Novoros Palace War Room
"All right, since everyone is here, let's start this war meeting," Dmitri said with a slight smile. Everyone stood and saluted the Grand Marshal.
"Our objective is to dismantle the Garbaros Empire and its allies. The Garbaros Empire is located to the north of our position, while the High Kingdom of Kemrad lies to the east and is predominantly mountainous," Dmitri began, gesturing to the map and the figures representing the men and materials available.
"The lands of the Garbaros Empire are relatively easy to traverse if we commit sufficient men and material. However, their defense lines are difficult to penetrate. I propose we target their lifeline first—the High Kingdom of Kemrad," he emphasized, placing a flag on the eastern border.
"Sir, it's very difficult to attack that nation. The mountains are like natural fortresses," an officer noted as the map updated to show the region's terrain.
"Then we strike here," Dmitri pointed to a mountain in the rear. Information indicated it housed a major supply hub for weapons being sent to the alliance.
"Sir, it will take months to mount an offensive. We still need to train soldiers for mountainous combat. Additionally, increased military activity would alert the enemy to our plans," a Novoros officer warned.
"I understand. However, we'll begin troop insertions from the skies. We'll deploy most of our mountain divisions and infantry into the city caverns to start a siege. For cities out in the open, we'll launch a disinformation campaign to sow chaos, allowing us to slowly capture them. Our main target will be this city," Dmitri said, tapping the map with a long stick to indicate a city located 15 kilometers deep into enemy territory.
"Should we airdrop airborne soldiers first, followed by artillery equipment and mountain divisions?" one officer suggested.
"That's a good plan, but we need to begin gathering intelligence on the region and their defenses. During this time, we'll prepare for a feint attack on the Garbaros Empire. We must let information 'slip' into their command to mislead them," Dmitri replied, outlining the full strategy.
"Let's time this operation for a holiday when their guard is lowered. How long will it take for the mountain divisions to reach the eastern line?" Dmitri asked the Chief of Staff.
"Their base of operations is in the Umrav Mountains. We can deploy five divisions, but it will take three weeks," the Chief of Staff answered.
"Good. I will also request air cavalry divisions and a battalion of airborne troops from the empire. We can't use the elite legions as most of them are still recovering from the war," Dmitri said. Everyone nodded in agreement, acknowledging the challenges faced by the empire in its post-war state.
"We will deploy a company-sized unit of special operations personnel to scout areas where we can insert our troops without detection. On the day of the operation, they will secure landing zones for the airborne soldiers and other units," Dmitri added.
"Which unit will handle this?"
"The 2nd Battalion, 3rd Company. They excel at reconnaissance," an officer in charge of special operations suggested, and Dmitri nodded.
"All right. Four weeks is the deadline for this operation. During that time, we must complete our objectives. For example, we'll organize a feint offensive targeting the Garbaros Empire. I expect everyone to be prepared by then," Dmitri concluded.
Everyone saluted and left the room. In the coming days, meetings continued as the Novoros war machine shifted into high gear. Artillery shells, bombs, and other supplies were produced in greater quantities, now unrestricted by resource shortages. The bombs and shells were more powerful, as the empire poured its resources into the effort.
A Few Days Later – Alex's POV
Imperial Communication Center
"Your Majesty, the current progress on the front is steady. I've requested two air cavalry divisions to be sent to Tyrell. Lastly, regarding Assassin X, I intend to start a political firestorm in the targeted nation," Dmitri reported with disciplined posture, his hands clasped behind his back.
Alex stood still, listening, before nodding and replying, "Good. Maintain operations and do whatever you see fit to win, but do not cross any lines. If gods interfere, I'll deploy an executioner."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I hope our victories continue in the coming months," Dmitri responded.
After the call ended, the dimly lit room brightened as two individuals entered.
"Your Majesty, the car is waiting outside to take you to the construction site," the butler said with a bow.
"Thank you, Mr. Deeds. Let's get going," Alex replied as he walked outside.
Construction in the Capital
Alex entered a jet-black car surrounded by motorcycles. Vehicles like these were becoming increasingly common in the empire. Alex had allowed manufacturers to produce civilian vehicles under strict regulations. Roads were being renovated to accommodate this growing demand.
As the car drove through the bustling streets, Alex watched construction workers undertaking the grand renovation of the Draconian Empire's capital. The project's cost exceeded 1 trillion Dracs, with workers brought in from across the empire. Special apartments designed to double as fortresses and shelters in case of an attack were prioritized.
At the Construction Site
Alex arrived at a site on the west side of the capital. Three more identical structures were planned within 10 kilometers. This area was designated as the economy sector, housing shops, businesses, hotels, and company offices.
"Your Majesty, it's great to see you," the Chief Architect greeted him warmly.
"Yes, I'm here to check on the progress. How is it going?" Alex asked.
"We've completed the underground shelters and are currently building up to the fourth floor. We aim to finish it this month," the architect reported.
"Good. What about the other projects?" Alex asked as they walked toward a container repurposed into the architect's base of operations.
"Workers are gathering materials for the underground railway and pipelines. Digging has already begun. We estimate that civilian trains will be operational within three years," the architect explained.
Alex nodded. "I hope the daily lives of the Draconians haven't been disrupted."
"Not entirely. Some workers agreed to temporarily move to houses in the future housing sector," the architect said, pointing north toward the second ring of the city.
A Few Hours Later – Argon's Prison Cell
Alex entered a large cell guarded by imperial wardens, an elite unit specializing in prison security.
Argon was chained from neck to legs with antimatter restraints, preventing him from moving or using his powers. Any attempt to move resulted in an electric shock.
Alex observed the prisoner, power crackling faintly in his hand. "Now, what should we do with you?" he muttered, contemplating his next move.
To be continued…