Days crawled by after the feast, and the soldiers dug in, fortifying defenses and anxiously waiting for the enemy to make their move. Despite the monotony, spirits remained high. The younger troops fidgeted with nerves, while the veterans exuded calm confidence, reminding them that patience is part of the game.
“Hmm… this is taking longer than expected,” Alam mused. “Let’s get a bit aggressive—send out a raiding party!”
Baihu nodded, dispatching the raiding party to gather intel and boost morale. They set off to catch the enemy off-guard and report back on the enemy's position.
“Proceed,” Alam ordered.
The raiding party returned, revealing that the enemy was indeed recruiting local militia and caught off-guard by the raid. “Looks like Red Zhang is playing it safe,” Alam noted. “We need to give them a false sense of security to make our plan work.”
“Agreed,” Baihu replied. “What’s the plan?”
“Let’s send a truck full of dummies and fake guns to Blue Zhang’s area. We’ll make it look like we’re reducing our forces,” Alam suggested with a sly grin.
Baihu chuckled and agreed. Soon, the truck rolled out, leaving the enemy thinking they had the upper hand.
“Now, how about we build a fake base a few kilometers away?” Alam added. “They’ll think we’ve split our army!”
Baihu quickly ordered the construction of a fake base, designed to mimic their real one. “This should keep them guessing,” she said.
“Let’s see how Red Zhang reacts,” Alam said, rubbing his hands together.
The fake base was completed, and they waited for the enemy's response, which, surprisingly, never came.
“Alright, time for the final act. Bombard their city—but stick to the industrial areas,” Alam commanded.
Baihu relayed the order, and the artillery roared to life, hitting the industrial sector and causing chaos. “Let’s see if they bite,” Alam smirked.
“They’re not retaliating,” Baihu reported, a hint of disbelief in her voice.
“Looks like they want us to attack first. Prepare the IFVs and off-road jeeps. Armor them up!” Alam ordered, excitement building.
As the modified vehicles rolled out, Alam climbed onto one. “We’re striking first! On my mark—forward!”
With Baihu alongside him, the assault beganThe modified vehicles roared across the cracked earth, The first shots cracked like thunder, sending startled birds scattering from the skeletal remains of bombed-out buildings. Red Zhang's forces, caught mid-deployment, scrambled for cover, their lines breaking under the sudden onslaught.
“Baihu, report!” Alam shouted over the chaos.
“All clear! The attack is going well; they’re still unprepared. We’ve hit their industrial area and pushed deep into the city,” she replied confidently.
“Don’t get cocky! If your units start taking heavy losses, fall back immediately,” Alam warned.
“Understood. We’ll stay alert and regroup if needed,” Baihu assured him.
“Good. Hold your ground,” Alam commanded, keeping the IFVs stationed at the city’s outskirts.
“Any sign of a counterattack?” he inquired, watching the unfolding situation.
Baihu monitored the enemy closely. “So far, they’re just digging in, trying to fortify their defenses. No counterattack yet—they're probably waiting for reinforcements.”
“Ugh, city battles. I hate them. I want to lure Red Zhang into our trenches. Any ideas?” Alam grumbled.
Baihu perked up. “How about we use a modified IFV as bait? We can make it look like a lone suicide mission. Red Zhang will think we’re sending in just one vehicle while we ambush him from the trenches.”
“Ehh... that could work. Let’s rig a remote-controlled IFV with some enemy bodies and explosives for a little fireworks show. They love fireworks; it'll boost their morale to attack us!” Alam suggested, a mischievous glint in his eye.
Baihu grinned and sprang into action, ordering the setup of the tricked-out IFV. Soon, the bait was ready, and the modified vehicle rolled out for its “suicide attack,” enticing Red Zhang to take the bait.
“Let’s see if they bite,” Alam said, rubbing his hands together as the IFV lured the enemy in like a moth to a flame.
As Red Zhang took the bait, Alam shouted, “All-out attack!”
