In mid-February 2405, as the Crescent Alliance clashed with the Red Army in the north, Alam found it hard to relax. News broke that sent shockwaves through the power-hungry factions of China: a clandestine underwater city, rumored to be the lair of the elusive Flying Dragons, had been discovered beneath the bustling streets of Shanghai. Whispers of submarines ferrying rogue agents and rebel factions between the surface and this watery fortress ignited alarm bells in Alam's mind.

“Secret cities and submarines?” he muttered, pacing his dimly lit command center. “This isn’t just a sideshow; it’s a full-blown circus.”

“Sir, our agents are already infiltrating their city,” Fang reported, confidence radiating from her. “It’s just a matter of time before we take them down.”

“Good. Order our navy to prep a fleet of deep charge bombs. We’ll wipe them off the map and teach them a lesson in underwater hospitality.”

“Yes, sir!” Fang saluted. “Our naval forces are ready to deploy. The Flying Dragons won’t know what hit them!”

As the gears of war began to turn, Alam's mind raced with possibilities. he then scramble old document from his past conquest. with bit sense of pain on his head, trying recall who is who. then a fat file titled “operation shanghai”, its was Carmelita effort in past to had better weapon deal from east. but its stop after one wanderer general go rogue.

so alam wanted to confront the so-called Dragon Master directly. “Get me the leader of the Flying Dragons,” he commanded, a wicked grin creeping onto his face. “I want a deep talk.”

Fang nodded eagerly. “Understood, sir. I’ll make it happen.”

Within moments, the Wanderer’s top hacker had infiltrated the Flying Dragons with help of razor, they connect the transmission lines, and Alam found himself staring at a flickering screen. The connection was shaky, but there it was—face-to-face with the elusive Dragon Master himself.

“Hello… do you hear me?” Alam croaked, trying to sound casual.

From the other end, a figure emerged, half-hidden behind an opulent aquarium, his greying hair framing a face adorned with a half-mask that screamed “mysterious villain.”

“Yes, I can hear you. Who is this?” the Dragon Master replied, his tone cautious yet intrigued.

“I’m Alam, the big cheese of the Wanderer Group. So, you’re the legendary Dragon Master?” Alam chuckled, picturing a dragon that had perhaps seen better days.

The Dragon Master’s eyes narrowed, a spark of recognition lighting up his expression. “I’ve heard much about you, Alam. What do you wish to discuss?”

“You survived my last attack four years ago, so I’m curious,” Alam leaned forward, his tone suddenly serious. “Does your precious underwater city still remain a secret? Did the agent I captured know about it?”

The Dragon Master leaned back, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. “Yes, he knew, but our secret is well-guarded. Why do you ask?”

“I plan to sever the heads of any traitors who don’t spill the beans, starting with you. So, how about you just surrender?” Alam’s grin was far too smug for such a serious conversation.

The Dragon Master chuckled, a sound that reverberated through the crackling connection. “I will not surrender, Alam. We are strong, disciplined, and our underwater city is deep and fortified. Your threats are as empty as your promises.”

“Oh really?” Alam scoffed, waving a dismissive hand. “Who’s backing you? Pirates? Or are you just a lapdog for the Red Nations?”

“We owe no allegiance to anyone. We are the Flying Dragons; we stand alone.” The Dragon Master’s confidence was palpable.

“Interesting. But what’s with the mask? Got a face only a mother could love?” Alam quipped, a sparkle of mischief in his eyes.

“This scar is a badge of honor, a testament to my battles and conquests,” the Dragon Master replied, unfazed. “But why do you wish to attack us? We’ve done nothing to provoke you.”

“Honestly?” Alam leaned back, feigning innocence. “I just feel like it. Heh.”

The Dragon Master sighed, exasperated. “That’s a terrible motive for war. You should reassess your motivations.”

“Look, I want to unite China and kick the Red Nations out. Why don’t you join me in this noble cause?” Alam’s tone turned earnest.

“Uniting China is a noble goal, but your methods are reckless. We won’t ally with someone who threatens our existence.”

Alam snorted, “Is that so? But you’re just playing both sides, supplying weapons to my enemies and my warlords. That’s naughty.”

“Tactical moves, my friend,” the Dragon Master replied smoothly. “We’re merely maintaining a balance of power. A stable situation benefits all.”

“Enough with the sugarcoating! Join me or prepare for war!” Alam declared, his patience wearing thin.

