The Wanderers had sown discord throughout the Khaganate and Free World territories. Alam knew it was a temporary reprieve. Zion would retaliate. He focused on preparing for the inevitable storm.

Later, Alam made his way to the underground bunker, eager for the latest updates. Croque, the ever-enthusiastic doll engineer, greeted him at the entrance.

“So... show me the good news,” Alam said, a hint of excitement in his voice.

“Hey there, Alam! I have fantastic news! We’ve kicked off mass production of the mud launcher prototype. We’ll have enough to launch the main offensive soon!” Croque beamed, her cheerful smile brightening the dim space.

“Indeed... dolls are good, fast workers,” Alam replied, giving her a friendly pat on the head.

Croque felt a rush of embarrassment but secretly enjoyed the warmth of the gesture. Physical contact was new to her, but Alam’s hand felt nice.

“Heh, thanks! It’s all thanks to the dolls’ hard work that we’ve been able to manufacture the mud launchers so efficiently,” she said, her pride evident.

“Yeah... but why are you helping me?” Alam asked, genuinely curious.

Croque hesitated for a moment, gathering her thoughts. “Well, I suppose I’m curious about your plan to overthrow the Expeditionary Red Army and the Free World. I want to see if it’s really possible to change this planet, which has been stuck in endless warfare between these two superstates. It’s an interesting challenge, and I’m eager to see the results.”

With that, Alam felt a renewed sense of purpose. Together, they were on the brink of something big, and the stakes had never been higher.

“Hhm... interesting. So, besides being a factory worker, what else can dolls do?” Alam inquired.

Croque thought for a moment. “Besides manufacturing, dolls are used for various tasks like combat and maintenance. Many doll units support human soldiers on the battlefield, while others help with construction and facility upkeep. Some even serve in domestic roles, like housemaids and assistants.”

“Dolls as soldiers?” Alam asked, intrigued.

“Yes! Dolls can be outfitted with weapons and support systems, making them suitable for military applications. They maintain peak physical performance for long periods, are immune to extreme environments, and are less affected by emotions, making them obedient and responsive to orders. These traits make dolls excellent candidates for military use.”

“I see the idea... but isn’t using AI forbidden in warfare?” Alam pressed.

Croque nodded. “That’s a valid question. While there’s no specific law that outright bans AI in war, many people oppose it due to ethical concerns and potential unintended consequences. They worry that AI could become a ‘killer machine’ that loses any sense of humanity or conscience. There’s also the fear that AI might not distinguish between combatants and civilians, increasing the risk of innocent casualties.”

“So, people still use it, huh?” Alam asked.

“Yes, that’s correct. Despite the opposition, some countries and organizations still utilize AI in military operations. They believe the advantages, like better accuracy and reduced friendly fire risks, outweigh the moral dilemmas.”

“Yeah, sure. Anyway, show me the weapon.”

Croque nodded and led Alam into the weapon manufacturing facility where the mud launchers were being produced and stored.

“Alright, we’re here. Take a look!”

She gestured toward the stacks of mud launchers neatly arranged in the facility. Thousands of them stood ready, showcasing the efficiency of the doll workers and the success of their production line.

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

In the grand hall of Xian Palace, Alam addressed the assembled warlords. The room crackled with tension. These were men who saw themselves as emperors in waiting, each clinging to the faded glory of ancient dynasties.

as the influence of the True Horde spread closer to Central China, they found themselves clashing with more traditional views. Some even questioned Alam's legitimacy, suggesting he wasn't "Chinese enough" to rule the region. But today, Alam stood tall and confident.

With a grin spreading across his face, Alam stepped forward. “Greetings, kings and generals—or should I say, wannabe kings?” He raised an eyebrow, eliciting a few chuckles. “Today, we gather to discuss the fate of China, and I thank you for responding to my invitation. We must unite against our common enemy: the Red Army.”

He gestured to a holographic map displaying Red Army troop movements. “One to three million strong. They will sweep through the north like a flood if we remain divided.

. If we continue squabbling over petty territory or cling to outdated ideologies, it’s only a matter of time before we’re defeated.”

The mood in the room shifted palpably; whispers of concern spread like wildfire. Alam watched as the gravity of the situation settled in. The warlords leaned in closer, their faces illuminated by the screen’s glow,

“Now, it’s clear that the True Horde has been fighting them since the beginning of this war,” Alam asserted, his voice gaining strength. “Today, I offer you all a chance to join the Confederation and repel the Red Army.”

A charged atmosphere enveloped the hall. The warlords exchanged solemn glances as they processed Alam’s proposal.

“Please,” Alam pressed, taking a seat, “the question is simple: will you unite to fight this common enemy?”

The silence was deafening as the attendees contemplated his words. One by one, hands began to rise—tentative at first, then with increasing confidence.

