Swirling the water in his glass, Youden peered at the many papers and graphs pierced onto the wall. The man had returned to Mongrave city after the mostly successful talks with the businessmen and collaborators, and secured in the city's state building. Of course, there would always be one or two that would get too greedy and picky with their given options, but Youden was okay with disagreements. After all, he was in charge, and opposition was quietly dealt with and replaced with those more in line. It always went that way.
Hopefully, better results came out of this meeting, as it was supposed to be about the ongoing activity back in the main country. Besides the report of the breakthrough past that river, Youden had heard little news of the following weeks and what was going down. The person in command now, or rather Defense General, should have been situated in the homeland by now and already leading the charge of the Reserve Guard. From the reports and comments on the man, Hector Nerca, he held high respect for the order and laws of the governing powers, and was willing to do anything by any means to get things done. That allegedly included holding down an entire house in Saputa City by himself for thirty hours until reinforcements arrived in the initial conquest of the former nation. His unwavering loyalty to Youden was a key asset to the growing empire, and his ruthlessness ever valuable.
"Sir, we're ready to start." an aide was at his side, holding a few pages of information.
"Alright, let's get it going." Youden straightened up, as someone had dimmed the lights.
Another aide was quick to pull down a string from the roof of the room, presenting a projector. Youden did truly love this newer invention, and he started to grin before the presentation even start. It just makes things so much more convenient, considering how quickly the film managed to reach him. Watching the film start, there was no countdown this time and was instead replaced by Hector, the general himself. Already in his new uniform, the man looked sturdy and determined, as he began the news with a sharp tone.
"Good evening to our dear leader, Youden Qey, and everyone else receiving this classified report. I'm here to inform you of the latest news since I've come into command around two weeks ago as of this recording."
Youden continued to stare at the screen, as it quickly changed into a map of the mainland, showing different shades of black and grey, signifying either land control by Port-O-Bea, contested land, or still under the government's control. Youden could see the breakthrough that was discussed with him earlier as a small sliver of land was approaching the city of Appleridge, a few hundred miles away from the capital, but also would grant those in control of the area access to the highway. Other than that, it looked as if the rebel forces control around five percent of his nation, but likely with little population and mostly empty. That was okay with him.
"I've already been establishing defensive positions and fortifications around the city of Appleridge, as I anticipate an attack on the city any one of these days. Trenches, barbed wire, sniper lookouts, artillery, the Defense Corps aviation, pillboxes, and more have been continuously built and set up before anything of that nature happens. If the enemy forces do plan to take the city, the urban combat will be like nothing they've ever seen since the long ago Battle of Saputa City. And I can ensure you, I will make this fight much worse for them."
The aides and the few other generals with him looked somewhat nervously at Youden, who held an ecstatic grin on his face. It had been quite some time since someone actually took their job seriously, excluding those leading their current offensives against the rest of the world. It was a blessing he was finally looking for. He simply was ready to learn more.
"In terms of territory lost, it is currently at 5.43%. That is, however, changing. Changing in our favor." Hector appeared for a second, before the view changed.
This time, Youden was confused as to what he was looking at. It appeared that the camera was on some ship and overlooking a burning city by the ocean. The tall stone gates helped the man figure out was he was staring at, and a bit of shock with it. Port-O-Bea. The camera continued to record the explosions from within the coastal metropolis, and some men running onto the shore. Was this some invasion happening?
"While I wished to ask for your permission, it came to me that the city was likely lacking much personnel due to much of their fighting force away from the place. Taking that into account, I and a few others assisting in our defense created Operation Homebound, the takeover of Port-O-Bea. If we manage to capture the city under our control, then not only would the rebellion be weakened, but end this entire conflict with little supplies left to support their cause. Everyone will make it back home, and those in charge will be prosecuted."
It was all finally making sense. Youden was impressed by the quick change and response. This was how it was supposed to be from the very beginning. He shouldn't have let them get this carried away, but now it appeared that things would be turning around for the better. The tables were truly turning around this time.
"And that is all I have to report since I've come to this position. I want to give my thanks to you, Youden, and those that believed in me. I can ensure you that I will not disappoint you." Hector finished the presentation with a salute, as if he was in person.
Youden stood up with absolute respect, as everyone else in the room followed the general's lead and saluted or stood up with him. They could all tell that things were coming together once and for all. The time for Youden's reign on the whole world was now beginning, and even their strongest foes couldn't stop them now.