As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the Emerald League border, Hazel and others waited anxiously for the green light to enter. Huddled inside a tent, they couldn’t help but feel the weight of anticipation.

The Emerald League, known as the Green Nation, had a knack for transforming barren deserts into lush greenery, thanks to their ancient technology that altered the soil. Their cities were famous for extravagant parks that felt like something out of a dream.

In the tent, Hazel turned to Patrick and Nara, eager to hear their thoughts on the latest news.

“Well, it’s a relief we decided to defect from the Red Nation,” Hazel said, a mix of hope and anxiety in her voice. “If we’d stayed there, we’d be toast for sure.”

on emerald council. they start discussing apperance of hazel

the first council member speak up “those deflector is defeating one our major contractor in afghanistan, we must reject their visa, and ransom send them back to zion for proper spanking”

but then the second council member speak “but tide of war is no longer in zion advantage.. we must took whatever chance throw at us”

the third council speak up “yeah.. plus we dont had enough soldier to send them back. their heavy tanks is too menacing for our security team”

nigel the white hair young man are among them. but he look at kaveh his father first. kaveh then speak “soon. all nation will persecute zion ,, changing alliance is the best course of war,, but we will keep remains neutral in this conflict. we will give these deflector to our merc, who knows.. perhaps zion wanna hire them?

then all council member laugh, except nigel. he know these all people in here are just gangster playing goverment. but something dangerous will looming a head. he can feel it

After a week of waiting, studying, and cultural tests, the news finally came: they were allowed to stay in the Emerald League. The atmosphere shifted, anticipation crackling in the air.

Hazel turned to Nara. “So, you were a student at the academy, right? What was it like?”

Nara’s face lit up. “The academy is one of the best schools in the world! It has famous alumni and top-notch study materials. Plus, it’s secure and safe from attacks. Honestly, it’s a fantastic place to learn.”

Tetsuya, who had been quietly listening, piped up, “You didn’t ask me! I was a student too, hehe.”

Hazel chuckled. “Right, but what did you major in? Was it all about science, or did you study politics and military stuff too?”

“We learned to fight, manipulate, do art, and race… and race…” Tetsuya said, his enthusiasm bubbling over, though he trailed off, lost in thought.

Hazel grinned. “That’s cool! So it’s not just about science. Sounds like a great place to pick up a variety of skills.”

As they traveled through the Emerald League, the landscape transformed dramatically. Lush green forests and parks lined the road, showcasing why this region was known as the Green Nation. The breathtaking beauty of nature enveloped them, bringing a sense of peace that had been absent for too long.

They soon arrived at the Academy of Unity, the venue for the upcoming world conference. The massive complex loomed before them, a hub where powerful personalities would gather to tackle pressing global issues. Nara dismounted from the tank, a wide grin spreading across her face as she gazed at her old stomping grounds. To her, the academy felt like a second home—a beloved playground she hadn’t visited in years.

Hazel couldn’t resist teasing her. “I heard from Tetsuya that you once wanted to conquer this academy as a bancho, huh?”

Nara laughed, a hint of nostalgia in her eyes. “Well, I did dream of being the strongest bancho back then. The academy was paradise for kids who idolized strong, cool bancho types. Looking back, it feels like such a childish dream, though.”

Hazel nodded, impressed. “That says a lot about you. A little girl wanting to be a bancho? You’re brave!”

Nara chuckled, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. “Sure, it was a crazy dream for a little girl. But that dream motivated me to become a strong soldier. It’s funny how those childhood aspirations shape who we become.”

Meanwhile, the rest of the troop, including Patrick and Yu, stood in awe, their eyes wide as they took in the academy’s grandeur. They had never seen a school like this, having only known the stark functionality of Red Nation military academies and the oppressive monotony of its factories.

Here, ornate archways framed meticulously manicured gardens, stained-glass windows cast kaleidoscopic patterns on polished marble floors, and the air hummed with a quiet, almost scholarly energy. To them, this academy felt less like a place of learning and more like a palace ripped from a fairy tale, a stark contrast to the brutal reality they knew.