A thin man with glasses, seated in a corner, raised his hand. “Yes, please. My name is Li Feng, ruler of the Han Dynasty Restoration Movement. I believe a confederation is a wise decision. It would allow us to focus our forces on a single threat. We must prepare for a prolonged conflict; the Red Army will not back down easily.”

“Thank you, Li Feng,” Alam replied, his smile genuine. “But will you trust your army and resources under the banner of the True Horde without question?”

Li Feng nodded firmly. “I will place my army and resources under your banner. The stakes are too high to hesitate. We must unite if we wish to stand against their overwhelming numbers. I trust you, Alam, to lead us to victory.”

Alam’s heart swelled with pride. “What an honor. Thank you. And how about the rest of you?”

Hands shot up across the room, a chorus of support forming. The warlords seemed ready to rally behind Alam, their spirits lifted by the possibility of unity.

But one figure remained silent: a chubby man in body armor, his eyes closed in contemplation. Alam turned to him, curiosity piqued. “Sir, do you have something to say?”

The chubby man opened his eyes slowly, scanning the room with a neutral expression. “As a representative of the Qin Dynasty Restoration Movement, I find myself torn,” he began, his voice steady. “On one hand, I see the wisdom in joining forces with the Wanderer Group…”

Alam interjected, “Yes, sometimes pride must be set aside for the greater good. Will you and your faction be brave enough to take that step?”

The chubby man hesitated, weighing his options. Finally, he nodded. “Yes. I am willing to set aside my personal prejudices for a greater cause. The Qin Dynasty Restoration Movement stands ready to fight alongside the Wanderer Group against the Red Army.”

"Thank you," Alam said, a heavy sigh escaping him. “Then let us raise our cups—for the True Horde!”

Cheers erupted in the hall as cups were raised high, the sound of clinking reverberating through the air. “Long live Alam!” some shouted, their voices filled with newfound fervor. The atmosphere crackled with energy, a unity forged in the heat of impending battle.

With this renewed sense of purpose, the True Horde stood poised to confront the Red Army, ready to face the storm that loomed on the horizon. Alam’s heart raced with the thrill of leadership, aware that this was just the beginning of a formidable alliance—a force that could change the fate of China forever.

As the meeting wrapped up, the grand hall of the Xian Palace began to empty, the air still crackling with the energy of united purpose. Alam spotted General Zhang leaning against a pillar just outside the room, a contemplative look on his face.

“Well, General,” Alam called, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. “Good day, huh? Are you in the mood for a poem now?”

General Zhang lifted his head, a faint smile breaking through his stoic demeanor. “Indeed it is. The warlords of China are now united under the banner of the True Horde, ready to face the Red Army’s impending invasion. But now the real work begins. We must prepare our forces and strategies to confront the enemy directly.”

“Good!” Alam grinned, leaning in with mock seriousness. “Say something poetic. I’m all ears.”

Zhang chuckled softly, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. “Very well. How about this?” He cleared his throat dramatically before reciting:

“Though our battles may leave the fields in ruins,

And our foes may cry of ruin and demise,

Yet we press forth with conviction and hope,

For in the ruins of battle, a new dawn will rise.”

Alam’s smile widened, his enthusiasm infectious. “Now that I like! It’s very relatable to our current situation.” He took a sip from his cup, savoring the moment.

General Zhang nodded, visibly pleased with Alam’s praise, but his mind was already shifting back to the pressing concerns of impending war. The gathering of warlords had been a significant step, but the true challenge lay ahead

“Do you notice something strange?” Alam’s tone turned thoughtful. “Like, do you think those warlords are really fighting for something more than just the names of ancient empires?”

Zhang considered this. “They cling to the past, yes. But they also yearn for a unified China. Nostalgia can be a powerful motivator.”

Alam stretched his arms overhead, a playful expression crossing his face. “Fighting for ancient beliefs sounds romantic, but it’s unrealistic.”

Zhang considered this, stroking his beard again. “There’s definitely romance in nostalgia, a yearning for what once was. But we must ground our goals in reality. Sentiment can’t overshadow the practicalities of our current situation.”

“Speaking of practicalities,” Alam said, a mischievous glint in his eye, “have you flirted with Fang yet?”

General Zhang chuckled, a warmth spreading across his face. “Ah, Fang... Yes, I’ve managed to form a relationship with her. She’s a charming woman, and her fighting skills are quite impressive. I hope to explore this relationship further and see where it leads us.”

“Good!” Alam clapped him on the shoulder, his spirits visibly lifted. “That makes my day even better. Stay strong, General.” With that, he turned to leave.

As Alam walked away, General Zhang felt a wave of relief wash over him. Alam’s encouragement was a balm to his worries. With a renewed sense of purpose, he prepared to resume his duties, ready to lead his forces into the brewing storm. The weight of the impending battle loomed large, but he was not alone. Together with Alam and the united warlords, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead.