Thanatos Empire

Two Days Later

The travel was quite uneventful as the road towards the capital was silent, but the tense silence didn't let them drop their guards. The passerby saw them with a bit of fear and awe as the car horn blared, forcing them to step aside.

Thanatos Empire Capital – Southwestern Gate

"Halt! State your business," a city guard shouted, pointing his spear at the lead Humvee. One of the soldiers got off, slowly approaching while carrying a letter. His other hand rested on his holster.

"We're here to attend the founding celebration," he said in an intimidating tone, making the guard feel uneasy.

"You may enter, but hide your weapons," another guard appeared, speaking in a nonchalant tone. The soldier gave a thumbs up to the convoy, and they resumed moving.

Manuel's POV

"So, our quarters are at a mansion not far from the palace. I know I'll either not sleep well or have them storm my room to arrest me," I said with a smirk.

"I have already confirmed with the Empress. She gave the nod, and we rented a mansion. We've made sure it's not filled with tunnels or traps, so we can safely assume it's not a setup," Wilfred replied with a smile.

"Yeah, I can expect that, especially since the attitude of the Emperor is quite rotten. That woman has him under her thumb. She even tried to seduce me once but failed when my guards forced her to turn away," Wilfred said, smiling bitterly.

"What was her purpose?" I asked.

"She wanted to acquire contacts within the Federation. Lastly, she focused on the Draconian Empire, but when she tried to push for a meeting with the Draconian ambassador, the guards at the embassy stopped her. She even tried to sneak in but failed," Wilfred said, now with a joyful smile as he reminisced about the event.

She had attempted to break into the embassy using her personal guards as shields, but the attempt failed spectacularly. She managed to evade capture, but the aftermath was dire—she was blacklisted by the Draconian Empire and banned from any Imperial-controlled base or building.

"Well, let's head to the mansion first before heading to the palace," I said. After a few more minutes of waiting, we arrived at the mansion that would be our residence for the next few days. It was a two-story Victorian-style mansion with a wine cellar.

A Few Minutes Later – Mansion Entrance

"Sir, we've fully cleaned the area, and there's nothing that will hamper our privacy. Your room is on the third floor, to the right. It's not far. We've ensured no one can enter easily. The Trade Federation's president is not far from you, so we can easily exfiltrate you both out," my adjutant reported, and I nodded in response.

"Oh, and sir, the 'Red Eye' is waiting for you in the cellar," he added cryptically. I nodded again and followed a soldier down to the deep wine cellar. The cold stone walls were carved out, seemingly prepared for explosives. It was clear they were ready to turn the mansion into ash and fire if necessary.

Cellar

"Oh great, you're here," a familiar voice greeted me.

"Long time no see, 'Twilight.' I never expected you to be assigned here," I said with a slight smile, seeing the dark-haired, brown-eyed man dressed in civilian clothing. He had a hidden pistol strapped to his back.

"Yeah, never expected to be deployed here right after being sent to the Tiamat Empire for resistance contacts," he replied.

"Well, enough chit-chat. Let's focus on the main thing right now," Twilight said, pointing at a map of the capital.

"Explosives are planted. One team will confirm detonation and destroy any remnants. Lastly, the trade documents must be destroyed. The Empress has been meticulous in hiding them, but we tracked them down to the Foreign Affairs building. A cell unit is surrounding the compound.

During the party, my men and I will conduct the raid. Simultaneously, another unit will raid the Empress's artifact, which is reportedly held by a young trainee knight at an inn outside the capital. That unit is already on the move. The operation, codenamed Red Spider, will begin with the signal 'The spider has fallen.'"

"Okay, but make sure the Empress has the chance to escape. Use your informants to ensure she survives," I instructed, needing her administrative skills.

"Fine, I'll give them a heads-up," Twilight sighed.

As I turned to leave, Twilight stopped me with a warning.

"The Emperor told me to convey this to you: 'It's better to start an offensive early before the enemy can attack your defenses. For your plan with the soon-to-be deposed Empress, make sure you're not doing anything stupid that will jeopardize your title and position as Marshal. Be swift and brutal.'"

"Don't worry. I'll take full responsibility if things go south," I replied. Turning around, I let a bit of my power seep out, sending a clear message.

Manuel's POV – Dining Area

The dining room had been turned into a command post. Men were setting up equipment, and guards were checking their weapons.

"Everyone, the party is tomorrow. Finalize preparations and be ready to evac this place. Treat it as if we're only here for hours, not days. Keep an eye on the frontlines and Thanatian movements," I ordered.

The men nodded and went back to work. Heading to the study, I noticed a letter addressed to me from the Empress. I opened it:

'I wish to speak with you.'

I ignored it and threw it aside. Right now, my focus was on the bloodbath ahead.

A Day Later

In my room, I adjusted my military uniform. I considered bringing armed soldiers but shook my head—such a move would cause unnecessary tension.

"Sir, Mathias wishes to speak to you," my adjutant announced. Mathias entered, wearing a formal tuxedo with a golden chain across his chest, bearing the insignia of the Federation president.

"Looking bold, my friend! If I were a woman, I'd kidnap you and have you marry me!" he joked loudly, laughing.

"Yeah, right, like hell I would," I responded, bellowing a laugh.

"All right, enough with the jokes. I'm not gay. Let's focus on the security units we're bringing," I said, rolling my eyes.

Mathias smirked. "I'll bring five men. Your guards are more modern and better equipped, so we should be fine."

"Okay. Enough talk. Let's get going—we're heading into a warzone," I said, grabbing my Marshal's baton and overcoat.

To Be Continued