Flame Turns Into Fire

As a 'consequence' of becoming a Warrant Officer, Blauw Ishikyy was instructed to give all her new troops the training they needed to be a good fit to follow her into battle. This change brought changes and nothing like before, where she was assigned soldier units and had to deal with the tough stuff amidst a battle. Besides that, she would have a good portion of citizens among her troops, making her situation even harder. However, this was definitely the beginning of something, and whose apprentice was the royal princess to surrender or not shock the world with her talents?

Thus, during the month after the fall of the True Dragon House, Blauw Ishikyy focused her free time on planning the next scheduled training and doing the training itself. She was swift and decisive when doing so, directly expelling those who did not have an attitude or willingness that she looked in order to have her soldier units behind her back and not wander into a random death. Blauw Ishikyy went all-out to ensure their learning, taking experience from her royal guards’ battling and rescuing methods and turning them into a group effort for operations instead.

Like this, time passed, and Blauw Ishikyy trained her troops, just as a few others were instructed to do the same. The Blauw Empire sent more Imperial Guards, Imperial Elders, and even Imperial Teachers to the conquered territories to slowly integrate their people into the Empire’s benefits. It was like a strange, sudden improvement from just a year ago, where they had to work their lives off to find a way to let their beloved one, lacking talent but with the possibility of cultivating, enter a top organization only to enter into a vassal of them.

To suddenly have the opportunity to send anyone who can cultivate from their family, not only blood relatives but even pets. All they had to do was go through tests, and the seemingly domineering Empire would take them in. Although it seemed like the Empire wanted fresh blood, the age was restricted to 16, and they would only learn in their ‘military college’ before passing onto the army’s schools, where they’d need to graduate to join the army.

Even then, people would still be worried, but they would be paid instead of them having to pay the Blauw Empire. Thus, after a couple weeks at most, the inland territories’ folk started sending one or more family members of at least 18 years old. Only after the war’s over would it go down to 16 for stability purposes. There were many adults among the new recruits, but they were accepted nonetheless. Whether they managed to achieve something at the very least or not depended on themselves and the future.

… Currently, within the Empire’s sea territory at the western center, just one little sea territory more before taking the last bit of the Far East Region’s center, the day was the 24th year, 10th month, 1st week, and 6th day. It was getting chilly as the night slowly descended, but the snow fell even faster. The Region hadn’t welcomed a winter for several Eras. Now that it was snowing, it was going hard at it and painted the whole panorama with white and peaceful, deadly coldness.

The inland territories were usually helped by cultivators who would inscribe array formations to help with the climate. These were easy, and since it wasn’t any harsh weather like the one Heian Ciemnosc experienced in the Sinvonnia Kingdom, the First Step cultivators were good enough to place an array formation to last for several tens of months as long as the Stone supply wasn’t missing.

During this month, the Empire did just that, helping those who hadn’t gotten their chance to receive support, and for free. The top 7 organizations sent their cultivators in missions after an entire settlement reunites enough wealth to request from them. It was usually well-handled, with fairer prices for villages and costly for cities and big towns. But the Blauw Empire did it for free, and it was of the best quality, for that matter.

And now, floating several hundred kilometers from the enemy’s last sea territory, Heian Ciemnosc was conversing with the Generals from the Empire’s ground forces. There were a few controls here and there, with holograms popping up whenever a keyboard was touche— or a command was abided from the Generals’ mouths. At this very moment, they had already gone through enough study and research of previous battles and the currently holed up Blue Emirate Grotto with its more than 50,000,000 troops ready to defend any position.

“These are the best points our forces will aim. The rest will be the armored vehicles’ work to defend the foot soldier units to safely pass through. Once the barrier is down, they will cross it and take a defensive position. Finally, they will repeat their actions. We will update, interchange, hide, and develop as we continue, unquestionably. But we don’t have any other option. And if we use Fighters, so will they. Our best chance is to keep our sky clear of any spaceship until the enemy’s sea territory is also taken.” One General said while showing Heian Ciemnosc many different images, with some having a few minor animations.

