Fast forward to May 2401. Alam returned to base, the setting sun casting long, shadowy figures across the courtyard. He called a quick meeting with all his officers—from tribal leaders like Ali to Wanderer generals like Jax, and Asian generals like Zhang and Baihu, plus the newest general, an ex-gang leader, Xie Zhi-Ming, a man with a tattoo etched like a scar across his left face.
"Alright, folks," Alam declared, the flickering torchlight in the meeting room dancing on their faces, "we're building our reputation as the top mercs in this region. But we’re not done yet—the Blood Khaganate, or Red Nation, will make their move after this."
He cleared his throat. "If we attack the Blood Khaganate main base, it means cutting ties with the Red Nation. This will escalate things. Any suggestions?" He leaned back in his chair, the worn leather creaking under his weight, his gaze sweeping across the new faces in the base. Most were new, drawn to Alam and his growing influence, especially after the victory over the Flying Dragon.
The officers debated. Some were all for attacking the Blood Khaganate, while others warned it could be a big mistake. After a brief discussion, an officer in favor of the attack stood up.
"My name is Xie Zhi-Ming. Attacking the Blood Khaganate will sever our ties with the Red Nation and escalate the conflict, possibly drawing them into the fight. But we must consider that the Blood Khaganate is a major threat in this region and beyond, their dangerous doctrine to reclaim all once mongol empire territory was insane. and they will never stop" Xie Zhi-Ming stated.
Alam nodded. "I get that. But I want to test our mettle. Who's in favor of attacking the Blood Khaganate? Raise your hand!"
Many officers raised their hands, eager to challenge the Blood Khaganate and see how powerful they really were.
"Good. If we die, we’ll have no regrets..." Alam murmured.
Xie Zhi-Ming continued, "Since most officers voted for the attack, we should start planning how to execute it. The Blood Khaganate has plenty of units and assets, including tanks and a large number of troops in Central Asia. We need a solid plan to counter them."
Alam agreed. "Yes, we might be outnumbered, but they’re divided. We can use that to our advantage. From now on, I authorize raids into Blood Khaganate territory to scout their movements."
"Their mobile units are vulnerable," an officer pointed to a map highlighting supply routes. "Fast strikes, hit and run. We can cripple their logistics."
Alam traced the routes with his finger. "Prioritize anti-armor. We hit their supply depots hard and fast."
"Any other suggestions?" Alam asked.
Another officer stood up. "We should also send our special ops unit deep into Blood Khaganate territory to hit their vital supply, command, intelligence, and communication centers. Disrupting their coordination will make it easier for our main force to strike without much resistance."
Alam considered this. "More direct raids, huh? But do you realize that going deep into their territory means higher risk? If possible, we can use the same tactic we used before—sending some of our loyal troops as deserters. I heard they’re still recruiting."
The officer replied, "If we can use that tactic, sending our loyal troops as deserters to infiltrate deep into Blood Khaganate territory would be even better. We should also create fake news and orders to make it look like real commands from the Blood Khaganate. Our infiltrators must be carefully selected and loyal to the mercs. The mission is risky, but the potential gain justifies it."
Alam chuckled. "Yeah, yeah... I want experienced mercs for the sabotage tasks. But how do we know their loyalty?"
The officer answered, "We need to conduct background checks and psychological evaluations on all our soldiers to spot any potential bad apples. We must enforce strict discipline and harsh punishments for any traitorous acts. Once the infiltrators pass the checks, their loyalty should be tested with a minor but difficult task. If they pass without any signs of treason, then they can be considered trusted."
Alam laughed. "Hehe... In the end, we’re kinda forming a royal army, huh? Alright, let’s do it."
The officer smiled at Alam's comment. "You're right! We are indeed forming our own royal army. We must ensure each of our troops is loyal and well-disciplined. The strength of our army lies in our loyalty and discipline. We must crush any sign of treachery with an iron fist."
Alam nodded. "Okay, now... I’ll name this operation... Operation Ninja."
Everyone in the meeting laughed at the name.
"That's a fitting name for the operation. We must be like ninjas—quick, silent, striking the enemy without being detected. We’ll be like shadows, revealing ourselves only after completing our mission and retreating safely," the officer said.
