The next day, Alam returned to the siege of Xian as dark clouds loomed overhead, unleashing a relentless downpour.
This was the gateway to China—the Xian Empire, a remnant of the old government acting like medieval emperors, residing in an ancient palace. The city was surrounded by walls made from the ruins of ancient skyscrapers, and local bandits patrolled the area. To the Xian emperor, the True Horde was just another pesky warlord, blissfully unaware of the looming threat posed by the Red Nation in the bigger picture. Capturing and defeating the Xian Empire was crucial for Alam.
The capital was split by the Wei River: Xian to the south, Xianyang to the north. The walls, built from ruined buildings, were sloped against artillery but still tough.
Fang, observing the city from a distance, spotted an open field with minimal cover—just the foundations of the old city. Xian City was a fortress beyond.
“Looks like we’re in for a storm,” Fang remarked, glancing at the ominous sky. “We should prepare for flooding that could impact our operations.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Alam replied, squinting at the rain-soaked landscape. “But what about the enemy? Any signs of movement?”
Fang shook her head, her expression serious. “According to the latest intel, the Empire of Xian is gearing up for a counterattack. They’re reinforcing their defenses and positioning troops near our dam construction site. Expect an attack very soon.”
“Great,” Alam sighed. “I underestimated them. I thought they’d be scared of our numbers, but this rainy season will help us—it’ll slow them down in the open. But if they stick to the roads, we’re in trouble. So, let’s put mines on that damn road!”
“Good call,” Fang agreed. “The rain could give us a tactical advantage, but we have to make sure they don’t take the roads easily. Those mines will slow them down and cause chaos.”
“Exactly!” Alam’s confidence surged. “Plus, the threat to the dam will be more pressing with the rain. And listen, one of my new officers suggested we could win this battle quickly and pull off a coup. We can spread rumors and propaganda in the city.”
“Now that’s a plan,” Fang said, her eyes lighting up. “The rain will certainly increase the threat to our dam, and chaos within the Empire of Xian could make this battle much easier for us. We should absolutely push that idea forward.”
“Unfortunately, my best agent isn’t here,” Alam said, frustration creeping in. “I need someone new to handle the propaganda while I oversee the dam construction and defenses.”
“Agreed,” Fang replied. “It’s a shame your top agent isn’t around, but we can’t neglect the dam or our forces. I’ll find a suitable candidate for the propaganda operation.”
“Thanks, Fang. Find a volunteer,” Alam instructed, feeling the pressure of leadership tighten around him.
By the fourth day of the siege, Alam was growing impatient.
“The siege has reached its fourth day,” Fang reported. “We’re maintaining pressure on the enemy’s defenses, making slow but steady progress. We’re using our superior numbers and firepower to wear them down piece by piece. Mine-laying and air attacks are further sapping their morale.”
“Great. And what about our agent?” Alam asked, eager for updates.
“Good news! I’ve identified a suitable candidate for our propaganda operation,” Fang said, her voice brimming with excitement. “They’re a loyal volunteer, ready to execute this task effectively.”
“Send them to me now,” Alam ordered, feeling a surge of hope.
Fang nodded and dispatched the volunteer agent to Alam’s location.
Moments later, a young man approached, a confident smile on his face.
“My name is Jiang,” he said, extending his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you and work with the Wanderer Army. I’m ready to execute the propaganda and rumor-spreading operation. I understand the sensitivity of this task, and I’ll carry it out with precision.”
Alam eyed Jiang, impressed. “Alright, Jiang. We need to create chaos in the Empire of Xian. Your job is to spread rumors that undermine their morale and create dissent. Can you handle that?”
“Absolutely,” Jiang replied confidently. “I’ve got experience in this sort of operation. Just give me the green light, and I’ll make it happen.”
“Good. Show me what you’ve got,” Alam said, curious about Jiang’s qualifications.
Jiang activated his camouflage cloak, transforming into a shimmering, water-like figure, before returning to his normal appearance.
Alam blinked in surprise, impressed. “Okay, I see you’ve got skills. But why betray your empire?”
“I’m a former spy for the Empire of Xian,” Jiang explained calmly. “I defected to the Wanderer Army after witnessing the atrocities committed against its people. I couldn’t support such a cruel regime anymore. The Wanderer Army stands for freedom and justice, and I believe in its fight against the Empire.”