The Wanderer Group soldiers in the trenches sprang to life, unleashing a torrent of gunfire on the unsuspecting Red Zhang troops, who were caught in a whirlwind of chaos.
“Now, let’s block the city roads. Don’t let them escape!” Alam commanded, and the mobile units sprang into action, sealing off the escape routes.
“Final push! It’s time to deliver a devastating blow and end this!” Alam urged as the counterattack unit moved in, ready to decimate the weakened enemy.
“Anyone got a battle vision?” Alam called out, peering through the chaos.
One soldier quickly activated the battle vision, displaying a massacre unfolding outside. “This isn’t a battle; it’s a slaughter!” Alam exclaimed, his eyes wide.
“They’ve even stopped firing back! Cease fire!” he ordered, realizing the tide had turned.
The order was relayed, and the onslaught halted. The Red Zhang troops, now in total disarray, panicked and began to flee.
“Mobile unit, chase them down! Urge them to surrender!” Alam commanded, as his forces pursued the panicking enemy.
“Block their route! Tanks and IFVs, cavalry forward!” he urged, mobilizing his forces to seal the deal.
“Okay, infantry, secure the city while we hunt down the remaining Red Zhang!” Alam shouted, rallying his troops.
“Relay my message in different languages: ‘Stop running or die!’” he instructed.
As the message echoed, the Red Zhang troops fell into chaos, scrambling for cover. Some surrendered, while others fled in a panic.
“Alright, run over the ones still resisting. No mercy!” Alam ordered, and the mobile unit complied, crushing the fleeing Red Zhang under their wheels.
“They’re just stubborn and stupid,” Alam remarked, mounting a machine gun on the IFV. “Aim for their legs! Make sure they can’t run again!”
Most of the Khaganate soldiers didn’t even fire their guns; they just took off, showing they were mostly recruits. The language barrier made it tough for their officers to command them effectively. The desert was littered with dead bodies, but some were lucky enough to be captured by the Wanderers.
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After the slaughter, Alam ordered the wounded to be taken prisoner and a makeshift hospital set up for treatment. “Let’s dominate this city. Cavalry, forward!” he commanded.
“Mostly contained, just small pockets left. No major attacks yet,” an officer reported.
“Let’s assert our dominance. Capture strong points and claim this city!” Alam declared.
With his orders ringing in the air, the Wanderer Group moved to secure the government office, driving toward their prize.
“Ram the gate!” Alam shouted as they arrived, and the driver complied, slamming into the entrance.
“Infantry, secure the building!” he commanded as the soldiers stormed the government office, ready to take control.
“Alright, send a squad to secure the other buildings and get snipers in position,” Alam ordered, scanning the battlefield.
The Wanderer Group quickly dispatched squads to every building, setting snipers in place to provide long-range support against Red Zhang and his elite guards. With their defenses bolstered, they braced for the inevitable confrontation.
“Now let’s secure this building!” Alam declared, charging up the stairs.
Reaching the top floor, Alam found Zhang’s elite guards already on alert. Guns raised, they opened fire.
“Sniper team, are you in position?” Alam shouted over the chaos.
“Affirmative!” came the reply. The snipers were ready to rain down fire.
“Good! Shoot anything that moves!” Alam commanded.
The sniper team complied, unleashing a hail of bullets as Alam’s squad charged toward Zhang.
“Jax, send in some heavy machine guns for suppressive fire!” Alam radioed.
“On it!” Jax replied, and soon the heavy machine gun team was laying down intense fire to cover the advance.
“Let’s wait until they soften up a bit,” Alam said, holding back his squad as the machine guns and snipers kept the pressure on.
“Cease fire! Aim RPGs at the top floor. Fire seven rounds simultaneously!” Alam ordered.
The team complied, and a barrage of RPGs flew toward the elite guards, creating chaos and confusion.
“Alright, gentlemen! Now it’s our turn!” Alam shouted, tossing a grenade as he charged up the staircase.
