Chapter 7: The General’s Strategy

The Bear soldiers charging up the stairs could truly be described as "hulking brutes." Lex was already significantly larger in frame than Mels, but these soldiers were even more imposing, nearly twice Mels's size. Their well-tailored beige uniforms clung tightly to their warrior frames, and the small leather cases at their waists clearly held beam weapons, indicating these soldiers had come prepared.

At Lex's words, the Bear soldiers immediately turned their gaze toward Mels and his group. Seeing the soldiers approaching, Sol quickly whispered to Mels, "Boss, what do we do?" Sol was, of course, asking whether they should fight, but Mels confidently raised a hand slightly and whispered back, "Wait, let's see how this plays out." In truth, Mels had also been prepared to fight, but when the soldiers looked at him, he noticed their eyes held no hostility. Regardless of race, even without verbal communication, eyes reveal everything. Since their eyes held no malice, it meant they weren't necessarily enemies.

Sure enough, as the Bear soldiers strode up to Mels's group, the squad leader in the center stepped forward, saluted respectfully, and said, "I am Yalianske, Squad Leader Seventeen of the Ninth Battalion, Third Army, City Garrison of Yakesai. Hearing today that you all managed to fight off dozens of Wolf bandits unarmed, I am deeply impressed. Therefore, by order of the Ninth Battalion Commander, I am to invite you to the barracks for a meeting. What do you say?"

Mels had already guessed Yalianske's purpose to some extent and had quickly analyzed the possibilities. Although Yalianske's tone was very respectful, the fact that he had brought nearly ten soldiers suggested they were determined to take Mels's group with them. If Mels and the others resisted at this stage, even if they could defeat these soldiers, it would likely be difficult for them to operate within Bear territory afterward.

Having considered this, Mels immediately stood up with a slight smile. "My companions and I just got lucky, barely managing to defeat a few bandits. It's truly insignificant. As you can see, we are travel-worn. Wouldn't it be a disturbance to the Battalion Commander..."

"Sir, please rest assured. Our Bear Clan respects capable warriors above all else. No matter your appearance, the Battalion Commander will receive you warmly. If it's convenient for you, please come with us to the barracks now," Yalianske promptly replied.

Yalianske's words confirmed Mels's suspicions. Knowing he couldn't avoid this, Mels stopped arguing. He subtly turned and gave the others a "stay calm" look before turning back and saying, "Very well, then please lead the way, Officer." With that, he prepared to follow Yalianske to the so-called barracks.

Hearing Mels's words, Yalianske also breathed a sigh of relief. Although he had been ordered to bring Mels's group back, he understood perfectly well that they were experts who could fight Wolf bandits unarmed. If a conflict broke out with his current manpower, the situation would be unthinkable. Now, not only had Mels not clashed with him, but he had also readily agreed to the request. Yalianske had no complaints and immediately respectfully led Mels and the others downstairs.

The Bear soldiers escorting Mels's group out of the inn immediately drew a crowd of onlookers from the diners. Among them, Mels suddenly noticed an unusual gaze. It was the first time since arriving in this world that Mels felt the kind of tension he had only experienced on the Caxiu Continent. Unfortunately, Mels had little time to search, and the owner of that gaze seemed to notice Mels's suspicion, quickly withdrawing their own.

Helplessly exiting the doorway, Mels, under Yalianske's guidance, boarded a spacious beige military Float Car and disappeared from view in moments. Only after Mels and the others had left did Tark quietly complain to Lex, "Big brother, what were you thinking? How could you sell Mels and the others out to the military?"

"Second brother, you underestimate me too much. No matter how poor I am, I wouldn't sell out my saviors! It's just... when I went to claim the bounty with the Wolf bandits' heads, the Battalion Commander saw me. Under his questioning, I had no choice but to tell the truth. Sigh... I thought they just wanted to know who killed the bandits. I never imagined they would forcibly take Mels and the others away!" Lex whispered helplessly to Tark. Hearing this, Tark knew it wasn't Lex's fault. Now they could only hope Mels and the others remained safe.

