Chapter 20 Growing Concern
As the full details of the Decapitation Operation were unveiled, shock rippled through the conference room. Discussions broke out among the attendees, debating the necessity and risks involved in such a mission.
If executed carelessly, they risked not only falling prey to the beast horde but also becoming victims of friendly fire from their defense lines.
Contrary to everyone's concerns, Captain Zhang remained composed and resolute. "Understood. We'll accept the mission and will execute it to the best of our abilities."
At this juncture, Major General Chen interjected, "However, your prime objective is to ensure the safety of your team, regardless of the mission target. If the mission becomes too hazardous, you have the authority to evacuate or wait for a better opportunity."
Your time limit would be until the third defense line had been breached. By then, regardless of the tactical situation, your priority would be to withdraw and evacuate from the battlefield.
We entrust you with the discretion to make such decisions."
Captain Zhang promptly saluted, "Thank you, Sir, for your consideration. We will prioritize the safety of our team while carrying out our task."
Hearing this, the Generals nodded in satisfaction, acknowledging Captain Zhang's commitment to both the mission and the safety of his team.
-
Ren Ya, perched on the edge of his seat, felt a prickling unease despite the carefully calculated strategies unfolding before him.
Earlier, he had already reported his encounter with the unsettling coercion deep within the jungle—a pervasive force that seemed capable of stirring the beasts into a frenzy.
While the report was acknowledged, the officer's words did little to quell Ren Ya's growing concern.
It felt like there was more to this tide than mere animalistic instinct.
Du Zhao, Ren Ya's trusted lieutenant, leaned over, his voice barely a whisper. "Do you think they truly believe it's just the Tide they need to worry about?"
Ren Ya shook his head, his brows furrowed. "I'm not sure. Something doesn't add up."
Major General Chen, who had been attentively listening to the strategies being planned, suddenly directed his gaze toward Ren Ya and Du Zhao.
"You there, what were you two whispering about just now?" His voice cut through the room, commanding attention.
Instantly, the conference room fell silent.
"We weren't having a secret conversation, Sir," Ren Ya responded promptly to Major General Chen's accusation.
"Then what were you whispering about? Care to share with everyone?" Major General Chen inquired, his expression serious yet hiding a hint of amusement.
"No, Sir. We were just discussing the report we submitted earlier," Ren Ya replied, maintaining his composure.
As he observed the inquiring looks of those around him, he braced himself to explain. "Earlier this morning, we filed a report suggesting that the current beast tide attack might not be a typical occurrence.
There's a strong likelihood that this aggression was deliberately orchestrated, possibly by a human actor manipulating events from behind the scenes.
Our suspicions stem from an encounter our team had while scouting deep to the north. We stumbled upon a powerful entity emanating an intimidating aura, unlike anything we've encountered before.
It was highly possible that because of this entity, the situation could potentially escalate beyond what we've faced previously."
When the Generals heard this, their attention unintentionally glanced toward a certain direction. Even the person in the shadow showed his interest in Ren Ya.
However, Major General Chen quickly regained his composure, dismissing Ren Ya's observation with a snort. "Captain Ren, with all due respect, we rely on our intelligence. The behaviors of the base tides were well-documented and predictable. There's no need for speculative theories."
"But..." Ren Ya attempted to interject.
Before Ren Ya could retort, Lieutenant General Kael intervened, raising his hand to silence the room. His gaze fixed on Ren Ya, a fleeting expression crossing his resolute countenance.
"Captain Ren," he began, his tone measured, "your unique insights are invaluable, and we've duly noted your report. However, our immediate focus is on addressing the imminent threat at hand."
"As for your concerns regarding the potential involvement of a human actor orchestrating events behind the scenes, rest assured, a dedicated unit has been dispatched to investigate these matters."
Yes, he was not lying.
There was indeed an ongoing investigation into the explosion that occurred deep in the mountain range that triggered the beast tide.
It was just that the focus of the investigation was different from what Ren Ya was concerned about.
Ren Ya couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration.
A separate unit?
He doubted their investigation would delve as deep as he thought was necessary. Yet, challenging the General directly would be unwise.
Instead, he decided to take a calculated risk.
"General," he began respectfully yet with determination, "with all due respect, my team possesses exceptional scouting skills. We could prove invaluable in monitoring the northern border, ensuring no unforeseen threats..."
He paused, studying the General's reaction carefully.
