Chapter 12 : Ambush part 3

The timing of Cloud's arrival at the revolution leaders' location was perfect; none of the leaders perished. However, if we delve deeper into the matter, it becomes clear that it wasn't that simple. Just an hour before everything unfolded, Cloud was on his way back from the Eleventh District, a residential area in the city of Jenor.

"The weather is extremely cold here; I feel like my nose burns every time I try to inhale through it."

"Man, I can't believe they say Jenor is a small city! The temperature difference between one area and another in this city is unbelievable!"

Cloud's reconnaissance group was stationed in the Eleventh District, where their goal was to find any useful information for the revolutionaries. The areas from the Fourteenth to the Twentieth Districts had become almost deserted and extremely dangerous, especially for the revolutionaries and the poor.

"You talk too much. Can't you stay silent for a while? This is exhausting," Cloud said with unclear annoyance.

"But, Commander... Fine, forget it. Regarding the Eleventh District, why do we keep going there? There's no central government activity there!" one of the revolutionaries cautiously asked.

"Simply put, the Eleventh District is small and could serve as a crossing point to the Golden Ten Districts. Then, we'd have a safe passage to start our expansion campaign," Cloud replied while continuously scanning his surroundings.

"Isn't that good? The area is already safe, and the government isn't present there, which means we got it without any effort!" one of the comrades commented on Cloud's statement.

The group consisted of seven individuals, with Cloud being the eighth. They walked among the shattered buildings on the outskirts of the Twelfth District. Cloud led the way, carrying a uniquely designed sniper rifle on his back and wearing a long black cloak that covered him from shoulders to ankles. The others carried various weapons.

When you look at the arrangement of districts in terms of population, you'll see that life in the main ten districts is guaranteed; every district has residents. Meanwhile, in the districts from the Eleventh to the Twentieth, the population distribution is chaotic. Some areas are deserted, while others, like the Thirteenth District, have an acceptable population density.

The districts where the revolutionaries ensured no human presence were the Nineteenth and Twentieth. Beyond that, the revolutionaries' knowledge of population distribution remained limited.

"The Eleventh District is quiet; it's already ours now, isn't it?" the young revolutionary asked with enthusiasm and hesitation.

"Its quietness and ease are the problem itself," Cloud calmly replied.

"Wait? How?" another revolutionary asked in astonishment.

"Simply put, the areas left unguarded or without patrols by the central government are useless and insignificant. The Eleventh District is small and serves as a passage to the Ninth District, but the government isn't that foolish. Most likely, the entry points to the Ninth District have been closed, meaning the easy path has been taken from us," Cloud explained.

While Cloud was explaining, they continued walking until one of them heard a loud sound approaching. Cloud heard it too and scanned his surroundings to determine the direction of the sound. Within seconds, Cloud identified its source.

"Everyone, take cover! It's a convoy from the central government," Cloud ordered as he dashed toward the nearest building.

The group was stationed at a four-way street intersection, where you could see a pet shop and a clothing store—or at least what remained of them. Some of the comrades hid inside them, while Cloud was on the opposite side. Minutes later, a convoy of cars bearing the government insignia passed by, leading everyone to the same conclusion: something was happening.

After the convoy passed, the comrades wanted to leave, but Cloud signaled them with hand movements to stay where they were for a reason. Moments later, the comrades heard loud thuds on the ground, indicating something heavy was approaching. After waiting patiently, they discovered it was a Kabrz machine, which passed by the intersection and headed north. After roughly three minutes... the comrades emerged onto the street, their eyes fixed on the path taken by the government convoy and the Kabrz machine.

"My God! A Kabrz machine? What's the reason for this?" one young man asked nervously.

"Perhaps they're on an exploratory mission? But why send a Kabrz machine? Isn't this excessive?" another comrade said, sharing his theory.

The comrades exchanged words and theories amongst themselves, while Cloud stood silently, his back turned to them, his gaze fixed on the direction the government forces had gone. His facial expression became intensely serious.

