Alam stood atop the command tower of the Xian Base, peering through the heavy frost that coated the window like a winter's veil.. A long, bloody war lay ahead, and he couldn’t shake the hope that negotiation would soon break the tension. “This is going to be a slog,” he muttered to himself, the weight of the impending conflict pressing heavily on his mind.

His thoughts were interrupted by Fang, who had just entered with a flourish that could only be described as dramatic, if not somewhat unnecessary.perhaps she in drunk state “Ah, the illustrious lady mei is our best option,” Fang declared, her eyes glinting with the thrill of espionage. “sHe’s currently embedded in the Red Nation’s military, gathering secrets like a squirrel hoarding acorns for winter. I mean, without him, we’d be flying blind into a storm.”

Alam nodded, his brow furrowing. “Right, but what about a little deception? My advisor suggested we stir the pot. If we can spread rumors, perhaps we can drive a wedge between their soldiers and mercenaries. After all, nothing fuels distrust like a good old-fashioned whisper campaign.”

Fang clapped her hands together, an eager grin spreading across her face. “Delightfully mischievous! If we can sow discord among their ranks, we might just turn the tide in our favor. Imagine them looking over their shoulders, wondering who they can trust. It’s like high school drama, but with more bloodshed!”

“Yes, exactly,” Alam replied, a sly smile creeping onto his lips. “I’m planning to release one of their prisoners for a parley. We’ll let the rumors flow like fine wine at a banquet.”

Fang raised an eyebrow, her excitement palpable. “Ah, yes! A prisoner! Nothing says ‘let’s talk’ like an unexpected guest at the negotiation table. And who shall we invite to this little soirée?”

“Let’s start with Inat,” Alam said, his tone turning serious. “He’s the stoic general from the Blood Khaganate. A tough nut to crack, but I suspect he might have some insight worth tapping into.”

“Stoic and stubborn, just how I like my prisoners,” Fang quipped, following Alam down the dimly lit corridor toward Inat’s cell. “What’s the plan? Offer him a cup of tea and a biscuit?”

alam smile a bit on fang attempt to joke. clearly. she now in drunk state.

Inat sat in the shadows, a stone-faced figure. His sharp eyes seemed to pierce Alam. Alam took a breath.

“Hey, dude,” Alam said, sitting across from Inat. “Remember me?”

Inat’s eyes narrowed slightly. “You are the Wanderer leader. I remember you.” His voice was calm.

“Right. I’m here about your possible release,” Alam said, trying to sound confident.

Inat’s brow furrowed. “My release? Why? I am your prisoner.”

“Zion is attacking my territory. A general like you could help us reach a negotiation.”

Inat glared. “You want my help against the Red Nation? I fought against you in Central Asia. Why would I help?”

“Not exactly help,” Alam said with a grin. “More like… a bargaining chip.”

Inat’s expression darkened. “A hostage? I am not to be trifled with.”

“Yeah, I get that,” Alam said, raising his hands. “But let’s talk about you. What’s your story?”

Inat’s eyes flickered. “I joined the Blood Khaganate to protect my people after our homeland fell.”

Alam sniffed. “Your goal? Uniting Asia? World domination?”

“To bring order and stability to a chaotic world,” Inat said.

“Ironic,” Alam chuckled. “I was thinking the same thing.”

“You seek peace through conquest. Many would call you a hypocrite.”

“Hey, don’t we all?” Alam replied.

“Not all leaders. But many. Empires are forged through war.”

“True. But we’re softer than the Blood Khaganate. We prefer negotiation.”

Inat’s brow furrowed. “You think your methods are superior? Your hands are stained with blood too.”

“Bingo!” Alam said. “So, do you see me differently now?”

Inat’s expression softened slightly. “Our goals align, but our methods differ. You use conquest; I strive for peace.”

“Your arrogance is astounding,” Alam teased. “You’re either a mercenary or a Red Nation patriot.”

“I am a proud warrior of the Red Nation,” Inat replied. “I fought against your conquest.”

“Now you’re my prisoner!” Alam laughed.

