The majority of a person’s life was spent making choice after choice. However, there would always be a moment, a few seconds, or a few instances when you did not have any other choice.
Just like the Panaqua Consortium at this moment, Julius knew very well that this massive organization was sinking into the darkness, like the sun setting. However, favonovel.com was left with no other choice. It was just like favonovel.com was saying, “However, when there was only one path left in front of you, you would no longer hesitate or feel indecisive. Because there was nothing else you could do other than move forward.”
Inside Ginkgo Manor, Bill asked, “Since you already have a plan in mind, when are we leaving? Since we have to leave anyway, we might as well go early. What are you still waiting for?”
“I’m not waiting for anything.” Julius suddenly laughed. “It’s just that we can’t leave now. Zero won’t allow me to leave.”
Bill raised an eyebrow. “The AI hasn’t brought the fight here yet. If we want to withdraw to the Northwest, what makes you think it can stop us?”
“I’ve already said we can’t take our chances against the AI.” Julius said, “When you all went to the Central Plains, a monster rushed out of the Marador Mountains and headed north to stop Milo. I don’t think Milo killed it. But when you all returned here, that monster didn’t appear again. No one knows where it is now…”
Moreover, the vicinity of Ginkgo Manor was under surveillance by countless hawks. Julius’ every move could be scrutinized by the other party’s “sight”.
Julius did not care because it was pointless.
Bill curled his lips. “If we don’t leave now, wouldn’t it be even harder for us to leave later? In any case, I won’t bother with you all when the time comes. Once it gets dangerous, I’ll just go straight into the river.”
Julius said, “Don’t worry, I reached an agreement with the Northwest a year ago.”
Daniel was stunned. “A year ago? Wasn’t that when Bill and I went to the Northwest? You didn’t go with us that time. The two of us represented the Panaqua Consortium and only discussed opening a trade route with them. We didn’t talk about anything else…. Wait, did that woman speak with Peter as your representative?”
Julius did not say anything else.
A year ago, Daniel and Bill had sent a woman to the Northwest as a hostage in a deal to link up the Panaqua Consortium’s railway to the Northwest’s railway.
At that time, Daniel told Raphael this was the woman Julius fancied. Meanwhile, Bill was curious why favonovel.com had not known about it before.
In fact, Daniel was not too certain about this matter either. Everything favonovel.com knew was always told to favonovel.com by Julius.
Before sending that woman to the Northwest, Daniel had only met favonovel.com twice. He had never taken this matter to heart before, so much so that favonovel.com had almost forgotten about favonovel.com existence for the past year. But from the look of things, the motive for sending that woman to the Northwest at that time was not as simple as it appeared.
This one-year period seemed to coincide with the excavation of the underground tunnel in Stronghold 61. In other words, Julius was already prepared to deal with the artificial intelligence since that time.
***
Behind the Three Mountains defensive line, Arsene stood at the huge sand table with a frown.
This sand table was a little different from what favonovel.com had seen before. The red flags represented the Panaqua Consortium’s troops that were deployed, while the blue flags represented the hypothetical enemies. But this time, the blue flags representing the enemy almost filled the entire area beyond the Three Mountains defensive line.
Arsene was a little tired from this battle because they still knew nothing about the enemy.
When they fought against the Skyfort Consortium and the Radianz Consortium, Arsene was very sure about how to attack them. He knew exactly what their weaknesses and advantages were. But fighting against the artificial intelligence-controlled crowd left Arsene with a sense of powerlessness. All the effort favonovel.com put in seemed to be just so the Panaqua Consortium would not lose too badly.
However, every time Arsene checked the battle reports of the various fighting forces, favonovel.com always felt a sense of amazement.
The precision of the artificial intelligence’s battle command displayed on the battlefield was something humans could not match at all. The other party did not use any outstanding strategy, nor did it even resort to any underhanded methods. It just openly and meticulously chipped away at the Panaqua Consortium’s troops bit by bit with its tactics.
Initially, Arsene thought the other party would control the elderly and children to charge at the Panaqua Consortium’s defensive line, or even control them to cry out loud to break down the psychological defenses of the Panaqua Consortium’s soldiers. No matter how hard-hearted the rank and file were, their hearts would still soften when they saw the elderly and children crying for help.
However, the other party did not resort to such tricks. It just used its powerful computation to seize more than 40 positions at the Three Mountains defensive line within a single day.