"This isn't an exploratory mission. This convoy has a goal, and based on what I believe... the target is a powerful individual," Cloud said as he adjusted his weapon on his back.

"A powerful individual? Kabrz machines are only deployed in one case... Wait! It's January seventh!" a comrade exclaimed in shock.

"That's correct. They're heading toward the revolution leaders' gathering site," Cloud affirmed, hastily stepping forward.

"Follow me! We've got a new mission!" Cloud shouted loudly as he began running.

"We're right behind you, Commander!"

Cloud and his group altered their route and headed north toward the Fourteenth District, which was once called Jenor Oil Port. After a period of running, they reached the targeted area. Cloud stopped and carefully observed his surroundings with intense focus and vigilance.

"Head to the big warehouse; you all know where it is for sure. When you hear my signal, attack them. Understood?" Cloud gave his orders swiftly and awaited the group's response.

"Understood!"

With that, Cloud parted ways with the group. They headed toward the warehouse where Ron and the revolution leaders were located, while Cloud took a completely different path, speeding past old containers and burnt transport vehicles until he reached a high tower.

He climbed the tower quickly, reaching the top via a metal ladder, settling at the highest point possible. The wind played with his long black cloak, while Cloud gazed at the sky, filled with heavy clouds.

"Ah~ This feels good. If only the sky wasn't like this... Clouds and more clouds, this is truly disgusting," Cloud said calmly, pulling back his hood to reveal his face.

Cloud had striking features, with a physique more muscular than Ron's, sharp and serious facial expressions, red eyes, short black hair, and a scar across his forehead, dividing his eyebrows. He drew his sniper rifle and prepared to shoot, aiming through the scope at an empty spot in the warehouse, where no one could be seen. Moments later, loud sounds erupted from the warehouse.

"It seems they've started. The warehouse roof is intact, so I can't shoot easily," Cloud said with frustration as he listened to the violent gunfire coming from the distant warehouse.

Cloud continued searching for a gap in the roof, aiming to pinpoint the soldiers' positions and begin long-range shooting, but the task wasn't simple. Even if he found an opening, he didn't know where the others were to avoid them.

Moments later, Cloud spotted the Kabrz machine advancing toward the warehouse. He wanted to shoot at it but realized the bullet's path wasn't clear, and there was a chance it could hit the roof, causing bigger problems.

"Damn it! I'll look for a better shooting position."

As Cloud prepared to change his position, a powerful sound came from the warehouse's direction, followed by another noise from the Kabrz machine's intrusion. He quickly focused his scope on the area filled with smoke, waiting until the view cleared.

"Well, I'm in a bad mood right now," Cloud's features hardened, becoming more aggressive.

Cloud saw something he didn't want to see—using his scope, he spotted his leader, Ron, injured and pressed against a wall of the small building adjacent to the warehouse. Cloud froze in place, unmoving and speechless.

Cloud remained standing, his sniper rifle aimed at the spot where Ron and the attack were located. He then saw the Kabrz machine advancing toward Ron. Cloud stayed focused, not missing a single movement, and moments later spotted the machine's user revealing his head.

"How pitiful. The city government is truly cruel, sending a brother to confront his brother's killer? That's sad indeed," Cloud said coldly, unmoved.

Cloud immediately identified the user as Farn. Waiting a few moments as Farn started yelling hysterically, Cloud aimed his shot at Farn's enraged head, ready to attack Ron.

"You're angry at Ron because he killed your elder brother. I understand. Ron is a bad person who killed a family member of yours. So, as compensation, I, Ron's deputy, will send you to meet your brother in hell," Cloud said in a tone filled with killing intent.

"Never trust the falcon when it sees you as prey," Ron said to the raging Farn.

"The falcon has locked onto its prey," Cloud said firmly.

In a synchronized moment, both Ron and Cloud uttered different sentences conveying the same meaning, and seconds later, Cloud fired his shot at Farn's head. The bullet caused Farn's head to explode completely, leaving the machine stationary.

"Prey has been hunted. Thank you for the meal," Cloud whispered after hitting his target, his gaze sharp like a falcon's.

To be continued...