“Right,” Alam said, narrowing his eyes. “But how do I know you’re not a double agent?”
Jiang met Alam’s gaze steadily. “I assure you, I’m not a double agent. I’ve sworn an oath to serve the Wanderer Army. I understand the importance of my work, and I won’t falter in my loyalty.”
Alam raised an eyebrow. “What kind of atrocities are we talking about?”
“I’ve documented many atrocities committed by the Empire of Xian,” Jiang replied. “Mass indoctrination, imprisonment of dissidents, brutal oppression of minorities, forced labor camps—you name it. they even work with local bandit to created cycle of violence. to justify their power, I couldn’t stay in a regime rife with evil.”
“Do you have evidence to support your claims?” Alam asked, skeptical.
“Yes, I do,” Jiang said, producing a data disc. “This contains footage, testimonies, and documentation of the Empire’s brutality. It’s all up-to-date and could be useful for our propaganda efforts.”
“Show me,” Alam demanded, intrigued.
The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
Jiang handed over the disc. “It paints a clear picture of the Empire’s cruelty. I hope it can assist you and the Wanderer Army.”
Alam examined the disc, tapping his lips thoughtfully. “Alright, Jiang. I’m halfway to trusting you.” He handed Jiang a silenced pistol.
Jiang took the pistol, inspecting it closely. “I appreciate your trust. I’ll use this to ensure our operations are carried out discreetly.”
Alam chuckled. “Just so you know, that pistol is unloaded. You’re not about to kill me with a toy.”
Jiang nodded, unfazed. “Yes, it’s a prop for intimidation. I understand your caution, and I’ll prove my loyalty.”
“Okay, so what’s your plan for spreading rumors and propaganda?” Alam asked, eager for details.
Jiang grinned. “It’s a three-tiered operation. First, we’ll spread rumors about the Empire’s oppression using covert channels like whispering campaigns. Second, we’ll distribute propaganda materials—pamphlets, leaflets, you name it. Lastly, we’ll leverage my underground contacts to amplify our message.”
Alam raised an eyebrow. “You’ve got a tunnel network? Impressive! So, this siege is your chance, isn’t it?”
“Exactly,” Jiang replied. “The siege provides the perfect opportunity to exploit my network and spread chaos. I believe we can undermine the Empire’s authority and create instability.”
“Alright, Jiang. You’ll conduct some... creative operations. We can provide you with the tools,” Alam said, feeling more confident about their chances.
“I’m skilled in the techniques of sabotage and subterfuge,” Jiang said, a hint of mischief in his eyes. “Just give me what I need, and I’ll handle the rest.”
“Good. Speak to Fang. She’ll set you up with everything you need,” Alam instructed.
“Got it,” Jiang replied. “Before I head out, what’s the situation like in Xian?”
“It’s tense and unstable,” Jiang noted. “The siege has instilled fear and uncertainty among the citizens. They’re facing food shortages and rising prices, creating a real sense of unrest that we can take advantage of.”
“Perfect,” Alam said, a grin spreading across his face. “I don’t want this siege to drag on. Jiang, you’re my joker card now. Good luck out there.”
“I won’t let you down,” Jiang said, saluting with determination. “Let’s show the Empire of Xian the true strength of the Wanderer Army and unite the people against their oppressors. We will triumph!”
As the siege dragged on, the rain continued its relentless assault on the fifth day, providing a perfect backdrop for Jiang’s covert mission. Cloaked in his chameleon-like camouflage, he effortlessly scaled the rain-slicked walls, moving with the practiced ease of a seasoned infiltrator. Not a single alarm was triggered, not a guard alerted to his presence. He slipped into the city like a phantom, melting into the shadows of the narrow, rain-washed streets. His destination: MC Pizza and Grill.
The establishment wasn’t exactly a culinary hotspot—more of a greasy spoon masquerading as a fast-food joint. But for Jiang, it was HQ. Inside, he shed his cloak, revealing the familiar red and white uniform of an MC Pizza delivery driver. He pulled a matching cap low over his face, effectively completing his disguise. Beneath a stack of pizza boxes, carefully concealed, lay his true cargo: carefully crafted propaganda messages, ready to be disseminated throughout the city.
