Chapter 23: Flames of Rebellion
Rising Flames
The flames danced furiously against the ink-black sky, lighting the horizon with a hellish glow visible from miles away. The city of Miran, a vital stronghold of the Canglang Empire, was now engulfed in chaos—its streets filled with battle cries, the clash of swords, and the roar of rebellion. David Haipoli observed the fiery spectacle from atop a distant hill, his gaze steady and calculating, sensing both the danger and opportunity that now lay before him.
It had been three days since David had ordered his spies and loyalists within the Canglang Empire to ignite a rebellion. Through careful preparation, his agents had succeeded spectacularly. Villages and towns, long oppressed by Chancellor Bismarck's ruthless taxation and iron-fisted rule, had risen almost simultaneously, spreading unrest like wildfire across the empire's western provinces. Mirroring David's own bitterness toward Bismarck, these rebels fought with fervent resolve, eager for liberation, driven by years of pent-up anger.
Beside David stood Peter, now General Peter, whose disciplined troops had been instrumental in quietly arming and organizing the rebels. Peter watched the distant fires thoughtfully, his voice measured yet laced with satisfaction.
"The rebellion is spreading rapidly," Peter noted quietly. "Bismarck's grip weakens with every hour. If we strike now, we might end this swiftly, once and for all."
David nodded slowly, yet his expression remained cautious. "Indeed, but Bismarck is cunning. He'll have anticipated such rebellions. Our scouts report he's calling upon the Dark Dominion openly now, begging their king to send reinforcements immediately. We must move swiftly, decisively, before his allies arrive in full force."
Peter frowned slightly. "Then we must seize Miran Pass quickly. Controlling it will allow us to isolate Bismarck's remaining forces, preventing Dark Dominion troops from reinforcing him easily."
David nodded solemnly. "Then take a detachment and secure the pass immediately. Cut off Bismarck's route for reinforcement. If we isolate him now, we can crush him utterly."
Peter saluted sharply. "It will be done, Regent."
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Bismarck's Desperation
Within the walls of the capital of the Canglang Empire, Chancellor Bismarck paced furiously, face pale, eyes burning with barely controlled fury and fear. His palace trembled faintly as distant explosions rocked the outer districts. His grip on the empire was unraveling swiftly, and despite all his cunning, rebellion spread rapidly, overwhelming his carefully constructed defenses.
A terrified messenger rushed forward, bowing hastily before Bismarck. "Chancellor, the eastern province has fallen entirely. Rebels, aided by Haipoli's troops, now march toward the capital itself. Our defenses weaken daily."
Bismarck's voice was sharp with desperation. "What news from the Dark Dominion? Has their king answered my summons yet?"
The messenger shook his head nervously. "Not yet, Chancellor. Their envoy states that reinforcements will require time to assemble. They urge patience, but—"
"Pathetic!" Bismarck roared furiously, sweeping papers violently from his desk. "Without their troops, Haipoli will crush us entirely. Send word again—tell them if they fail to aid me now, Haipoli's armies will sweep through this empire and threaten even their dark lands. They must understand clearly—we fall now, or they fall next."
The messenger bowed hastily, retreating swiftly from Bismarck's presence, leaving the Chancellor alone in oppressive silence.
Bismarck stared desperately at the map before him, hands trembling. Haipoli had outmaneuvered him at every turn, weakening his hold with cunning and precision. Bismarck, once so powerful, now stood on the brink of ruin, abandoned by allies, betrayed by his own people.
Yet his desperation only hardened his resolve. If this was to be his end, he would make sure Haipoli paid dearly for it.
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The Ambush at Dawn
The following morning, David and his troops advanced cautiously toward Miran Pass, aware of its crucial strategic importance. Capturing the pass would grant them direct access to the empire's capital, effectively sealing Bismarck's defeat. Yet as they approached, David's instincts warned him sharply—something felt wrong.
Suddenly, arrows erupted from hidden positions above, slicing sharply into David's forward lines. Soldiers fell instantly, cries of surprise echoing through the mountain pass.
