Lethal Jealousy (1)

"Commander! There have been sightings of hundreds of thousands all over every single outpost! Please come to the headquarters to assess the situation! Each Outpost is soon to be facing more than 300,000 enemies each. There is no longer a total division of their forces, they are spread over the 3 angles to better attack the outposts and there is even a 400,000 force farther behind the other enemy's lines moving straight towards the stronghold! We can't intercept it!"

"...Let's go. Today might be really fun, heh," Ciemnosc said after walking to the door leading to the chambers mildly put together in this section of the mini mansion, opened the door and giving Mosto another glance before turning around and skipping towards the exit of the mini mansion. Mosto shrugged his huge shoulders and slowly made his way to remain at Ciemnosc's back, not finding trouble doing so.

. . .

About 10 minutes later, within the headquarters of the stronghold, in the very deepest underground floor surrounded by hella resisting walls and columns that could even support the whole room on its own without the rest of the building. On a cold early morning.

It was just 4:15 am when Ciemnosc was already in the communications room, his black uniform, different to those of the sect, and from which he looked mighty handsome but had humble designs on them. He was at the front of 3 large white metal tables that were longer and wider than what they were in the main tent used before.

Once again, it was a ‘U’ shape formed by those 3 large tables. Whereas he was at the very center of the ‘U’ facing those at the sides while having Mosto and Schnell and some others who dressed like Schnell, with tight fitting robes but of a ‘lesser’ quality so to speak to his right. And though there were seats, they refused to take them, with their faces stern and serious.

“Report.” Seeing that everybody was here, the outposts’ commanders and leaders of units within the army’s corps, Ciemnosc placed his hands behind his back and his chest stuck out a little and spoke out flatly, somewhat coldly.

To Situ Shi’s left and behind himself, a young woman that was not particularly pretty, basically an ugly fella with fatty cheeks but a slender body, obscure gray-brown skin, and neat, well disciplined tied hair. Was patted on her back as Situ Shi stood up and nodded towards everyone in the room. His seat was at the right table in front of Ciemnosc, sitting down as the young woman clicked on a button below their table and stood straighter up with her hands behind her back; her voice melodic as she began briefing everyone.

“This time, no actual tactics were employed by the enemy in order to hide their advance nor to hide their change of positions. But this time as well, they have adopted a semi mixed division of forces unlike before. Each of their forces is rather large, larger than what we can afford to divide our own disciples and subordinate cultivators to match them; they have the numerical advantage.”

“There are more than 100,000 Preferential Light Justice Sect disciples in the north and the south side, and 130,000+ Moribund Yearning Cult believers in the east side of the northern outpost; outpost 1.” She said, with Ernesto’s already concerned face revealing a frown as sternness and deadly seriousness began emanating from his visage as his projection showed to the left at the farthest seat from Ciemnosc’s table.

“In the eastern outpost, outpost 2; there are more than 100,000 Eagerburning Flames Sect disciples on the north side and Preferential Light Justice Sect disciples on the east side, and 120,000+ Eagerburning Flames Sect disciples on the south side of the central outpost; outpost 2.” Her information next made Shidar and Li Saer, who were respectively to the right of Ernesto’s seat, draw a deep, sharp, and oh so cold breath of air. As cold as the cooling weather nowadays.

“There is a smaller force of more than 75,000 Moribund Yearning Cult believers in the north side, more than 110,000 believers in the east side, and 150,000+ Preferential Light Justice Sect disciples in the south side of the southern outpost; outpost 3.” The young woman concluded, but that was for the outposts’ briefing. There was still the remaining and more important, alarming information of all.

“Lastly, the stronghold is going to - be attacked by a force of about 439,000 sect disciples and cult believers from all 3 enemy major organizations with our outposts already being too heavily busy with resisting the enemy forces already, they won’t be able to grant the stronghold any support in this battle.”

“Additionally, the enemy now counts with some vehicles of their own, though they are mere knockoffs of what our sect’s armored cars are, not even being able to be compared in clear disadvantage on their side.”

“It looks like they have customized a large motorbike, encapsulated it with some mildly processed armor, and made a few holes on their rooftops for tool-throwing or perhaps, even, some tool’s attacks with a globe-angle method of attacking or bombarding.” The young woman finally concluded, sat back down, and Ciemnosc waited 3 seconds before starting to speak in the same tone as before.

“It was never supposed to be outposts coming to aid the stronghold, but the exact opposite.” Though it seemed to be a retort from Ciemnosc to the young woman, the latter only nodded ceremoniously, understanding where their Commander was going, as did the others.

“Mobilize…385,000 disciples and 120,000 subordinate cultivators to meet head on the incoming enemy force exactly 100 kilometers away from the stronghold, give them the sight of our largest and toughest, juiciest prize for them to fight for without looking back. But before that, the remaining 150,000 disciples set off hundreds of kilometers farther away from the battlefield. They will be critical for the outposts battling the rest of the enemies.” Ciemnosc began, and everyone started to wag on their seats a bit in anticipation.

“You will command both of your divided forces until you order the 150,000 plus fellow disciples to go and aid the rest of the outposts, understood” Ciemnosc looked at Situ Shi, who was already looking at his Commander with rapt attention, therefore replying right away. “Understood, Commander Ciemnosc!”

“Send enough armored cars’ platoons with their respective lower cultivation base sect disciples, order them to be fast and silent like they’ve trained for months in order to deal with a situation like this. Leave those 38,000 disciples and 20,000 subordinate cultivators to defend the stronghold.” Ciemnosc finished speaking towards Situ Shi, turned his head around to face Ernesto, and directly resumed ordering around.

“Ernesto, you will have to focus on keeping a stable and solid formation within the outskirts of outpost 1’s first defensive barrier. Do not let them attack it freely, but more importantly, you will have to maintain a stalemate until the relief forces come to your aid.”

“To the north, bring 80,000 sect disciples, 87,000 to the east, and 60,000 to the south. Remember, you are not on the defensive, only to maintain a fixed line of defense outside the first barrier. And do not advance under any circumstances.” Ciemnosc’s orders went on as Ernesto’s frown remained there, of seriousness this time though. The Commander’s last few spoken words also stressed Ernesto’s ultimate goal from his side.

“Finally, bring 5,000 subordinate cultivators for each side, make sure to not let any more of them unprotected like it happened in the previous battles I’ve been here with before. Leave the outpost with those other 5,000. It is practically impossible for just 2 of the defensive barriers to be destroyed even in a day, let alone all of them.”

Turning to look at Shidar and Li Saer, Ciemnosc continued on, “Li Saer, there is no more need for Shidar to experience battling herself. You will also remain beside her to protect her, she has gained enough experience in both commanding and fighting a battle, but she is also closer to the Conflagrate realm, like you. From now on, until you both breakthrough, don’t start unnecessary fights in a battle.”

“That is, of course, unless you think you should still fight and disobey me. In which case I’d have to let you both step down your position,” Ciemnosc raised his eyebrows a bit and tilted his head to the left. But Li Saer and Shidar looked at each other before the former spoke to Ciemnosc while shaking his hands and head as ‘nos’. “Definitely not, Commander! We’ll abide by your orders. Please go on.”

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“Mn,” Ciemnosc nodded, separated his lips from each other, and began, “Yours is the outpost whose enemy forces are attacking the least, even if it’s just by a couple tens of thousands at most.”

“Send 60,000 disciples to both your northern and southern battlefields.There will be a much easier way to aid each other when the time comes, between outposts and letting the relief forces have some less work to do and burn their minds with less weight upon them,” Ciemnosc said.

“To the eastern side, send 100,000 disciples. Bring 7,000 subordinate cultivators with you, leaving 3,000 to defend the outpost. Be careful of the intense flames from the Eagerburning Flames, they aren’t just ganging up in the center for nothing, and the Preferential Light Justice Sect at the eastern side is even more so foreboding of a dangerous, hidden attempt at your forces; be cleaver.”

“Yes, Commander.” With all seriousness, Shidar responded to Ciemnosc by even standing up, bringing both her arms and fists to her chest, and bowing towards him. Such shown respect was a first in the entire army of Commander Ciemnosc. Hell, it was even to the point that it made both Ernesto and Situ Shi embarrassed a bit.

“Mn, your role in this battle will, however, be neutralizing the assailants. You must make every single line of their frontline become crumbled armor, be it from their bodies or from their knockoff vehicles. Ignore the vehicles, in fact, and focus on destroying whichever formation they may be attempting to form.”

Lastly, Ciemnosc gave Shidar his darkest eyes a little squint, emphasizing his next and last phrase to her. “Remain vigilant for any Conflagrate realm cultivators on their side. Just the activation of one of their techniques may very well set off a chain reaction if there’s something you miss. Trust your instincts, we cannot just fail to protect the port now.”

“Yes, Commander, at your orders!” Before sitting back down. And with her face still a bit confused, like Li Saer’s, how did Ciemnosc know that they were, indeed, so close to having enough Powerful Energy to breakthrough into the next realm. Shidar bowed yet again and shouted out loud. Her appearance could naturally be seen becoming somewhat nervous as she tried to calm herself by slowly breathing in and out; in and out.

Ciemnosc then turned his head towards Makis, the same tone as before, saying. “Now you, Makis.”

Screech…

“Yes, sir Commander!” As if eager to show his great support to Ciemnosc, Makis stood up right away, even the chair being thrown backwards and screeching was heard from his projection, really seeming too eager to show strong and undeniable support.

“...Since the southern outpost is taking the largest number of enemy forces, you will be on the defensive no matter what, keep your people alive and resist. Make fake retreats, even simulate false bravado or desperation for survival, whatever might come best at the moment.”

Ciemnosc then began relaying the numbers for outpost 3, “With 50,000 disciples to the north, send 70,000 disciples to the east and 100,000 to the south. Each of them will have 8,000 subordinate cultivators accompanying them in the defense. Remember, it’s a defense, not a man-to-man, woman-to-woman counter-offensive.”

“As for anything else and the rest of the battle, just hope that aid comes in your way as soon as possible.” Ciemnosc concluded his relaying of order, not glancing ‘meaningfully’ at Situ Shi in any way. He wouldn’t have chosen Situ Shi for leading the stronghold if he had to do such dumb, childish things with his direct subordinates.

“Heard! Commander!” Makis shouted, his hands on the sides of his thighs before sitting back down. In return, Ciemnosc slowly stood up, with Schnell looking at his right profile face as time was tight and there was sure to be a need of beginning mobilization right away.

“I will not…for this battle,” Ciemnosc began speaking as soon as he stood up with his legs fully straight, his tone and voice low but clearly audible, he continued his unfinished words while lifting his head to give them all the opportunity to look at his face as he looked right ahead. “Participate in giving commands or making decisions.”

“For one, I have things I need to deal with, and two, well… Let’s see how you do.” Ciemnosc twisted his neck and sounds of cracking bones went out of his nape over and over, then continued once more. “If you all are just incapable of defending these outposts or stronghold, then there is no more reason for me to stay here nor to keep trying to teach you all.”

Despite the bizarreness of Ciemnosc’s age and theirs, of his cultivation base and theirs, he went on still without a single ounce of feeling that something wasn’t right and that he was being too presumptuous or pretentious.

“Now, for this day, this battle.” With a much solid, stern tone, he changed the subject and ignored their alarmed, wholly opened eyes, and gave his little speech. “We are outnumbered, but we have not just armored cars, but also much better armored cars than before. They can have powerful means to destroy those armored cars and kill our people, but we aren’t just going to wait for them to employ said means, methods, or tactics as we are also going to kill them as fast we can or resist them all we can.”

