Alam leaned back in his high-backed chair, crafted from polished darkwood reinforced with plasteel struts, sifting through Nara's dossier displayed on a holographic projector that cast a faint blue light across the room

“So, you’re a mercenary, a former Zion bodyguard who decided to betray them, and now you’re with the Emerald League? An ex-gladiator? Interesting woman for sure,

im too are connected to zion at my time with wanderers, but we are the vigilante and trying maintain order in europe. we not a mindless merc. so we are similar. but different..” he mused, a smirk playing on his lips.

“Yeah... so what?” Nara replied, crossing her arms, her expression unreadable.

Alam coughed lightly, trying to shake off the casual banter. “Nothing. I have limited time for games. What do you want?”

Nara took a deep breath, her demeanor shifting to something more serious. “I’m not here to play. I want to discuss something important. Can we talk?”

“Sure, go on,” Alam said, intrigued.

Nara stared at him intently, her tone becoming steely. “Tell me, are you fighting just to defend your nation, or is there another purpose behind this war?”

“Absolutely. The True Horde’s mission is to repel the Red Army. We won’t stop until they’re destroyed,” Alam replied, conviction ringing in his voice.

Nara’s expression softened slightly, a flicker of hope in her eyes. “So, you’re saying that all this time, the True Horde has been fighting purely for defense?”

“Exactly. My goal in uniting China is to strengthen our chances against them,” Alam said, his tone earnest.

Nara’s curiosity piqued, her voice growing calmer. “I see... but what if the True Horde succeeds? What happens if you manage to destroy the Red Army? Will you just retreat and call it a day?”

Alam chuckled, shaking his head. “Ah, no. World conquest is too much for me.”

A light giggle escaped Nara’s lips, her serious facade cracking. “So you really do just want to defend your nation, right? But what if the Red Army attacks? What then?”

“You have no idea,” Alam replied, a hint of a smile creeping onto his face. “I’ve been fighting them for about three years now, if you count the Blood Khaganate its dang 5 years “he take a deep sigh” We were once their vassals, but I rebelled. I refused to be a pawn.”

Nara’s surprise was palpable, her intrigue deepening. “Wait... I’ve heard about the Blood Khaganate. That’s the history behind it! So you did rebel against them?”

“Yeah,” Alam said. Just then, an officer approached to discuss a military operation, and Alam turned back to Nara. “Alright, I might write a book about it someday if Gott wills it. But for now, it’s not a good time for bedtime stories. Let me be clear: will you lend your power to defend the Emerald League?”

Nara’s excitement was palpable. “Well... I can... BUT! If I’m going to lend my power and fight for the Emerald League, I have conditions.”

Alam raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “What conditions?”

“I want something in return for my power and my life,” Nara declared firmly.

“Yeah, I figured as much. You mercs don’t care about nations and stuff. Of course, we can pay you in gold,” Alam said,

Nara narrowed her eyes, her tone shifting to serious. “Gold? I don't care about gold. If I’m putting my life on the line, I deserve something more valuable.”

“Like what?” Alam asked, his curiosity piqued.

“I want something that can’t be bought with money. I want your trust,” she replied, her gaze piercing.

Alam raised an eyebrow and chuckled. “Ha! Sure.”

Nara couldn’t believe her ears, her stern expression softening into a smile. “You mean it? You’re really going to give me your full trust?”

“Yeah, but I need to trust you too. Why did you betray Zion?” Alam pressed, his curiosity genuine.

Nara’s expression turned serious again. “The reason is personal... I have my own reasons for betraying them. I swear it has nothing to do with you or the True Horde.”

Alam leaned in, urging her. “But... just a small hint?”

She hesitated, then finally relented. “If you really need to know, let’s just say my reason for betraying Zion is tied to their actions. I can’t see them as a ‘good’ nation anymore. That’s all I can say.”

“Okay, good enough. But please, just a little more?” Alam asked, trying to glean more.

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Nara shook her head, clearly uncomfortable with revealing too much. “If you must know, my betrayal was about personal issues. That’s it.”

Alam chuckled, a playful glint in his eye. “Did he flirt with you?”

“Who?!” Nara shot back, her expression hardening.

“Nothing, nothing,” Alam replied, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “How many troops do you have?”