He set off, a stack of "hot and ready" lies and half-truths balanced precariously in his arms. He navigated the rain-slicked streets with practiced ease, blending seamlessly with the flow of civilian traffic. The Xian guards, with their distinctive yellow uniforms, modern body armor, and tightly bound hair secured with red ribbons, were a stark contrast to the ragtag appearance of the local populace and the remnants of other warlord’s armies. The higher-ranking officers, however, were a different story. They sported advanced tech, like the AI sensor mounted on one officer’s shoulder, which scanned the surrounding area with cold, calculating precision.
As Jiang rounded a corner, he came face-to-face with one such officer. The sensor swivelled, fixing its unblinking eye on him. “Halt!” the officer barked, his voice amplified by a small speaker on his collar.
Jiang froze for a split second, weighing his options. Flight was risky, compliance a gamble. He opted for the latter, plastering a disarming, innocent expression on his face as he turned to face the officer.
The sensor whirred, scanning Jiang from head to toe. “You failed to report to the city line yesterday,” the officer stated, gesturing to small devices mounted at each street corner, designed to monitor civilian movement and maintain order.
“Uh, yeah,” Jiang stammered, feigning a wince and holding up a hand, the knuckles faintly reddened. “Had a little… kitchen accident, you know? Burnt my hand pretty bad. Had to see the doc.” The redness, of course, was from his earlier climb over the rough stone of the city wall.
The officer paused, his sensor still fixed on Jiang. For a tense moment, Jiang held his breath. Then, with a dismissive wave of his hand, the officer grunted, “Move along.”
Jiang offered a quick nod of thanks and continued on his delivery route, a bead of sweat trickling down his temple. He could feel the officer’s sensor tracking him for a few more moments before it finally turned away.
With renewed focus, Jiang resumed his clandestine campaign.. The seeds of doubt and discontent were sown. Confusion and mistrust began to fester within the population, slowly eroding the Empire’s control.
Later that midday, the rain continued to pour, and Alam sat in the makeshift tent, surrounded by his officers. Most of them were new recruits from the Mongolian warlord ranks who had joined the True Horde.
“Alright, how’s our progress with the mines and traps on the road?” Alam asked, shifting his attention to the officer standing before him.
“Your Excellency’, our progress is right on track,” the officer replied, visibly trying to impress. “We’ve deployed the mines and traps in key locations and are finalizing their operational readiness. We’ve even set up remote-detonation capabilities, so we can trigger them at our discretion. We expect everything to be ready within the next two days.”
“Good,” Alam nodded, feeling a surge of confidence. “That should discourage any enemy counterattack. I just hope they don’t know our real numbers. If they do, their morale will skyrocket.”
“Unlikely,” the officer reassured him. “We’ve concealed our forces well. The enemy is probably underestimating us. As long as we keep our numbers hidden, we can maintain their low morale until the right moment to strike.”
“Exactly. I have high hopes for our new agent. If he succeeds, there might not even be a need for a siege or a flood plan,” Alam said, a hint of optimism creeping into his voice.
“Absolutely, Excellency’. Our new agent has shown remarkable skill,” the officer said, his enthusiasm palpable. “If he continues to influence the population within the Empire of Xian, we could end this siege sooner than expected. The weakened regime will be ripe for the picking!”
“Please, don’t call me ‘Your Excellency’! It makes me sound like a bloated emperor or something!” Alam chuckled, shaking his head.
The officer stammered, “I apologize, Sir! What should I call you? Lord? Sire? Your Highness?”
“Just ‘Sir’ or ‘General’ is fine. I don’t care about titles,” Alam replied, rolling his eyes.
“Understood, Sir. Your leadership has been crucial to our campaign. It’s an honor to serve you,” the officer said, his tone dripping with sincerity.
“Alright, what’s your rank, officer?” Alam asked, trying to remember names and faces in the chaos of war.
“I’m a Major, Sir. I’ve been instrumental in strategizing and executing our military operations since the inception of the Wanderer Army. I’ve learned a lot from your strategic wisdom,” the officer said, puffing out his chest.