"Ambush!" David shouted sharply, raising his shield swiftly as arrows rained down upon them mercilessly from hidden archers.
Immediately, Peter took command, shouting orders firmly. "Shields up! Defensive formation—hold your positions!"
David drew his sword swiftly, assessing the battlefield. The enemy's trap was clever, soldiers positioned strategically to surround and isolate David's troops. He recognized the enemy's banners immediately—Dark Dominion warriors, elite soldiers famed for brutality and lethal precision.
David knew clearly they had underestimated Bismarck's desperation. The Chancellor had sacrificed the pass's garrison willingly, leaving only a small force to lure David into an ambush by the Dominion's elite warriors.
Yet David remained calm, calling urgently to Peter. "Hold firm—enemy numbers are limited. They seek only to slow us. Regroup and strike decisively!"
Peter nodded swiftly, rallying his troops, who fought with disciplined efficiency, shields locked tightly, arrows bouncing harmlessly away. Slowly, methodically, they advanced, cutting down enemy soldiers who fought desperately yet hopelessly outnumbered by Peter's well-trained forces.
Within an hour, the ambush broke decisively, enemy forces retreating swiftly into the surrounding forests, their numbers devastated. David stood firmly atop the pass, victorious yet deeply troubled.
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A Disturbing Revelation
After the battle, David surveyed the battlefield carefully, noticing among the fallen a strangely marked emblem—the crest of the Dark Dominion clearly visible upon fallen enemy soldiers. David's heart tightened in concern.
"This was no mere band of mercenaries," David stated clearly to Peter and Lily, who stood grimly beside him. "These soldiers bear the mark of the Dark Dominion openly now. The Dominion's king has entered this war openly, backing Bismarck clearly."
Lily nodded gravely. "Bismarck convinced them the threat is real. They'll send more troops soon."
David nodded seriously. "Then we must move quickly, decisively. We must break Bismarck now—before full Dominion forces can reinforce him."
Peter spoke firmly. "Then let's not hesitate. The capital is vulnerable; morale is low. A decisive strike now could end this war swiftly."
David's voice was resolute. "Then we march immediately. Rally all troops. The capital falls tonight."
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Approaching Destiny
As David's army marched resolutely toward the Canglang capital, villages and towns openly joined them, swelling their ranks daily. News of their victory at Miran Pass spread rapidly, undermining the morale of Bismarck's remaining forces. David's reputation for strength, justice, and fairness had already inspired rebels throughout the empire, and now thousands rallied openly beneath his banner.
Yet David remained cautious. Bismarck's desperation would drive him to extremes, and the Dark Dominion's shadow still lingered ominously. He knew clearly that the final confrontation ahead would be brutal, merciless, and decisive.
That evening, David stood quietly beside Athena, gazing out across the assembled troops, now poised for the final assault. Her hand touched his shoulder gently, a gesture of quiet reassurance amid the tension.
"This empire is ready for liberation," Athena whispered softly, confidence evident in her eyes. "Jacques fully supports you. He awaits your victory."
David nodded slowly, his voice calm yet firm. "Yet this final step will not come easily. Bismarck fights for survival now, and the Dark Dominion waits in shadows. Our enemy will fight viciously, knowing he has nothing left to lose."
Athena smiled faintly, touching his arm gently. "Yet you've overcome greater foes, David. This battle marks the final step toward justice, revenge, and the freedom of an entire empire. Trust in yourself, as Jacques trusts you, as I trust you."
David regarded her softly, drawing strength from her words. "Then we march tomorrow—swiftly, openly, decisively. Bismarck's reign ends now. The Noah Empire rises at last."
He turned his gaze toward the horizon, feeling deeply the weight of his destiny clearly. Tomorrow, the flames of rebellion would sweep through the empire's capital. Bismarck would fall, justice finally achieved.
Tomorrow, his long path of revenge would finally reach its climax.
Tomorrow, a new era would begin.