The War Fox’s Strategy

Two days later, at the central headquarters, an urgent meeting convened. Generals, defense ministers, and military commanders, along with Coral, the strategic planner known as the War Fox, sat in tense silence.

At the head of the table was Samuel, the president of Bexo and the mastermind behind the Black Alliance's victory.

Commander Albert began his report, his voice steady but heavy with gravity :

"You've all heard of the strange incidents involving our military units. I want to confirm that we've captured one of the perpetrators. It's a monster."

A murmur of disbelief rippled through the room. Albert continued, projecting documented footage onto the screen :

"These abilities, superhuman strength, transformation, and other unnatural skills are not the work of humans. They defy everything we know."

General Yano, a seasoned veteran, interrupted with skepticism :

"Their appearances are strange, yes, but it could be an elaborate disguise. As for their abilities, it might just be advanced technology they've cleverly hidden from us."

Albert nodded, acknowledging the point :

 "I had the same impression initially. But let me show you something."

He gestured to the doorman, and moments later, two soldiers entered, dragging a handcuffed figure shorter than them. The creature's crimson skin and disheveled appearance bore signs of severe torture.

Albert pointed his gun at the monster, his gaze sharp and unyielding :

"Tell them what you told me before, or else…" His tone left no room for defiance.

The monster, visibly shaken, began to speak :

"I'm Cayro, a follower of Guard Thanos. I'm from Abyss 1. I don't know about the other abysses, but all the monsters of Abyss 1 were exposed to an awakening."

Albert pressed further, his voice cutting through the tension :

"How many of you are there? How many abysses exist? And why do the others call him 'Guard' ? "

Cayro hesitated, then answered with more confidence :

"I don't know about the other abysses or their systems. Only the boss and the guards know. I've heard that the deeper the abyss, the more powerful its monsters. In our abyss, there's a boss with three guards, and each guard has followers like me."

At that moment, President Samuel intervened, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade :

"It seems their awakening is connected to the last war."

He leaned heavily on his cane and walked slowly toward Cayro, his presence commanding the room. Stopping just a few centimeters away, he brandished his cane, pressing a hidden button with his thumb. A dagger shot out from the base of the cane, its sharp edge resting against Cayro's neck. A single drop of blood trickled down the monster's crimson skin.

Samuel's voice was cold and skeptical :

"Why don't you activate your skill now, while I'm about to kill you?"

Cayro froze, his stress palpable. He couldn't move, his body rigid under the pressure.

Koral stepped forward, his calm demeanor contrasting with the tension in the room :

"Sir, during our investigation, we tested him from various angles to understand his abilities. His skill is touchless, that's mean that no one can physically touch him in close combat without him freezing in place. However, weapons seem to bypass this limitation."

He paused, her expression darkening :

"We paid for this information with the lives of seven of our soldiers."

Samuel's gaze shifted to Koral, his eyes narrowing :

"Koral, the genius of wars. You've done well. But tell me, in your opinion, how can we face the other monsters? I've heard our weapons had no effect on them."

Koral answered with a mix of confidence and caution :

"It's true. The data we've collected indicates that some of their skills might be invincible, even against advanced technology. Not even our most skilled martial artists could stand against them. And we're still ignorant of the abilities of their leader and the rest of their generals."

He took a deep breath, her tone growing more serious :

"If you'll allow me, sir, I'd like to propose a somewhat rash solution."

Samuel raised an eyebrow :

"What is it?"

Koral glanced around the room before continuing :

"Sir, I believe you're familiar with the proposal to modify soldiers' genes, as suggested by General Todo and Scientist Toroko."

General Todo, seated at the table, interrupted with a sharp tone :

"If I recall correctly, you were a strong opponent of this proposal."

Koral met his gaze calmly :

"Yes, because at the time, our probability of winning the war was high without resorting to such measures. And we did win. But now, the situation is different."

He turned back to Samuel, hir voice firm :

"Dear Sirs, the monsters we face are unlike any enemy we've encountered. Their abilities defy logic, and our conventional methods are ineffective. If we are to stand a chance, we must adapt. I propose we reconsider genetic modification for our soldiers."

The room fell silent, the weight of her words hanging in the air.

Samuel leaned back, his expression thoughtful :

"You're suggesting we create superhuman soldiers to fight these monsters?"

Koral nodded :

"Exactly. With Toroko's expertise, we can enhance our soldiers' physical and mental capabilities, giving them a fighting chance against these abyssal beings. It's a drastic measure, but these are drastic times."

Samuel's gaze hardened as he considered the proposal :

"Call Toroko. I want to hear the details of this plan myself."

Albert gestured to the doorman, and within moments, an old man with gray, disheveled hair entered the hall, walking with heavy yet confident steps. This was Toruko, a scientist of great renown, who wasted no time in approaching Albert. Without hesitation, Albert handed him the monitor, signaling him to speak. With a slightly hoarse voice, Toruko addressed the room directly:

"Hello everyone, let me get straight to the point. We have analyzed samples of this monster's blood in our lab, and the results are astonishing. We discovered that his DNA composition is perfectly compatible with ours, allowing us to identify the specific genes responsible for his extraordinary skills. Even more surprisingly, we found that his blood type is theoretically compatible with all human blood types. Based on these findings, I can confidently state that our first method of cloning these genes into the bodies of our soldiers will indeed allow us to create warriors with the same abilities. However, the second method, which involves directly inoculating our soldiers with the monster's blood, presents unpredictable consequences, the results of which remain unknown."

His revelation left the entire assembly in stunned silence, except for Coral and Albert, who were already aware of these discoveries. The president, however, remained unnervingly calm, his composed demeanor suggesting that he had anticipated this development. With a slight smile, he finally broke the silence:

"I am truly fortunate to have geniuses like you on our side. If you are waiting for permission, then you have it. Proceed with both methods, select prisoners and begin the experiments immediately. We must act before the monsters attack again and wipe us out."

His words carried a chilling resolve, his authority undeniable. Then, as if to further emphasize his control, his smile grew wider, reflecting the depth of his cunning and influence. He turned his back on the assembly and walked out of the hall, his footsteps echoing with an imposing rhythm, instilling obedience in all who heard them.

His departure marked a turning point, signaling the start of a perilous scientific endeavor and the ruthless determination of a leader ready to sacrifice anything for survival.. As the doors closed behind him, the weight of the decision settled upon those left behind, the air thick with the realization that they had embarked on a path from which there could be no return.