruthless or am nostalgic. The circumstances simply don’t allow it. Outside, the Weilante people are eyeing us greedily, internally, there’s that slippery Shaluk in the south waiting for a chance to benefit. If we go too far here, Shaluk can immediately raise another banner, and then the chaos would be more than just in Tiandu."

Looking at the troubled Leader, Wadia’s heart stirred slightly, and he immediately offered advice.

"What does the Alliance think about this?"

Absek shook his head.

"On the battlefield, we can rely on them, but the Alliance has made it clear they won’t intervene in our internal affairs. Moreover... they also don’t recommend we be too harsh on our own people; otherwise, I wouldn’t have set up this committee. Sigh, it’s still a matter of time, there’s just too little time left for us. If only we had a few more years."

Perhaps it’s not just the problem of Kaba Ha, the entire committee has big issues.

Those people say they support reform, but in their hearts, there’s still an omnipotent emperor, viewing themselves as loyal ministers who dare to give advice, rather than a part of this collective.

This emperor is sometimes the Alliance, sometimes it’s him, the Leader, or maybe someone else.

And the most critical part is, this emperor appears "selectively".

When their own cake is at stake, those committee members raise the flag of equality, warning him not to mess around. But when they want to snatch the cake from others, they suddenly hope he would mess around, and preferably recklessly cut through it.

This is the case with the Education Committee, and so are the Industrial and Agricultural Committees, among others.

Perhaps, from its birth, this committee was doomed to become a seemingly united yet essentially divided alliance.

And it happens to be the moment when Poluo Country most needs unity.

After pondering for a moment, Absek looked at his Internal Affairs Committee member and ordered.

"Send some people to protect Kaba Ha and his family... I’m worried some might target him from within the army."

The list for the big exam has already been published; this matter certainly can’t be undone.

But there’s still a way to resolve it.

For instance, adding an honor list outside the main exam results, having the families of military personnel take another separate test.

Or promising in the next big exam to give extra points to the children of fallen soldiers.

However, it’s not effective if only Poluo Country decides; Mammoth University also needs to agree.

The educational resources on the other side are not infinite, and they too face similar allocation issues internally.

Additionally, Absek calmed down and carefully recalled what Duwata said. Although this guy first mentioned his son, none of his subsequent words referred to his son, mainly aiming to secure benefits for his subordinates.

Come to think of it, as a grand committee member, he wouldn’t covet those few study-abroad spots; if he did, it might be for other interests.

Such as influence in economic, industrial, transportation, and cultural fields.

Poluo Country is currently impoverished and ignorant about these things, and in the future, it will rely on those who go outside to learn.

Those five hundred students are the pioneers, and in the future, how roads in Poluo Country are built, how power lines are set up, how mines are dug, how steel is forged—all will depend on what these people decide.

He cannot guarantee that the son of his Ten Thousand Leader can also be a Ten Thousand Leader in the future, but securing some names to appoint someone as a director is not a problem.

People often inadvertently reveal what they truly care about.

Absek finally realized why Duwata made that seemingly "nonsensical" remark at the end.

Because that’s exactly what he was thinking!

This guy is really hiding deep!

Thinking of this, Absek added a sentence after instructing Wadia on what to do.

"Forget it, just directly invite Kaba Ha and his family to the Heavenly Palace... outwardly claiming that I have him under house arrest."

This would at least quell the dissatisfaction within the army, and by then introducing a new plan acceptable to all parties, this matter would be resolved.

"Understood." Wadia nodded seriously, and suddenly remembered something, continuing, "By the way... there’s another matter I need to report to you."

Absek pressed his temples and casually asked.

"What is it?"

Wadia spoke cautiously.

"The Zayed you sent east has persuaded the Grey Wolf Army to surrender."

Absek raised his head, unconsciously opening his mouth, stunned for a long time before speaking.

"...Does that guy really have the ability to do that?"

The one who would pose ready to worship upon meeting me?

Wadia nodded subtly, clearly finding it unbelievable too.

They never expected to recruit the Grey Wolf Army, yet this unknown figure popped out from nowhere and actually persuaded them to surrender.

But in any case, this indeed is a good thing without a doubt, at least they have no worries behind.

