Chapter 10: The Calm Before the Storm

Sultan Mustafa Shah, the Monarch of the Sultanate of Nur, sat quietly in deep thought as he contemplated the days of his reign. It was a difficult decision for him to surrender to the forces of Caihong to save the lives of his subjects. While he besmirched the pride of the Nurians, Emperor Tie nevertheless granted clemency and showed respect to the Sultan and his constituents. The Emperor of Caihong privileged the Sultanate of Nur with autonomy, allowing the vassal state to self-rule as long as they pledge allegiance to the Empire and that they continually send tributes to the Empire. However, Emperor Tie’s demands were strange these past few years. The autocrat of Caihong, seemingly distraught, has ordered thousands of Crystal Cannons for his military as if he is preparing for war.

“Does the Emperor of Caihong preparing for another war? If so, against who?” Sultan Mustafa mused. The actions of the Sovereign severely caused great worry upon the Nurian Sultan. He was so lost in his thoughts that he didn’t notice his wife approaching him. Before he could even react, a pair of arms quickly and lovingly embrace him from behind as Sultana Yasmin sweetly spoke behind the monarch’s ear.

“Is there something troubling my husband’s mind?”

Sulltan Mustafa turned towards his wife and replied, “I would be lying if I would say no.”

“May I know what’s troubling you?”

“I have been reevaluating my decisions in the past. Did to wrongly ruled the Sultanate?”

“I do not think so, my Darling. Under your rule, the Sultanate has flourished and the people lived a plentiful life.”

“But we have lost our independence. I have crushed my people’s pride and betrayed our sovereignty.”

“But you also prevented more bloodshed and put a halt to a war we couldn’t win. You saved many lives.”

Sultana Yasmin tried to console her husband but to no avail. The Sultan was racked with doubts and guilt with the decision he made. But is sovereignty more important than the lives of his people? A legion of thoughts swirled within his troubled mind until he caught the attention of a Nurian general paying him respect.

“Your Majesty”, the soldier reported, “Marshal Sima Liang of the Empire of Caihong wishes an audience with you.”

“In the dead of the night? Is this an urgent matter from the Emperor of Caihong? Tell the servants to prepare some drinks for our guests. I’ll be granting them an audience.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the Nurian General quickly obeyed his master as he left with haste. Sultana Yasmin became worried as his husband’s face turned graver with the developments. It seems Nur would be dragged again into another war. However, this time it would be a war they don’t want to participate in…

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Marshal Sima Liang (司馬亮), along with his retinue, respectfully presented himself in front of the Nurian throne. Sultan Mustafa responded with courtesy as he honored the emissaries’ visitation. Despite the diplomatic gifts brought by the Caihongese emissaries, a sense of tension filled the air even though Marshal Sima Liang began to speak with a courteous greeting.

“Your Highness, the Heaven Born Emperor Tie wishes you good health and long life,”

“I wish the same for His Majesty as well,” the vassal Sultan replied, “Does the Emperor of Caihong have important matters to discuss?”

“Indeed, Your Highness. We are all aware that the Caihong Diguo is currently bolstering its military. His Royal Majesty believes that it’s time for you to know the reason for all these preparations.”

“Please do speak,” Sultan Mustafa responded with a wrinkled face, “Has the Kingdom of Nada declared war against Caihong Diguo?

“No, but something worse happened. We believe that the Sorcerous Empire has returned.”

“What!?”

Sultan Mustafa couldn’t believe what he heard from the Caihongese Marshal. Cold sweat began to drip from his face while the room was filled with terror upon hearing the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy. His wife, Sultana Yasmin, was terrified with the the ominous tidings.

“Why did the Emperor of Caihong didn’t tell us sooner?”

“The Armies of the Sultanate of Nur wouldn’t be of much help in the front lines considering the fact that it has not yet recovered from the previous war thanks to Your Highness’ foolish brother. However, Nurian Crystal Cannons would be of much help against the Sorcerous Empire. This is why His Majesty wanted the Sultanate of Nur to focus on Runesmithing while the Empire and the other stronger vassal armies engage the enemy head on.”

“I see. Very well. Tell the Emperor of Caihong that as long as the Empire would supply as with raw materials, we will craft more Crystal Cannons for the Empire’s army. We already crafted 2,351 of them ready for use.”

“The Emperor shall be delighted with your words. We shall deliver your response to His Majesty as soon as possible. In that case, we shall soon take our leave.”

