The Red Army was tired. Really tired. Winter had been brutal, and now they were finally marching back to Erdenet Base, hoping to find some rest. Every step was a struggle, their breath puffing out in white clouds. They were worried about ambushes, but they just wanted to get back to their friends.
Erdenet was covered in snow, a beautiful white city against a bright blue sky. The sun was out, but it didn't do much to warm them as they trudged through the snow.
Inside the base, Hazel found Patrick leaning against a wall, looking completely exhausted. He was staring off into space, like he was trying to solve the world's problems in his head.
“Hey,” Hazel said. “Heard the southern army took a beating. The rest of us got off easy.”
Patrick just nodded, still lost in thought.
“Seriously, take a break,” Hazel said, half-joking. “Those upgrades look like they’re really helping.”
“Yeah,” Patrick mumbled, still distracted. He seemed uneasy, like something was bothering him.
“Take care, man. The big boss is planning something to deal with the enemy’s hit-and-run attacks. We’re settling in for the winter,” Hazel said.
“Sure, but if the enemy’s going guerrilla, how do we fight back?” Patrick finally met Hazel’s gaze.
Hazel shrugged, thinking it over. “I heard General Sima wants to set up a new unit for night warfare. That could help us counter their moves.”
“Sounds smart,” Patrick said, his interest piqued. “A night unit could be a game changer.”
“Are you in?” Hazel asked, a playful challenge in her tone.
“Absolutely! This is my shot to prove myself,” Patrick said, excitement lighting up his face. He was ready to dive into the darkness and take on the enemy.
“Good luck, then,” Hazel said with a nod. “Can’t wait to see you make the enemy regret ever starting this war.”
Patrick grinned, his fighting spirit soaring. “I’ll make them pay for their mistakes.”
Later, in the workshop, Panji spotted Hazel and strolled over with a smile. “Hey, man! Glad you made it!”
“Good to see you too,” Hazel replied. “What’s your plan now? Joining the defense or volunteering for the counter unit?”
Panji thought for a moment. It was a choice between staying inside and potentially getting bored to death or going outside and potentially getting actually dead. Tough call. “I think I’ll go for the counter unit. It’s riskier, but it sounds way more rewarding.”
“Oh, you’ve got guts! You’re going to face a literal demon in the winter steppes,” Hazel teased, raising an eyebrow.
“Yeah, but that’s the point! We’ve got to confront evil head-on. If we don’t, we’ll never take it down,” Panji replied, determination shining in his eyes.
“Good luck with that,” Hazel chuckled. “I’d rather hide behind the tanks. The middle and northern armies will keep pushing until we hit the Altai Mountains.”
Panji nodded, his mind racing. “I’ll need all the luck I can get, especially if we’re up against a literal demon. We need to hit their stronghold hard and fast.”
“Think their base is in the mountains?” Hazel asked, intrigued.
“Definitely. The demons have their fortress in the Altai Mountains, where they stash their supplies and plan their attacks. That’s where we need to strike to break their defenses,” Panji explained confidently.
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Hazel frowned, recalling the demons’ odd behavior. “But it’s strange—they fought hard in the south but just let the northern and middle armies roll through without much resistance.”
Panji thought about it, realizing Hazel had a point. “Yeah, that is weird. I wonder what they’re up to.”
“Once we hit the Altai Mountains, the road to Europe will open up,” Hazel said, finishing her drink.
“Right. Getting to Europe is the goal,” Panji agreed, downing his drink in one gulp.
“Do you think once the True Horde is gone, the Red Army will turn its sights on Europe?” Hazel asked, raising an eyebrow.
Panji chuckled, considering the question. “I mean, taking down the demons is priority number one, but once they’re out of the way, what’s stopping the Red Army from expanding? It could lead to World War IV.”
“Yikes,” Hazel said, glancing out at the endless snow.
“Yeah, but I believe in our army. We’re the force of justice. This war won’t be easy, but we’re ready. The supreme leader believes in us,” Yu chimed in, joining the conversation.
“True. But after this mission, I might think about retiring,” Hazel said casually, a hint of seriousness creeping in.
Yu frowned at that. “It’s too early to think about retirement! There’s too much at stake. After this war, we could see our living standards rise, maybe even get our own land.”
“I don’t care about status,” Hazel replied, smirking. “I was a gangster in Hong Kong. I learned the hard way that pleasure is... subjective.”
Yu laughed, her expression softening. “A gangster? You’re quite the character, my fellow tanker. Do you really want to go back to that life after the war?”
“Hey, if the True Horde is gone, I can take advantage of the situation. Flying Dragon 2.0 under my leadership sounds perfect,” Hazel mused, her eyes gleaming with ambition.