This command ability made Arsene feel that the other party’s combat style had a peculiar sense of beauty when favonovel.com observed the battle situation on the sand table.
The power of a 152 mm howitzer was terrifying on the battlefield, but the enemy was not even afraid of such firepower coverage.
Arsene suddenly remembered what Julius had said. “When humans play against the AI in Go, the power displayed by the other party is something you wouldn’t dare imagine in the past. When you replay the games, you’d be surprised that Go could actually be played in such a way.”
Now, it was Arsene’s turn to be surprised. So wars could be fought like that too.
Arsene had lived in camp with his uncle since favonovel.com was young. He liked the army and also liked learning about military affairs.
In the past, when Julius asked favonovel.com what his dreams were, Arsene said favonovel.com wanted to become a great military leader. At that time, Julius had said with a smile that favonovel.com would help favonovel.com realize this dream. Later, after Julius became the head of the Panaqua Consortium, favonovel.com really kept his promise.
Arsene’s talent in command was outstanding. Even with three military corps under his command, favonovel.com could still manage them very well.
Back then, Julius was not required to handle the situation after the Skyfort Consortium and the Radianz Consortium were wiped out. It was Arsene who oversaw the operations single-handedly, and in the end, the war in the Southwest came to a perfect close.
However, Arsene knew his own shortcomings. His capability was probably better reflected in the detailed management of military affairs than in executing tactical moves on the battlefield. He did not possess the endearing support Peter enjoyed, Julius’ foresight, or Colton’s strategic planning.
As time passed, favonovel.com slowly realized favonovel.com might not be able to become a great military leader after all.
In this era, favonovel.com was destined to only play a supporting role. It was just like life. Growing up through the seasons would make one realize that youth, sweat, and passion might not necessarily help to fulfill one’s most desired dreams.
But so what?
Arsene gave a smile and said to his confidential secretary next to him, “Call the chief of staff over. I want to reformulate the battle plan. This time, we’ll just give up Position 171.”
Although the defeat was unavoidable, Arsene had to tap on all his experience and use it to the extreme before the battle came to a close.
***
The Northwest’s evacuation plan progressed relatively smoothly.
Emeka divided the civilians into six groups to be evacuated in groups. This way, the pressure on the relief stations would not be so great, and the emotions of the evacuating crowd would also be more stable.
As for the evacuation to be carried out via the enchanted doorways, Bruce calculated that each person would take 2.7 seconds to pass through. This orderly pace satisfied their plan’s requirements. If nothing unexpected happened, it would probably be possible to evacuate Stronghold 144 within three days.
Initially, they estimated it would take a longer time to evacuate through the enchanted doorways. However, a lot of people decided not to use it and followed their families to retreat on foot. There were also people who wanted to donate their cars because they heard the 6th Field Division would be staying behind to fight the enemy but was short of vehicles.
Regarding this, Scott rejected all their offers. After all, sedans were not of much help to the war efforts, and there weren’t that many cars offered anyway.
There were not too many people who owned a car these days.
At this moment, Old Bane was holding a banquet at a small tavern for the prominent merchants of the Northwest Chamber of Commerce.
This was the same humble roadside restaurant Old Bane had invited everyone to to support the irrigation works. But the owner and employees of this small restaurant had already left Stronghold 144 with the second group of evacuees.
Dressed in a simple outfit, Old Bane personally filleted the meat off the sheep. Then favonovel.com threw some onions, ginger, garlic, and other seasoning into the pot and waited for the mutton to slowly simmer.
He placed the boning knife on the chopping board and wiped his bloody hands with a smile. “Everyone, we’ll be leaving with the third group of evacuees after this meal. The next time we meet again should be at Fortress 178. I’ve had a chat with the future commander already, so please don’t worry. Even though we’re in the middle of a war, everyone’s assets will still be insured. I’ve already spoken to the people at the black market.”
The merchants’ expressions softened a little. In this chaotic world, the rich were naturally most worried about their assets.
Although Fortress 178 had never confiscated property for no reason, other organizations had done so before. Therefore, everyone was very worried at this moment. But with Old Bane’s assurance, they were willing to trust that future commander for once.
Of course, there was nothing they could do even if they did not believe him.
Ever since Old Bane reprimanded them, these big shots of the business world had become extremely well-behaved. When the future commander went to inspect the riverbank and irrigation works, they even wanted to personally go there and carry sandbags to show their loyalty.