As he sat in the beige military vehicle, Mels's thoughts weren't on potential danger. Although Bear Clan technology was far more advanced than that of the Caxiu Continent, after several encounters with this world's warriors, Mels realized that as long as they didn't give the enemy the chance to strike first, their chances of victory were still high. Therefore, he wasn't overly worried about this journey. However, the gaze he had noticed upon leaving the inn was causing him deep contemplation. That gaze was not only sharp but also seemed to contain an attempt to gauge the depth of the other party's Qi energy. If the owner was from this world, it might be fine. But if they were also from the Caxiu Continent or a Federation warrior, then Mels's group's identities might already be exposed.

Just as Mels was thinking, the Float Car stopped outside a cluster of beige buildings. After Yalianske presented his credentials to the soldiers guarding the wire fence, the Float Car started again and soon stopped before a seven-story building deep within the complex.

"We're here. Please follow me to meet the Battalion Commander," Yalianske said to Mels's group with a slight smile. Seeing Mels and the others nod noncommittally, Yalianske said no more and turned to lead the way inside.

Following Yalianske, Mels noticed the barracks buildings weren't much different from the city's civilian structures. In fact, the civilian buildings seemed more refined, while these focused more on practicality.

Passing through a long corridor, under the curious gazes of Bear soldiers occasionally passing by, Mels's group arrived before a door marked "Ninth Battalion Headquarters." The organization of the Bear Clan military differed greatly from that of human nations on the Caxiu Continent. On this Yake Continent, the military consisted of squads, battalions, armies, and legions. A squad had fifty men, every fifty squads formed a battalion, ten battalions made an army, and varying numbers of armies formed a legion. For example, the Third Legion garrisoned in Yakesai City had six armies, totaling 150,000 soldiers.

"Everyone, the Battalion Commander is inside. Please enter," Yalianske explained, turning to Mels before knocking on the door. Following a "Come in," Yalianske gently opened the tightly shut door.

As Yalianske stepped inside and saw the numerous officers seated in the room, he was greatly surprised. After a moment, he hurriedly raised his arm in salute. "Sub... subordinate pays respects..." Before he could finish, a senior Bear Clan officer sitting in the center of the room lightly waved his hand, cutting him off.

"Quickly, invite the guests in," the senior officer said calmly to Yalianske, then turned his gaze toward Mels.

Entering the room, Mels saw six officers seated there. From their differently colored uniforms, the one who had spoken seemed to hold the highest rank. Mels didn't know at the time that this person was Lieutenant General Lubit, commander of the Third Legion.

"Greetings. My name is Mels. These are my companions. It's a pleasure to meet you," Mels said calmly.

"Haha, truly promising youth. Come, have a seat," General Lubit said with a smile after briefly scanning the group.

Hearing the Old General's words, Mels and the others didn't stand on ceremony and took seats opposite the officers.

"Might I ask why you summoned us?" Mels asked General Lubit as soon as he sat down. "Haha, I invited you here for two reasons. First, to commend your achievement in eliminating the bandits. Second, there are some matters where I wish to borrow your strength," General Lubit replied, still smiling warmly at Mels's group.

Hearing this, Mels thought to himself, "Here it comes! As the saying goes, 'No feast is without purpose, no meeting without agenda.' This Old Fellow must have something he can't solve or doesn't want to solve directly, so he wants us to handle it for him, or be his scapegoats! Hmph, if I were that easily fooled, I'd have died tens of thousands of times already!" Thinking this, Mels kept his expression unchanged and, after seeming to hesitate for a moment, said, "Sir, it's not that we don't want to help you. Actually, we are merely passing through Bear territory and planned to leave Yakesai City for the western part of the continent today. We gratefully accept your intention to commend us, but regarding your request, I can only say I'm truly sorry."

Hearing Mels's words, Lubit was inwardly surprised and doubtful. Previously, from Lex, he had learned that Mels and the others were skilled but inexperienced youths fresh out of the mountains. Now, however, he found that after just a few words, Mels had already discerned his purpose and politely refused, which was completely different from his initial expectations.