“We have about 320 soldiers, including mercenaries. Most are on the frontlines fighting for the Red Army and Emerald League. We’re low on manpower, but our kinetic energy weapons give us a significant advantage. We also possess advanced cloaking technology, but deploying it effectively requires a larger team. It's the classic merc's dilemma: great gear, not enough bodies to use it,

Alam sighed heavily. “Not good enough. What about the Hejaz Caliphate? Are they joining the fray?”

Nara shook her head. “No. The Hejaz Caliphate is neutral now. They’re focusing on defense and don’t want to participate in this war.”

Alam pouted, frustration creeping into his voice. “Fools! The best defense is a good offense. Alright, I’ll send a contingent to help the Emerald League. Tell the Hejaz to stop being chickens.”

Nara chuckles and reply, "They're playing it safe. They don't want to get involved unless they have to."

Alam leaned back, studying her. "So, what you waiting for?"

Nara met his gaze. "I need to contact my team. a 24 hours for process, They need confirmation of my status."

Alam's eyes narrowed slightly. "A day? Why so long?"

Nara crossed her arms. "It's not a social call. It's about verifying my allegiance. They need to be sure I haven't been compromised."

Alam considered this for a moment. "Alright. But I'm not delaying my operations. You find me at the next base when you're done."

“Deal,” Nara replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “I’ll just hop on my magic carpet and fly over there.”

As Alam nodded and left, Nara quickly dialed Wazir. “Hey, I need to report back. Alam’s giving me a day to contact my team.”

Wazir’s voice crackled through the line. “Yes, but… wait, what’s this I hear about you playing dumb?”

Nara sighed, exasperated. “I told him I’d play dumb to trick him into revealing his true intentions. It’s a strategy, Wazir, not a Broadway audition!”

Wazir snorted. “You seem to be auditioning for the role of ‘Most Likely to Fail.’”

“Shut it, Wazir! I’m not going to fail this mission. I know what I’m doing!” Nara shot back, rolling her eyes so hard she almost saw her brain.

“Alright, just don’t mess it up. We need to know what’s going on in that thick skull of Alam’s,” Wazir replied, his tone lightening.

Nara hung up, muttering to herself. “Great, now I’m a spy and a bad actress. What’s next? A stand-up comedy routine?”

The next day, Nara followed Alam’s convoy – a mix of armored personnel carriers and horse-drawn supply wagons – through the frozen steppes, passing the skeletal remains of pre-Collapse cities and the more recent, hastily dug graves of the war.. “Welcome to the True Horde’s version of Disneyland,” she quipped to herself, shaking her head at the absurdity.

Finally, she arrived at Alam’s bunker, its one among the hidden pre-war bunker. “Oh, you! Have you made up your mind?” he asked, leaning back in his chair

Nara straightened up, her serious mode activated. “I’m not here for flirting, Alam. I’ve decided to join you and your nation to fight the Red Army. But I have conditions.”

Alam narrowed his eyes, looking like he was trying to solve a riddle. “You want to join the True Horde? Why the sudden change of heart?”

Nara flashed a confident smile. “Let’s just say I’m not interested in fighting for Zion anymore. I want to be on the winning side. And you, my friend, are going to win this war.”

“Ha! Typical mercenary logic,” Alam replied, smirking. “But you’ll be fighting in the front lines. Welcome to the True Horde, where you earn your rank as a private!”

Nara shrugged, unfazed. “I don’t mind working hard. As long as I’m on the winning side, I can accept that. Winners deserve to win, not losers.”

“Very good,” Alam nodded, looking pleased. “But I still want you to defend the Emerald League. I’m confident in my numbers up north, but since the Hejaz Caliphate is playing hide-and-seek, someone needs to help the Emerald League.”

Nara’s face fell slightly. “So, you want me to be the backup dancer for the Emerald League while you take center stage?”

“Exactly! You’ll be the star of the show!” Alam replied, grinning.

“Great, I’ll just wear a sparkly outfit and do jazz hands while fighting the Red Army,” Nara said, sarcasm dripping from her voice.

“Just focus on the mission, Nara. You’ll do great,” Alam said,

As Nara couldn’t help but chuckle. “I’m not sure if I’m joining a war or a circus, but at least I’ll get a front-row seat to the chaos.”

Nara stood in front of Alam, her heart racing like a caffeinated squirrel on a sugar high. “Okay... I can see it as an advantage now. At least I don't have to fight against the Red Army all by myself. I'm gonna admit, the Emerald League is very resourceful,” she said, trying to sound confident while her knees wobbled like jelly.

