With the world’s eyes glued to the True Horde versus Red Nation showdown, a new conflict was brewing. Minor skirmishes between the Emerald League (the Green Nation) and the Golden Caravan were putting a serious strain on Emerald League and True Horde relations. They were both part of the NWC, but as usual, the rules were more like guidelines. Proxy wars were the name of the game, with Yellow Nation soldiers swapping out their uniforms for mercenary gear. The Green forces, already heavy on mercenaries, simply hired other mercenaries to bonk up the Yellow Nation’s cosplayers. It was a mess, and it was about to get messier.

The black market mafia based on Emerald League is charging Alam exorbitant prices to sell weapon supplies, making it difficult for him to secure the artillery he needs to counter red army tanks.

Carmelita suggests that a pirate base at the tip of Northern Europe might offer a better deal. alam start his journey, He orders the elite Wanderer force to escort him, ensuring he has the best protection possible.

As Alam travels from Xian to Europe, nostalgia washes over him. He passes through the Taiga, memories of his meeting with Nalin flooding back, Nalin’s laugh echoing through the trees. Then, as he crosses the vast desert of Central Asia, he recalls the fierce battles he fought to reclaim his territory from the Khaganate. the wrecks of the rusty steels can be seen scattered around.

The Ural Mountains remind him of the time he met his favorite secretary, Eleanor, back when the Wanderers were just a ragtag group of vigilante mercenaries. Each landmark brings a mix of emotions—loss, pride, and a heavy burden he carries as a leader.

Later, at the St. Petersburg harbor, Alam landed his black Hind helicopter and strolled over to a docked submarine. It wasn't just any sub—it was practically the Sea Wolf pirates' floating palace. Apparently, its missile capabilities were their way of keeping the local factions in line.

Alam walked towards it, the chilly north wind whipping around him, and crossed the small bridge to the submarine. A couple of pirates gave him the once-over. "Just armor and a cheap pistol," Alam told them, taking in their own interesting mix of arctic military gear and leather. These guys were armed with everything from rifles to, well, axes. They then escorted him up onto the submarine's deck to meet Olga, a woman with black leather dress, a silver fluffy fur draped over her shoulders, and a red feather sticking out of her black hat.

“Hello there, woman…” Alam greets her.

Olga-Varvara glances at him with a bored expression, clearly unimpressed. “Who are you and what do you want?” she asks bluntly, one hand on her hip, taking note of his Just armor and a cheap pistol… hardly impressive. But the way he carries himself… there’s something there. Confidence, maybe. Or just plain foolishness. We’ll see.

“I’m the leader of the True Horde. We’re dealing with the Red Army and struggling to get artillery ammunition from the market. I’m here to strike a deal,” Alam explains.

Olga raises an eyebrow, intrigued. “The True Horde, you say? And you’re struggling to obtain artillery ammunition? That’s a problem. What kind of deal are you proposing?”

Alam continues, “Since the beginning of the war, we’ve relied on the black market, but now I want to skip the broker. The Green Nation is taking too much profit already.”

Olga nods, listening intently. “I see... So, you want to cut out the middleman and deal directly with us instead of going through the black market. That’s reasonable. Dealing with brokers can be a pain, and they often take advantage of your needs.”

She taps her chin thoughtfully, he’s not afraid to take risks. I like that. Brokers are parasites anyway.". “So, how much artillery ammunition are you looking to get?”

“As much as you can bring us. We’ll pay with silver,” Alam replies.

Olga smiles slightly. “Ah, you want a lot, and you’ll be paying with silver. Very well, we can supply you with a decent amount of ammunition at a favorable price. However, I’d like to ask a favor in return.”

“What is that?” Alam inquires.

Olga grins mischievously. “Oh, just a little something in exchange for all this ammunition. I have a rival I’d like you to deal with—someone who’s been a nuisance and a threat to my interests. Can you help me with that?”

“Alright. Show me the name and location,” Alam agrees.

“Excellent. This person’s name is... let’s call him ‘Smith.’ He runs a competing arms dealership in the Red Zone and has been undercutting my prices. His base is in a secret underground bunker south of St. Petersburg. It’s well-guarded, but I’m sure you have your ways of handling that. His real name is James, if that helps. He has a weakness for pretty girls,” Olga explains.

“Smith... James... really? Those sound like cliché names,” Alam chuckles.

Olga laughs softly. “You’re right, they are rather cliché. But that makes it all the more amusing. This ‘James’ is a simple man with simple weaknesses, making him vulnerable and easy to deal with. So, are you up for the task? I have a feeling you’ll enjoy taking care of this little nuisance for me.”

