Nalin noticed Alam had finished his meal but had fallen silent again. Concern flickered across her face as she sensed he was holding something back. “Is something wrong?” she asked gently, her voice filled with warmth. “You seem like you want to talk, but you’re also reluctant.”
Alam shifted, hesitating before responding. “What’s your opinion on the True Horde?”
At the mention of the True Horde, Nalin’s expression shifted to one of shock and suspicion. This wasn’t a topic to be taken lightly; they were the enemies of both the Tsaatan and Blood Khaganate. “What do you mean by ‘what’s my opinion of the True Horde’? What do you want to know?” she replied cautiously.
“Let’s just say… I belong to them,” Alam revealed, his words hanging heavy in the air.
Nalin froze, her breath catching in her throat. “You’re a member of the True Horde?” she echoed, disbelief creeping into her voice. The warmth of their earlier conversation evaporated, replaced by tension.
“Yes,” Alam confirmed, his tone matter-of-fact.
Her voice rose in anger. “So you’re one of them—the group that massacres nomads and attacks my people?” Nalin’s eyes flashed with fury, and the tension between them crackled like static electricity.
“No, I don’t think we do that… We just attack mercenaries and Blood Khaganate soldiers,” Alam said, trying to defend himself.
Nalin’s anger simmered, but she kept her voice steady. “That’s not completely true. Your comrades attack innocent people for no reason and kill anyone who opposes them without mercy. They even kidnap children and enslave them. Your leader is a ruthless tyrant.”
Alam narrowed his eyes in response. “I’ve never heard that. I know some of them are new recruits under ex-warlords, but what you’re saying is half-truth.”
Nalin’s expression remained skeptical. “Well then, enlighten me. What’s the full truth?”
“The True Horde Confederation is uniting various mercenaries and tribes to take control of Central Asia. They reached Central China and Korea about three months ago. The Blood Khaganate is on the defensive… unless the Red Nation comes after them,” Alam explained.
Nalin’s surprise was evident. “You said the True Horde has already reached Central China and Korea? I thought they were still in Europe! Are you sure this information is correct?”
“Yes,” Alam replied, a hint of pride creeping into his voice. “I saw a golden statue of Kim Jong Un while I was in Korea.”
Nalin was momentarily stunned. “Wait, you’ve been to Korea yourself?”
“Yes,” Alam confirmed.
Nalin’s eyes widened in astonishment. “So you managed to conquer Korea and unite all their people into your group, and some factions joined you voluntarily? I thought Koreans were the most resistant against you, but they ended up joining you?” A hint of worry crept into her voice.
“Yes, some fought, and some joined willingly,” Alam replied.
Nalin’s expression intensified with concern. “That’s quite a development. How large is the True Horde now? How many members have you gathered?”
“It’s… a military secret,” Alam said, a teasing note in his tone.
“Of course, a military secret,” Nalin replied, rolling her eyes playfully. “Let’s make a bet. If I guess your group size correctly, will you tell me how many members the True Horde has?”
“Okay…” Alam said, raising an eyebrow.
“Good. Here’s my first guess: I think the True Horde is around two to three million people, with about 150,000 active members. Am I correct?” Nalin asked, a playful smirk on her lips.
“Eh… not quite right,” Alam replied, stifling a laugh.
Nalin’s curiosity piqued. “Really? I’m surprised to hear that. Can you tell me the correct answer so I know what my next guess should be?”
“The population is higher, but the army is actually lower than that,” Alam clarified.
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Nalin furrowed her brow, trying to wrap her mind around the numbers. “Huh? That’s quite surprising. If the armies of the True Horde are lower than that number, then… I guess my next guess might be too high. How about nine to ten million for the population of the True Horde?”
“I think it’s safe to say that since we’re a confederation, our members might not always be truthful about their numbers,” Alam explained.
Nalin nodded, understanding the implication. “I see why you say the number could be higher. If some members don’t tell the truth about their number, then the actual population might be much larger.”
“Speaking of which, what do they say about the True Horde leader?” Alam asked, shifting the topic slightly.
Nalin hesitated, her tone becoming cautious. “Well… they say he’s a ruthless tyrant. He always seeks more power and tries to expand his territory. There are worse things said about him, but you probably don’t want to hear those.”
“Ha! I see…” Alam chuckled.
Nalin smiled, her mood lightening. “Now, why are you laughing at me? Don’t you know the True Horde leader is not someone to take lightly? He can be quite scary, you know.”
“Scary? Sure… but maybe he’s a vampire!” Alam winked playfully.
Nalin’s cheeks flushed at the thought. “Vampire? Pfft! Why would you say something like that?”
“Because vampires can be charming,” Alam teased.
Nalin couldn’t help but laugh, shaking her head. “Vampires are indeed charming, but they’re also dangerous. The main danger is their impulsive desire to suck you dry. They won’t stop until they drain you completely, and that’s why most people consider them dangerous monsters.”
Alam sighed heavily, his expression deepening as he processed Nalin's earlier warning about vampires. She noticed the change in his demeanor, concern knitting her brow. “What’s wrong? You seem bothered,” she asked gently.
“Yeah…” Alam replied, his voice trailing off.
Nalin’s concern grew as she sensed his reluctance to open up. “Okay, I’ll stop asking. Now, for my second guess… uh, how about 25 million? Do you want to reveal the true number now?”
“Uhk… I think I need sleep,” Alam murmured, his eyelids drooping.
“Yeah, you should definitely take a nap,” Nalin said, her tone lightening. “But about that bet… you remember what you promised, right?”
Alam stood up, ready to retreat to his bed. “I’m going to bed now,” he said.
“Yeah, you definitely need to rest. But let’s talk about our dinner date tomorrow,” Nalin said, smiling as she raised a finger, counting off her ideas. “How about I pick the place, and you choose the time?”