With a deafening boom, Alam and his squad rushed into close-quarters combat with Zhang’s guards. Bullets flew, and chaos reigned as they engaged in a fierce battle.
“They’re dug in well, but they’re just using small arms!” Alam strategized. “Position the heavy machine guns on the other building and pierce through the walls!”
The units quickly complied, redirecting their heavy fire toward Zhang’s position.
“Okay, let’s slowly advance,” Alam ordered, throwing down green smoke for cover.
Half an hour later, the fight was still brutal, with neither side gaining the upper hand. Alam called for an update on the situation outside.
“Most buildings are secured, and we’ve blocked reinforcements for Zhang,” an officer reported. “Citizens are safe in secured zones, supporting our operation.”
“Time for a little psychological warfare,” Alam said, grabbing a speaker. “Zhang, you’re completely surrounded. Surrender now!”
Zhang’s defiant reply echoed back: “We’ll never surrender! We’re the elite of the Red Nation, and we’ll fight to the last man!”
“Fine, suit yourself,” Alam said, tossing the speaker aside. “Everyone out! Plant bombs on the pillars!”
The Wanderer Group quickly exited and planted explosives, bracing for the big finale.
“Last chance, Zhang! Surrender or this will be your grave!” Alam taunted through the speaker.
“Never! We’ll die fighting!” Zhang shot back.
“As you wish,” Alam smirked, handing the detonator to Baihu. “Make it a fireworks show!”
Baihu pressed the button, and the building erupted in a spectacular explosion, collapsing dramatically as red Zhang and his guards were trapped inside.
“Let’s make this a war memorial” Alam tone shift into melancolic, tossing debris aside to mark the spot. he then sigh, remember the slaughter of the poor recruit. and now die hard patriotic bastard. this is why better to not know much about your enemy in war. its will easier if you just kill. without know.
The troops complied, creating a makeshift monument from the rubble,
“Okay... I’m feeling conflicted,” Alam admitted, rubbing his head. “But hey, we won!”
With the operation complete, the Wanderer Group celebrated their success in unifying the city under one banner, victorious and unscathed.
On November 1st, 2401, the winter winds howled through Central Asia as Alam returned to his new base in Ruyi City, once another Khaganate territory. Eleanor waited for him in his office, a map of the newly conquered territories spread across the table. The city itself bore the scars of war, but signs of rebuilding were already visible. Citizens moved about their daily lives, albeit with a cautious optimism. Wanderer patrols kept a watchful eye, but there was no sense of oppression, only a quiet acceptance of the new order.
“Finally,” Alam said, opening his arms slightly as he entered. “We took our lands back… and beyond. What's the scoop on our new territory?”
Eleanor smiled, gesturing to the map. “It’s stabilizing. The citizens are cooperating, grateful for the protection. The unification process is going smoothly. No major incidents.” She pointed to a section of the map where the Garuda Legion's former territory was now marked with the Wanderer symbol. “Baihu’s Legion has been fully integrated. She’s officially one of us now.”
Alam blinked, his gaze sweeping across the vast expanse of territory now under his control. The recent victory had indeed given him a significant chunk of the eastern wasteland. It made sense for Baihu to consolidate her power, but something about Eleanor’s tone made him wonder if there was more to the story. He looked back at her.
“Perfect,” Alam said, a thoughtful expression on his face. The sheer size of their new holdings made the threat of retaliation from the Red Nation all the more real. He stabbed a dagger into a drawing of the Red Nation flag on the map. “In peacetime, we prepare for the next war. We need to form a confederation—a true horde. It’ll be our bulwark against any Red Nation retaliation.”
“Sounds like a solid plan for expansion,” Eleanor agreed. “It’ll protect our holdings and strengthen our influence in the region.”
“Right. But I’ve noticed my forces are pretty diverse. Some are warlike, others more calm. What’s your take?” Alam asked.