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“Alright, team,” Hazel called, his voice echoing slightly in the vast hall, snapping them out of their reverie. “Let’s get to work. Nara and Tetsuya, you two know the layout best, so take command of the patrol group. Patrick and Adam, you guard the central area. I’ll be in the main hall to supervise the world leaders when they arrive.”

The team members nodded, their expressions now focused and professional, the initial awe replaced by a sense of duty. Nara, however, could barely contain her excitement as she led the patrol squad through the familiar corridors. A faint smile played on her lips as she passed classrooms, remembering specific lessons, old friends, and simpler times. She almost danced with joy, rediscovering her old school, each familiar detail a comforting balm on the scars of war. The familiar surroundings made her feel, for the first time in a long time, truly at home.

Later, the merc leader found Hazel in the center of the academy, amidst the growing bustle of preparations. “You’ve done well so far. I have no regrets about recruiting you,” the leader said, a satisfied grin spreading across his face.

“Don’t praise me yet,” Hazel replied, her tone serious, her gaze fixed on the activity around them. “Our real job isn’t finished. The war isn’t over until this conference is held and something tangible comes from it. We need more than just talk; we need to forge a true alliance to stop Zion once and for all.”

As the days leading up to the conference ticked by, the academy became a hive of activity. Representatives and delegates from the nine major nations filled the halls, their voices a constant murmur of diplomatic negotiations and whispered anxieties. The atmosphere was charged with palpable tension.

Reporters and journalists from around the world swarmed the grounds, their cameras flashing, their pens scribbling, all eager for any scrap of information. Excitement mixed with a deep undercurrent of anxiety as the global stakes rose, the looming threat of Zion and the unpredictable Crescent Alliance hanging over everything like a dark cloud.

On the roof of a tall building within the academy, Hazel surveyed the scene below. The academy grounds teemed with people, a kaleidoscope of flags and uniforms. she turned to Patrick, who stood beside him, his gaze distant. “What’s on your mind?” Hazel asked, sensing his contemplative mood.

“I was just thinking,” Patrick replied, his voice thoughtful, almost hesitant. “With all these world leaders gathered here, do you think they’ll actually find a way to end this… or is something even worse brewing beneath the surface?”

Hazel shook her head, but her expression was troubled. “That’s not what I meant. I’m talking about you. You were a diehard Red Army supporter, practically a poster boy for their cause. Now you’re a defector, fighting alongside us.”

Patrick sighed, his gaze drifting towards the horizon. He began to contemplate his journey, the long road from New York, the perilous crossing of the Bering Strait, the brutal realities of the Winter War. He'd witnessed firsthand the Red Army's descent into brutality, the casual disregard for human life. It was only after reaching the Emerald League and being exposed to their media, their news reports, their perspective, that the truth became undeniable: They were the bad guys.

“No,” Patrick replied, his voice firm, though tinged with a hint of sadness. “The Red Nation lost its way. What started with noble intentions twisted into a power grab, a dictatorial regime obsessed with control. It stopped being about the people and became about one man. I couldn’t be a part of that anymore.”

He took a deep breath, the weight of his past settling heavily on his shoulders. “Sometimes,” he confessed, his voice barely a whisper, “I feel the guilt of the things I did, the orders I followed blindly. I should have seen it sooner. I should have refused. But regrets… they’re a luxury I can’t afford right now. All I can do is move forward, try to atone for my mistakes by doing what’s right. That’s why I’m here, fighting for the Emerald League, fighting for something… better.”

As he spoke, the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and gold, casting a warm glow over the academy, a silent, hopeful promise of a new dawn, a new chapter for them all, even as the shadows lengthened.

meanwhile at east, Alam surveyed the report: the True Horde now boasted a staggering 3.5 million troops.