Alam grinned. "Yeah, hehe... Alright, any questions?"
The officers shook their heads, ready to launch the operation and take down the Blood Khaganate, cutting off their supplies and resources. Xie Zhi-Ming wrapped up the meeting and dismissed everyone. Alam then gathered the main command, including his second-in-command and the leader of the special ops unit, to finalize preparations for the operation.
"Good. Operation Ninja starts now!" Alam announced, a slight smirk playing on his lips. He knew the name was a bit cheesy, but it had a certain… flair.
Later, after the meeting ended, a lone figure sat hunched over a small notebook. It was Zhang, meticulously jotting down notes.
The Perfect Destiny, Three Points of Fate:
1. This is a Land of Roaming Mercenaries, which means infiltration through assumed identities is more plausible than in a more regulated environment. Showed Refugee Flows and Khaganate Manpower Shortages
2. The Wanderers Are Already Established as Elite. This means they would have better training, resources, and discipline than typical mercenary bands, making more complex operations like infiltration and internal checks more feasible.
3. Not All Mercenaries Lack Loyalty. While some mercenaries are purely motivated by profit and have no strong allegiances, others are indeed loyal to specific countries, organizations, or leaders, often due to shared ideology, long-term contracts, or personal relationships.
Zhang tapped his pen against his chin, considering the points. He scribbled something in the corner of the page: “Probability of Success: Elevated (but not guaranteed. This isn’t a fortune cookie).”
Zhang then walked calmly to the training ground, where the elite spec ops qualification was underway. He noticed that the majority of participants were Wanderers, with only a smattering of tribal groups and other mercenaries. He noted in his book: "Wanderers: High morale, battle-ready. Other groups: Enthusiastic, but require… refinement."
The gamble was made, the die cast. The mercenary band, forged in the fires of global conflict, might leave you wondering how a mere soldier can wield so much power in this world. It’s simple: in this harsh reality, the man with the most weapons and access to trade is treated like a king. That’s why warlords and mafias often hold more sway than traditional rulers.
Think back to the British and Dutch during the colonial era. They started as merchants in India and Indonesia, but soon became mercenaries, making local populations and rulers dependent on them. Before long, they were more powerful than the Mughal Empire or Indonesian rulers, and we all know how that story goes.
A few days later, Alam made his way to the Carpathian base, the familiar sights and sounds welcoming him back. As he entered the command center, he spotted Carmelita engrossed in a VR film, her expression a mix of intrigue and skepticism.
“Hey, woman, do you like the VR film?” he called out, a playful grin on his face.
Carmelita looked up, removing her VR glasses. “Yes, it was quite... intriguing,” she replied, her tone revealing a hint of doubt. “It’s certainly a unique take on history and politics.” She paused, studying Alam’s face. “But I must say, I have some questions. That Zion character... he’s quite the piece of work, isn’t he?”
“Yeah, he is. Reminds me of Pharaoh, you know, the one who chased Moses,” Alam replied, leaning against the wall.
Carmelita nodded, her eyes narrowing as she considered the comparison. “Yes, I can see that. He seems like a modern-day pharaoh, ruling with an iron fist and using violence to enforce his will.” She tilted her head, looking thoughtful. “But I have to ask... do you admire him in some way?”
“Hmm. No. He’s driven by desire. People like that, despite their massive influence, seem weak to me,” Alam said, crossing his arms.
Carmelita smiled faintly, pleased by his response. “I agree. People who are driven solely by their desires and ambitions can be weak and vulnerable in other ways. They may have power and influence, but they often lack the wisdom to use it wisely.” She studied him for a moment, her gaze intent. “You seem to have a different perspective on things than the rest of us, don’t you?”
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
“Probably. I’ve seen a lot in the world. A dozen near-death experiences make you see things others won’t,” Alam replied, shrugging.
She chuckled, amused by his nonchalance. “Yes, I can imagine that. You must have seen things that would make many people's knees buckle.”
Carmelita paused, her gaze still on him. “Do you think your experiences have given you a deeper understanding of the world? A different kind of knowledge?”
“No... I just became more aware of my own weaknesses and limitations,” Alam admitted, his tone serious.