“What are you talking about?” Alam asked, confusion flickering across his face.
Nalin laughed, a playful glint in her eye. “I’m talking about the dinner date I mentioned yesterday! When you promised me dinner, you agreed to be my date, right?”
“Uh? What… date?” Alam stammered, trying to process her words.
“Oh, did you forget?” Nalin teased, leaning in closer. “Remember our bet about guessing the True Horde’s population? You promised me dinner if I got it right.”
“Oh, I see… that,” Alam replied, realization dawning on him.
Nalin’s smile widened. “Good! Now let me decide on the dinner date. Do you have any food preferences?”
“I… I don’t know. A date with a 16-year-old girl? Just be yourself; I’ll be okay.”
Nalin blushed slightly at the mention of her age. “I’m not THAT young! Please don’t describe me like that. But you’re right about one thing—I’ll just be myself. Anyway, is there any particular food you like?”
“So, how old are you?” Alam asked, genuine curiosity in his tone.
Surprised by the question, Nalin thought for a moment. “Well… I guess you can just guess.”
“Fourteen?” Alam guessed playfully.
She shook her head vigorously. “Nope, wrong again! Keep trying!”
“Haha… six?” he tried again.
Nalin raised an eyebrow, a mix of disbelief and amusement crossing her face. “No way! How can you guess that?”
“Okay, okay… sixteen?” Alam offered, a smirk on his lips.
“Not that young! You’re guessing in the wrong direction. Just imagine I’m in college. How old do I look?”
“Then why were you lying at first? You said you were around 16 or 17…”
Nalin pouted playfully, shaking her head. “Oh, that’s just a little white lie. I actually turned 17 last week. I look young because I always take care of myself.”
“Yeah, sure, next time you’ll be back to 16 again,” Alam joked.
Nalin laughed, her cheeks flushing. “Oh no, you got me! Yes, I probably would. But people often mistake me for 16, and it always makes me laugh. So, how old are you? I’m curious.”
“Guess,” Alam said, raising an eyebrow.
Nalin’s competitive spirit flared. “Okay, let’s play the guessing game. I’ll guess first. Hmm… you’re in your late 20s?”
“Umm… yeah, kinda,” Alam admitted, a grin creeping across his face.
“Late 20s? Maybe 28 then?” Nalin suggested, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
“Sure, you can say that,” Alam replied, chuckling.
“Great! So I was right. The only bad thing is you’re 28 and still single… haha,” Nalin teased.
“Never mind… raising a child is hard, you know?” Alam retorted, his tone suddenly serious.
Nalin’s expression softened. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up any sad memories. But hey, at least now you can go on a nice date with a pretty girl like me, right?”
“Not sure… I actually already have you,” Alam said, rubbing her cheek.
Nalin blushed. “Why are you suddenly so affectionate? You were so serious just a moment ago.”
“Yeah, we should get some sleep. Tomorrow will be interesting…” Alam said, pulling his blanket around him.
“Definitely,” Nalin agreed. “Do you have a horse or reindeer? We could have a picnic.”
“I have my old horse. Why reindeer?”
“I just see a lot of them around here.”
“True. Are you serious about that picnic?”
“Yeah, let’s see,” Alam said, yawning.
“Alright! Let’s get some rest. Tomorrow will be fun,” Nalin said as they settled in for the night. The bond between them grew stronger.
The weeks passed, September’s warmth giving way to October’s biting winds and snow. On the South Front…
The frozen steppes of Mongolia lay beneath a thick blanket of snow, a serene mask on the brewing war.
Panji sat atop his tank, surveying the terrain. The distant sounds of war—infantry, baggage trains pulled by horses and reindeer—filled the air. Snow transformed the world into an untouched realm, yet the land felt tense, holding its breath.
Patrick escorted Panji. The Bastard Brigade, now near-mythical, wore unified dark crimson cloaks, carried standard-issue rifles and machetes, but some kept personal items, like Patrick’s hat and katana.
A massive column of horsemen, armed with spears, guns, and RPGs, charged Panji's squad. “Attention! Enemy troops approaching! Get ready!”
The Red Army prepared, weapons ready. The ground trembled.
Gunfire erupted, and the horsemen charged into melee. Cannons and machine guns struggled in the snow, the Buffalo tank lagging behind. The horsemen attacked with terrifying speed. Chaos unfolded.
After a frenzied melee, machine gun fire forced a retreat, but the enemy regrouped. The machine gunners focused on the enemy commander, taking him down, but the horsemen surged forward.
Just as the tide seemed to turn, the Buffalo tank, freed from the snow by a chain, rumbled onto the front lines, its firepower sending the remaining horsemen fleeing.
“Another victory for justice!” Patrick shouted. Panji and the soldiers joined the battle cry.
A general staff member arrived on a snowmobile. “What’s wrong?”
“Sir, we had a victory. They tried to get in close, but the tank held them off.”
The officer nodded, scanning the battlefield. "They're trying to slow us down. We need to move faster. This terrain is tougher than we expected. We need to link up with the central force across the Orkhon River. The bulldozer and repair truck are damaged."
Panji suggested, "We could use the Buffalo to clear obstacles."
The officer looked at the tank. "It's not designed for that. It's a mobile gun."
"But it can clear obstacles with its guns. It's faster than waiting for engineers," Panji argued.
The officer sighed. "This advance is slower than planned. We're spread thin. The central force has more supplies."
Panji studied a map. "The river crossing shouldn't be a problem."
“Good. You’ll be promoted if we make it there. My Caesar bless our mighty army,” the officer said.
“I’ll do my best. Let’s move out! We shall cross the river and regroup!” Panji said.
The Red Army prepared to advance.