Conqueror of the Time Apocalypse

Chapter 8. Silent Statement: The Premature Faction’s Collapse

“Fifteen new red dots have appeared in Sector Gamma, Viana. They’ve dared to establish checkpoints on the supply line you’re supposed to be managing,” Maxwell Sullivan stated, his voice as cold as mountain air cutting through the stuffy atmosphere of the underground data center. The hologram monitor operated by Jael displayed the points. “Jael, make sure their frequencies are always tracked.”

Jael, adjusting his new infrared glasses on his nose, nodded quickly. "Understood, Mr. Maxwell. Sector Gamma is controlled by the 'Old Commanders,' a group of pre-apocalypse war veterans. They are always suspicious of new Awakened presences. This group of fifteen seems to be forcibly recruited Awakened."

“Not force, Jael. Opportunity. And they betrayed that opportunity. One of them, a fire-class Awakened named Azka, just stole some medical supplies from vulnerable refugees and resold them on the Sector Gamma black market for five times the price," Viana countered, her gaze cold as this data streamed directly from the Absolute Knowledge Maxwell shared with her. "And three others from that faction just tried to enter the small 'base' we left near the rainwater collection terminal, looking for leftover artifacts."

“Greedy eyes never know restraint,” Maxwell smirked slightly. “This isn’t just about supplies, Viana. This is our first ‘statement’ to the underground world. You want them to know who the king here is, don't you?”

“Exactly, Mr. Maxwell,” Viana nodded. “Sector Gamma is indeed a vital intersection for logistics movement. We cannot allow pests to obstruct us. And they are the first pests.”

“What’s your plan?”

Viana swiped through several data projections on her tablet. "This Sector Gamma path is narrow, with curved tunnels. Three checkpoints. Fifteen Awakened, but only three have the Elementalist class. Azka, the fire one, is among them."

"And the rest are low-class Warriors, plus the three 'bald Awakened' that Johan subjugated yesterday," Maxwell added.

“Correct,” Viana confirmed. “The Old Commanders are very cautious; they won't attack directly. They rely on baiting strategies. This is an opportunity. First, Johan and those two 'bald Awakened' will move through the southern water service path. We're going to create a bigger bait.”

“What kind of bait?” Johan interrupted, excited.

“Jael, what’s your report on the monsters lurking in the small paths between Sector Gamma and our border?” Viana asked.

"There's a horde of Slime Corpses in the northern corridor, Mr. Viana. Level thirty. There are more than three hundred of them," Jael replied without hesitation, pulling up a detailed map. "They are often hidden, very defensive unless provoked by 'raw mana' or painful light. They move slowly."

“Excellent, Slime Corpses,” Viana smirked. “That’s our first bait. We'll use those thieves. The Old Commanders know their power very well, so they won't get too close, and that becomes their own trap.”

“How?” asked Johan.

“Maxwell said that fire-class Awakened is named Azka,” Viana glanced at Maxwell, “Azka and his three friends tried to steal assets. They have fire Mana in their bodies. That will attract attention. We'll trap them in the narrow tunnel leading to where the Slime Corpses are located.”

“This will be good bait. Slime Corpses’ bodies can slowly melt enemies on contact, but their own fire Mana will be the trigger for them to become more aggressive,” Maxwell confirmed. “But they have a leader. The Awakened who stole the assets must receive the most brutal punishment to make the message clear. A 'silent statement' to the Old Commanders.”

“Exactly,” Viana nodded. “Johan, we’re going to hijack a freight train. A waste transport train on line C-4 can still be operated manually from the control room. It’s the only route to the Old Commanders’ isolation point. And we're going to turn it into a 'death carriage'."

“Death carriage?” Johan frowned.

“We’re going to coat that train with raw Slime Corpse blood,” Viana explained, “They are extremely disgusting. The Old Commanders won’t want to clean them up. Jael, in disposal corridor D-7, there are five large tanks of anti-acid protective fluid. In another timeline, it was used as emergency coolant for the underground reactor, and it can be sprayed onto the tracks.”

Jael immediately retrieved the data. "Exactly, Mr. Viana. However, that protectant can take a long time to clean up after use and will stain the track permanently. The Old Commanders never touch it because it's too risky and dirty."

“I don't care that it's dirty. Viana, give me the details,” Maxwell commanded.

Viana sighed, her brain racing with the non-stop flow of information from Maxwell. "The Old Commanders are perfectionists regarding clean logistics lines. This waste train covered in Slime Corpse blood will make them consider it a major 'health threat' that must not be allowed to pass their checkpoints one and two. But they will also be reluctant to approach it.”

“Then what?” Johan asked seriously.

“Jael, is there any specific gas near their checkpoint two that is flammable if triggered by fire or Mana?” Viana asked again.

"The oxygen supply tunnel around Checkpoint Two still holds small reserves of methane and propane from post-apocalypse leaks. However, it's insignificant," Jael replied, projecting a diagram of the path.