“It’s already dark, Marshal. Wouldn’t it be better for you spend the night here?”

“Thank you very much, Your Highness. However, I am afraid we cannot accept your offer. We cannot delay further as the war is soon to begin. We cannot waste more time.”

“I see. Then I pray deliver my gifts and regards to the Emperor,” Sultan motioned his hand as his servants scurried and brought the generals a number of chests, “These are the newest Crystal Cannons we have crafted. Each of them is infused with the powdered bones of a Dragonkin as well as Dragonshards. With these, I pray, the Empire would be able to defeat the Sorcerous Empire.”

“It shall be done, Your Highness. The Nur Sultanate’s Cooperation is very valuable to us.”

No sooner, the Caihongese emissaries bid their farewell. There was a long silence in the throne room as Sultan Mustafa sat meditatively on his throne. The silence was broken when Sultana Yasmin asked, “What will happen to us now?”

“Only God can tell, my beloved. Only God can tell.”

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Aiming her PGM Ultima Ratio, Mako Domingo silently waited for a pair of clay discs to launch. No sooner, the discs were shot into the air, prompting the young woman to pull the trigger of her rifle. With unusual precision and accuracy, she managed to shot down both discs cleanly as the symphony of gunpowder and broken hard clay echoed in the air. It seems she’s going to win this year’s clay shooting tournament again.

“Isn’t she Ex-President Domingo’s granddaughter?” a man whispered to his colleague.

“It seems to be her. I heard from the news that she lost her left eye in a fight with the fashion model and actress Socorro Ramirez. The incident destroyed both their careers.”

“As much as I disliked her grandfather’s administration but damn, isn’t she still hot despite being partially blind?”

“Yes, and she’s beating us hard in this competition with only one eye.”

Mako suddenly turned and stared towards both men. Her tiger-like gaze sent shivers down their spines as if a deadly predator was crouching for the kill in front of them. Then, nothing happened. Mako just averted her eye afterwards, making the men feel relieved after some tense moments.

“Whew. I thought I’m already dead.”

“Me too. She’s scarier than her grandfather.

Mako, despite hearing the men was talking about her and her grandfather, didn’t make a fuzz out of it. She’s already been exposed to politics at a young age and even suffered for the constant unwanted attention she got just for being a Domingo. Being talked about is a part of her daily life.

Fishing her phone from her pocket, Mako called her mother who was currently in Davao City. For a few seconds, she could only hear the ringing of a phone on the other side of line. Then, a voice answered her.

“Hello, Mako?”

“Hi, Mama. How are you?”

“Still not feeling well. I guess work stress has got me hard this time.”

“I’m sad to hear that. I please take your time to rest even if you’ll have to extend your leave.”

“Yeah, perhaps. How’s the competition going?”

“I’m good so far.”

“Great. I’m proud you, Anak (‘Offspring’ in Filipino).”

“Thanks, Mama. I’ll have to drop the phone soon. Please don’t forget your medication.”

“I will, Anak. Good luck and God bless.”

Mako no sooner dropped the conversation. She looked towards Davao City as she mused, “Get well soon, Mama. This win is for you.”

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While Mako was competing in Digos City, Ricardo went his way to meet a certain social media friend. Standing in front of DCLA Mall, He waited a few minutes as he glanced a few times at his watch. Then, a young Chinese man descended from a modernized jeep wearing baggy clothes and a pair of Oakley shades.

“Ni Hao! Are you Mr. Ricardo de Dios?”

“Hai Ng?”

“Yes, It’s me! Hao peng you!”

“Glad to meet you in person!” the two gentlemen shook hands as they met personally for the first time.

“Likewise. By the way, is the money ready?”

“For a moment,” Ricardo took Two Thousand Pesos from his pocket and gave the currency to Hai. The Chinese youth, in return, gave Ricardo a parcel wrapped in Manila Paper.

“Xie xie ni,” Ricardo thanked his Chinese friend Hai Ng who was counting the money.

“Kasabot ko ug bisaya, pre,” Hai Ng replied in Cebuano.

“P*tang ina! Why didn’t you tell me?” Ricardo exclaimed in a cordial but foul-mouthed manner as he was surprised with Hai Ng’s fluency in local dialect.

“Did you even ask? Anyway, nice having business with you. Kung naa pa ka gusto ipatranslate sa akoa, ingna lang ko (If there’s more you want me to translate, just tell me).”

“Salamat gyud kaayo, pre.”

“Welcome.”