The hologram, of perfect definition but with a blue shade, showed the entire Blue Emirate Grotto’s land territory, including the bit they took from the Green Emirate Grotto’s land territory. Its first protective barrier wall was zoomed in, and it sowed as if a screen recording it live was right before them. Between a distance of 10 km, a darker blue colored spot appeared, vastly contrasting from the rest as its glow intensified and lowered constantly.

Those were the points the Empire’s ground forces would target, force their way in, and which the tanks would protect the soldier units at all times. It sounded simple, but the flying tools, energy attacks, Mortal weapons, and the occasional Earth graded ones launched from one place to the other, as bullets and shells barraged and bombarded everywhere, were already in everyone’s minds. Heian Ciemnosc gestured with his right hand as its palm sky gazed and calmly spoke.

“That’s how it is, but those barriers were made hastily. They weren’t even properly filling in the gaps, and they knew it. To extend such wide barriers everywhere, just a few hundred kilometers in between, wasn’t simply done. Their monetary issues should be at the worst they’ve ever been. They’ve gone all-out, so have your soldier units do the same. Place the best Craftspeople at the front so they can see the barriers’ fluctuations. They will tell the army if there’s something wrong or if something can be done to quicken the process more efficiently.”

“Yes,” the General who spoke said and looked at the other General while sending these orders to the army. They didn’t bother asking what they already knew, like why place such necessary personnel so close to the enemy. Instead, they nodded and worked the shit out of their brains to revise everything again with Heian Ciemnosc’s observation. After Heian Ciemnosc gave a couple more bits of advice, he took his leave and walked a couple hundred kilometers in the air to the side.

His Spirit Sense was too big not to cover the entire inland territory of the Far East Region, but he wanted a little free time with the air, the sea, his fluttering dark coat, and just nature. A few minutes later, a silent whooshing sound came to be, and the Blauw Empire’s Empress showed up with a tired but moderately excited facial expression. She walked to stand beside Heian Ciemnosc and gathered her hands before her pelvis.

“You did really well. You just need to accustom yourself to this hard work, and you’ll be a capable military leader in the world.” Heian Ciemnosc said before she could comment on anything. Blauw Shuna smiled lightly and looked at him for a second before saying in a heavily relaxing tone, “I did okay. Those Admirals were no joke, and I almost thought I would have to be explained a few things from my lack of response. Sigh, I can’t even compare to the Wrath Nihility Academy’s strategists, let alone the world.”

“Hey, the Academy’s commanders are revered in the entire world. Only because they are usually of lower cultivation base than the peak do they not engage in fast-paced battles in space. Otherwise, you will know how terrifying they can be. Oh, I wasn’t lying about the last thing I said.” Heian Ciemnosc said, not giving his woman a chance to say she can’t do this well enough, or at least not like he does. He added with his arms crossed, “You are just starting. I was also not that sharp when I began and created war machines that turned against me… time and again. You, on the other hand, have that last part covered. Now, you only need to grow.”

“If I didn’t see you capable, I would’ve let Arl charm those second-best compared to the Admirals and Generals to aid you, including a few head palace maids. However, my girl is the best one in her Empire, there’s no doubt about that. That is… if you feel the threat of your daughter becoming a scary military genius.” Heian Ciemnosc said, warming Shuna’s Soul and making her cheeks blush for less than an instant.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

‘Heian Ciemnosc…’ Shuna looked at her man, wanting to dote on him. By now, how could she not have been told of his adventures? There was nothing in this world like remembering. Be it a memory of one’s own or an old story, tale, or legend. She kept her space and nodded to his words, understanding that Heian Ciemnosc was also telling her how much he believed in his daughter’s growth, just as much as in herself.