“Not normally insignificant, but what if a powerful explosion occurred there, Mr. Jael?” Viana smirked slightly. "Mr. Maxwell told me there's an old air ventilation backup generator still hidden at the back of that post."

"That backup generator is connected to the Old Commanders' main control network," Jael suddenly realized, his eyes widening. "If it explodes, it will cut off the Old Commanders' communication with the entire network in Sector Gamma."

“Here's the execution plan, Johan,” Viana explained. “First, Jael will ensure the thieves, especially the fire Awakened named Azka, flee into the path where we set the trap—the Slime Corpse corridor. Jael will turn off all emergency lights and emit low-frequency noise along that path. The monsters will devour Azka and his friends slowly, very brutally.”

“I understand. And we don't directly touch them, so the Old Commanders can't track us,” Johan concluded.

“Then,” Viana continued, “After they're busy with the Slime Corpses and the bodies are partially consumed, you will drive that waste train at high speed through the Old Commanders' checkpoint one. At checkpoint one, this collision must cause minimum damage to the infrastructure but attract the Old Commanders' full attention. Let some subjugated Awakened drive it to make it look like a small rebellion. You know what to do if those Awakened try to escape.”

Johan smiled coldly. "I understand. Make them fight to the death if that's their last choice. Just like yesterday's training, right, Mr. Viana?"

“Correct,” Viana nodded contentedly. “Once the train passes Checkpoint One, ensure the 'bald Awakened' press the button to spray the anti-acid fluid onto the tracks. All traces of the train passing through that path will be 'contaminated.' The Old Commanders will definitely isolate that path, and that's the key. The Old Commanders are too cautious and disciplined regarding their logistical cleanliness; they won't pursue until everything contaminated by that acid fluid is cleaned up.”

“But won't this stop us from using that path too?” asked Johan.

“We can clean it more easily; we know the secret loophole. The Old Commanders don't,” Viana answered flatly.“Crucially, while this train is stopped and labeled as 'bioterrorism' that needs to be cleaned up, the Old Commander won't figure out the actual plan. And at precisely that moment... the explosion at the ventilation backup generator will cut off all the Old Commander's communications. The leftover methane gas will slowly paralyze Post Two. Jael, ensure our new network can bypass their frequencies. We're seizing all of the Old Commander's communication assets.”

Jael nodded, his eyes shining with excitement. "I've located the pathway, Mr. Viana. It's brilliant. If Post Two is completely incapacitated and the Old Commander's network loses its hub, the remaining members outside that post will scatter and go into hiding. They rely heavily on communicating with each other."

“Once they're fragmented, Maxwell will descend to 'gather' them, absorbing all their cores," Viana glanced at Maxwell. "No frontal warfare. No casualties on our part.”

"It's an almost flawless plan, Viana," Maxwell offered faint praise, his mysterious smile evident. "But this is about making a statement, Viana. There's another 'false hero,' Commander Doyok from the 'Lion Heart' Faction who loves a good spectacle, and who will soon proclaim himself the 'savior' of the underground world here. He routinely visits this Gamma Sector to 'verify' supply lines, doesn't he, Jael?"

"That's right, Mr. Maxwell. He comes every week to collect logistics bribes and show off his high-level Awakened power. Level 18," Jael confirmed, sounding apprehensive about mentioning the figure.

"Then," Maxwell gazed at Viana, "I want Azka's incinerated body left hanging in front of Commander Doyok's headquarters, with the words 'Traitors have no future' written in dried blood. Is this still too elaborate?"

Viana smirked; it wasn't a sweet smile, but a sharp, cold sneer. "That's an artistic touch I find quite appealing, Mr. Maxwell. It's not just a message for the Old Commander, but also a 'direct message' to all the heavy-hitting factions that interfere in Gamma Sector business. Jael, find Commander Doyok. Dig up every small scandal. Every piece of illicit money he received. I'll use it to set Azka right in front of him."

Jael shuddered, realizing the depth of Viana's brutality. "Yes, Mr. Viana. I'll search for every last detail."

“Execution timing. Decide now,” Maxwell ordered.

Viana checked his HUD; Absolute Knowledge provided real-time projections. "In twenty minutes, the Old Commander's regular patrol will reach Post One. They'll need an hour to fully isolate and clear the rails of the acid-based protective fluid. This is our best window to destroy communications at Post Two without interruption. 

Johan, move now toward route C-4. A handful of Awakened there will easily be dispatched by you. Seal off the control room with a large rock and give the instructions. Ensure there's no treachery among our forces. If they resist, use your killing blow."

"Understood, Mr. Viana! No mercy this time, I'm ready to fight to the finish!" Johan ran out excitedly, his axe rattling against his back.

Viana turned to Jael. "Now Jael, your assignment for the 'Underground Dwellers.' Utilize the synchronized communication network to monitor every reaction from the Old Commander and Commander Doyok's Lion Heart Faction. I want every minute detail of their movements."

"I will ensure that, Mr. Viana!" Jael nodded firmly, his face resolute.