"We just received the telegram; they are currently heading to Snake State as per your instructions..."

Snake State...

That’s currently under Shaluk’s control.

Absek closed his eyes to think for a while, and suddenly opened them saying.

"If this Zayed indeed has the ability to persuade the Grey Wolf Army, he might give Shaluk some trouble."

Wadia nodded slightly.

"Are you planning to drive the wolf to swallow the tiger?"

Absek chuckled softly.

"I don’t think he has that ability, but it’s not a bad idea to keep Shaluk in check."

Since he couldn’t effectively control either of these armies and didn’t have the time, he might as well let them have an internal conflict, at least it wouldn’t affect the deployment on the frontline.

Ultimately, he planned to settle the score with Shaluk over desertion in battle.

Trying to profit while staying out of sight?

He’ll make sure that guy knows there’s no way.

Listening to this clever plan, Wadia couldn’t help but give a thumbs up and praise, "Leader, you’re wise."

He truly admired this leader from the depths of his heart.

Although this person wasn’t as upright as the Manager of the Alliance, in terms of cunning, the Manager of the Alliance might not be his match.

It’s not something to be proud of, but it’s a skill nonetheless.

If Anush were in this leader’s position, he might end up being shot dead on the throne after a few more attempts...

While the war in Poluo Province was raging fiercely, on the other side of the Baiyue Strait, it was a scene of calm and tranquility.

Potato Harbor and Fried Dough Stick Port faced each other across the strait.

These two ports were originally only the size of fishing villages, but now they have developed significantly.

Whether it’s the clean and tidy streets or the neatly arranged buildings, they all look completely different from before.

Standing on the deck of the cargo ship, Yarman squinted as he looked north, speaking to Hank, who was from the New Continent.

"The northern shore is Potato Harbor... do you see that beach?"

Following Yarman’s pointed finger, Hank looked in that direction.

There, at the edge of Potato Harbor, near the westernmost jungle. The beautiful coastline was dotted with uniquely styled villas.

The houses seemed to blend with the environment, as if they weren’t built brick by brick, but rather grew out of the ground.

Having never seen anything so peculiar, Hank couldn’t help but widen his eyes.

"What is that?"

Yarman smiled.

"That’s a kind of biomass material the Alliance created... I’m not exactly sure about the specifics, but what I want to talk about isn’t the houses, but that beach."

Hank looked at him confused.

"What’s special about that beach?"

Yarman squinted his eyes and continued.

"Over a year ago, when the Empire was still around, a group of ’Gray Wolves’ landed here, attempting to launch a surprise attack on Potato Harbor, but the Alliance people drove them back into the sea."

There were reportedly many secrets behind that incident, even involving Aquatic Variant Humans.

However, the most widely circulated and accepted version is the one he’s recounting now.

The spread of the truth isn’t without its losses.

Even with such trivial matters.

"The Alliance and the Empire... were once enemies?" Hank’s face showed disbelief, completely different from Western Legion propaganda.

The information he heard was that the Empire repeatedly switched sides between the Legion and the Alliance, accepting the Legion’s benefits while attempting to align with the Alliance.

The cowardly Civil Official Group indulged those cunning rats, ultimately leading to the West Sail Port massacre, prompting the Southern Legion to initiate a just war.

Seeing Hank’s surprise, Yarman grinned and said.

"That’s still the case now, but their enemy is only the Empire, unrelated to the survivors living there."

Hank gave his fellow countryman a few more curious glances.

He realized that since leaving the Legion’s territory, this guy’s smile had increased.

He was growing more curious about what was so special about the Alliance to make a Weilante person yearn for it.

"Will we dock there?"

He was filled with interest in that prosperous port.

Not just because of its pleasant scenery and beautiful views, but because his intuition told him there might be business opportunities there that could lead to resurgence!

A brand new trade route!

It was much more attractive than the high-risk arms trade.

Looking at the harbor close by, Yarman smiled and said.

"Our destination isn’t there; it’s a place called No.1 Settlement."

Hank instinctively asked.

"Where is that?"

Yarman replied without hesitation.

"It’s the former Potato Harbor, a place full of hope as well."