She nodded in understanding, a small smile playing at the corner of her lips. “Yes, self-awareness is important. Acknowledging one’s own weaknesses is a sign of strength.” She leaned back slightly, studying his face. “It's fascinating, really. You've seen so much, experienced things that most people only read about, and yet you remain humble and grounded.”
“Yeah, but you and my body will become dust in the next 50 years or in the next 1000 years,” Alam said, a hint of dark humor in his voice. “So... nyom nom.”
Carmelita couldn’t help but chuckle, amused by his bluntness. “Ah, the fragility of our existence. Yes, you are right. One day, we will all return to dust and become part of the earth again.” She shook her head slightly, a wry smile on her face. “But that’s what makes life so beautiful and worth living, don’t you think? The fact that it is fleeting and precious.”
“Really? Hmm. I think beauty is subjective. My older pieces of art seemed great when I bought or created them, but today, after further examination, they look like pieces of shit,” Alam replied, a smirk on his lips.
She nodded in agreement, a glimmer of understanding in her eyes. “Yes, you're right. Beauty can be subjective. What is beautiful to one person may not be to another.”
Carmelita smirked faintly, a curious look on her face. “But it's interesting that you used the word 'piece of art' to describe your own older creation. Do you think of yourself as an artist?”
“Yeah, everyone is kind of an artist,” Alam said, leaning back.
“Oh? You believe everyone is an artist?” she asked, tilting her head, intrigued.
“See, for example, performance art. People do things randomly, and people call it art. It’s all about the message and the cathartic emotions the artist conveys to others. Other people perceive their unique quirks as art, so I guess art is something people see as unique and can enjoy,” he explained.
Carmelita nodded thoughtfully, absorbing his words. “Ah, I see what you mean. Art has many forms and interpretations. It’s not always a painting or a sculpture. It can be a performance, a display of unique quirks, or anything that conveys a message and evokes an emotional response.”
She smiled faintly, her gaze still fixed on him. “It seems like you have a deeper understanding of art than most.”
“I'm wise,” Alam replied, a playful glint in his eye.
Carmelita chuckled slightly, a hint of amusement in her eyes. “Wise, huh? And how did you become so wise, if I may ask? Is it because of your experiences or something else?”
“It’s because Gott molded me,” Alam said, his tone serious.
She nodded slowly, absorbing this new information. “I see. You believe that God has molded you into the person you are today.” There was a hint of curiosity and surprise in her voice, mixed with a touch of admiration for his faith.
“Yeah, many things I don’t ask are coming to me. Many things I want to avoid are coming to me,” he replied.
Carmelita nodded again, a look of understanding in her eyes. “Yes, the way of life can be unpredictable, and sometimes it seems like we don’t always get what we want or avoid what we don’t want. But you believe this is all part of God’s plan for you.”
She couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow as Alam laid his head on her lap. “Well, this is unexpected.”
She looked down at him for a moment, a small smile tugging at the edge of her lips. “Are you comfortable?”
“Yepi,” he replied, a satisfied grin on his face.
She huffed softly, amused by his casualness. “Hmph. You’re very comfortable with physical contact, aren’t you? Laying your head on a woman’s lap so casually...”
After a long, peaceful moment, she sighed and asked, “So, I heard you’re going to attack the Khaganate. How about if we use Ruan Mei’s experiment?”
Alam opened his eyes and looked at her, confusion etched on his face. “What... what do you mean?”
Carmelita kept rubbing his head. “You know... her skinwalker.”
Alam sat up abruptly, shaking his head. “No... it’s man-to-man combat, not some mutant sci-fi shit.”
Carmelita shot him a look, her eyes narrowing. “I see... so no dirty moves, huh?”
Alam tapped his lips thoughtfully. “I believe every trick I employ in battle someday will backfire. So the worst scenario is bio-weapons and mutation... it’s just too much for me.”
Carmelita nodded, her expression serious. “Alright. So we just use their missiles to soften up, right? No skinwalkers or beasts involved?”
“Exactly. Old school ways are enough to beat those neo-Nazis,” Alam confirmed, a determined look in his eyes.
