Counterfeit Hero

Chapter 69: Altered: Chapter 29 Algarfar

”A few days ago, the Leray Federation Military Intelligence Bureau received an envoy from the largest anti-government resistance organization in the Gazalin Empire, the ’Freedom Front.’ As we all know, this organization is comprised of so-called lower-class citizens in the Gazalin Empire who have organized themselves to overthrow the Royal Family. They have already initiated several uprisings within the Gazalin Empire and are very active.”

Ann Lei paused for a moment and continued, ”Actually, the Federation has been providing some military aid to this organization for the past few years. This is a minor tactic used by the military to hinder the Gazalin Empire’s military expansion. However, since the members of this organization are from the discriminated minorities within the Gazalin Empire, and the restrictions placed on these minorities prevent them from becoming high-ranking officers, we have never known who their leader is. We only know that he holds a high reputation within the military hierarchy, which is almost unimaginable. No well-respected general would lead people from other ethnicities to overthrow their own nation’s rule.”

There was another uproar. Anyone with a bit of logical thinking could connect the dots and conclude that this leader must be Russell, the so-called foremost military genius in the Gazalin Empire. But he’s a Vibo person, holding an unparalleled status in the Gazalin Empire’s military. What on earth is he thinking?

Ann Lei waited for everyone to calm down before continuing, ”Their envoy delivered a message stating that as the Federation deciphered Russell’s intentions regarding the Katos Canyon recently, they believe that there is a general within the Federation Army with enough military acumen to coordinate with their actions. Therefore, the mysterious Freedom Front leader will create an opportunity in a major battle for the Federation Army. Whether or not they can seize it depends on the Federation Army’s capabilities.”

Colonel Pat, the director of the 6th Research Room, couldn’t help but ask, ”Is the upcoming Jialuo Mountain battle the opportunity they mentioned?”

Ann Lei hesitated for a moment, looked at Tian Xingjian, and replied, ”If we consider Lieutenant Tian’s analysis from a moment ago, I can’t think of any other reason to explain why Russell would take such risky actions. Furthermore, the signs are quite clear.”

Colonel Pat pressed on, ”What if we can’t discern their intentions?”

Ann Lei replied, ”We have no choice. The envoy said their leader is their only hope and must not be exposed; no incriminating evidence can exist in this plan. Therefore, this opportunity is for us to grasp on our own. If we lack sufficient military analysis capability, we wouldn’t be able to become suitable partners for their leader. In such a situation, their leader would mercilessly destroy us from a purely military perspective.”

Colonel Kadur, the director of the 4th Research Room, also lost patience and urgently asked, ”What benefits does Russell gain from doing this?”

This question hit the crucial point. Ann Lei nodded, smiling slightly, ”The Gazalin Empire is a militaristic nation. In conflicts with any neighboring country, they have scarcely faced an opponent that posed a complete threat. The only adversary is the Leray Federation. The Federation surpasses the Gazalin Empire in both technology and economic strength. Though their combat experience is lacking, and their military might may seem inferior to the Gazalin Empire, this disparity only requires time to address. According to our analysis, this will be the only chance for Russell or that mysterious leader. He needs a formidable opponent to exhaust the Gazalin Empire’s military strength. Moreover, many warriors from the Freedom Front are embedded within the military; they need a reason to stay hidden and evade military control. Lieutenant Tian’s analysis fits these conditions well. I believe this battle is the best opportunity for the Freedom Front.”

Everyone gasped. If Russell truly is the leader of the Freedom Front, they all wondered how long the Imperial Family could last. Russell’s military genius is unquestionable. Being in a high position, yet hidden in the shadows, he is indeed a terrifying figure.

He not only planned the entire campaign from the start but also considered the retreat. The plan proposed by the envoy is one the Federation can’t refuse. Whether the plan will succeed is up to the Federation themselves to strive for. They only provide one opportunity on the battlefield. If the Federation fails to seize it, they can only blame themselves for being foolish. Russell would then unhesitatingly annex the entire Miloke Planet, adding another glorious achievement to his illustrious career. If the Federation seizes the opportunity, the Freedom Front will further expand. The warriors with equipment embedded within the military would become another powerful armed resistance, seriously damaging the Gazalin Empire’s regular army and immensely aiding in the eventual overthrow of the Gazalin Royal Family’s rule—killing two birds with one stone!

While the Federation’s senior commanders were still in shock, in a covert command center of the Gazalin Empire Army, Admiral Russell stood before a map, silently studying the front-line situation. Beside him, a Captain was anxiously glancing at his watch.

Without turning his head, Russell, as if having eyes in the back of his head, remarked to the Captain, ”It’s still early. If that Federation General can perceive this opportunity, he will not miss it. Hamid, you’re as impatient as ever. You need to work on that.”

Captain Hamid immediately calmed down, standing quietly without saying a word, while the clock on the wall ticked unceasingly. Holding back his desire to look at it, for Hamid, Russell was like a deity in his mind; his words were divine commands.

Russell was not tall, with brown hair and ordinary looks that wouldn’t attract any attention in a crowd. However, his eyes were different. Usually calm and profound, when enraged, his gaze held a sharpness that ordinary people could not withstand. He was a true military genius, a General shrouded in the aura of a War God, and also a rebel lurking in the shadows, plotting to overthrow the Imperial Family!

Seeing Hamid remain silent, Russell turned his head and smiled, ”Feeling tired? Pour me a cup of coffee. Let’s chat.”

Russell’s words were commands; Hamid immediately turned to pour him a cup of coffee and handed it to him, then sat down neatly with an expression of earnest listening, both serious and devout.

Russell smiled slightly; he knew this person well. If he needed Hamid to kneel and kiss his feet, Hamid would do so without hesitation!

Setting down the coffee, Russell said, ”Since the Federation could see through my plan for Katos Canyon, they should be able to see through this plan as well.”

Hamid, seemingly dismissive of the Federation Generals’ military capabilities, remarked, ”Honorable Algarfar, I find it hard to believe that these Federation Generals could discern your plan once again. Have you made it too subtle this time?”

Algarfar! A typical lower-class Kentai Clan name.