In the dimly lit war room of Goodie Hunters' headquarters, the sharp scent of aged wood mingled with the cold air from the ventilation system. A large, polished wooden table stretched across the room, and seated at one end was **Manav**, the formidable president of Goodie Hunters. His eyes were steady, unwavering, his mind consumed by a single thought. He was no stranger to ruthless decisions, but the one he was about to make would shake the foundation of the fragile alliances across Mars.
His most trusted commander, **General Ryan Jim**, stood before him. Ryan Jim had served under Manav for decades, earning a reputation for both his loyalty and his cold, calculating efficiency. Tall and broad-shouldered, with graying hair and a hardened face, he was the embodiment of discipline and battle-hardened resolve. His uniform was immaculate, a reflection of his precise nature.
"General," Manav's voice was calm but carried an underlying weight. "Tell me, what do I need to do to become World President? What steps must I take?"
General Ryan Jim remained silent for a moment, his piercing gaze fixed on the floor. He had thought about this before. There was no clear path, no simple strategy. The political game was ever-changing, and the shadows of rival nations loomed larger every day. But he could never say that to Manav. Manav wasn't a man to accept uncertainty. He needed answers.
"I don't know, sir," Ryan Jim finally replied, his voice steady, yet tinged with a hint of unease. "The Global Parliament is a labyrinth. You control Goodie Hunters, but the other nations—each one of them—has its own set of alliances, its own web of influence. To become World President, you must either buy support or crush your rivals. The system is built on favors, promises, and—"
Manav cut him off with a single gesture. "I know all of that, General. We have the power, but we need leverage, something that no one can ignore. I've thought about it, and I've come up with a plan."
Ryan Jim looked up, his eyes narrowing in curiosity. Manav was always calculating, always several steps ahead. But this plan—whatever it was—would mark a turning point. He could feel it.
Manav's gaze hardened, his eyes turning cold. "We wipe out **The Crimson Serpent**."
The words hung in the air, and Ryan Jim took a step back, momentarily stunned. The Crimson Serpent. A criminal organization known across Mars for its ruthless dealings and vast reach. It was not just any criminal group; it was a powerful empire, controlling the black market, weapon smuggling, and illegal trade networks. For years, the Crimson Serpent had been one of Goodie Hunters' most valuable sources of income. They paid handsomely for weapons, resources, and military support. They were loyal customers—until now.
"Sir," Ryan Jim began cautiously, "the Crimson Serpent is more than just an organization. They're deeply embedded in the economy of Mars. Each person in Goodie Hunters pays us a tax, but the Crimson Serpent pays us more. We've been supplying them with weapons for years. If we destroy them, we risk losing a major source of revenue. We might even destabilize our own economy."
Manav's lips curled into a faint, almost imperceptible smile. "I know that. But their existence is a threat. They have grown too powerful, too unpredictable. And worse, they have begun to challenge my authority. They have resources we can't control, people we can't sway. In a year, they could topple everything we've built here. No one is above me, General. Not even them."
Ryan Jim paused, contemplating the coldness in Manav's voice. There was no mercy in those words, no hesitation. Manav was a ruler who tolerated no opposition, no rival. He was willing to sacrifice anything to maintain his position. But the question remained: was the cost of eliminating the Crimson Serpent worth it?
"Sir," Ryan Jim said, his tone now tinged with reluctance, "I understand your reasoning. But we've built a foundation on this alliance. The Crimson Serpent controls vast amounts of territory, and their network reaches across the entire planet. Their influence goes beyond just weapons. If we strike them down, we risk more than just our income. It could lead to unrest, chaos—"
Manav stood up abruptly, his voice low and filled with deadly intent. "I said, kill them."
Ryan Jim flinched at the command, his mind racing. He had seen Manav give orders before—brutal orders—but this was different. This was not just about a tactical strike or a quick assassination. This was a declaration of war against a criminal empire that could retaliate. Yet, there was no questioning Manav's resolve. The president had made his decision.
"We'll deal with the consequences later," Manav continued, his voice unwavering. "You've served me well, General, but you must understand—this is not just a military operation. This is the next step in securing Goodie Hunters' future. We need to crush them before they can turn on us."
Ryan Jim hesitated. "And you're certain this is the only way, sir?"
Manav fixed him with a steely gaze. "I am certain."
There was no more room for debate. The Crimson Serpent had grown too bold, and they had to be removed before their presence became a threat that could not be erased. The general understood that now, but he couldn't help feeling the weight of the decision. An entire empire was about to be eradicated, and the balance of power on Mars would shift dramatically.
"Sir," Ryan Jim said, his voice steady but with an underlying tension, "I will prepare the necessary forces. But we will need to be cautious. The Crimson Serpent will not go down without a fight. They have allies, resources, and spies everywhere. We can't simply storm in and expect to wipe them out. It has to be precise."
Manav nodded. "I know. That's why I want you to assemble the best of our forces. Take only the most trusted commanders, the ones who won't hesitate. I want them eradicated, wiped off the map. No survivors."
Ryan Jim's face was impassive, but inside, he felt the weight of the task ahead. To destroy the Crimson Serpent was to destabilize the entire black market, to disrupt an entire underground economy that spanned the breadth of Mars. It was a dangerous move, but it was one that Manav was insistent on. And when Manav was insistent, there was no turning back.
"Yes, sir. It will be done."
As Ryan Jim turned to leave, Manav stopped him with a single word. "General."
Ryan Jim turned back, his posture straightening, awaiting further instruction.
Manav's expression softened ever so slightly, but his voice remained sharp. "This is the price of power. You must always be prepared to sacrifice. Remember that."
With that, Ryan Jim nodded and left the room, his mind already working on the logistics of the mission. The Crimson Serpent would not know what hit them.
---
The room fell silent once Ryan Jim had left. Manav stood by the window, staring out over the vast expanse of Goodie Hunters. He could feel the weight of the decision in his bones. But in this world, power was everything. And to maintain it, you had to make decisions that others would hesitate to even consider. This was his world, and no one was going to take it from him.
The path ahead would be dark, filled with bloodshed and chaos, but Manav was prepared. He had no intention of losing his grip on Mars, not now, not ever. And if the Crimson Serpent had to burn for it, so be it.
The future of Mars was in his hands, and he would see it through to the end—no matter the cost.