After a tense silence, a slow smile spread across the General's weathered face.
"You've got guts, Captain," he remarked, his voice tinged with amusement. "And perhaps a valid point."
"Very well. You and your team will operate outside official channels, gathering intel beyond the immediate battle lines. Additionally, you'll also be assigned to the first defense line."
You'll also be assigned to the first line of defense.
"Your primary objective will be to support Captain Zhang's Decapitation Operation by assisting in recognizing and locating the beast kings hidden within the horde. Your secondary objective is to report any significant findings promptly."
"Tread carefully, Captain. The shadows beyond the Tide conceal mysteries best left undisturbed."
A surge of determination coursed through Ren Ya. "Thank you, Sir. I'll not let you down."
This wasn't just about proving his hunch; it was about ensuring Asma City's survival. With a silent nod of acknowledgment, he gathered his team, their faces etched with a mixture of apprehension and excitement.
-
Soon, apart from the General-ranked officers, everyone else vacated the conference room.
Each team had received their assignments.
While Captain Zhang's Ranger company and Captain Ren Ya's Reconnaissance company ventured out to prepare for the unknown ordeal, another drama unfolded within the confines of the conference room.
As the doors closed behind them, Lieutenant General Kael's stern expression softened, and the atmosphere relaxed. The dignified air dissipated, leaving a more casual atmosphere.
Despite the alarming reports presented during the conference, the Generals were already privy to the full extent of the situation before the meeting commenced.
Similar to the Asma City's garrison, the Eastern Military Region had a separate reconnaissance team reporting directly to them.
The Generals convened today primarily to observe how these young commanders and soldiers would handle the evolving situation. Additionally, several key individuals had piqued their interest.
-
The Generals exchanged glances before directing their attention to the cloaked figure seated in the shadows.
This enigmatic individual, exuding an aura of formidable authority, had been present in the room from the outset. Yet, his presence had gone unnoticed by all, as if an invisible barrier had shielded him from detection.
Upon Lieutenant General Kael's entrance into the conference room, he and his entourage were taken aback to find the figure sitting quietly there. They nearly betrayed their surprise when they saw his presence.
Fortunately, they were all familiar with the mysterious old man.
Aware of his preference for anonymity, they were thankful for their usual stern countenance. They did not expose any surprise reaction. Nonetheless, they almost gave away hints about the old man's presence.
Indeed, he was the very source of the imposing presence Ren Ya had sensed and reported to higher authorities – a hidden powerhouse within the Meza Republic's Eastern Military Region.
Lieutenant General Kael exchanged a knowing glance with the old man. "I never expected that you would come in person.
Are you genuinely intrigued by him?"
"Indeed," came the subtle response from the old man, his voice low and raspy. "He's the second junior who's caught my interest. Naturally, I wanted to see him in person."
"I assume you're satisfied then. He appears to be a responsible and courageous young man," Lieutenant General Kael remarked with a smile.
Meanwhile, Major General Chen expressed his concern. Despite his gruff demeanor, he always prioritized the well-being of his soldiers.
"Lieutenant General, are you certain exposing them to this is wise? Isn't it too early to let them face the beast kings?"
Echoing Major General Chen's sentiments, Major General Jones voiced his apprehension. "I share Chen's concern. Plus, the secrets buried in the shadows are best left undisturbed."
"Hasn't our policy always been to safeguard the common people secretly from such threats, keeping their existence unknown?" he questioned further.
As the two voiced their worry, Lieutenant General Kael chuckled as his low rumble echoed in the silence. "Don't worry. These young lads possess potential, my friends. They are sparks that deserved honing."
"As for Jones's concerns..." he paused, giving a meaningful look to the old man.
With a sigh, the old man could only help him answer.
"There have been signs lately that the situation is changing. We need to prepare as best as we can to weather the coming storm. So, in the future, we would probably need all the help we can get."
"As for what exactly it entails, we don't know yet. It might be just a pure coincidence, a sign of salvation, or the start of a disaster."
At this revelation, everyone in the room, except for Lieutenant General Kael, gasped in shock. They had never been informed of such important news before.
The old man continued, "Several of us old men have been discussing this. Regardless of the possibilities, we need to step up the training of the new generations."
"They may hold the key to our future survival."
Hearing this, everyone nodded in understanding and agreed with the old man's opinion. Although he was strong, it did not mean he could shoulder every danger for them. They needed new apprentices to step up and share some of the responsibilities.