“Can I ask you another question?” she ventured, inching closer like a cat stalking a particularly juicy mouse.

“Sure, speak,” Alam replied, leaning back in his chair, looking like he was about to hear the world’s worst knock-knock joke.

Nara took a deep breath, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “This might sound like a very strange question, but do you really trust me?”

Alam raised an eyebrow, a smirk creeping onto his face. “Mhmh... ah...” He then casually tossed her a revolver. “Shoot me.”

Nara’s eyes widened “A-are you serious?” she stammered, her hand shaking as she pointed the gun at him, half-expecting him to burst out laughing and say it was all a prank.

“Will you do it?” Alam teased, his grin widening.

“Y-yes... I will. But are you sure about this?” Nara’s voice trembled,

“Are you going to kill me?” Alam asked, feigning shock, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Nara’s face paled, and she started sweating like a popsicle in the sun. “Are... are you sure about this? Do you really want me to do that? Because I will definitely do it if you insist!”

“Okay, just pull the trigger,” Alam said, barely containing his laughter.

Nara’s hand jerked, and the gun barrel inched closer to Alam’s body. Her finger hovered over the trigger l

“Ahaha... do it!” Alam encouraged, clearly enjoying the absurdity of the situation.

With a shaky breath, Nara pressed the trigger. The revolver went off with a loud bang, and smoke filled the air. For a moment, everything was silent.

Alam coughed through the smoke, a grin plastered on his face. “It’s a blank round! So, based on that event, you’re the type who can follow orders blindly. I kinda trust you as a soldier now.”

Nara blinked, her surprise morphing into a relieved smile. “So, you didn’t really want to get shot, huh? That was a test, and I passed!”

“True loyalists wouldn’t pull the trigger,” Alam winked, his tone playful.

Nara’s expression shifted to serious. “Hmm... you’re right. This was also a test about loyalty. I think I made the wrong decision about that. That’s why I hesitated.”

“No worries. You’re still considered a good... merc,” Alam said, his tone lightening.

“Good! I’m glad if that’s the case. But I’m curious—do you plan to keep using blank rounds for future tests?” Nara asked, half-joking.

“Perhaps... now, anything else?” Alam replied, his curiosity piqued.

Nara shook her head, but then her curiosity got the better of her. “No, not really. I guess that was all. But just let’s say... my heart is really beating so fast right now. I thought it was a real bullet until you mentioned it was only a blank round.”

“Haah. Ahaha... yeah, it’s normal. Everyone around me is beating their hearts fast. Now, see you later. I’ll send Hind to escort you back to the Emerald League,” Alam said, waving her off

“Okay, I understand. But... one more thing before we part ways,” Nara said, hesitating for a moment.

“Yes? What?” Alam asked, intrigued.

She took a deep breath, her confidence wavering. “In the future... if that opportunity comes, would you take me as your private guard?”

Alam’s laughter echoed through the room. “Ahahahah.. NO..”

Nara’s face fell, her disappointment palpable. “W-why?”

“Ahaha... you betrayed Zion for unknown reasons. You’re an untrustworthy figure,” Alam teased, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

At first, Nara was taken aback, but then she burst into laughter. “Hahaha... I know why you won’t do that for me! Because you can’t trust me yet, right?” She paused, putting her hand on her chin, deep in thought. “Hey, I’m curious about one thing now. How are you going to build your trust with me? Do you have some plan for that?”

“Perhaps. Only Gott knows... now farewell,” Alam said, his tone shifting back to serious.

Nara nodded, a small smile creeping onto her face. “Goodbye, Alam. And good luck winning your war.”

As she left, she felt a swell of pride. “I can’t believe I just pulled a gun on my new boss. What a day!” she thought, shaking her head at the absurdity of it all.

Later, when she reported back to Wazir, he raised an eyebrow. “I see... well, to be honest, Alam seems like a very unpredictable person.”

“I agree, Wazir... Alam is indeed one unpredictable person,” Nara replied, her smile still lingering.

“But... you still haven’t told me about your bait nation,” Wazir said, hesitating for a moment.

“Never mind. You did a good job, Nara. Safe fly,” he added, and Nara felt a rush of pride wash over her.

“Thank you, Wazir. I will do my best for my mission and report back here,” she said, her heart swelling with determination.