Viana stood tall, his eyes fixed on the monitor displaying all points. "And prepare two cans of special paint spray. A red cross mark for the scene, which will draw in the Fire Awakened."

***

Twenty minutes later, an explosion from the generator area in Gamma Sector Post Two was heard faintly, yet the vibrations were strong enough to permeate the underground floors of their headquarters. As anticipated, the Old Commander's communication system was completely severed. Jael's hologram map flickered, showing the entire Old Commander faction in Gamma Sector beginning to scatter. They were panicked, losing connection, and highly dependent on their central hub.

Maxwell stood in a corner, monitoring from a distance. His face was calm, like an artist observing a masterpiece.

"Such orderly panic," he murmured.

Viana stood before him, a tablet in hand monitoring the reactions of the faction remnants. "It will take thirty minutes before the Old Commander realizes they've lost control and that a new faction has seized the underground control center. Jael has sent detailed reports on each group's movements. No Awakened moved to rescue Azka; they were too preoccupied with their own survival."

"The callous side of humanity. It never changes, whether in an apocalypse or the normal world," Maxwell countered.

"Azka has been lured into the Slime Corpse lair, Mr. Maxwell. They're absorbing his fire Mana. Only his last scream was recorded, then silence. The Slime Corpse has begun slowly digesting his body," Jael reported from his computer, looking pale but satisfied. "Oh, and Commander Doyok has been reported to be in a rage at his headquarters; he lost a significant 'resource.' I've spread rumors that the Old Commander is responsible for neglecting their sector."

Viana smiled, a cold, cunning smile. "Excellent, Jael. Now activate that waste train; Johan will take care of the rest."

On the main track, a dilapidated cargo train sped at high speed. Thick Slime Corpse blood coated the exterior, emanating a foul, disgusting aura clearly visible beneath the emergency lights. Strapped to the front of the locomotive was the once arrogant, bald Awakened; his face was frozen in horror as the train hurtled straight toward the Old Commander's Post One.

Johan was inside, at the controls. A broad smirk spread across his face.

Crash!

The train slammed into the barricade at the Old Commander's Post One. There wasn't a large explosion, but the collision was forceful enough to spray metal fragments and sticky acid fluid throughout the checkpoint. Alarms blared. But with their main communication severed, chaos escalated.

"Acid fluid! Avoid contact! Don't stain the protective clothing!" an Old Commander soldier shouted in panic, prioritizing cleanliness over the immediate threat.

Viana, observing everything from the screen, shook his head. "Their obsession with order and cleanliness is their own weakness. They're too rigid to survive in this new world."

"Johan is implanting a mana core into one of the rails, Mr. Viana," Jael reported. "Then he hit the release button for the acid protective fluid. This will stain the track, exactly as planned."

Just as predicted, the subway tracks where the waste train had passed were instantly sprayed with a pale yellow acidic fluid. A pungent smell immediately filled the tunnel. The entire Old Commander patrol around Post One retreated, terrified of contamination.

"The empty car has been emptied. Johan, return to the evacuation route immediately, clean up all traces of our presence. Dispose of all train wreckage and evidence into the disposal route leading to Ghost Ravine," Viana issued the final orders, leaving no loose ends. "Maxwell, it's time for us to 'harvest' these panicked Awakened remnants."

Maxwell Sullivan stepped forward, gripping his Sovereignty Ring tightly. His eyes flashed bright gold, his cold aura enveloping the entire data center room. He absorbed every piece of data Jael and Viana provided him. No more obstacles. No more undetected threats.

"Our statement has been made, Viana," Maxwell said. "Silent, yet deadly. Now, send Azka to Commander Doyok."Viana closed her eyes, reviewing every step. The half-burned corpse, consumed by the Slime Corpse. The scent of fear painted on the face of the confused and angry Old Commander. That fear. That power.

“Execute immediately, Mr. Maxwell,” Viana said, bowing her head. She picked up a spray paint can from the desk. This was the part she had to handle personally. Azka's corpse, hung before Commander Doyok, bearing the message 'Traitors have no future' scrawled in dried monster blood. A statement they would never forget.

Maxwell grinned. This was only one of many 'silent statements' he would dispatch throughout this new world. Every traitor, every arrogant soul, would feel his dominance. Gamma Sector was now secure. His underground intelligence network was fully integrated. His power grew relentlessly.

Maxwell's eyes stared into the distance, seeing through concrete and earth. He knew the movements of every monster and high-tier Awakened stirring on the surface. The world still believed that true heroes would lead them. But no one knew that, below, The Absolute King was already building the foundation of his kingdom.

“Gamma Sector is already in our hands, Mr. Maxwell,” Viana said proudly.

“Only the beginning, Viana. Far, far from the beginning,” Maxwell replied, his giant shadow falling across all of Jael's monitors. Waves of shock began to spread among the small factions on the surface and underground. Something was wrong. Someone was watching. And something new was about to consume them. But no one knew who was responsible. At least, for now.