“Diversity is our strength! We just need to ensure the warlike forces align with our culture, while the calmer troops help them adapt,” Eleanor suggested.
“Meanwhile,” Alam said, glancing at a map of Asia, “as we build our territory, we should expand. What do you think?”
Eleanor nodded. “While consolidating our new territory, we can also explore expansion into neighboring regions—either through persuasion or military strength.”
“Need to recruit more officers. Any names come to mind?” Alam asked.
“Sure! We can look at promising soldiers from our campaigns. I recommend Yang, Zao, and Feng—they’ve all shown talent.”
“Get them here now!” Alam ordered.
Eleanor quickly called out, “Yang, Zao, and Feng! Report to Alam’s office!”
Moments later, the three soldiers entered.
“Alright, introduce yourselves and share your achievements,” Alam commanded.
“Yang,” the soldier said, his voice steady. He adjusted the worn patch on his shoulder, a stylized hawk clutching a lightning bolt. “Carpathia, Hong Kong, Feihong… I’ve seen my share of fire. I prefer a well-planned defense, but I’m not afraid to take the fight to them.”
“Next!” Alam urged.
“I’m Zao. I joined the Wanderer Group at 16 and have fought in many battles against the Blood Khaganate. I’ve taken out numerous generals,” Zao replied.
“Impressive. And you’re how old now?”
“22,” Zao confirmed.
“Good. And you?” Alam turned to Feng.
“I’m Feng, originally from China. I joined early on and have participated in many engagements, taking out key figures in the Blood Khaganate,” Feng said.
“Alright, Eleanor, show me a map of China and its situation.”
Eleanor displayed a chaotic map riddled with factions, warlords, and ongoing conflicts. “It’s a mess over there,” she said.
“Perfect. Feng, Zao, and Yang—you're under my command now. Your mission is to unite the land of China.”
The trio nodded in affirmation, ready to tackle the challenge.
“Mission Zhongguo Conqueror has officially begun!” Alam declared, a determined grin on his face. “.
“Alright, we need to conquer this region fast. I’m eyeing the center of China. If we take it, the surrounding territories will have to acknowledge us. we fight against time before zion main force arrive and took it from us...”
Thoughts?” Alam’s voice was steady, but urgency pulsed beneath.
The council, composed of the best and brightest of the Wanderer Group, leaned in.
“Securing local support is key,” Fang explained. “We need to build relationships, show we’re not like the Blood Khaganate. Once locals see our strength, they’ll have no choice but to back us.”
“Exactly! But what if I just spearhead straight to the heart of China? Too risky?” Alam asked, eyebrow raised.
“General, that’s a dangerous move,” Zao cautioned. “Rushing in could leave us vulnerable to attacks from other regions. Methodical wins the day. Let’s secure the surrounding areas first.”
Alam sighed heavily. “I get it. But time is against us. The Red Nation is licking its wounds and will pounce if we dawdle.”
Yang chimed in. “We need to secure our position before facing the Red Nation. Taking the heart of China is a massive undertaking. Patience is key.”
“Fine, I won’t commit all our resources to a reckless charge. I’ll destabilize the region with a small force first while the rest of you expand methodically,” Alam conceded.
“Appreciate your flexibility, General,” Zao said. “A solid foundation will pave the way for a successful campaign.”
“Now, let’s get real. What challenges will we face in this China campaign?” Alam pressed, looking around the room.
Fang jumped in. “The Red Nation is a formidable foe with significant resources. We’ll encounter fierce resistance, advanced artillery, and local militias still reeling from the Blood Khaganate.”
“Right. And what about Central China?” Alam asked.
Zao replied, “It’s populous and resource-rich, but also riddled with fortified cities and local militias. Expect tough fights.”
“Any other major players in the mix?” Alam inquired.
Yang nodded. “Yes, local gangs and governments will complicate things. They have their own agendas, and we need to understand their motivations.”