The two men happily parted ways as Ricardo got his translated Light Novels while Hai got his well-earned cash. However, they did not realize that someone was taking videos at them. From the shadows, a man wearing a black hoodie and holding a smart-phone maliciously smiled as he checked his recently recorded video.

“Boss will be very happy with this.”

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Days have passed since Sima Liang visited the Sultan of Malacca. He inspected the army and the equipment for upcoming invasion. It was not customary for Caihong Diguo to invade and conquer other countries in the past. However, a preemptive strike against a demonic empire might be justifiable. However, what if the Emperor is wrong? What if the oracle gave the Son of Heaven is a deception from Diyu? Furthermore, what if Consort Daji is the real demon? Thoughts swirled inside the general’s mind as he surmised the possibility of miscalculation. However, the Emperor’s decree is unbreakable. He must dutifully obey his monarch under the pain of death. He then summoned the Celestial Captains, the Empire’s greatest warriors, for a brief consultation.

No sooner, his captains arrived. In unison, the elite warriors gave honor to their commander. Marshal Sima Liang gestured his subordinates to be at ease as he began to speak.

“Fellow Warriors, Brothers in Sisters in Arms in service to the Heaven-born Emperor, I am pleased to meet you tonight.”

“Jiangjun,” a female warrior greeted as she placed one of her fists inside the palm of her other hand, “It’s our honor instead. I heard that His Majesty has found the Sorcerous Empire’s location. Is it true?”

“We are not yet sure, Lady Meng Hua. However, a strange country has appeared in the midst of the Shroud of Panthalassa. While we are yet to confirm whether or not it is indeed the dreaded Sorcerous Empire, the Son of Heaven has judged that it would be best to send emissaries to confirm the possibility. In the event that the mysterious country is indeed the Sorcerous Empire, we have prepared the teleportation magic to send our armies into its capital.”

“Wise indeed, Jiangjun. The Emperor is brilliant and wise!” Another subordinate exclaimed boisterously praised the Brilliance of their Monarch with a smile on his face, “If they are indeed the evil Sorcerous Empire of old, they shall meet the blade of my yanyuedao!”

“Indeed, Xuan Wugui. However, I must admit that I am concerned with the mandate. What if we have attacked an otherwise harmless nation or what if we have started a war we can’t win? What are your views about this, my fellow warriors?”

“This is indeed very concerning, Jiangjun. However, I trust the Son of Heaven’s judgment,” yet another subordinate spoke in an austere voice, “Nonetheless, we cannot let the opportunity to slip. If indeed they are the Sorcerous Empire, it might be our only chance to preemptively strike that cursed nation. In an event that we attacked the wrong country, we can at least use the nation’s resources as well assimilate the survivors into our Empire. It might sound cruel, but defeating the Sorcerous Empire is our utmost goal. We have to be as pragmatic as possible or else all of humanity will cease to exist.”

“Perhaps, Zhongqing. I believe the Emperor himself must have reached this conclusion as well,” the seasoned general answered, “Truth to be told, his rebellion and usurpation against the complacent former Emperor was not because of greed or selfish ambition, but it was due to his prudence and foresight. For Caihong Diguo to survive, desperate measures have to be done. This is what the foolish King of Nada failed to perceive. Had he bowed his head to the Son of Heaven, we would have a powerful united force against the Sorcerous Empire.”

“Speaking of united force, I noticed that General Ziying (Cao Guang’s courtesy name) is missing tonight,” General Zhongqing noted, “Where could he be?”

“Ah, that young prodigy. He may be very brash and aggressive in war, but he is equally contemplative and meditative outside the battlefield. Ziying asked permission earlier not to join us tonight as he must strengthen his mind, body and spirit in preparation of a possible war.”

“Dedicated and elusive as usual. No wonder he earned the title of ‘Flying Great General of Ciahong’. After the Battle of Red River, Ziying has proven himself a warrior among warriors. Undoubtedly, the young man deserves it.”

“Truth! He is not only a great example to the youth, but also among his peers.”

“However, there are things he is yet to learn. As he is now, he courts death. However, in due time, he has the potential of becoming one of the greatest generals of Caihong Diguo.”

The generals of Caihong Diguo nodded in agreement. General Cao Guang has earned the respect of his peers at a young age. The young general’s prowess and courage have no equal. However, war has mercy neither to the weak nor to the strong. One miscalculation and ill advise could spell the end even to the greatest warriors throughout the history of mankind.