The Unbeatable Warlord

Chapter 5

The following morning, Dawn City woke to something unfamiliar - silence!

  There were no sirens, distant blasts, or frantic screams.

  The smoke that had hung over the skyline began to thin, revealing clear blue above. 

  Streets that had been battlegrounds were now eerily still. Emergency crews moved cautiously, but they were not under fire.

  Whispers spread quickly.

  “The attackers are gone.”

  “All of them.”

  “Overnight!"

  Security reports flooded into Thorne’s compound.

  Multiple coordinated strike points had been identified and dismantled. Supply routes were now destroyed and hidden weapon caches were now neutralized. 

  In the Presidential Office, President Adrian Vale stared at fresh reports in disbelief.

  “Peace?” he repeated.

  His aide nodded eagerly. “Sir, it’s confirmed. No active hostilities since early morning. All major sectors secured.”

  Vale picked up the secure phone.

  “Get me Chairman Thorne.”

  The line connected quickly.

  “Thorne speaking.”

  “Gabriel,” Vale said sharply. “What happened?”

  There was a pause, then Thorne answered.

  “There was a certain man who came to see me yesterday. He said he was ready to rescue the country,” Thorne continued. “He promised to put an end to the unrest.”

  Vale’s grip tightened around the receiver.

  “And?”

  “He did.”

  Silence stretched between them.

  “Who is he?” Vale demanded immediately. 

  “Alexander Leeds,” Thorne replied.

  Vale searched his memory.

  “The Leeds family?” he asked.

  “Yes.”

  “The business family from the northern district?"

 "The same.”

  Vale leaned back slowly.

  “And you’re telling me one civilian dismantled what has plagued us for a decade?”

  Thorne’s voice lowered.

  “He is not an ordinary civilian.”

  “Where is he now?” Vale pressed.

  “Unknown. He left this facility yesterday after declaring he would take up the challenge.”

  Vale’s eyes sharpened.

  “Find him!” he ordered. “Immediately. I need to see him!”

  ********

  The following day, inside the grand office overlooking Dawn City, President Adrian Vale stood beside his desk, hands clasped behind his back, waiting.

  In a moment, the doors opened and Alexander Leeds entered, calm and composed, dressed in a tailored dark suit that reflected neither arrogance nor submission. His posture was steady, his gaze unwavering.

  Vale studied him carefully.

  “So, you are the man who did what my entire security network could not.”

  Alexander sat without hesitation. “I did what needed to be done.”

  Vale gave a faint nod.

  “Chairman Thorne has briefed me,” he said. “But I would prefer to hear from you directly. Who exactly are you?”

  Alexander introduced himself briefly and Vale stopped pacing.

  “Do you understand that what you did has altered the power equation in this country?” he asked. 

  Alexander said nothing.

  “The promise will be fulfilled. Chairman Thorne informed me of the terms he offered you. If someone wiped out the attackers, that person would become second in command in the entire country.”

  He met Alexander’s eyes directly.

  “That will be you. You will serve as Supreme National Commander under my leadership. Full authority over defense and strategic operations. Direct access to my office. Direct access to the ruling council.”

  Before Alexander could respond, a loud commotion erupted.