"Hmm? Are these youngsters not as simple as I imagined? Logically, youths just starting out should want to make a name for themselves. Publicizing their deeds for them should make them extremely grateful. Has he already seen through my plan, or does he genuinely have business that prevents him from staying here?" Lubit pondered privately.

After a while, an idea flashed in Lubit's mind. He immediately spoke up, "So you all have urgent business. Then I truly dare not delay your journey. However, I wonder if you have the permits required to enter the Eagle Clan?" Upon hearing Lubit's words, Mels immediately understood this old fox was trying to use the permits to pressure him. Although he deeply resented being coerced, Mels had no other choice. He could only steel himself and shake his head, saying, "We heard about the permits when we arrived. We're currently asking friends to help us obtain them."

"Haha, not to boast, but these permits are very difficult to obtain. Without a guarantee from a high-ranking official, the local government won't issue them. If you can agree to my request and help me with a small matter, then I, in my capacity as commander of the Third Legion, will guarantee you permits that allow unrestricted travel within the Eagle Clan!" Lubit stated bluntly.

Hearing Lubit reveal his identity, Mels knew that obtaining permits in Yakesai City would definitely require going through the military. Though inwardly cursing the other's cunning, Mels could only put on an extremely grateful expression on the surface. He quickly said to Lubit, "Thank you for your generosity, sir. I didn't know your identity earlier; I deserve ten thousand deaths."

"Haha, it's fine... it's fine. So, are you now willing to help this humble official with a small matter?" Lubit pressed eagerly.

"Everything is at your command, sir. As long as it's within my capabilities, I will certainly not disappoint your expectations," Mels said.

Hearing Mels's words, Lubit immediately beamed. He laughed heartily and said, "I absolutely believe in the prowess of experts from the Five Clouds Cave of the Lion-Tiger Clan! Good, now I'll go process your travel documents, and then you can hear my request." With that, Lubit excitedly left the room, seemingly genuinely going to process the documents for Mels's group. As for the "Five Clouds Cave" Lubit mentioned, Mels and the others were completely baffled. But seeing that Lubit had gone to get their documents, Mels forcefully suppressed the urge to correct him and quietly waited for the next development.

After waiting in the room for about thirty minutes, Lubit returned holding several documents. Approaching Mels, he smilingly placed the papers in Mels's hands and then said, "These are the travel documents you need. I'm giving them to you now. Also, here is a brocade box. Its contents are very important. I hope you can deliver it to Duke Master in the Bear capital, Naba City, within ten days. Once you hand over the item, just call to notify me. I will then submit the copies of your documents to the immigration office. Within a day, you can leave Bear territory and enter the Eagle Clan at any time."

Holding the travel documents and the palm-sized brocade box Lubit handed over, Mels felt like he was holding a hot potato. Although he knew the other wouldn't simply give him the documents for free, he was even more aware of the immense trouble this brocade box could bring. However, Mels understood that what they lacked most now was time. Since setting sail, they had wasted too much time. To reach the Federation Continent within the one-year deadline, the only method was to find the spatial gate used by the Forgotten Ones. Otherwise, even if they could find a Wind Ship to sail, they likely couldn't arrive in time.

Sighing inwardly, Mels carefully stored the documents close to his body. Then he looked up at Lubit and said, "Sir, how should we proceed to the capital? Will you arrange transportation, or shall we set out on our own?"

"This... I'm very sorry. Since it's inconvenient for me to be involved, that's why I'm entrusting you with the delivery. Therefore, I cannot arrange transportation for you. Additionally, after you leave here, I will widely publicize your achievement in eliminating the Wolf bandits. You absolutely must not reveal today's events to anyone. Otherwise, not only will your lives be in danger, but even I... I hope you remember my words," Lubit said to Mels with a grave expression.

Mels was well aware of the box's importance. He wouldn't talk about it unless he wanted to invite trouble! Seeing Lubit's serious expression, Mels immediately nodded to show he understood. Then he led the group out of the barracks and headed back toward the inn run by Tark.

Along the way, Mels carefully considered the entire event and soon found many puzzling aspects. First, although his group had killed over a dozen bandits, he was certain there were people within the Bear Clan who could do the same; otherwise, the Bear Clan wouldn't have the standing to hold territory on the Yake Continent. Yet, since what Mels's group did wasn't particularly extraordinary, why would Lubit, the commander of the defense legion, entrust them with the brocade box?

