Chapter 66: The Sovereign Nation Mobilizes
The Sovereign Nation mobilized as soon as they could. Due to the mutant beast hordes being collectively towards the East in the islands of Cebu and Bohol, Luna told everyone to avoid that area for now.
This was all part of his plan. Once the next phase happens, having the mutant beast hordes deal with each other and the future newly evolved zombies as well, would ease their burden a bit. This meant that due to their fast transport with Angry Bakunawa, as long as the Eastern walls aren't too busy, some of the men stationed there can reinforce the others without jeopardizing their position, if need be.
Everyone finally finished their preparations by the next day. It's very possible that this endeavor would have casualties, but as long as they don't get their heads blasted apart, or some type of instantaneous death or infection, the healers could either heal their wounds or if it was serious, at least stabilize them. This way, their natural recovery would be enough to bring them back to full health as long as they had enough time.
If only the <Life Tree> had some way of curing an infection. Unfortunately, it's properties did not cater to the properties of the void. At least, not for now. One thing about this world was that anything was possible. That was why Luna had assigned Astrid, the Torre Doctors and other survivors that had some background in Biology, to research its properties. There was a science to everything, and so it was crucial that they find out what it was. It could very well be the key to their overall victory.
The Southern Army's goal was to clear as much ground as they could and challenge as many territories as they could. They didn't necessarily need to keep it, but just the VIS bonus from it was valuable enough. Not to mention, that it would allow them to set up camp without the fear of zombies spawning nearby. Along with that, it meant that they could set up defenses there, and if it fell, it wouldn't matter as they would have more walls to fall back into.
It was the most cost-effective plan they could have as of right now. But the main goal of this expansion was to find any hidden Agimats or natural treasures, the second one was to eliminate the terrorists from the South after entering the deeper areas of Mindanao.
They would sweep all available Agimats, which Maxene had said that there were quite a lot in the Philippines. This was to ensure that they had the greatest advantage possible, prior to the next phase.
"Hana-chan! I'm glad we get to work together again!" Seo-Hyeon ran towards Hana and hugged her. The Southern Army was assigned to General Leman. Accompanying him were Apple, Mabini, Boni, Elise, Seo-hyeon, So-hee, Yu-jin, and Sang-hwa.
Hana hugged her back. "Mn! Let's take this time to get as many advantages as we can get."
"Exactly. No one quite knows how strong the zombies will be in the next phase. Even Elder Aran doesn't." Mabini added as he clasped hands with Sang-hwa in a way that almost looked like they were about to arm wrestle.
"That's right. Our world is evolving much faster, so it's as expected." Yu-jin added.
"I'm not too worried. Luna's plan is pretty solid." Elise said as she stuck by Boni's side.
"His calmness almost makes me feel as if he thinks he's just playing another MMORPG. Although I can't complain, everything he's done has been very effective so far." So-hee said. She giggled as she was quite amused at how actions made by hardcore players would work so well in this new world.
Apple finally caught up to them soon after she finished her special arrangements for the Mages. "Alright guys, we're about to move out. General Leman has mapped out our route so hopefully, everything goes as planned."
Under Apple were the women they saved from Buencamino's camp. They were squad leaders themselves.
Seeing them now, you wouldn't have been able to guess that they were the same people from the beginning of the new world. Their auras alone were quite domineering, the regular soldiers were even intimidated by them.
Sisa who was on the verge of losing her mind completely was now standing tall with her two boys. Her ordeal combined with the thought of losing her two beloved sons made her even fiercer than the others. It was as if something clicked in her mind that made her incredibly tenacious, along with Crispin and Basilio, which earned them the right the be a part of the Luna's Sharpshooters.
The Sharpshooters themselves had more numbers now. Half of them were with the Army heading South, and the other half were together with Luna. The Angels were to be power leveled until they reached a comfortable enough level, as per Luna's orders.
Due to the lack of ranged <System> based weapons, the terrorists would be quite susceptible to aerial attacks. Once the Angels were level 40 or higher, if they built minimal VIT, even a .50 caliber wouldn't be able to pierce their skin.
The only effective long-ranged options were the Gunblades. Something that Luna had invested much in equipping the Angels with. After all, what was the point of having an Air Force if they couldn't shower the enemy with death from above?