Yu took a sip from her drink, eyeing him with a mix of amusement and concern. “Just remember, life as a gangster doesn’t usually end well.”
“I have no regrets,” Hazel declared, fierce determination in her voice.
“Then let’s make sure we survive this war, and we’ll see what the future holds,” Yu replied, raising her drink in a toast to the uncertain path ahead.
With the Red Army marching steadily toward the Altai Mountains, the snow deepened. Yu furrowed her brow as she studied Hazel. “What are you thinking? Planning to become a gangster again after the war? But do you really think life can go back to normal? All the gangs will be gone, including the True Horde. I’m not sure Flying Dragon 2.0 can survive.”
“What do you mean? Are we supposed to live under Red Nation influence as criminals?” Hazel shot back, raising an eyebrow.
“That’s exactly it,” Yu replied, her tone serious. “Our commander has declared he’ll wipe out all criminal organizations post-war, including ours. The supreme leader wants to create a new nation free from corruption, where everyone is equal. No gangs allowed.”
“Funny, I heard North America’s Red Nation is implementing segregation and various gangs,” Hazel shot back with a smirk.
Yu chuckled. “Well, the North American Red Nation was established a long time ago. Yes, they have gangs, but it’s nothing compared to the chaos we have in Asia. Our gangs are steeped in murder, drugs, and trafficking. Over there? Not as dangerous. They’re more like a neighborhood watch gone wrong.”
“I see. I guess I’ll never understand until I see whole America with my own eyes,” Hazel mused,
Yu laughed, her eyes sparkling. “you will love to go to America after this war. to experience their culture, try their food, and meet their beautiful ai women.”
As November arrived, the Red Nation had consolidated its control over most of Mongol territory and the northern steppes. But a stalemate held along the China and Korean borders.
In Zion’s command center, he studied the map. “Good progress in the north, but this stalemate is unacceptable. We need to break it.”
A Red General spoke. “We control 70% of their territory. The south took heavy losses. Their last stand will be in the Altai Mountains.”
“Then we’ll crush them there,” Zion said. “But we can’t let them entrench themselves. We need to keep the pressure on.”
“Should we focus on Europe or the rebels first?” the General asked.
“The rebels are a thorn in our side. We deal with them first,” Zion decided. “But their mountain strongholds won’t be easy. We’ll need Sima’s new unit and the Strato Cannon.”
Suddenly, an officer rushed in. “Sir! A large force of tanks is approaching from the west! Golden Caravan markings! They’re heading to support the rebels!”
Zion’s eyes widened. “Golden Caravan? This changes everything. Where are they?”
“They’ve passed Istanbul, moving through Georgia, now in Bukhara. They’re clearly heading for Central Asia.”
“They can’t reach the rebels,” Zion said, his voice hardening. “We need to intercept them. What forces do we have available?”
“Some elite units in Russia, and scattered remnants of the Blood Khaganate,” the General replied. “But they’re isolated.”
Zion considered this. “We can’t let them link up. This is a priority. Contact the Emerald League in Persia. Offer them whatever they want. We need their mercenaries, their weapons. This alliance… it must be broken.”
In the heart of the tank workshop, Chrome's voice echoed through the clanging metal and hissing steam. "To be a hero, you must be looking for trouble," he said, his eyes gleaming with a mix of mischief and wisdom.
Panji, leaning against a stack of crates, smirked. "Do we just look like a tiny speck of dust in the universe?" he bantered back.
Chrome chuckled, his laughter bouncing off the steel walls. "Alright, smart ass, enough with the jokes. Why are you here? Why aren't you content with your current title?"
Panji stood up, his red shades glinting in the dim light. "I am the answer to all your prayers," he declared with a grin.
Chrome raised an eyebrow, his cape fluttering in the winter wind. "What the heck do you mean?"
"When Zion is gone, I will become the ruler of the free world and stop the war," Panji said, his grin widening.
Chrome's eyes widened in surprise. "Dang, boy, you've got big dreams, huh? All the Justice members are satisfied being petty lords overseas. Once a lowly gang member, now a ruler. But you, you've got big plans. You're going to die for sure."
Panji shrugged, his grin unwavering. "Yeah, sure. Anyway, nice new jaw."
Chrome rubbed his chin, the new skin smooth and seamless. "Ahh, this? Yeah, I'm now the ruler of the Eastern Realm. They had the tech to give me a new face."
Chrome then continue. "But Maybe. But even specks can cause avalanches." He finally looked up, his new jaw gleaming in the workshop light. "So, you're joining Sima's unit?"
"Someone has to deal with those demons," Panji said. "Besides… I have a score to settle."
Chrome nodded slowly, a serious look on his face. The news of the Golden Caravan’s approach had cast a long shadow over the base. This war was about to get a lot bigger.