Second, through conversations with Tark and others, Mels had already discovered that racial divisions among Sub-Humans on the Yake Continent were still significant. Although the Lion-Tiger Clan had the highest physical attributes, their low technological prowess meant they weren't highly regarded. Even though Mels had saved Lex, the respect Lex showed them was more enthusiasm than reverence. This made Mels even more suspicious about why Legion Commander Lubit trusted them so much.

Third, given the Bear Clan's current technological capability to use beam weapons and Float Cars, delivering a small brocade box should be easy. Why would Lubit "avoid using his strengths and employ his weaknesses," not using convenient technological means but instead giving the box to Mels for a more problematic manual delivery?

The more Mels thought about it, the more wrong it seemed. As soon as the military Float Car returned to the inn, he immediately took Sol and the others inside, asked Tark to prepare rooms for them, and then gathered everyone in a room to discuss countermeasures.

When Mels voiced his doubts, everyone fell silent. After a while, Kaslo and Sha Luo simultaneously looked at the brocade box Mels had placed on the table. Then Kaslo said, "Brother Mels, I think there's only one way to verify this issue." As he spoke, his gaze returned to the box on the table.

Mels certainly understood their meaning. By opening the box and seeing its contents, everything would become clear. However, Mels had his own concerns. Not to mention that he had no idea how to open the box, even if they could, what if there were some security measures that, once triggered, couldn't be reset? Then, even if they delivered the item to Duke Master in the capital, it would invite endless trouble.

Just as Mels was hesitating, Green Hair, who had been listening intently, suddenly spoke up. "This coded box has at most a triple-layered security mechanism. If you open it layer by layer in the correct sequence, you can definitely restore it to its original state."

Hearing Green Hair's words, Mels was overjoyed. "Green Hair, can you open this brocade box?"

"This little thing? I could make it thousands of years ago, let alone open it," Green Hair said smugly.

"Alright, I know you're amazing. Hurry up and open it," Mels said, deliberately flattering Green Hair.

"Hmph! Now you know I'm useful! Usually, you don't even let me talk. I'm not helping you!" Green Hair said arrogantly.

"Alright, Your Majesty. You need to understand that if you don't help us resolve this current matter, you won't be able to get to the Federation Continent either. I know you must know someone there. That's precisely why you want to return to the Federation Continent, isn't it?" Sha Luo, seeing Green Hair's haughty attitude, immediately had an idea and said.

Sha Luo's words hit the mark. In truth, Green Hair was also eager to set foot on the Federation Continent. Hearing Sha Luo's tone, Green Hair knew it wasn't time for games anymore and quickly said, "Alright, alright, I'll open it now."

Green Hair, being quite the character, had two small claws more dexterous than human hands. He swiftly pressed a series of number keys on the left side of the box. In no time, a faint mechanical sound came from within, followed by a soft "click." The exquisite little brocade box opened.

Gently lifting the lid, Mels and the others immediately looked up and exchanged glances. After Mels picked up the box and examined it for a moment, he said, "Heh, just as I suspected. It seems we've really become the bait."

The box was completely empty. This already indicated that Lubit must have other people or methods to deliver the real box. We are merely a smokescreen. If I'm not mistaken, within a day or after we leave Yakesai City, Lubit will spread the news through special channels that we are carrying the box to the capital. Those interested in the real box will surely target us! While we're being attacked from all sides, Lubit can smoothly deliver the real item to the capital!" Sha Luo stated decisively.

"Wow! That old guy is too cunning! Boss, what should we do now?" Sol exclaimed, suddenly understanding.

"Heh, what should we do? Of course, we play along! Our goal is to leave Bear territory. Without the permits Lubit issued, I believe even leaving would be very troublesome, let alone entering the Eagle Clan, which has a long-standing feud with the Lion-Tiger Clan! Although we have the masks given by the Forgotten One elder, the problem is these masks are too uniform. Besides Sha Luo's rabbit mask, the others are all Lion-Tiger Clan. We can't show our true faces, and we can't use Summoned Beasts either. So, the only thing we can do now is meet Lubit's demands and have him issue the permits for us," Mels explained.