In one of the Wanderer garages, a fleet of pickup trucks was armed to the teeth with rockets, artillery, and even some Gatling guns. Each truck had a drone mounted on top, giving the gunner and driver a wider view of the battlefield.
Meanwhile, Alam was assessing the situation. "Alright, the enemy is isolated in their territory. Any updates from the border raid? How are they responding?"
An officer with green hair piped up, "Yes, sir! They’ve started to react. They’re trying to reinforce their border, but their troops are as scattered as my socks after laundry day. We're still holding the initiative!"
"Good. We need a solid position to strike. Bring me the terrain map," Alam commanded, feeling like a general straight out of a cheesy war movie.
The officer handed over the map, and after a dramatic pause, they pinpointed an area near the mountains for the main assault.
"I'm no geologist, but I want to check the terrain. Get me a geologist!" Alam instructed.
Later,some wanderer found people who work as janitor in abandoned university. he once are the geologist profesor. after quick persuasion. he quickly agree to help alam, then geologist finally did his job and assessed the area. "The ground is solid and stable—perfect for heavy armor and vehicles. It’s also diggable, but it’ll take some time."
"Great! I want a tunnel. When the main army attacks, some soldiers can sneak up from behind and surprise them," Alam ordered, rubbing his hands together like a cartoon villain.
Fast forward to March 21, 2400. After a lot of digging, Alam began his speech. "Alright, folks! Once we step into their territory, there’s no turning back. This is a declaration of war. We'll strike hard, then retreat to the mountains. When they chase us, we'll ambush them—repeat until they're defeated."
The troops nodded in agreement, fully understanding the plan.
"On my mark!" Alam shouted, firing a flare gun into the sky. first barrage of missile soften khagan strong point,
then wanderers surged into Blood Khaganate territory like a pack of hungry wolves, their heavy armor tearing through the border as if it were made of cardboard.
Immediately, his forces took control of the border while the Blood Khaganate troops struggled to hold their ground. Alam's men retreated to the mountains, luring the enemy into a trap.
As expected, the Blood Khaganate forces pursued, only to find themselves in a narrow mountain path filled with ambushes. Alam's soldiers opened fire, decimating the enemy ranks.
"It’s just a matter of time until their general arrives," Alam observed from the mountaintop,
The enemy general, Inat, arrived with a small contingent, desperately calling for reinforcements. But the Blood Khaganate troops had suffered heavy losses and needed hours to regroup. Meanwhile, Alam's forces continued their relentless assault.
"We need to strike harder to wrap this up," Alam insisted. "What’s the status of their main base?"
An intel officer replied, "The main base is heavily fortified, with anti-air defenses and artillery. It’s a fortress, and breaching it will be as easy as getting a cat to take a bath."
"Yes, but they haven’t sent their reserves. We need to cut off their supplies. Any routes we can block?" Alam pressed.
The officer checked the reports. "There are secondary supply routes. Blocking them could cripple their main base."
"Perfect! Let’s keep bombarding them! And remember, keep moving—don’t let our guns get too cozy," Alam ordered,
The artillery and mortar units sprang into action, providing cover while the ground troops maneuvered to dodge counterattacks. They kept up a relentless bombardment on the Blood Khaganate's position.
The war raged on. The Wanderers, who had dug tunnels earlier, were now popping up behind the Khaganate's rear defenses. Their saboteurs easily took out pillboxes and bunkers, planting bombs on the unsuspecting tank column.
“How many casualties so far?” Alam asked after a long silence.
The officer hesitated, his eyes downcast. "Thirty percent, sir. Ground units. Several IFVs are down." He paused, then added quietly, "We lost avars squad."
“Who’s their general again?” Alam inquired.
“Inat. He’s a fierce and ruthless commander, responsible for defending the main base and border,” the officer replied.
“Sounds like a suicidal type,” Alam remarked.
“Yeah, sir. He’ll sacrifice troops to win. He’d rather lose hundreds than retreat,” the officer confirmed with a grin.
“Then let’s fight dirty. Focus artillery on incendiary rounds. Surround their base with smoke and fire,” Alam ordered.
The officers nodded and began targeting the area around the main base with incendiary shells. Smoke and flames engulfed the area, choking the enemy soldiers and obscuring their view.