Finally, the Tarsiers were tasked to accompany them as well. This was because Tarsiers could also be found in Basilan, it was quite obvious that they wouldn't be as strong as Elder Jax and the others. After asking Luna to join the Army headed South, their request was granted.
***
Meanwhile, the terrorist group, the <Maute> Nation was also being kept busy. Basilan island wasn't that much bigger than Siquijor island, but it was far more fortified. Despite all of that, they were constantly assaulted by sea creatures on all sides. They obviously didn't have as many soldiers as the Sovereign Nation and so, even with Basilan's much smaller size, they were barely able to defend on a daily basis.
The mutant beasts on land were either to the islands to their south or still within Basilan. In Zamboanga to the North, another <Nation> was holding the fort down. It was mostly due to escapees warning the other nations of their group, who in turn, banded together.
The <Maute> Nation's biggest mistake was that they treated the new world as a playground. They raped, pillaged, and tortured as they pleased. Had they recognized the current situation of the new world, they would realize that making enemies of other humans when you're already surrounded by a myriad of things that want to devour you is, simply put, a big mistake.
***
To the North, President Emil and everyone else was faring much better. Albeit, they still maintained the weakness of majority of their citizens. They assured them that everything was fine, even if they weren't sure. Just like what you'd expect from the Government. Despite that, the citizens were kept strong enough to at least handle ETZs, EHZs, and Mutant Beasts as long as they hunted in Platoons.
The main difference between them and the Sovereign Nation was that they hunted to eat and just to stay alive.
This comparison was like a casual gamer versus a hardcore gamer that no-lifes any MMORPG he plays, especially in the beginning stages of the game, and during the beginning of any expansion. This reflected in how far ahead Luna was since the beginning and with the anticipation of the next phase, he was planning on doing the same.
The only difference this time was that he had to be completely cautious. Not just himself, but he had to instill that same caution unto his soldiers. There were no resurrections or respawns. Even getting infected by zombies meant certain death or at least a lost limb. Especially since they had no idea how strong the next wave of invaders would be.
So far, it seemed as if the Sovereign Nation was treating this new world as if it was a joke. Truth be told, it was like observing the top guild in an MMORPG and complaining about how the content seems so easy. When in fact they weren't a good example of how hard it truly is.
This was why Luna and the other officials decided it was best to go slow instead of riding Angry Bakunawa to Luzon. Recruiting as many people as they could, thus saving those people's lives that were sure to be doomed when the next phase arrives.
Besides the Army within Angry Bakunawa's inner world, another batch was also following them from behind, double checking for survivors and searching for any Agimat they might find. After all, Agimats wouldn't just be laying around randomly.
President Emil was enjoying his glass of wine among his comrades when he received the news from the soldier he sent last time.
"Genesis is finally heading back." He said.
"Oh? They finally released him?" Tomas Mascardo asked.
"Yes, and it seems like their leader is coming to meet us. Hahaha! Idiot! Does he go by the name Luna? Just like the legendary General Luna? SUBARASHII! He'll be assassinated just like him! Did he get cocky because his Nation is considered the strongest?! Did he forget that we only need to kill him to gain control of his Nation's treasury?! Hahaha!"
The ex-prisoner turned General, Tomas Mascardo's eyes started twitching after hearing Emil's soliloquy. "Did this fuck face of a President just say 'Subarashii?' Weeb! The current President of the Philippines is a fucking weeb! Sigh. I need to get the fuck out of this mess, but where to?" He thought to himself as he couldn't help but plant his face onto his palm. Mascardo himself was actually a fan of anime as well, even watching it in his home while in prison.* But he would never be caught dead being as cringey as Emil who thought himself fancy when he used one or two words from other languages. He wasn't always like this, but all the power has gone to his head. He actually thought everything he said was cool and edgy. Any normal person would see that there was something wrong with him.
This was why they would 'take care' of things for him and let him live his relaxed life. If he went outside now and someone ticked him off, he'd probably kill them on the spot. This would incite dissatisfaction among the citizens and it would impact them as well. Emil was still by far the highest level among them all, with constant power leveling being given to him by his die-hard fans that he somehow managed to convince that making him stronger makes the nation more secure and stronger as well. Heavy investment into his gear via their Nation's bank was also part of his corrupt activities.
