Few seconds after king Alexander press the button, everybody in the room watch when the rod hit the center of the city. It was an unbelivable scene. The rod doesn't have any explosive substance inside it, so when the rod hit, there are no huge explosion or such. Instead, the landscape it self become wrinkled, like an iron plate get deformed after being hit by a sledgehammer.
A huge shockwave crush everything 20 km of the drop zone. A magnitude 4 earthquake also occurred when the rod hit the ground. Everyone in the city were either got blown away by the shockwave, or got buried by the debris of the fallen buildings. It's like someone is holding the city on a plate, and just drop it from the second floor.
Even though Alexander and Elza became speechless after seeing the destruction of the city, Al and Emma only nod like it was nothing new. Al then ask one of the com operator to send the search and rescue order. If there is a miraculous survivor in Toul, they will be captured and then interogate for information. But then, one of the com operator told Al that he have a call from commander Faust.
It was a rare thing for a commander to call Al directly, even if it is the H.A.U.N.T.S. team commander. Usually they called the Admiral first. If the news to big, the admiral will then send it to Lok. And if the news is still too big, Lok will send it to Al. So for a commander to called Al directly, it must be important. Al immediately answer the call and ask Faust what happen.
"My king. I think I found it."
"Found what Faust?"
"The worthy one."
"... You're not talking about yourself are you? If you do, I'm starting to have doubt about the officers in my own army."
"No! Of course not my king. I have a report here, from my second in command, Gwen, about a KIA airmen. ID tag 653148, Noah Latom. I already check the credibility of his last action, it's checks out."
"I see... Send the report to me now, I'll read it."
"I already send the report, my king."
"Great, continue your hard work."
"Yes your majesty."
After he hang off the phone, Al then grab his tablet, open his email, and began to read the report. In the middle of reading the report, the com operator also gave Al some update about the Toul's SAR mission.
But then, Al saw Alexander and Elza is still in state of shock, and can't help to speak up to them. "Both of you stop it!"
Alexander and Elza were surprised, hearing Al's shout. But before they can ask, Al already continue.
"Alexander! What did you do when you heard the army of 100.000 coming toward Toul? NOTHING! You just stood there, and wait for me, an outsider to help you!" Alexander can't talk back to Al, and just grit his teeth in frustation.
"Elza! At that time, you immediately try to attack me when your husband is in shock! What just happen to make you stop that now!?" Elza on the other hand just bow her head down.
But Al's lecture didn't stop there. "This war is on your own turf! You should be the one who knows best how to defend it! Although the OBI attack manage to destroy the 100.000 strong army, there are still an army of 400.000 that split up and head to the other cities! Where are your armies of golems? Where are your soldiers!?" Al hit a desk near him in anger, destroying it.
"Not only the two of you are older than me, you're also a veteran in a long and devestating war! But you guys freezed after hearing a number!? I just lost a good men! So cut this crap! Both of you are the king and queen of Sistine! Leaders of a kingdom for gods sake! Act like one! Hold your head high, don't waste time and go prepare your men for the next battle!"
At first Alexander didn't move a muscle. But then he take a deep breath and shout 'yes' with full determination before leaving the room.
Watching Alexander and Elza leave the room with their pride wounded, Emma then whisper to Al. "Why did you do that? This will make a crack in our alliance."
Al then look at Emma. "It's alright. This is a war with the world on the line. For us to be stronger, I must made them useful. Even if it will make our relationship after the war become bad."
"I see... By the way dear, what you've been reading?"
"Oh this? It's a dossier about Noah Latom. An Airmen that lost his life at Toul."
Emma then took Al's tablet from him, and read it. "What's so special about him?"
"He's a candidate. But after I read the report, it's now official. He will be the first recipient."
"I see..."
Suddenly, one of the com operator told Al that Lok is requesting a video call to him. Al accept it without question. Lok face then appear in one of the screen.
"Lok, how's the preparation of the advance force? Is there any problem?"
"It's going well your majesty. We already at the last step before deployment. But, it turns out the advance force lack one crucial thing, it doesn't have a commander. Even though we do have a lot of commander, most of them are fresh graduate from the millitary academy, and have zero experience in a real battle. The one who do have it, we already placed them to command the larger army."
"Can't we just make do with the young ones? I'm sure there's a dark horse among them."
"Although there might be one, we don't have the time looking for that person, nor can't we risk losing the advance force. I'm sugesting that you'll be the one that take command."
Al touch his chin, and began to think. After a moment he then nod, and gave Lok his answer. "No. I have another person in mind. Although he only took command of seven people, he have the mind of a great general, plenty of battle experience, and he's a legend in our army. What's more he's already here."
"Wait a minute your majesty! If you give that man this job, who will took command of the H.A.U.N.T.S.?"
"No, the H.A.U.N.T.S. will remain in his command."
"But then, who will be their replacement in special operations?"
"We can began deploying the 'Ghost' right? Although they only expert in silent assassination tactic, I'm sure they can be a good replacement for the H.A.U.N.T.S."
"Maybe... But their group still new."
"It may so. But you also need to remember, in the city clearing simulation, they manage to 'kill' an entire team of 250 men of different species, armor, and other land based unit with no backup, on their first try, and in less than 12 hour. That's a hard thing to do. Even the H.A.U.N.T.S. need at least 15 hours on their first try."
"Yes, but they are a team of 32."
"Point taken. But... I still though they are the right replacement. Besides, Faust also need the experience in taking command of a combined arms unit. Please Lok, just do this for me. If he screw up, I'll replace him myself."
"... As you wish, your majesty."
"Thank you Lok. On the other note, when will the advance force ready to move out?"
"In 20 hours. So it will be at 8.00 Eldia Time."
'Great! That will be just enough time.' Al think that in his mind. He then continue talking to Lok. "Good work Lok, set the time of departure to 23.00 Eldia time. So when they arrive, it will be 07.00 Krisna Time. Also, Lok, is the family of recently KIA airmen have been notified? If they haven't, please notified them immediately, and ask them to come to Titan base. I will personaly deliver Noah to them."
"I will check it, your majesty."
"One more thing Lok. Have the media come too. I will also announce that we are officially at war."
"Yes, your majesty. I will make some call."
The video call ended, and then Al ask a com operator to make another call to Faust.