“Consider it done. I have an agent to take care of him,” Alam replies. He glances at the Russian flag on the submarine. “Are you a remnant of Russia or something?”

She chuckles, clearly amused. “I am indeed. Or at least, the closest thing to Russia that still exists nowadays. I was a sailor and officer in the Baltic Fleet back when the Federation was still a thing. Things have changed a lot these past few years, but I still hold my heritage close to my heart as a reminder of a better time.”

Alam chuckled, a playful glint in his eye. “Hmm, so... can I get some chocolate or something?”

Olga raised an eyebrow, surprised by his request but grinned playfully.Chocolate? What an odd request. But… oddly charming. He’s trying to disarm me. Clever." A small, almost imperceptible smile touches her lips.

Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

“Chocolate, huh? You just had to ask! I suppose I can spare a few bars. After all, what’s an alliance without a touch of sweetness, right?” She motioned for one of her sailors to hand him a few chocolate bars from the submarine's mess.

“I was hoping for hot liquid chocolate,” Alam joked, a mischievous smile on his face.

Olga laughed, clearly amused. “Hot liquid chocolate? Sorry to disappoint, but this is a submarine, not a café! And it’s freezing cold up top. I can offer you hot coffee instead.”

She glanced around the cabin, searching for a thermos.

“I expected a high-tech submarine,” Alam teased.

Olga chuckled softly. “Oh, we have a few tricks up our sleeves, but even the most advanced submarine can only do so much against nature’s whims. Hot chocolate would spoil in this weather, but a cup of black coffee will keep your mind sharp and alert.”

Finally locating a thermos, she poured a steaming cup of coffee and offered it to him.

“So, why is a woman leading a pirate crew?” Alam asked, taking a sip.

Olga crossed her arms, considering his question. “A woman leading a pirate ship might seem unusual, but most pirates don’t care about gender. They care about who can get them more loot and glory. I’ve given them no reason to think I’m any less capable than a male leader, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Yeah, I guess so. I was actually a pirate too before leading the Wanderers on carphatia,” Alam admitted.

Her interest piqued, she raised an eyebrow. “Oh really? A pirate? That explains your earlier request for chocolate. What kind of pirate were you? A daring captain or a humble cabin boy?”

“A slaver,” Alam said, wiggling his eyebrows.

Her eyes widened in surprise. “A slaver? That’s not something you hear every day. Quite the contrast with your current role.”

she then look at him on his eyes, A slaver… interesting. Most try to hide their past. He’s… surprisingly honest. Or perhaps he simply doesn’t care what I think. Either way, it’s refreshing. I’ve seen what men are capable of when driven by greed.

“Yeah, I’ve had my share of epic battles and chaos. Nothing in this world surprises me anymore,” Alam replied,

Olga chuckled softly. “Nothing surprises you, huh? That’s quite a claim. The world is full of twists and turns that could shock even the most jaded souls.”

She leaned back against the bulkhead, sipping her coffee. “Still, I’m intrigued by your tales. I’d love to hear more about your pirate days, the battles you fought, and the treasures you stole.”

Alam began to recount his past, “well.. its start when i put a land altilery to modified cannon. we loot it from abandoned military complex in tip of sumatra. well.. its actually darkess day of my life.. since its not a ordinary pirates.. but a demon cultist as well.. we do. unspeakable act to our slaves”.

Olga listened intently, her expression shifting to one of sympathy as he shared his story.

“Demonic cultists and slaves? That sounds grim. I can’t imagine the horrors you witnessed,” she said thoughtfully.

“But it seems you’ve moved past those days. You’ve become something more than just a slaver or pirate. What led you from that dark path to lead the Horde?” she asked, genuinely curious.

Alam sighed, reflecting on his journey. “A classic tale of betrayal. One of my lovers betrayed me out of fear. After that tragedy, I felt enough was enough. I went to Europe and joined the Wanderers as a mercenary.”

Olga’s expression softened. “A lover’s betrayal is a bitter pill to swallow, especially from someone you trust. It’s no wonder it pushed you to join the Wanderers.”

“Yeah,” Alam said, his voice trailing off. “I spared her, though. I just couldn’t stop loving her.”

Olga’s gaze softened further.Spared her… despite everything? There’s more to him than meets the eye. A weakness, perhaps? Or… something else. Something… noble.A faint memory of her own lost love surfaces, a pang of familiar pain. “You spared her despite the pain she caused you? Love can make us do things that defy logic.”

“Can I hug you?” Alam asked suddenly.