"Ah? How can that work! Then we'll become everyone's target! Even though there aren't many masters here, those glowing things are no joke. Getting hit once, even if you don't die, you lose half your life!" Sol cried out in alarm.

"Heh, of course we won't simply carry out a suicidal mission like that. Listen to me..." Mels blinked his shining eyes and then laid out his plan to everyone. Only after Mels finished explaining the entire plan did the gloomy expressions on everyone's faces clear away, replaced by knowing smiles.

Just as Mels and the others were discussing their counter-plan, Lubit was also in the barracks having a private conversation with the Ninth Battalion Commander.

"General, aren't you worried at all about entrusting such an important item to these greenhorns?" The battalion commander said to Lubit with a worried expression.

"Haha, you silly boy, how can you not understand such a simple matter. Toreya, come here, I have something to show you." With that, Lubit walked to an independent wall in the office, gently pressed a hidden button, and immediately opened a secret compartment under the desk. When the Ninth Battalion Commander, called "Toreya," approached the compartment and looked inside for a moment, he broke into a broad grin.

"Haha, so the General had already made arrangements. Whew... I was really worried for a while," Toreya said.

After closing the secret compartment with a light touch, Lubit smiled at Toreya and said, "Actually, you don't need to worry at all. Those kids are just a smokescreen I released. These documents are related to the future of our Bear Clan, and they must be delivered to Duke Master no matter what. I was originally worried about finding a trusted person to deliver the documents, but now these Lion-Tiger Clan fools have suddenly appeared—it couldn't be better!"

Listening to Lubit's words, Toreya laughed heartily at first, then suddenly seemed to remember something and said, "Sir, since the real item is here, aren't you worried they might open the fake brocade box?"

"Haha, although those Lion-Tiger Clan kids do have some brains, don't forget they're from the Lion-Tiger Clan! I set a sixteen-bit security password on the brocade box, and it's arranged in a mixed sequence. Even among our own people, few can open it manually, let alone Lion-Tiger Clan fools. Moreover, the three passwords are arranged differently, and if they get even one wrong, the box will explode. Do you think they could possibly discover the secret inside?" Lubit laughed loudly.

"Brilliant, absolutely brilliant! Sir, your wisdom rivals that of the heavens. I am truly in awe," Toreya hurriedly flattered.

"Haha, actually, there's still one flaw in this plan," Lubit said with a light chuckle.

"Hmm? Is there something else the General hasn't resolved? Could it be the delivery of the real documents?" Toreya asked in surprise.

"The delivery isn't the problem. It's how we spread the word that the brocade box is with those kids," Lubit said.

"Hmm, that is indeed a problem. If we use military channels to spread the news, it would arouse suspicion and likely alert the lurking hostile forces to the General's true intentions," Toreya said, frowning deeply. "Hehe, actually, this problem is also quite simple. Just..." Lubit beckoned Toreya closer. Unsuspecting, Toreya had just approached Lubit when Lubit swiftly drew the pistol from his waist and aimed it at Toreya.

"Sir, you..." Toreya was terrified, stumbling backward, but his speed was no match for the beam fired from the pistol. Toreya, shot in the chest, collapsed to the ground with an expression of disbelief even in death.

With a sinister air, Lubit walked toward Toreya's body, gave it a contemptuous nudge with his foot, and said, "Don't blame me. To spread the news, someone has to be sacrificed!" After saying this, Lubit opened the window and immediately bellowed toward the door, "Assassin! Someone, come quickly!"

When the military police rushed into the office in a panic, Lubit, pale-faced, pointed at Toreya and said, "Quick, quick! An assassin has broken into the military headquarters. General Toreya was injured protecting me. Hurry and fetch the military doctor!" By now, Toreya had long since stopped breathing, and not even a god could bring him back to life. Of course, in the chaos of the military headquarters, no one knew of Lubit's conspiracy, nor did they know the fate that awaited the Bear Clan!