“Let’s cut to the chase. Our ideologies clash like titans. We’ve built our identity; we cannot simply discard it for a fleeting alliance.” Dragon Master replied

Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

“Shhh, shhhh! Speak plainly, like a human.” alam rub his forehead

“What I mean, in human language, is we simply cannot reconcile our differences without conflict. What’s your plan for uniting China? Peacefully or violently?” Dragon Master replied

“I’ve already united most factions under the True Horde banner. All that’s left are rebel factions like yours. Give me a good answer.” alam said while lean on his chair

With a hint of reluctance, the Dragon Master replied, “We envision a united China where all are free and equal. Your vision seems more about dominance.”

“So you’re saying my Wanderers have a hidden agenda?” Alam shot back.

“Not hidden, but different. You seek unity through power; we seek it through justice.” the Dragon Master retort

“Oh, I see. You were part of the Wanderers when Carmelita was in charge, weren’t you?” Alam’s tone shifted, curiosity piqued.

“Indeed, I was a general then, and I still believe in our original mission: a maintain law on this planet based on integrity and respect.”

“So why fight in the first place?” Alam pressed. “You resisted me when I took over after Carmelita.”

“We resist because our visions diverge. You want to unify under the True Horde; we want to cultivate a community.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. The Wanderers are not suited for governance. We excel in warfare, not ruling.” alam reply

The Dragon Master shook his head, disdain etched across his features. “The Wanderers can govern effectively. You’re blinded by your ambition.”

“Stop with the idealism! Assassination and covert operations aren’t sustainable for governance ...yes// that is why you still own that little underwater city when i success control much large area..!” Alam shot back, exasperated.

“You know,” the Dragon Master began, his voice smooth yet tinged with arrogance, “the Wanderer Group may not have the same reach as the True Horde, but we’re not just insignificant dots on your map. Our size lets us be nimble and adaptable.” He gestured as if trying to paint a picture that only he could see. “We can focus our efforts where it counts, rather than spreading ourselves thin.”

Alam raised an eyebrow, suppressing a smirk. “Ah, but if you keep resisting me, you might find yourself in a legitimacy crisis. You’re not just rebelling against me; you’re also going against the legacy of Carmelita.”

The Dragon Master’s eyes flashed with indignation. “Legitimacy is a complex issue, my friend. Carmelita stepped down voluntarily! We honor her legacy by fighting for the vision of the Wanderer Group, not by rolling over for the True Horde.”

“Right, right,” Alam scoffed. “But let’s be real. Civil war isn’t exactly heroic. If one of us falls, it’s will be empty .”

The Dragon Master shrugged, his demeanor unyielding. “It’s a tragic conflict, yes, but our goals aren’t fundamentally incompatible. We should seek peace, not war! Let’s focus on cooperation instead of this pointless squabbling!”

Alam leaned forward, intrigued. “But who are you, really? What’s your real name?”

“William Hua,” the Dragon Master replied, a hint of pride in his voice. “But in this glorious war, I’ve earned titles like the Dragon Master and the Conqueror of China. Impressive, don’t you think?”

Alam chuckled. “Impressive? More like a parade of egos. You sound a bit full of yourself with all those titles.”

“A man cannot lead without a bit of pride!” William retorted,. “Pride fuels ambition and success. It’s a strength, not a flaw.”

Alam paused, chewing thoughtfully. “So you’d rather fight to the bitter end than admit you might be wrong?”

William straightened, conviction etched on his face. “I fight for what I believe in! If that leads to my demise, so be it. I won’t surrender to tyranny.”

Alam raised an eyebrow. “Interesting stance. But does the idea of not being the big cheese anymore not bother you?”

“Not at all!” William declared. “I’d rather die fighting for a fair cause than submit to oppression. The Wanderer Group is about a vision, not just one man’s ambitions.”

“whait a minute, man,” Alam interrupted,. “Don’t paint my True Horde as a bunch of oppressors! We accept all religions, as long as they’re not toxic. I’m just doing what every leader must: uniting the various warlords by subjugation. It’s an age-old tactic!”

William leaned back, his expression condescending. “Subjugation? Really? You think it’s all about brute force? That’s so… last century. Diplomacy and cooperation should be your tools, not a sledgehammer.”

“Says the man with a secret underwater city,” Alam shot back, smirking. “How’s that for hypocrisy?”

William’s expression hardened. “That’s a harsh characterization. We deal in necessities and provide services. We’re cleaning up the underground market, not poisoning it!”

Alam leaned closer, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Oh, right. Because calling yourself a ‘Wanderer’ doesn’t sound like a cover for pirating and smuggling.”

“I am still a Wanderer! My heart belongs to the cause!” William insisted,. “I’m defending my convictions!”

Alam smirked, relishing the moment. “Let’s be real, William. What does a pirate do?”

“A pirate is a thief, a plunderer! They harm others for their own gain!” William retorted, indignation rising.

