As the sun rises over the bustling city of Maryu, Zev, the Mongol military commander, stands before a war table, his eyes sharpen in concentration. The defeat at Ulanghan had been a bitter blow, but he is determined not to let it happen again.
Zev's gaze sweeps over the detailed map, his mind racing as he considers his options. He knows that Se La and her commanders will not be easily deterred - their victory has only emboldened them. But Zev is a master strategist, and he has a plan to turn the tide of the battle in the Mongols' favor.
Summoning his top lieutenants, Zev outlines his strategy. "The Solarice forces will be expecting a direct assault," he says, his voice low and measured. "But we shall surprise them with a more... unconventional approach."
The lieutenants listen intently as Zev lays out his plan. "We know that Se La is likely to send a specialized unit to infiltrate the city and disrupt our shamans," Zev continues. "That is where our gaoji shaman with 50 zhongji will be stationed to protect the fortress. Before me move on let me introduce someone.
He gestures to a shadowy figure standing in the corner of the tent - Naira, a gaoji level shaman known for her fast paced style of attacks unlike alinaq .
"Naira will be perfect for situation. Zev explains. "Her mastery of the close combat shamanism is what we need. She will lead a team of our most skilled warriors and shamans to counter the Solarice infiltrators."
The lieutenants exchange uneasy glances, but they know better than to question Zev's judgment. With Naira's skills and the element of surprise on their side, the Mongols may have a chance to turn the tables on the Solarice forces.
Zev's gaze then shifts to a report on the war table, his lips curling into a sardonic smile. "And I have also heard whispers of Se La's latest... acquisition. She has obtained a vast number of war slaves to bolster her forces."
His expression darkens, but there is a glint of calculation in his eyes. "We cannot underestimate the threat these slaves pose. However, we have a plan to neutralize their impact on the battlefield."
Zev turns to one of his lieutenants, a seasoned warrior with a reputation for ruthless tactics. "Batu, you will lead a contingent of our most skilled ki-users. Their task will be to target and eliminate the Solarice's slave overseers - the Zhongji-level ki-users responsible for controlling the slaves."
Batu nods, his expression grim. "It will be done, Commander. Without their masters' guidance, the slaves will be thrown into chaos, unable to coordinate their efforts effectively."
Zev's lips curl into a predatory smile. "Precisely. While Naira's team deals with the Solarice infiltrators and our main force assaults the city's walls, Batu's ki-users will sow discord among the slave ranks, rendering them ineffective."
As the last of his lieutenants filed out of the war tent, Zev found himself alone, the weight of his responsibilities settling heavily upon his shoulders. He turned his gaze back to the map, tracing the lines of the city's defenses with a calloused finger.
With renewed determination, Zev began to refine his plans, his mind racing as he considered every possible contingency reviewing the reports of the battle in ulanghan.
he knew all too well the unpredictability of battle. What if their plan failed? What if Se La had an ace up her sleeve that he had yet to uncover?. He prepares throughout the night his with a unshakable focus in his eyes.
As the sunsets in maryu the scene shifts to the quarters of se la. the golden rays of the setting sun filtered through the ornate windows of Se La's private quarters, as she sits at her desk, her eyes filled with concentration as she pored over a stack of reports .
The day's events had been a whirlwind of activity - overseeing the training of her troops, negotiating with the city elders, and planning the upcoming assault on Maryu. Now, in the relative solitude of her chambers, Se La allowed herself a moment of respite, as she takes in a puff of smoke from her pipe.
A soft knock at the door interrupted her contemplation, and she looked up to see the familiar figure of Yuhan, the young prince, standing in the threshold. "Come in, Yuhan," she said, her tone leaking a hint of fondness.
Yuhan stepped into the room, his golden eyes reflecting the warm glow of the sunset. "Aunt Se La," he began, his voice tinged with a rare seriousness. "I... I wanted to speak with you."
What is it my nephew speak your mind( she releases a puff of smoke).
Yuhan with a hint of nervousness in his tone says aunty I want to ask you about my eyes and how do we use it.
I don't remember the clash between alinaq even with all my strength I still lost to him I can't bear people calling me a genius and me leading the special forces when I haven't achieved anything .
I want to be stronger to not ever suffer from the losing the shame hurts me more than the pain of the battle.
Se la bursts out in laughter as she tries to compose herself and says.
Yuhan embarrassed says in a tsundere voice w.. well if you don't want to say it I will just go.
Pfff no wait wait,i am sorry your concerns are totally valid yuhan.
Hmm how to get stronger you ask (she brainstorms ideas) .
Well there is only one way for you to get strong it's how I managed to become a dashi.
Yuhan eyes glimmer with hope as he intently asks how.
To fight and fight and fight there will be a point where your mind will go blank and your consiousnes will fade that is a state that you have to aim for.
Our bloodline of xu was started by the great Zhang xu he was known for his control of fire. He was the first king of solarice but a fearsome martial artist and general.
It was said during a battle between zair were he was outnumbered surrounded by 5 swordmasters and the sword king himself he reached the stage of dashi his black eyes turned to gold and his presence was of a deity itself.
Even if we reach the stages of gouji Or even dashi there will be people stronger than yourself.
The levels of chuji Or dashi just signifies the amount of ki present in you but the skills of utilizing it vastly differ .
Yuhan then bows his head with a spark of determination in his eyes says I will not disappoint you.
As he leaves se la takes a puff from the pipe and sighs - I doubt more and more about your father being that fool of a brother of mine yuhan (a warm smile on her face).