Caught off guard, A hug? Well, that’s unexpected. But… why not? It’s been a long time since… well, since anything. Besides, it’s a good way to gauge a man. A small, genuine smile appears. Olga smiled warmly. “A hug? Sure, I suppose that’s acceptable. Just don’t get too clingy; I have a reputation to uphold.”

“I will be clingy,” Alam replied, pulling her into a hug.

She laughed softly, clearly amused. “Of course, who am I kidding? You’re the clingy type. I should have known better.”

As they embraced, Alam reflected, “I’ve lost much, but I’ve gained much as well.”

She continued to pat Alam's back gently as he reflected on his past.

"It's true, isn't it? Life has a way of taking and giving in equal measure. Sometimes we lose precious things, but in return, we gain experiences, wisdom, and strength."

Pulling back slightly, she looked him in the eye, her expression serious.

"But remember, Alam, it's important to let go of the past. Don't let it consume you or prevent you from finding happiness in the present."

"Yeah, thanks," Alam replied, stretching his arms. "Speaking of devils... why ally with the Blue Nation? Do you think all pirates today are just Jozen's dogs?"

She chuckled at his question,Jozen… a useful idiot. For now. The Blue Nation… they serve their purpose. Alliances are temporary. It’s about survival, about power.amused by the implication. "Jozen's influence is strong, I'll give him that. But I wouldn't call us his 'dogs.' We're pirates! We take the path that benefits us the most."

Taking a sip of her coffee, her gaze turned serious. "As for why I allied with the Blue Nation... let's just say we have a common enemy and shared values. Plus, I like to be on the winning side."

Alam took a sip of his drink. "Do you think the Red Nation will be defeated soon?"

She paused, her expression contemplative. "The Red Nation is powerful, but the forces against them are relentless. They seem to be crumbling day by day. However, it's hard to predict how long the conflict will last."

Turning to him with a sly smile, she added, "But don't worry! I'm sure we'll have them running for the hills before we know it. Just sit back, relax, and watch the show."

"It's easy for you since you're in a corner of the world," Alam remarked.

She raised an eyebrow, They think we’re isolated here. Weak. They’re wrong. We control the sea lanes. We control the flow of goods. We have power they don’t even comprehend.A smirk plays on her lips. "Oh, really? You think being in a remote corner makes it easy?"

Leaning back in her chair, she studied him intently. "Let me tell you, being in a remote corner has its benefits and drawbacks. Sure, enemies won't come knocking on our doorstep anytime soon, but we also lack resources and support close by."

She raised a finger pointedly. "And don't forget, being in a corner also makes it easier to get trapped."

"Yeah, I can see that. Some people nearby still dig a ditch before taking a shit instead of having a proper toilet," Alam joked. "But on the other hand, a rich resource area like the East has been a battleground for decades."

She laughed at the image. "Ah, the struggles of progress. Some people just don't appreciate the luxury of modern amenities."

Her expression turned serious again. "And yes, that's true. The Eastern wasteland area is so wealthy with resources that it attracts all kinds of factions. It's like a playground for the greedy and ambitious."

"Hmhm... I'm tired," Alam said, rubbing her back. "Are you married or something?"

She raised an eyebrow at his sudden question but smiled a little. "Married? No, not at the moment. Being a pirate makes it hard to keep a stable relationship."

Leaning back in her chair, her tone slightly sarcastic, she added, "Why do you ask? Planning to propose to me, Alam?"

"Nah, I'm still afraid of commitment," he admitted.

She let out a light laugh,Commitment… a luxury I can’t afford. Not anymore. But… there’s something about him. A raw honesty. A vulnerability he tries to hide. It’s… intriguing."A thoughtful expression crosses her face. Perhaps he’s not as simple as he seems. her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Afraid of commitment, huh? That's a common fear among pirates."

Taking a sip of her coffee, she lingered her gaze on him. "So, you prefer to keep your options open, I take it?"

"Just... see how it goes. I accept whatever Gott gives," Alam replied.

She nodded, her expression understanding. "Ah, I see. A 'go with the flow' kind of mindset. I can respect that."

With a faint smirk, she added, "Or maybe you just haven't found the right person to commit to yet."

"Perhaps it's just me," Alam said.

She smiled lightly, her voice gentle. "Perhaps. Or maybe you're yet to discover that someone who'll change your mind about commitment."

Taking another sip of her coffee, she concluded, "Either way, as long as you're happy, that's all that matters, right?"

Alam nodded. The deal was done. The munitions problem was solved. He pulled out his comm device. "Mei," he said, his voice low and businesslike. "Smith. James. Underground bunker south of St. Petersburg. Olga's orders. Make it… convincing." He ended the call. The weight on his shoulders eased slightly. With the munitions secured, he could focus on the bigger picture.