With the enemy disoriented, Alam declared, “Good! Now they’re trapped like fish in a barrel. Gather all officers for another war council!”
The officers filled the room, eager to hear the latest strategy.
“So, what’s the plan? Keep the siege going until they’re dust, or take a unique approach?” Alam asked, leaning back in his chair.
Officer 1 chimed in, “Let’s keep the siege. Bombarding them is foolproof. They’ll crumble eventually.”
Officer 2 countered, “How about a surprise attack? They’re trapped, and we can dismantle their base from within!”
“What sneak attack do you propose?” Alam raised an eyebrow.
“Let’s use our elite soldiers to infiltrate through the tunnel. They can sneak in at night while we bombard them to lower morale,” Officer 2 suggested.
“Another tunnel? It’ll be tougher this time if we’re just popping up in their base,” Alam remarked.
“True, but this tunnel is still usable. It provides a stealthy route right into their main base, allowing us to strike from inside. The ground is solid, making it feasible to break through once we're in position,” the officer assured.
“Alright. Use precise map coordinates to enhance this operation,” Alam commanded.
The officer relayed the coordinates to the spec ops team, who began their infiltration as artillery continued to rain down on the enemy. The constant bombardment created a thick cloud of smoke and ash, choking the Blood Khaganate soldiers and obscuring their vision.
Alam saluted the spec ops volunteers, who returned the gesture, gratitude evident in their eyes. He joined them as they silently navigated the tunnel, avoiding enemy patrols until they reached the main base.
“Let’s pray for success,” Alam said, watching those brave young men head into the tunnel.
As they emerged at the heart of the base, they found it quiet, with soldiers preoccupied by the bombardment. Alam signaled, "Aim for their weapon armory."
The team stealthily advanced, reaching the armory undetected. They wreaked havoc, destroying weapons, ammunition, and repair equipment before making their escape.
"Enough damage. Time to go," Alam ordered.
They retraced their steps, exiting through the tunnel and regrouping with the main force.
"Good job, everyone. Any casualties?" Alam asked.
"All spec ops made it back alive. We've severely disrupted their supply lines and morale. They’re now low on weapons and repairs," the officer reported.
At the Blood Khaganate base, General Inat stood stoic, "The flames lick at the walls, but my will remains unyielding. You may breach these stones, but you cannot break my spirit, Alam."
"Alright. They don't have enough ammunition left to last," Alam said. "Let’s try to negotiate before the main assault."
The officer responded, "The main base is low on supplies, making it a good time to negotiate. They’re in a desperate situation."
"Yes. Do it. Contact them," Alam instructed.
After a tense negotiation, the officer reported back, "General Inat has agreed to surrender the main base in exchange for peace and his life. He will not be harmed but taken as a prisoner of war. The base and arsenal will be left intact."
"And the soldiers?" Alam asked.
"They’ll be allowed to leave safely," the officer confirmed.
"Alright, another war council!" Alam called, feeling like he was hosting a game show.
"They’re handing us their base, but they want to retreat. What do you suggest?" Alam asked.
The officers debated, deciding it would be better to keep Inat and his soldiers as hostages to leverage against other factions.
"Yes, let’s make Inat our bargaining chip," Alam agreed, grinning like a cat that caught the canary.
"Let’s rearrange the deal. Inat will be a prisoner, and his soldiers will be disbanded," Alam instructed.
The officer renegotiated, and General Inat ultimately accepted being taken hostage while allowing his soldiers to disband.
"Good. Gentlemen, we have secured victory!" Alam announced.
Alam celebrated the victory against the Blood Khaganate, capturing General Inat and disbanding his forces. Before his departure, Inat confronted Alam.
"Your victory is pyrrhic. Your grip on this land will be tenuous at best. You sow seeds of discontent with every blade you swing," Inat warned.
"Yeah, sure. See you later," Alam replied nonchalantly.
He then ordered his forces to prepare for a new offensive to sweep through Central Asia, uniting the region under their banner.
"Don't worry, guys. This will be more of a parade than a war. Only the stubborn will resist us," he said, earning smiles from the officers. They knew most enemy factions were already fearful, with many abandoning plans to fight after the news of the Blood Khaganate's defeat.