Inat smiled faintly. “A powerful leader, a prisoner. Humbling.”

“How long have you served under Zion?” Alam asked.

“Long enough to see many rise and fall. I served under General Wu before Zion.”

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“Tell me about General Wu.”

Inat took a deep breath. “General Wu was a great leader. But ambition is dangerous. He tried to overthrow the Red Nation and was executed.”

“Oh, spicy,” Alam grinned.

Inat nodded. “A harsh lesson in loyalty.”

“And how did Zion rise?”

Inat’s gaze turned distant. “Zion emerged from obscurity, a young, skilled general. He quickly rose through the ranks.”

Alam leaned back. “Interesting…”

Inat smiled nostalgically. “Zion’s rise was spectacular. His bravery made him a legend. A saga of courage, ambition, and determination.”

Alam chuckled. “Now his army’s stuck in the winter steppes.”

Inat laughed lightly. “Indeed! But don’t underestimate him. He’s a master strategist. He’ll find a way.”

“Really? What will he do?”

Inat considered. “His strategies are secret. But he’ll use the winter to his advantage. The terrain favors the defender.”

“Sounds like this is going to be one legendary battle, doesn’t it?” Alam mused, a glint of excitement in his eyes.

“Absolutely,” Inat replied, his voice steady. “Both our forces are formidable. The clashes will be fierce and devastating. This battle could very well determine the fate of Asia for years to come.”

“Who do you think will win?” Alam asked, raising an eyebrow.

Inat smiled, amusement dancing in his eyes. “I can’t say for certain. Both the Red Nation and the Wanderer Groups are powerful. I believe the Red Nation will fight with everything we have, but the outcome is unpredictable until the last blow is struck.”

Alam’s surprise was evident. “I didn’t expect you to say that. I thought for sure a die-hard patriot like you would confidently claim the Red Nation’s victory.”

“I’m a patriot, yes, but I’m not delusional,” Inat replied, his tone surprisingly pragmatic. “The Wanderer Groups are formidable. I believe we’ll prevail, but the battle will be brutal and nothing is guaranteed.”

“You’ve got a good head on your shoulders,” Alam said, nodding in approval. “I thought you were just a ruthless general who throws soldiers into the fray. Now I see you’re more... pragmatic.”

Inat offered a small smile. “I understand the value of patience and strategy. I don’t waste my soldiers’ lives needlessly. There’s a game to be played in warfare, and I intend to play it wisely.”

“Well, it’s been an honor to talk and fight with you,” Alam said, standing to leave. “Farewell.”

Inat nodded, his expression once again stoic. “It has been an honor. Until we meet again—perhaps as allies, perhaps on the battlefield.”

As Alam stepped out of the prison, he felt a sudden warmth in his chest and turned to Fang, grasping her hand unexpectedly. She looked at him, her expression softening.

“Let’s stay like this for a while,” Alam murmured, a hint of vulnerability breaking through his usual bravado.

Fang smiled, amusement flickering in her eyes as she glanced down at their interlocked fingers. “Alright, but don’t keep me too long. I’ve got a reputation to maintain.”

Alam sighed deeply. “Let’s discuss this later. I’m... kind of tired.”

“Of course,” Fang replied, her face still gentle. She watched him with concern for a moment before glancing away, a hint of sadness in her eyes.

alam look at fang walk away. he then look at sky at window, and he mutter to himself “damn.. i miss eleanor”

The next day, Alam reached out to Nalin, inviting her to meet him at a hotel. When she responded, a gentle smile graced her face as she typed.

“Okay, I’ll meet you at the hotel you mentioned. What time should we meet?”

“At… hmm… faster is better,” Alam replied, eager to see her.

Nalin glanced at her watch. “Then let’s meet now! The longer we wait, the more we waste the day. Shall we?”

“Yes,” Alam agreed, his excitement palpable.

Once they arrived at the hotel, Nalin led him to a secluded table tucked away in a corner. The quiet atmosphere was a stark contrast to the bustling city outside. Her nerves were evident as she fidgeted slightly, unsure of how to navigate this more intimate setting.