“And do they not smuggle and have docks for their dubious activities?” Alam pressed, enjoying the back-and-forth.

William’s eyes narrowed. “Some do, yes, but that doesn’t apply to me! We’re not pirates; we’re revolutionaries!”

“Revolutionaries with a side of piracy,” Alam quipped, a triumphant grin on his face. “Congratulations! Now prepare for your hanging!”

“You lack any basis for that accusation!” William shot back, indignation spilling over. “Just because we have a port doesn’t mean I’m a pirate! We provide essential services!”

Alam leaned back, arms crossed, his tone mocking. “Oh really? So what’s your real effort to unite China then?”

William’s voice grew firm. “I’ve fought tirelessly against your brutal rule! I’m laying the groundwork for a peaceful future!”

Alam chuckled, shaking his head. “You’re full of hot air. I recorded this conversation, by the way. Surrender or prepare for a watery grave v2. Think of the people, William.”

“I will not surrender!” William exclaimed, his voice steady. “The Wanderer City is my home, and my people are my responsibility. We’ll defend it with our lives!”

Alam shrugged dismissively. “You’ve got one week to clear out. The depths of the sea show no mercy.”

William’s gaze hardened. “If you think you can destroy the Wanderer City and expect us to surrender, you’re sorely mistaken. We’ll fight for our home! Your tyranny will not prevail!”

Alam stood. “You’re no longer a Wanderer in my eyes. You’re just a greedy, prideful rebel. Farewell, and may you swim well.”

William’s expression softened,. “I may not always be a Wanderer, but I carry the spirit within me. Goodbye, Alam. I hope you come to see the error of your ways.”

As the call with the Dragon Master fizzled out, Alam slumped back in his chair, the emotion weight down on him. “I hope that’s the last of the rebels in China,” he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “What do you think about him, Fang?”

Fan, shrugged, her brow furrowed in contemplation. “If I’m completely honest, sir, I’m not sure what to make of him. The Wanderer General—”

“Stop right there,” Alam interrupted, waving a hand dismissively. “You can’t call him that. He’s not my general. He’s a rebel.”

Fang raised an eyebrow, unfazed. “A rebel, yes, but a determined and defiant one. His willingness to fight for his beliefs could be dangerous.”

Alam scoffed. “Dangerous? hah. they hidding in underwater place. What do you suggest we do—negotiate with him?”

“Actually, yes,” Fang replied earnestly. “I think William is a principled man. He might be open to reason and negotiation.”

“You’re kidding, right?” Alam shot back, incredulity dripping from his voice. “You want to sit down for tea with the guy who just threatened to blow up all our plans?”

Fang straightened, undeterred. “We shouldn’t view him as just a rebellious figure. He sees himself as a revolutionary, a savior. If we want to prevail, we need to understand Wanderer General perspective.”

Alam clapped a hand to his forehead, exasperated. “I said stop calling him the Wanderer General! He’s just William!.”

“My apologies, sir,” Fang replied, a mix of confusion and concern on her face. “But I still think we should regard him as a capable leader. Underestimating him would be a grave mistake.”

Alam’s patience wore thin. “Please, stop with the ‘capable leader’ nonsense. You’re making him sound like a distinguished politician instead of a rabble-rouser,” he snapped. “You’re driving me insane!”

Fang tilted her head, trying to process Alam’s whirlwind of emotions. “I understand, sir. I will refrain from using the title. But you must remember, he sees himself as a crusader against oppression.”

“Enough!” Alam shouted, throwing his hands up in surrender. “Just call him William.”

“Yes, sir. William it is!” Fang nodded, though a glimmer of amusement flickered in her eyes. “But I stand by my position that he’s a potential threat. We can’t just sweep him under the rug.”

Alam groaned, rubbing his temples. “You know what, Fang? Just get out of my sight.” He sighed deeply. “I miss Eleanor.” He pictured her blonde hair, a fleeting memory

Fang’s expression softened. “Yes, sir. I’ll retire to my quarters. I miss her too; she was a good friend and comrade.” As she turned to leave, Alam’s voice stopped him.

“Wait, Fang… you’re not wrong. I mean, you’re just… you, not Eleanor. It’s not your fault.”

Fang paused, turning back, her brow furrowed in confusion. “Yes, sir?”

Alam, then pause, then waved a hand, dismissing the moment. “Never mind. Have a nice day.”

“Thank you, sir. You as well.” Fang offered a small nod before trudging back to her quarters, the weight of regret heavy on her shoulders.

Alam slumped back in his chair, the silence of the room amplifying the thoughts swirling in his head. Leadership, rebels, the weight of it all… it was enough to make a man want to crawl under a rock. Or maybe just find a decent cup of coffee.