“Stop looking back at what the sect tells you to do and how to behave, if you want to just be another Little Lake’s generation history book, then you can go ahead and pick up teams and tell them to go somewhere and do something. But out of my army and not under my rule,” Ciemnosc now appeared vicious, all the eyes on him shining a bit more with each phrase he spoke.

“If I can help it, even if it takes me decades or hundreds of years, I’m planning to begin having this whole world become my very first step into an even more…fitting path for the future.” Ciemnosc became absentminded, with his eyes even growing warm, but only for an instant. Yet, that alone was sufficient for everyone here who had a much higher cultivation base than him to see through that instant, even if just in an indescribable way.

Crash- puff!

“I don’t intend to be this arrogant and conceited; pretentious,” Ciemnosc said, his right hand aggressively forming a fist with his hand shaking as if by anger and exerting utmost strength, only Situ Shi and Schnell were able to hear the air itself exploding outwards helplessly.

“But do take into consideration that, after this battle is won, if you follow me - I won’t be afraid of taking you with me. Even if it makes things harder or impossible, if you follow me, I can give you a future where you either die a greater death or conquer what you’ve never conquered before.”

Step, step step step, step step…

“Dismiss.” With that, Ciemnosc said nothing more with his back turned to them and already stepping out of the communications room, his slender, tall back reminding them he had only a few days and a month left before turning 11 years old…

The commanders had many thoughts about Ciemnosc leaving. But since they weren’t a crowd in the market, they kept their murmur to themselves and simply talked with each other a bit more, also deciding the course of their actions and possible alternative plans for whichever reason, but not stupidly overly detailed nor with way too many plans to even count.

Less wasn’t really ‘more’, but having a plan and several that were as exquisite and solid as the first one was necessary for decent organization and logistics. What’s more, is that said plans need to encompass such an abundant variety of possibilities and actions that creating some smaller plans for certain occasions would look just plain dumb and foolish; utterly stupid.

It was, however, exactly how the doctrine of the sect worked with its military affairs, not just for battles and flash fights of teams and squads amidst wars or prior to actual battles.

…On the other hand, Schnell disappeared once they were over with their talks and discussion, they were so serious, taking it so sternly and being so strict with each other, keeping one another at bay but also reminding everyone of each other’s strength and roles - that they didn’t even know that Schnell disappeared from the moment they began discussing, leaving only one of those he came with into the room… Who eventually disappeared without them noticing.

Outside of the communications room, walking towards the exit down the stairs and then towards a long hallway leading to the outside of the headquarters after reaching the reception. On Ciemnosc’s right, Schnell reappeared several seconds after those above finished discussing their plans. Mosto was, as always, close to Ciemnosc, this time behind him to his left as well.

“Commander, they’ve finished their talking, and there is movement from all of our forces moving about in accordance with your words.” Schnell briefly described and basically bragged to his boss how damn good his net of information gathering was, with Ciemnosc nodding.

“Then, where is the cannon?” But Ciemnosc, who was such a figure to worship in Schnell’s heart and mind, suddenly made him feel extremely awkward. Schnell looked at Ciemnosc with worried eyes, stammering— a first —as he spoke to him. “S-s- sir? Are you sure…eh, well, this…”

“Give,” Ciemnosc commanded, coldly this time, again and extended his left hand to his right while keeping his right arm stuck to his body. Schnell had no other choice but to acquiesce. He took out a small note the size of a little girl’s palm from where his long-sleeved shirt and pants connected before passing it over to Ciemnosc’s left hand.

“...” After reading it, Ciemnosc gave it back to Schnell, and without needing the latter to bother him with another worried set of words, he said. “Since they are playing, I’ll play nicely. Make sure to bring the responsible to the public, main square. When I come back, another public beheading will take place.”

“!!”

Ciemnosc’s words might’ve been…okay. But the way he spoke his last sentence, the bloodthirst behind those words and eyes, Schnell felt that Ciemnosc became a terrible being who had been forcing himself to slumber…overly lengthy.

…