A Battle You Wanted, A Battle I’ll Give!

The news of Chen Dafen's attack spread quickly throughout Xinchang City. It wasn't just the city's command center or the various new departments that knew about it— even the survivors in the city had heard whispers. Although no one knew exactly where the information had leaked from, everyone had learned that the leader of the disaster relief team from Jinling, Chen Dafen, had been ambushed, suffering significant injuries.

Considering the current military mobilizations throughout the city, it was clear that Jinling was furious, likely preparing for retaliation. The gathering of defenders and mages cast a shadow over Xinchang. No one liked war, especially not when it came at a time when the city was already on the brink of disaster.

The sense of security the people of Xinchang once felt, rooted in the military aid and resources from Jinling, had been shaken. With much of that military presence now withdrawn, doubt began to creep in. But Xinchang wasn't like other places. Even if the people weren't happy, they wouldn't openly discuss their discontent in the chat channels. The city's past, torn by power struggles, had taught its residents to keep their heads down and stay silent.

Despite the silence in the channels, Mike understood the situation well enough. As he monitored Chen Dafen's movements, his gaze frequently drifted over the map before him, eyes scanning the nearby cities, contemplating something.

Ding ding ding! The private communication device on his desk suddenly rang. It was a new line Mike had set up, one that only a select few, like Dongfang Zhiyuan, Jiang Xiaoci, and Lin Yue, had the clearance to use.

Mike answered the call calmly. "Is that Xiaoci?"

"It's me, sir," came Jiang Xiaoci's gentle voice from the other end.

As Mike had expected, Jiang Xiaoci continued, "I just received word from Xinchang. It seems you've authorized Chen Dafen to assemble troops and march outside the city?"

"I also heard... it's because Chen Dafen is cursed and in mortal danger, which has you furious and seeking revenge?"

Jiang Xiaoci's voice held a hint of inquiry. Mike nodded to himself. "Something like that."

"I know you, sir," she replied with a slight smile in her tone. "You're not someone to act recklessly. You must have another plan in mind."

Mike raised an eyebrow. "Go on."

Jiang Xiaoci chuckled lightly. "You're trying to feign weakness, aren't you? Luring the enemy into a trap?"

"Oh?" Mike replied, a small smile tugging at his lips. "You think so? Why would sending troops to Dantu be seen as pretending to be weak?"

"Ah, Dantu." Jiang Xiaoci paused before speaking softly, "The enemy is plotting against us. They should be playing it safe, but you, in a fit of anger, send troops. That might make them underestimate you."

"By pulling out Chen Dafen and the main forces of Xinchang, you've left the city vulnerable, with only the local defense forces and a few tech units remaining."

"This is the weakest moment for Xinchang. If the enemy left any traps, they will seize this opportunity."

"If they plan to strike from Xinchang or Jinling, 24 hours will give them plenty of time to make a move."

"Xinchang's news... You must have let Chen Xun leak it on purpose. All the panic? It's meant to draw the enemy in."

Mike listened quietly, taking in her words.

After a moment of silence, Jiang Xiaoci continued, "If the enemy intends to feint, your move will likely work. We still have Wang Shi and Dongfang Zhiyuan on our side. Strong cards we can play at any moment."

"Even if the enemy hasn't left any traps, sending Chen Dafen and his troops to Dantu won't be delayed. You've covered both sides."

Jiang Xiaoci praised Mike, but then her tone shifted. "But, sir... you mentioned the enemy comes from Dantu. Dantu is so close to Guangling. Why would they come to us from so far away?"

"With the current situation, though the third apocalypse is harder to deal with, those commanders who unified their cities last month should be able to handle it. Even Guangling and Dantu should be focusing on managing the changes in their leadership, securing their own interests and positions, or protecting their people."

"Though conflict is inevitable, no one wants to be the first casualty. Dantu's actions seem strange. There might be someone else behind it."

"Xiaoci," Mike said suddenly, his voice low, "Do you think Guangling is behind this?"

Jiang Xiaoci froze for a moment. She could tell Mike had changed. Since Mike had taken control of the management of the two cities, his growth had been rapid—almost startlingly so. Every day, he seemed to evolve, and now even Jiang Xiaoci felt she couldn't fully keep up with his pace.

"Sir, what do you think?" she asked cautiously.

"I don't think it's Guangling. The suspicion on them is too obvious, which makes it less likely," Jiang Xiaoci responded thoughtfully.

"I agree," Mike said with a smile. "I've been thinking about it for a while. Why would a group from Dantu show up just when Guangling seems to be the more obvious choice? It feels too forced."

"I have no grievances with Dantu's commander. Why would they come for me instead of dealing with Guangling, who poses a bigger threat geographically?"

"Which means the person behind this isn't in any of the cities involved. They're likely trying to stir up conflict among the commanders in Jiangnan and drag Guangling into it."

Mike narrowed his eyes. "They probably already know what I plan to do—know I'll eventually clash with Guangling. Using Dantu to create an opening and provoke a regional conflict? It's a smart move."

Jiang Xiaoci's voice lowered. "You think the mastermind behind all this is the same person who caused the plague in Xinchang?"

Mike nodded. "It's the same person. Two incidents in Xinchang? There's no way it's a coincidence."

"The plague in Xinchang... If the person behind it had the ability to monitor, they would have seen how Chen Dafen single-handedly fought off those monstrous fungi. A talent like that, so impossible to hide, would have been a prime target for them."

"Why would they let someone like him remain unchecked?" Mike mused. "Too flashy, too dangerous."

"Since that's the case... where do you think the mastermind is hiding?" Jiang Xiaoci asked softly. "If it's not Guangling or Dantu... where could they be?"

Mike's gaze was fixed on the map. "The mastermind is likely in the coastal areas. Trapped there, unable to go to sea, they'd be looking for a way to break out. Instead of fighting directly, they'd rather incite conflict and wear everyone out, waiting for the right moment to strike."

"I haven't heard anything about unrest in the coastal region, though..." Mike frowned slightly.

Jiang Xiaoci shook her head. "They might be too deep undercover, fooling those above us."

Mike's gaze remained focused. "The coastal area is the key. With the entire Jiangnan region on the brink of chaos, whoever stands to gain the most from this conflict is the one pulling the strings."

Jiang Xiaoci exhaled softly. "So, sir... You're stepping into the trap on purpose?"

Mike's smile was calm yet resolute. "If I don't step into it, how will I find the real culprit? If I don't act now, they'll just come after me again. And if I do nothing, they'll still come. The people are watching me. I need to show them that I have what it takes to protect them."

Mike's voice was steady, filled with unshakable resolve. "Let them play their game in the shadows. I'll be out here, in the light. Waiting for them to make their move."

Jiang Xiaoci nodded in understanding. "So, sir, your goal is Jiangnan...?"

Mike chuckled lightly. "Don't misunderstand. I'm not starting a war. I'm simply playing the hand I've been dealt. I need to protect my people, and I'll do whatever it takes to uncover who's behind this."

Jiang Xiaoci smiled knowingly. She knew that Mike wasn't just reacting to events; he was orchestrating his own moves, setting his sights on something far greater.

The wheels were in motion. The trap had been set. And soon, the shadows would reveal themselves.