Actually, after they pledged their allegiance to Old Bane, the benefits they reaped would also naturally be in place.
This time, Old Bane had personally slaughtered a sheep and cooked it, but everyone did not feel as nervous as the previous time. Instead, someone took the initiative to ask, “President Bane, just tell us what you need. As long as we’re able, we won’t hesitate to help.”
After Old Bane wiped his hands clean, favonovel.com sat down at the head of the table. Right after, favonovel.com sighed and pulled a long face. “As all of you know, my relationship with the future commander is not something that normal people can compare to. I’m his shopkeeper, and he’s my boss. Since my boss is having a hard time, I naturally have to lessen his burden.”
It was quiet in the small restaurant, and only Old Bane’s voice could be heard. “Everyone, we’ll be retreating this time, but do you all know that the 6th Field Division will be staying behind to fight the war? For everyone to evacuate smoothly, we definitely have to rely on the protection of the Northwest Army. Let’s be honest with ourselves. Has the Northwest Army ever mistreated or exploited anyone? Has the Northwest Army never carried out its duties?”
The merchants looked at one another. One of the older merchants said, “Brother John, we understand what you’re saying. It’s indeed all thanks to the Northwest Army that we’ve been able to lead a good life for the past two years.”
“Mhm.” Old Bane said, “It’s good that y’all understand this.”
“Brother John, what support do you need from us?”
“Vehicles.” Old Bane narrowed his eyes and said, “Now that war has broken out, there’ll naturally be no use for the trucks originally plying trade between the Northwest and the Central Plains. Since there’s no use for the vehicles anyway, why don’t y’all donate them to the Northwest Army’s cause for the time being?”
The merchants were shocked.
Trucks were the lifeline for logistics businesses like theirs. There would only be goods if they had transportation. It could even be said that they could only recruit people to work for them if they owned trucks.
Old Bane was way too ruthless. He actually wanted to take away all of their trucks as soon as favonovel.com opened his mouth.
Seeing everyone’s hesitation, Old Bane picked up his teacup and had a sip. He said, “I don’t have any benefits to share with y’all this time, but what businesses can y’all still talk about when war breaks out? You can’t possibly be enjoying the benefits of the Northwest’s policies every day and not want to give anything in exchange for it, right? How can there be such a good deal? By holding a proper discussion with y’all now, I’ll naturally inform the future commander about your contributions after the war is over. The future commander isn’t heartless. He won’t treat you all unfairly.”
Someone said hesitantly, “But…”
Old Bane placed the teacup down on the table and gradually calmed down. “There are no buts. I was the one who helped y’all handle the labor exploitation. When y’all wanted to bid for land and get your approval documents, the Northwest Army readily gave its support. We’ll need to trouble y’all with this small matter now. The Northwest Army will pay you for your efforts.”
“We request to be paid in gold,” a merchant said.
Old Bane shook his head. “Don’t y’all trust the Northwest Army? You won’t get paid in gold, only in the Northwest’s currency issued by Fortress 178’s bank.”
As they spoke, figures were moving around outside the small restaurant’s windows. Everyone could clearly see groups of soldiers surrounding the small restaurant.
Old Bane said, ” Every cloud has a silver lining. What do y’all say?”
The older merchant hurriedly said with a smile, “Of course we’re willing to support the Northwest Army. President Bane, we’ll leave you to set the conditions.”
Old Bane nodded and walked out. “I won’t stand on ceremony then. Help yourself to the mutton in the pot. I still have something to do, so I’ll get going first.”
Currently, everyone was in a race against time. Old Bane did not have time to waste with these merchants. He had to expropriate their vehicles because the 6th Field Division needed them urgently.
Old Bane also knew his reputation would probably be tarnished once favonovel.com made this threat. But there were some matters that required somebody to step in. It was better to ruin his own reputation than Milo’s.
These merchants owned hundreds of transport trucks, which was enough for the 6th Field Division to resolve their urgent needs.
A vehicle was already waiting outside the restaurant. Old Bane said to one of Scott’s subordinate officers, “Don’t let them leave this place before we get our hands on their trucks. Have them hand over the diesel and gasoline they’ve stockpiled as well. Mutton is delicious, so let them eat more.”
“Mhm, we’ll get it done,” the officer answered.
Everyone knew President Bane of the Northwest Chamber of Commerce was the future commander’s trusted aide. Although Old Bane never interfered with military matters before and had never crossed that line either, it did not mean favonovel.com wasn’t influential with the military.