"Good," he grinned, "we're finally ready to go toe-to-toe with the Red Army—or maybe even invade them. Heh."

At the war council, Alam summoned his officers and generals, including Jax, Zhang, Baihu, Yang, and Zao, along with the True Horde warlords.

"Alright, gentlemen and brave women," he began, "we're now a formidable force in the world. But with this sudden growth, we lack coordination. My seven generals can't manage this massive army alone. So, I propose we promote some talented officers to generals."

The room fell silent as the officers absorbed his words, recognizing the gravity of the situation. Alam continued, "To avoid regional disputes, I want honesty and trust among us. Everyone will face the same test—no exceptions, even for the ex-warlords."

General Yang raised his hand, "What are the qualifications for this test, sir?"

Alam replied, "It'll assess military knowledge, administration, and initiative, but also morality, spirituality, and mental fitness. A good general must have character."

General Baihu stood tall, "I am General Baihu, a former Garuda mercenary. With over twenty years of experience, I will not hesitate to slap you if you make a mistake, Alam."

Alam chuckled, "I appreciate your honesty. Now, I want each of you to hold workshops every few months to refresh our minds and character."

The generals nodded, recognizing the importance of mental well-being in their roles.

General Zhang suggested, "We should implement a horizontal organization to foster collaboration and break down elitism among ranks."

"Exactly," Alam agreed. "We need to maintain our ruthlessness, but remember, some blood must be spilled to achieve victory."

General Yang added, "We must balance our aggression with humanity. A good general is both ruthless and compassionate."

Alam clapped his hands, "Good! Any more suggestions?"

General Baihu proposed a military culture program to promote respect and teamwork.

"Let’s find our own unique culture," Alam said, "drawing from the best of the Spartans and Mongols."

As the meeting progressed, Alam emphasized the need for unity and innovation within the True Horde, setting the stage for a powerful reorganization that would prepare them for the challenges ahead.

then after that. at night. fang who beside alam ask

Fang leaned in, her voice steady. "Sir, the Crescent Alliance is hosting the World Conference next week, and they want you as a speaker. Will you attend, or should I represent you?"

Alam shook his head, a grin spreading across his face. "No, I asked for the podium myself. I need to be there."

"Understood. Your presence is crucial to assert the True Horde's interests. I’ll support you every step of the way," Fang replied, her determination evident.

Alam stretched, a relaxed demeanor settling in. "Damn, we’ve built an empire, haven’t we?"

"Indeed, sir. From victories to a thriving empire, the True Horde's future looks bright," Fang affirmed.

Alam chuckled, "What do you think about world conquest?"

Fang's eyes sparkled with ambition. "If we maintain our strength, it’s within reach. Our enemies are weak and divided. With your leadership, we could dominate the global stage."

Alam frowned. "No, let’s not go down that path. We justify our actions to repel the Red Nation, not to become like them."

Fang nodded. "Exactly. We must uphold our values and not let ambition compromise our principles. We should focus on creating a balance of power, allowing nations to govern themselves."

"Right. I’ll limit our influence to Central and Eastern Asia. Beyond that, it’s the Wanderer's task," Alam decided.

"That’s wise, sir. It keeps us strong and avoids overreach," Fang agreed.

Alam spun in his chair, a thoughtful look on his face. "If I die, who should replace me?"

"General Yang would be a strong candidate. He knows the True Horde inside and out," Fang suggested.

"Reckless, though. What about Zhang?" Alam countered.

"Zhang is capable, but Yang's passion can be an asset. Both have their strengths," Fang explained.

"Why not propose yourself?" Alam teased.

Fang smiled, "I’m loyal to you, sir. I have much to learn before I can lead."

"Good girl," Alam said, patting her head, making her blush slightly. "Your dedication is appreciated."

Fang blushes slightly ” thank you, sir. I will continue to serve you and the True Horde with devotion and diligence. I will strive to grow as a leader and a warrior, and I will do my best to ensure the success of the True Horde.”