The other high ranking members that weren't present were concerned as well when they heard of Emil's plans. Unfortunately, he was the face that the people trusted the most, thanks to his popularity prior to the new world and how fast he worked to gain the support of the survivors. He would always be present when new survivors came in. It was safe to say that he was quite proficient at marketing himself.
"President Emil, we shouldn't underestimate him. There's no way he would expose himself without a plan. I say we try to work with him instead of against him." Another official suggested.
"Work with him? He's a traitor to the nation! He's the perfect candidate we have to set an example to any would-be usurpers! This might very well be the only chance we have to get rid of him for sure. If we don't take this chance and he gets even stronger, we'll be done for!"
"This... I understand." Truth be told, he didn't agree with Emil. He just acquiesced to his reasoning because he didn't want to provoke his ire.
One thing was for sure, they all thought that Emil's personality was getting more and more eccentric. But as long as he was doing his job, they wouldn't oppose him for now.
Meanwhile, one of Tomas Mascardo's trusted men swiftly left their base at the Prison and headed South.
***
Guimaras Island.
This island was connected to the Negros Island before via bridge. But thanks to the landmass that Elder Aran and the others were on, the Guimaras Strait was no more.
In the Municipality of Sibunag. Everyone was spread out and clearing as much of the area as they could, and searching meticulously for any Agimats.
This island was one of their hunting grounds, but they never quite searched it as thoroughly. This was because it would violate their safety protocols. Even if there was a chance that there would be treasure, it wasn't worth losing the lives of their brothers and sisters in arms.
This time, however, it was different. The emergence of Agimats had completely changed the game. Along with their upgraded gear, they could afford to take some risks. The search was slow, but this was all according to Luna's plans.
As he going through the map of the Philippines and marking the spots they've searched, Paco approached from behind.
"Lord Luna, we've intentionally leaked the news you instructed us to, to that man called Genesis. Their leader should be expecting you to arrive soon. Without a doubt, he's already reported it to his superiors."
The whole time Genesis was locked up, he was still able to communicate within his Nation, after all.
Luna smiled after hearing the news. "Good. Let him wait his ass off. The more impatient he gets, the more he's prone to making dumb mistakes. Continue feeding that man random useless information. Give him wrong locations and wrong ETAs of our time of arrival."
"Yes, Lord Luna." Paco saluted and left after nodding towards Sura, Maxene, and Elder Aran who were all behind Luna.
"Father's so mischievous!" Maxene was the first to speak up. She was snickering the whole time Paco gave his report as she held onto her favorite weapon. This was the smaller version of Luna's weapon that he gifted to her.
"It's quite the amazing plan if I say so myself." Elder Aran rubbed his beard.
"So this is what you meant when you said that 'All warfare is based on deception.'" Sura said. She told herself that she would borrow the book that Luna took this quote from.
"Sun Tzu's: The Art of War." He smiled.
"I'd like to borrow it if you don't mind." She said as she walked up to him and held his arm. She quite admired his man, and couldn't help but praise herself for making the right decision in choosing him as her partner.
He held her hand as he replied. "Of course." He said as he took it out of his inventory and handed it to her.
"Blech! I hate it when they get mushy." Maxene complained as she stabbed the handle of her Guandao onto the ground, making it so the blade was in front of her, covering her eyes. Then she used her hands to cover her ears, to no avail, as her hearing was too good.
"Hahaha! There, there, dear Maxene. One day you'll learn about the mysteries of love as well. Then you'll understand why it makes you Father and you Mother stronger." Elder Aran imparted words of wisdom towards the little girl.
"Sigh." She knew what he meant, but she was still reluctant. "I doubt I'd find a boy worthy enough. If that day does come, I DOUBT IT, but if it does! He has to be at least as good and as strong as my father! Or else... hmph!"
"Well, when you do, it seems as if it's not gonna be anytime soon then. Hahaha!" Elder Aran couldn't help but be amused at this little girl. Who was stronger than Luna right now? Even he himself wasn't confident of his chances if he and Luna were to go into a life and death battle.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
TheLittleFatty
TheLittleFatty * Some prisoners actually live a life of "luxury" inside the prisons in the Philippines, thanks to corrupt officials allowing it to those who have enough clout. Sad, I know.
Here's one article by VICE: https://goo.gl/fkQKs9
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