The air was smoky in this distant afternoon, yet was brought for a peaceful silence, except for the occasional noise of artillery in the distance. Youden didn't mind the sound, as it only meant that everything was simply going in their favor. The cabin he was occupied in was certainly fitting his needs, as he looked at the three generals in his vicinity.
The rest of them were out in the field, and making some better progress, although the year's winter from across the world turned out to be a bit more severe than excepted. Just enough to slow them down around two hundred thousand miles of anticipated progress, but they could make it up during the summer.
"So, it appears that you all understand why I have you gathered?" Youden cleared his throat once he was ready.
"Out of all places, this abandoned cabin in the middle of the woods?" one of the generals looked around in disgust. "Sir, surely this could have been done in Mongrave City?"
"No, we're closer to the frontlines and I'll need this information informed through as soon as possible." Youden said immediately after, "Now, as we all know here, we're a bit behind schedule in terms of our expectations. Out of the current ninety-six nations that have declared war upon, we have managed to roll through eight of them, meaning that we're currently occupying about 900,000 square miles out of the around 10 million actual square miles of the continent. And while I understand the winter being worse than excepted, this is still unacceptable."
"If you're looking for good news, sir, it's that before my arrival, we've encircled the capital of Ohlave, en route towards the city of Ganugera, a population of two million, and still facing technologically weaker enemies." the second general closet to him spoke.
"That's good to hear, but I want to make sure we send a message. By any means necessary, take it all down." Youden said emotionless.
The generals just stared at each other for a second, before looking back. What exactly did he mean by that, perhaps? Any means, like with Nikao?
"Are you saying with the bomb?" the final general spoke.
"Oh no, we're saving that for a special occasion. If you need to completely demolish these cities with our machinery, go for it. No mercy, be and stay ruthless and force these degenerate people into complete submission. I want them actually like dogs."
One of the generals took a gulp. As far as war goes, this seemed extremely unethical. This seemed more oppressive than it had to be, and yet orders were orders. They couldn't truly question Youden's authority or faced harsh penalties for it.
"So if you need to use all the artillery assigned within each of established armies to break through lines, bomb them from the sky until rubble doesn't even exist, or forced labor-, I want this all under my domain! We need this entire place under control by the end of next year. And I already have the Jamal issue to handle with. Am I clear?"
"Yes sir!" the generals took a quick pause, before saluting, "Orders are orders."
"Good, now inform the other generals to spread the word. We shall not falter with any sign of weakness." Youden shooed them away, as he watched them enter a sole carr and dashed off into the distance.
The quiet atmosphere was now set, as Youden got up from his seat and looked towards his wall. Pinned against it, was a blurry picture, but a photo nevertheless, of a destroyed city. His destroyed city, as a small figure in the corner of it, appeared to have a wispy aura. Jamal Wrint, always had to show himself where he wasn't invited and ruined any goals or ambitions he had. The calling of the Reserve Guard was already sent out to deal with the problem only one week ago, and it would be a matter of time before one side attacked the other. He could only hope that they could deliver on their promise before Jamal came up with anything creative, while he was across the world as a dominant force. The Youden doctrine would not give in to weakness, but crush it inside and with no resentment.