Chapter 225: A Call to Arms in the East Sea

Commander Chen, Chairman Wang, Commander Xiao.

How many troops can you deploy now? I need an exact number.

Remember – they must be available for my use in the short term!

Late at night, Yenir’s once youthful face now carried a grave expression as he watched the video call.

A cool breeze swept by, carrying a hint of chill.

On screen, Chen Kailai and the others looked at Yenir in astonishment as he reached out to them; they were utterly perplexed.

They had connected via a military satellite – and with such care. What could have happened?

Their channel was clearly encrypted.

Unaware of the details of the conference, they felt a rising sense of unease.

Yenir: “On my end, I can mobilize about 4,000 troops, including three Third-Stage Beginners. As for mid-level forces… maybe just me.”

He continued, “I can muster around 60,000 regular troops. If you include allied Safe Zone forces, we could get even more.”

Fresh from his return to the North China Battle Zone, Chen Kailai paused to carefully report the strength under his command.

Looking at Yenir—who still held a hint of youthful innocence—he couldn’t help but feel he was addressing a superior.

“Lord Yenir, are you in need of manpower?”

At the other end, Vice Chairman Wang Tian of the Tiancheng Merchant Guild’s eyes flashed as he quickly reported his numbers:

“For Third-Stage Beginners, I can at most mobilize one. That person is my closest comrade in life and death!”

“At a high price, I could secure more—perhaps around four people I know, though some might have already entered instances or secret realms.”

“At a minimum, I can get you two!”

“We have more Second-Stage Awakened in our Merchant Guild, roughly a thousand available. But they’re all on contract, so some missions might be beyond their capabilities…”

“For regular employees, we’ve got about 70,000 who I can mobilize entirely.”

It was as if Wang Tian had sensed something, and with apprehension he reported his figures with great caution.

Listening to the numbers, Xiao Hai’s face flushed with embarrassment.

Damn it! Chen Kailai outdoes him, which is expected—after all, he’s the vice-commander.

How could a merchant like Wang Tian rally so many people?

After some careful calculation, Xiao Hai let out a dry laugh:

“Yenir, I can mobilize roughly 900 Second-Stage troops. For First-Stage, I can get more—around three to four thousand. I can also provide you with two Spiritual Energy Fighters and sixteen attack helicopters. Deploying 20,000 regular troops is manageable, but they won’t sustain long-term operations.”

“As for Third-Stage… that’s just me.”

“So, has some faction crossed you?”

Not dwelling too deeply, Xiao Hai asked curiously. It seemed Yenir’s sudden inquiry about available forces hinted at impending action.

For the sake of appearances, he even mentioned his aircraft—anything to sound less downbeat.

But given Yenir’s current position, who would dare to cross him?

Besides, none of the personnel in the Capital would stand in his way.

Without answering Xiao Hai’s question, Yenir paused briefly before speaking again:

“The mobilization period is short—no more than three days!”

“But I require forces that remain completely loyal and under your direct command!”

“Troops that can fight, even if it means fighting tooth and nail!”

As his words settled in, shock flickered across all three of their faces.

Yenir’s words sounded alarmingly serious! Troops prepared for fierce combat and sworn to secrecy? What was he planning?

“Yenir! Please, don’t do anything rash!”

“You’ve earned your position at great cost—don’t do something stupid!”

Instinctively, Chen Kailai’s heart pounded; for an old man like him, cold sweat broke out instantly.

To him, Yenir’s words resembled a call for assassinating high-ranking officials—a coup in disguise!

“Damn it!”

He had aligned himself with Yenir not to become a rebel!

What on earth has this kid stirred up in the Capital?!

Meanwhile, the other two suddenly realized something was wrong, their faces draining of color.

“Yenir! Commander Chen is right! Don’t do anything foolish! Even if we were willing to help you, the few troops you mention wouldn’t fill a gap!”

“Not to mention, our subordinates would never approve!”

Though his tone was measured, the mere hint that Yenir intended drastic measures had the others ready to flee.

With only four or five Third-Stage Beginners, plus Chen Kailai’s one mid-level force, they wouldn’t even stand a chance in the North China Battle Zone!

Seeing his intentions misunderstood, Yenir let out a resigned smirk.

“You’ve got it all wrong.”

“I only need you to take your troops to the East Sea Battle Zone to evacuate survivors.”

“And you might not even have to go there—most likely, you’ll help me find someone to bring them back.”

“Do you have any elite troops? If so, how many can you spare? I need a team for an investigation mission.”

Hearing Yenir’s grumbling explanation, Chen Kailai let out a deep sigh of relief, instinctively wiping the cold sweat from his brow.

“My dear little ancestor… can you please stop being so intimidating?”

“You know my reputation—I don’t want to be remembered for all the wrong reasons…”

“But what exactly is happening in the East Sea? Evacuating survivors? What’s going on over there?”

“Yenir! Mobilizing troops isn’t a trivial matter! Doing so without Military approval is a grave offense!”

The confusion only deepened their doubts.

How could they not grasp what Yenir intended?

“Top-secret. I can’t disclose anything for now. When the time comes, I’ll explain everything.”

“For now, just tell me if you can mobilize your troops and if they’re ready to move!”

With an impassive expression, Yenir waved away the proposal that had just been issued. On the white document, the words “Top Secret” glared boldly.

His heart skipped a beat.

Chen Kailai suddenly recalled that Yenir had attended the national conference today, and he quickly realized Yenir must have received some insider information. Not daring to press further, he reevaluated and reported his numbers again.

“Good for you. Since his arrival in the Capital, Yenir’s influence has only grown…”

…..

Ten minutes later, during the communication phase.

Yenir silently scrutinized the numbers scribbled on the paper. After a moment, he clenched his right hand and tore the white document to shreds.

“Still… too few…”

A hard glint flashed in his eyes as he stared out toward the courtyard, clenching his fists tightly.

Immediately after the conference, the first group of investigation members hurried to the East Sea Battle Zone. In theory, if any issues arose, they would instantly initiate the evacuation plan.

But one can never be too cautious! Accustomed to having multiple plans, he naturally had a backup ready.

He wasn’t sure how long he’d be trapped in the Intercontinental Instance. If delays meant another “accident” in the East Sea Battle Zone…

Mobilizing troops without approval is a serious violation…

Ha…

“That researcher must be found!”

“This disaster—I must stop it at all costs!”

“Fang Hao, six Third-Stage troops; for the others, four Third-Stage.”

“12,000 Second-Stage troops, 30,000 First-Stage troops! A total of 73,400 personnel at our disposal…”

“Sixteen attack helicopters, three fighter jets…”

“And also, Third-Stage Senior Guardian Liang Lie!”

He clenched his fist and then released it.

Yenir drew a deep breath, determination gleaming in his eyes.

If the Authorities can’t make this decision, then I will! I’ll shoulder the responsibility!

As for Fang Hao, Chen Kailai, and the others’ concerns and attempts at persuasion, he didn’t care in the slightest.

“I aim to save this collapsing structure…”

“How can I hesitate? I won’t waver!”