“What do you think? Am I a bad person?” Alam asked suddenly, breaking the silence.

Nalin blinked, then chuckled softly. “That’s quite the opening line. Are you fishing for compliments?” Her cheeks flushed slightly. “No, not at all. You’ve been… good to me. You care for me, protect me. A bad person wouldn’t do that.”

“Yeah…” Alam murmured, then, with a completely straight face, curled up on the nearby bed. “Pat my head, please?”

Nalin stared at him for a moment, a mix of surprise and amusement on her face. “Are you serious?”

“Completely,” Alam deadpanned, his eyes twinkling.

Nalin laughed, shaking her head. She leaned over and gently patted his head. “Here you go… your royal head-patting session.”

“No… I mean pat my head,” Alam corrected, taking her hand and guiding it to the proper spot. “Like this.”

Surprise flickered across her face, followed by a wider smile. “Oh! I see. You want the full head-pat experience.” She began to pat his head more firmly, but still gently. “Is this better, your Majesty?”

“Ahh…” Alam sighed dramatically. “Much better. I feel… soothed. Like a well-groomed house cat.”

“Are you happy now? Do you like it when I pat your head?” Nalin asked, her voice light and teasing.

“It’s… therapeutic,” he replied, his eyes half-closed. “Like a tiny, repetitive massage for my skull.”

Nalin laughed, continuing the gentle pats. After a moment, Alam reached out and gently took her hand, pulling her down to sit beside him on the bed. “We’re just cuddling… nothing scandalous is happening,”

“Yes,” Alam confirmed, feeling a sense of peace wash over him.

As Nalin nestled against him, she felt a gentle kiss on her forehead, causing her to lean in even more. “Do you like it when I cling to you like this?” she whispered.

“I like being seen as a peaceful figure,” Alam replied, a smile tugging at his lips.

“I’ll try to be peaceful for you,” Nalin promised softly, her head resting on his shoulder. “I won’t hurt you or make you uncomfortable. I promise.”

“Ahh… you…” Alam began, shifting the conversation. “So, there’s a school in this city. Do you want to try joining high school?”

Nalin blinked, surprised. “You mean like… adult high school?”

“Hmm? Hehe, I know you’re mature beyond your years, but it’s normal for someone your age to join high school,” Alam explained.

“Hmm… I can’t deny that,” Nalin said, her expression thoughtful. “When you put it that way, it doesn’t seem weird. I’m an adult now, after all.”

“Well, maybe you’ll find friends your age there,” Alam suggested, hopeful.

Her eyes lit up at the thought. “You’re right! It’s been so long since I’ve had friends. You’re the only one I talk to!”

“Good,” Alam said, nodding. “So…”

Nalin sat on the edge of the bed, hands in her lap, waiting for him to decide when they would check if the school accepted adult students.

“I… I…” Alam hesitated, struggling to find the words.

Nalin noticed his silence and sat up straighter, looking directly into his eyes. “What’s wrong?”

“Never mind… Oh! Let’s go shopping for your school necessities,” he said, changing the subject.

The prospect of shopping ignited excitement in Nalin. “Oh, I love shopping! What do we need?”

“Writing books, pencils, pens… and ammo. RPG rounds… and arrows, heh,” Alam joked with a playful grin.

Her eyes widened in concern. “Wait, do we really need those? Isn’t it dangerous to fire those in a building?”

Alam burst into laughter. “Just kidding! We don’t need military equipment. Just the usual school stuff.”

Nalin sighed in relief, her initial worry melting away. “Oh good! You had me worried there for a moment. If it’s just books and supplies, shopping will be a breeze!”

“Yes,” Alam agreed. “But I’m a bit concerned about your bear,. Do you think he’ll be sad when you leave the taiga?”

Nalin’s expression shifted to one of concern. “Oh no… I didn’t think of that. he might get lonely without me around. He’s used to having me by his side.”

“I see,” Alam said, patting her head gently, a genuine smile on his face. “Well, anyway, let’s go shopping, shall we?”

And with that, they set off, hand in hand, ready to embrace whatever shopping adventures lay ahead.