“Sorry, it’s just hard to remember everyone’s face and name,” Alam admitted, feeling a bit guilty.
“No need to apologize, Sir. In war, it’s tough to keep track of names. Just focus on the campaign,” the officer reassured him. “We’ve made tremendous progress, and the time to strike is approaching. Let’s keep morale high.”
“Right. Keep up the good work,” Alam said, feeling a sense of camaraderie wash over him.
The sixth morning of the siege dawned clear. From his vantage point, Alam scanned Xian through his binoculars. The siege was proceeding as planned. The rain had stopped, revealing the Wanderer Army’s network of mines and traps, now ready for detonation. Sharpshooters traded fire across the muddy field, the distinct crack of Wanderer rifles finding their mark more often than not. When enemy mortars targeted their snipers, IFVs promptly retrieved them, maintaining their advantage. The city gates remained firmly shut, the Xian defenders showing no signs of aggression. Alam watched his troops move with disciplined efficiency along the perimeter.
“This is weird,” he muttered to himself. “They have the numbers, but why haven’t they attacked yet? Is Jiang doing his job well?”
Meanwhile, Jiang had been busy conducting covert operations aimed at weakening the Empire of Xian's authority. His tactics included spreading anti-Xian rumors, assassinating key government officials, and bombing crucial infrastructure. These efforts had sown confusion and mistrust among the population, significantly undermining the Empire's legitimacy.
So far, all signs pointed to success. The enemy forces hadn’t launched a counterattack or increased their aerial bombardments.
“Maybe they’re just waiting for the right moment to strike,” Alam mused, adjusting his binoculars. “Or maybe they’re too busy dealing with their own mess. Either way, we need to capitalize on this.”
He couldn’t shake the feeling that Jiang’s influence was working wonders. If the Empire of Xian was crumbling from the inside, the Wanderer Army might just have a shot at a swift victory. The rain might have turned into a metaphorical storm for their enemies, and Alam was ready to ride that wave to success.
On the seven day of the siege of Xian, the rain continued to pour, drenching Alam as he surveyed the dam's construction from his tent. Progress was steady—almost too steady—and Alam could see the dam nearing completion. But he knew better than to pop the champagne just yet. The Wanderer Army’s mining and trapping operations could disrupt everything, but he needed to wait to see how that played out.
“Hey! This is moving faster than we planned!” Alam called to Fang, who was busy scribbling notes. “Let’s send a letter to the Empire of Xian, asking them to surrender. They’re aware of what we’re capable of, right?”
“As you wish, General,” Fang replied, rolling her eyes at the formality. “I’ll deliver the letter. The Wanderer Army has shown its power. The Empire must know the disaster that awaits them if we follow through with the flood plan. I’ll dispatch it immediately and return with their answer.”
“Great,” Alam said, rubbing his hands together. “Now, let’s see if they have the sense to save their skins.”
The next morning, as a mild rain drizzled from the gray sky, Alam sat anxiously in his tent, waiting for Fang’s return. Hours dragged on until a messenger burst in, breathless and soaked.
“What do they say?” Alam asked, barely able to contain his anticipation. while other officer look at the messeger with anticipation
The messenger shook his head, “The Empire of Xian refuses to surrender.” He then give the letter's 'We will not give our land to you, you smelly Turk. Our walls are strong. Our soldiers are virtuous. Bring on your slings and arrows.'”
Alam read the letter, his expression hardening. he actually impressed they bother to write on paper with ink for archaic insult,alam clear his throat “So, they choose defiance,” he said, his voice flat. “Very well. The flood will proceed as planned.”
“Indeed, General,” the messenger confirmed. “Our attempts at negotiation have failed. This is the only way to achieve a swift victory.”
Alam nodded, his gaze fixed on the map of the region. “A swift victory is what we need. This isn’t about breaking their spirit; it’s about ending this conflict quickly and minimizing further losses on both sides.” He sighed. “Casualties will be unavoidable… but perhaps fewer than a prolonged siege.”
Alam notice the grim atsmosphere in tent,he then change his tone a bit to make less gloomy Alam sighed, a weary smile touching his lips. "Well, they asked for it. Let's see if their virtous soldier can swim."some officer face is light up again.