“What do you mean? My head palace maids are good military leaders?” Shuna asked with a light frown. Anyone could distinguish such a scenario. But Heian Ciemnosc simply shook his head and closed his eyes softly. When he reopened them, he looked in the distance and seemed to land his gaze farther than his Spirit Sense could reach even when enhanced in a sole tunnel vision and said. “They are not not. In fact, I’m sure even their bosses don’t know they have such talent. Your bathing rooms head palace maid, for example, should be one of the bests I found in the Far East Region after giving it a few reads last week.”

“If I wasn’t good enough, and I’m only saying if… how would they not return to their home and use their talents after you unlocked such potential?” Shuna said, thinking ahead of Heian Ciemnosc’s desire to brag and flaunt his mind-blowing schemes. Heian Ciemnosc nodded slowly and said, after flicking the tip of his nose, “Remember what I just told you about Arla? Well… Let’s say I have done a few things to your palace maids’ bodies. Some are expert bed-talkers now. Others, like those unique head palace maids… I’ve convinced them to try the ‘dark’ side.”

“...” - “...?” Shuna looked at her man silently. Those strongly determined eyes on her face were blankly staring directly into his darkest eyes, bathing him in unknown mystery. On the other hand, Heian Ciemnosc stared back at her, not knowing what was going through that mind of hers. Suddenly, Shuna turned around and said, after lightly sighing out. “I want Arla to follow me for the time being. I wish to show her manners and etiquette. Although she doesn’t urgently need this, I want her to experience it. Take it as my thanks for keeping my man satisfied, with someone to spend nights with while I’m working or watching my little girl grow. She will be a temporary head palace maid. If that’s okay with you.”

“You don’t have to ask me. It’s all up to that free monster to decide this for herself. It’s Arla’s own opportunity anyways,” Heian Ciemnosc said while leaning slightly backwards. But Shuna shook her head and said, “No, I’ve gotta ask the man who owns her.”

Her strongly determined eyes showed aqueous trembling, delighted in a lust Heian Ciemnosc had only recently seen when Arla was put to work like a hamster in an endless cycle of road-life between their bodies. Now he knew where this was going, but said nothing and let the Empress mommy continue. Shuna’s voice was gentle and smooth, “Besides, I won’t restrict her actions inside my Palace. Only that she keeps things clean. I don’t want to know all my Imperial Prosecutors’ wives and husbands are suddenly being embraced more outside banquets and meetings’ chit-chat.”

“Lastly… I want to ask if Arla has ever treated you bad.” Shuna took a step forward in the air, making Heian Ciemnosc’s chest wildly thump. Then, she finished her words, “I think I heard her and my daughter speak about how she let a stupid, foolish young boy become her civilian knowns’ best fuck buddy?”

‘Oh dear…’ Heian Ciemnosc’s mouth convulsed a tiny bit a few times before relaxing. Shuna smiled. Victory showed as the beautiful left corner of her mouth tensed. She spoke with a mature tone, “Shall we go? The Empire’s leaders cannot miss the beginning of this, my love.”

“...” Heian Ciemnosc said nothing, but her darkest eyes spoke many things to her. They both flew back to the Generals, where the controls were still around but with several terminals installed slightly in between and at the sides. The Generals deeply bowed in respect, mostly to the Empress since everyone in the army knew Heian Ciemnosc’s preferences, and returned to monitoring the work at hand.

“Okay. It’s time. Give the order and notify the Admirals. They will know when to begin,” Heian Ciemnosc said. His attitude became serene, ultimately coldly, and severe. The Generals followed the assigned supervisor’s words as the Empress remained quiet. They felt honored and glorious with their leader presiding over the start of the last step towards ending the war, at least in a ‘taking action’ term. They prepared things in under a minute, and one of them finally took the center and spoke into his medallion, enhanced by the floating central command around them.

“To all Imperial Guards and citizens out there, move out!”

***

Blue Emirate Grotto’s individual territory. 7:59 PM.

Within a long, tower-like building where a meeting took place with all the top 5 organizations’ leaders having a seat, and one of their upper echelons was present behind them. One of the leaders was on her feet, facing her back at them while supporting herself on a smaller table. Her expression was slightly altered, but she held up. She had pale blue-green skin, red hair combed backwards, and potent, obscure sapphire eyes.

