Just Wait, Devil Country

General Tiberius Voss watched the figures leave the room and instead of rising to leave as well, he leaned back in his chair and let out a deep sigh. At a glance at him, one could tell for someone who had just issued a mission that had stirred his subordinates into action, there wasn't a shred of excitement or satisfaction on his face. Instead, his features were clouded with worry. And worried he was.

Kaldoria, for all its might, was just one country after all. Though they had their informants planted in Carrington, he couldn't shake the nagging thought that their reach might not be enough to gather the crucial details he needed.

And although he had sent out all his subordinates on this mission, their success was still on probability. After all, Carrington was no ordinary nation. Its intelligence network was formidable, capable of uncovering foreign interest in their internal affairs with frightening efficiency.

A single misstep of his subordinates could expose Kaldoria's intentions, potentially leading to disastrous consequences.

They were fresh off the war, after all, and no matter how one looked at it, another war at this time was something the country simply couldn't afford.

General Tiberius Voss tapped his fingers on the armrest of his chair, his mind racing. Were his subordinates really skilled enough to remain discreet? Could they infiltrate Carrington and acquire the information they needed without drawing the attention of the intelligence network?

As much as he had confidence in their abilities, he couldn't ignore the weight of doubt creeping into his thoughts.

RING!

The sharp ringing of a phone suddenly broke the silence. General Tiberius Voss was pulled from his thoughts as he glanced at the phone sitting on the table.

It was his private line.

His eyes narrowed. Only a handful of people had access to this number, and all of them were significant figures. Could it be...?

The thought caused his eyes to light up, a flicker of excitement crossing his face. It was almost startling to see how a single phone call could stir such a reaction from him when the mission didn't.

Without a second thought, he reached for the phone, checking the caller ID.

Just as he suspected.

"Hahaha." His laughter echoed in the room as a grin spread across his face.

He had been hesitant to reach out to any of these figures, knowing they were all fresh off the war just like Kaldoria. But now, one of them had reached out to him first!

Who wouldn't be excited?

Without delay, he swiped to accept the call and brought the phone to his ear.

"General Voss," a crisp, melodious voice greeted from the other end.

"Admiral Thalassa," General Tiberius Voss responded in an even tone.

"Hmm." Admiral Thalassa hummed. "I'll cut straight to the chase. I assume you've seen the news and know what's happening. I called to ask what actions you've taken."

Admiral Mareis Thalassa had always been a no-nonsense woman, and her direct approach came as no surprise to General Voss. Skipping pleasantries was entirely in her character. Taking a steady breath, he replied coolly, "Are you asking to determine if you'll lend your support or to decide whether you should act at all?"

There was a brief pause on the other end before Admiral Thalassa responded.

"Setting aside the benefits we hoped for, we fought Carrington for Kaldoria. No one knows that better than you, General Voss. Even if we wanted to sit back and watch things unfold, could we?"

"Indeed, you can't," General Voss said, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "It's a good thing you understand that. As for your question," his expression instantly turned serious, "I've just sent out my subordinates to personally verify things and also find out the fate of Ares..."

He was abruptly interrupted by Admiral Thalassa's sharp intake of breath. It was so sharp he had to pull the phone from his ear. His gaze dropped to the phone.

"Ares..." The word escaped her lips, filled with immense fear.

Hearing that, General Voss let out a long sigh, instantly understanding why she took a sharp intake of breath. After all, it was normal for whoever had come in contact with Ares to have a certain reaction at the mention of his name. Even he wasn't immune to the weight of that name.

It always stirred deep fear within him, but as a leader, his position demanded that he maintain control over his emotions—at least outwardly, in front of his subordinates and figures like Admiral Thalassa.

"Do you need any help?" Admiral Thalassa suddenly asked, her voice back to its usual no-nonsense tone. But before General Voss could even respond, she added, "Of course, you do. We both know Kaldoria alone can't infiltrate Carrington and gather all the information you need."

She paused briefly before continuing, "I'll deploy my subordinates to assist yours and also get in touch with the other neighboring countries. Bye for now."

BEEP

The sound echoed as the call disconnected.

General Voss let out a bitter smile and placed the phone on the table. She hadn't even bothered to say goodbye.

Hah! He shook his head. Yet, despite his displeasure, a wide smile spread across his face. Vespiria was an archipelago known for its maritime prowess and vibrant trade routes. The Vespirians were skilled sailors and traders, with a rich cultural heritage of music, dance, and storytelling.

With them infiltrating Carrington with his subordinates, and the other countries joining in, he was certain they would surely obtain the information he sought and then...

A cold, dangerous glint filled his eyes as he gazed in the direction of Carrington.

"Just wait, devil country. I'll conquer you soon. Then, your women will be mine to enjoy, and your men my slaves!"