“Great, so it’s a circus out there,” Alam chuckled. “Do you have any questions?”
Zao piped up. “What’s your plan for coordinating the vanguard and the main force?”
Alam outlined his plan. “Generals Zhang and Jax will lead the main force, maintaining our expansion. My vanguard will be a volunteer squad of 100, backed by ten IFVs, an artillery truck, and a Hind. Fang, you’ll oversee our progress. Yang, handle supply. Zao, you’ll manage the integration of conquered territories.”
“Any questions?”
Fang raised a hand. “Intelligence gathering?”
Yang added, “What about other Wanderer missions during this central campaign?”
Zao’s concern was more direct. “100 soldiers, General? Against a powerful nation’s heartland?”
“We have spies in place, though progress is slow,” Alam explained. “My vanguard will also act as scouts. Jax and Zhang are more than capable of handling expansion elsewhere—they’re methodical leaders, perfect for that. And Zao… 100 is enough. With Gott’s help, anything’s possible.”
Fang nodded. “Understood. The vanguard will be crucial for reconnaissance.”
Yang agreed. “Jax and Zhang are well-suited for the other operations.”
Zao remained skeptical but offered a respectful, “Very well, General.”
Alam’s gaze drifted. “Remember my story? Leading just four mercs—Anya, Talon, Jax, and myself—across Europe? I thrive on those odds.”
Fang recalled the tale. “A near-impossible mission, yet you succeeded. You’ve overcome adversity before.”
“Doesn’t guarantee a smooth ride,” Alam countered. “I could die. But even if I do, the cause continues.”
“You’re irreplaceable, General,” Fang insisted. “You’re a skilled tactician, a guerilla fighter.”
“We’ve seen your courage firsthand,” Yang affirmed.
“We faced the Blood Khaganate and the Red Nation. We’ll overcome this too,” Zao added.
“I hope so.” Alam paused. “Any final questions?”
Yang asked, “Any final words before you depart?”
Fang added, “Anything for the soldiers joining you?”
Zao inquired, “Your first plan of action in the central region?”
Alam looked towards Ruyi City, a touch of melancholy in his eyes. “I hope to return.” He then stepped atop an IFV, addressing his assembled vanguard.
He stepped onto an IFV, his voice ringing out across the assembled troops. “Gentlemen, brave women! We’ve come this far together. We will make history! We may die and turn to ashes someday—maybe tomorrow, maybe in fifty years—but today is ours! Our actions, our decisions. We are not mindless puppets. We have free will. And today… we choose to strike!”
“Who’s with me?” Alam shouted, raising his hand high.
The room erupted in unison, hands raised. “We are with you, General Alam, until the very end!”
“Forward! To China!” Alam declared.
The Wanderer Army cheered, their battle cry echoing across the field as they marched towards Central China, ready to strike at its heart. The journey had just begun. Alam turned to the map of China, the vast expanse of territory stretching out before him. Uniting such a fractured land would be his greatest challenge yet. He glanced at Yang, Zao, and Fang, their faces a mix of excitement and apprehension. He knew this would be a long and bloody road. As the last of the convoy disappeared into the vast desert, Ali and Zhang stood at the gate.
“The fact that the Blood Khaganate and Red Nation were already planning an invasion makes Alam's actions seem less like a preventative measure and more like a preemptive strike or a power grab. He's not stopping a war; he's continuing one that was already about to begin, but on his terms,” Ali mused.
Zhang nodded, his face hardening. “While Alam expresses a desire for order and stability, he doesn't clearly articulate how conquering China will achieve this.”
Ali shrugged, then whistled to call his enchanted black horse. Mounting it, he looked at the sunset on the horizon. “He might think if we're strong enough, Zion will think twice about starting their invasion,” a grim smile touching his lips. After a moment, he added “But Zion… that’s a storm he’s never weathered.” With that, Ali rode off, leaving Zhang to contemplate the uncertain future, the setting sun casting long shadows across the desert.