A hand landed on her shoulder from behind, and she looked back to see a man with short brown hair who showed worry for the leader. He opened his mouth to speak, but before he could continue, his hushed words were silenced by the woman… “President, we should go back to disc-” - “It’s fine, Senator Enrik. I don’t regret this… if it is how it was supposed to be, then so be it. Everyone chose this, too. I won’t back down.”

“Yes, Pres.” The Senator nodded and pushed his lips together before stepping backwards. They share the same skin. But, soon, they will share the same fate. The Wyrm Lord Nation’s President stood up, turned around, and walked back to the table with the other 10 people. Each side had 2 chairs, but only the President had 1 for herself. On the other hand, while they had 1 upper echelon behind them, the Wyrm Lord Nation’s leader had 4.

“... Then, when they arrive, things will finally turn. They have better experience. They will beat them, and we will force the Empire to retain their navy with us. Don’t let this slip up. Just leave the-” When the President arrived at the table, she heard the hooded man speak, sternly directing these people with all the patience in the world. The man turned towards her and went silent before speaking with a slight smile. “President, you’re here. Do you have something you’d like to add?”

Pam, pam. Placing her hands, turned into fists, on the table, the Wyrm Lord Nation’s President stood up and continued supporting her body on the table with her hands as she commenced. Her voice was serene but somehow empty, “I will lead what’s left of my Nation to achieve our purpose. Me and my Senate… what’s left of it will join arms with brother Monstorm and sister Blistorm and take the Empire down when it’s needed. Let us face this adversity’s worst so the Far East Region can continue to exist.”

“Sister Leslie, this is my honor, too. Thank you,” Blauw Monstorm stood up silently and bowed as his right hand saluted her, his palm landing on his sternum. Blauw Blistorm did the same and bowed as well, not saying anything as she nodded at the other 4 behind the President in acknowledgment. Those 4 were a yellowhead woman with short hair length, green eyebrows, and brown eyes who looked neutral yet compassive.

The other was Senate Enrik, a bald man who looked serious and stern at all times, and a tall, jet blackhead woman with creamy, warm, white skin, and the only Human among the Senators and the President. They looked determined, especially the latter, and were a sight to behold in the meeting as the other leaders, including the True Dragon’s House, felt inspired. The President looked at these leaders after presenting her side’s resolve and looked at the hooded man.

“It doesn’t matter what happened before that led to this. It could never be important anymore. All this is worth is the final victory. If we lose, everything is lost. If we are triumphant, even if the Empire will no longer be at death’s door as we have thought before until the Wrath Nihility Academy sent them a weapon and whether it was just this person who changed everything or the Academy funding a war that has nothing to do with them… We would have truly defeated a Warlord organization at its peak! And my Nation will be known as one of the top organizations who faced this black monster head-on!!”

“That’s how it is!” - “Way to go!!” - “President, you have my respect!” - “We will triumph against this conspiracy! To hell with the Academy!!”

The leaders and other upper echelons echoed with the Wyrm Lord Nation’s President’s feeling. They voiced their brains out, and after they gradually became silent, the hooded figure spoke in a grand, mysterious tone. “President, this is a nice surprise. Although your cultivation base can’t improve too much, the time for the Blauw Empire’s true demise is coming. And the Wrath Nihility Academy is nothing but a trifling fly in the eyes of another Existence. They will too know the world’s new Change’s perpetrator!!”

Step, step, step…! Step, step…! Step…! Step, step! Step! Step! Step!

“Leaders! The Empire! They have started their offensive! Our borders are being breached as we speak!!”

“President, it seems your callings were answered. The world is giving this natural notice to the new Change’s protagonist!” Without feeling bothered, the hooded man said as he looked at the President, grinning from ear to ear and standing up with the other leaders. Meanwhile, the Sand Emirate Grotto’s Grotto Master and Grand Master were pondering at their seat, still seated until a second later, being the last to stand up from the table.

…