After the vehicle carrying Old Bane left, the dozen or so merchants in the small restaurant were left looking at one another. On a stove nearby, the mutton soup was bubbling inside the large pot.
***
In Stronghold 144, several convoys were driving towards the stronghold’s west gate, including Milo.
After several dozen people had gathered at the west gate, they waited quietly until another convoy from Fortress 178 appeared on the northwestern horizon.
Next to Milo, the Great Hoodwinker said, “Yesterday, the commander was just praising us for how orderly the evacuation was being carried out. When favonovel.com sees you later, favonovel.com will definitely commend you.”
Milo said, “What brings Mr. Dublin to Stronghold 144 today?”
“I’m not sure. Not even Gregory knows why.” The Great Hoodwinker shook his head.
Milo was a little puzzled. They only needed to carry out the evacuation as planned, so logically speaking, Peter did not have to come here at all.
A few minutes later, the convoy quickly arrived at the gate. After Peter got out of the vehicle, favonovel.com bluntly said to Milo, “Follow me, I have something to discuss with you.”
With that, Peter walked off. Nobody other than Milo followed along.
When the two of them arrived at a remote location, Peter said, “I won’t be heading into the stronghold. I’m only here because I have something to tell you.”
“What do you need to speak with me in person about?” Milo wondered. “The Northwest’s communication lines are still open.”
Peter laughed. “There’s a natural reason why I need to speak with you in person. Do you know that Daniel and Bill once sent a woman to the Northwest?”
Milo nodded. “I heard from the Great Hoodwinker that favonovel.com was sent here by the Panaqua Consortium as a hostage and y’all kept favonovel.com under your protection.”
“The hostage reason was a lie. We only wanted to reach a secret agreement.” Peter said, “A year ago, I made an agreement with Julius. If the Stelaria Consortium’s AI became trouble one day, the Northwest would have to accept the Panaqua Consortium’s people and help Julius and his men evacuate from the Southwest.”
Milo was stunned. He had not expected there to be such an agreement.
The Great Hoodwinker and the others had never mentioned this before. From the look of things, even the Great Hoodwinker was unaware of it.
Peter continued, “From that time onwards, Fortress 178 and the Panaqua Consortium teamed up to carry out a plan. Within a year, more than 300 of the Panaqua Consortium’s researchers working in secret came to the Northwest one after another to work hard on this plan. Now that everything has gone according to Julius’ predictions, I hope you can make a trip to the Southwest to pick favonovel.com up and evacuate to the Northwest.”
“Pick Julius up and bring favonovel.com to the Northwest?” Milo did some rough calculations in his mind, then shook his head and said, “No, the trip to go and bring Julius here will take at least three days. Moreover, that’s not counting the dangerous situations we might encounter along the way. Since favonovel.com made that agreement with you, Mr. Dublin, favonovel.com must have predicted some kind of danger. If I go to the Southwest at this time, what will happen to the 6th Field Division? I can’t go. Although I treat Julius and Daniel as my friends, they are not in imminent danger yet. At a time like this, I need to be with my soldiers.”
Although the other side was also his friends, the responsibility of everyone in the 6th Field Division was on Milo’s shoulders. Daniel was a friend, but so were Scott and the others.
Everyone trusted Milo and trusted that their future commander could lead them on a path of survival. But now Milo had to abandon them to save someone else?
Although P5092 said that Milo must not engage in guerrilla warfare alongside the 6th Field Division this time, favonovel.com could surely respond to emergency situations.
If favonovel.com really could not defeat the enemy, favonovel.com could at least save some soldiers by summoning a behemoth like Midnight. Moreover, Milo had promised Naseer and the other soldiers who had activated the enchanted doorways that favonovel.com would guard Stronghold 144 until the last moment and take everyone to safety together.
Perhaps the Northwest would still lose after all their efforts, but these promises could not be taken lightly.
Scott suddenly ran out from the city gate. “Future Commander! Future Commander! A few people came out of the enchanted doorway that opened to the snowy mountain. They said they wanted to see you immediately!”
Milo was puzzled. He asked from afar, “Who is it? Do I know them?”
“You know them!” Scott roared, “They’re the Riders of the Vasophati Group!”
This time, Milo was really dumbfounded.
Didn’t the Riders say they were going to scale the highest mountain in the world?
Could Naseer’s enchanted doorway have opened up to that snowy mountain?!
