Chinua found General Batzorig in the command tent, reviewing maps by the light of a flickering oil lamp. The tent was sparsely furnished, smelling of damp wool and old parchment. As she entered, the remaining Captains—Dawa and the two others who had stayed silent—looked up sharply, their expressions wary after the morning's volatile meeting.
Batzorig rose slowly, giving a curt, formal salute. "General Chinua," he acknowledged. "I did not expect a visit so soon after the unpleasantness."
Chinua waved him back to his seat. "It is a matter that cannot wait," she stated, her voice cutting through the tension. She got straight to the point, knowing that Batzorig valued efficiency over courtesy.
"I am going to release General Chong and his available soldiers. Those Ginmiao troops who volunteer will be permitted to leave immediately to fight for Zaoging."
Batzorig did not react immediately, his eyes fixed on her. "You are releasing the prisoners? After what happened with the royal decree's delay, you risk them turning their blades on us the moment they clear the gates."
"It is a calculated risk, General," Chinua countered. "They will fight not for us, but for their own people—their families are still in that city. Besides, a contingent of armed, motivated Ginmiao soldiers fighting for Zaoging benefits our mission far more than keeping them starving in a prison cell. Their fight is our shield."
She leaned slightly across the table, meeting his gaze. "I came to you because I need your direct support. I need you to ensure there is no friction or obstruction from your own troops during their mobilization. I will provide the equipment, but you will provide the clear path."
Batzorig paused for a moment, his gaze fixed on Chinua. He understood that morally, what Chinua wanted to do stemmed from the qualities of a true leader capable of leading a nation, but politically, the action she was about to take was treason. Over the years, he had watched Chinua grow into the warrior she was, and he could not turn a blind eye if she walked a path that would lead to her self-destruction.
"Chinua," he said, his voice grave. "You do understand that without the royal decree, the action you are about to take will be treason?" His eyes met hers, holding a profound concern. "As a general, leaving the city without His Highness's permission is considered breaking military rule, and the highest punishment is death."
"I understand," Chinua said, her voice standing firm. "But at the same time, if Zaoging falls, the next city the enemy is going to attack is Nue-Li. Letting Chong and his soldiers go is a shield for us."
Dawa looked at Chinua with concern. "Chinua," he said, "but at the same time, if Chong and his soldiers somehow manage to defend Zaoging, they could regroup, and with reinforcement from Suina, they could turn around and attack us."
"That's why before releasing them, first we must sign a peace treaty," Chinua said.
Chenghiz spoke up. "A peace treaty is just a piece of paper; it is not something that is set in stone."
"I trust that Chong will not turn his soldiers back and attack us, since the citizens of Nue-Li City will not be allowed to leave the city until the war is settled," Chinua said, looking at Batzorig and his captains. "Besides, I've learned over the years that before anyone can put their trust in you, you must give them your trust."
"It doesn't matter in this situation," Dawa insisted. "Just like General Batzorig said, releasing the enemy soldiers without His Majesty's royal decree is still considered breaking military rules." He looked straight at Chinua. "Chinua, are you willing to sacrifice your life and achievements for them?"
"Captain," Chinua said, her eyes sparkling with passion. "It's not a matter of why, but how."
Batzorig sighed as he knew that he cann't disagree with Chinua when she already had her mind set on her abitious, he sighed.
"My soldiers will not block your path," he said.
Chinua smile, stood up, gently lower her head to show her gradituate. "Thank you, General," she said, blacking away from the table and walked towards the door.
"Chinua," Batzorig said, slowly standing up as she turned to meet his gaze. "The consequences of this are not small. Are you sure you are able to bear the heavy burdens that will be coming your way?"
Chinua give Batzorig a warm smiled and said, "The Buddha Manual teaches us: 'If I don't go to hell, then who would? And if I don't take the first step, there will be no followers.'"
Chinua walked out of Batzorig's tent, leaving the dim light and heavy tension behind. She stepped into the blazing sun, squinting against the unexpected brilliance. The air felt fresh and clean, a stark contrast to the stifling atmosphere of the meeting. In her heart, a fierce, almost frightening clarity took hold: she felt as though a new day had dawned, not one of gentle hope, but one freighted with heavy consequences. She knew the price of her decision was her own life and standing, yet a sense of profound purpose—of having chosen the only right path—surged through her. The weight was immense, but it was a weight she now willingly bore.
Chinua's purposeful stride carried her across the sprawling military camp. The sunlight felt hot on her face, and her shadow was sharp on the muddy ground. She walked directly to the makeshift jail where Chong, Long, and Xao were held.
The guards snapped to attention as Chinua approached. Without a word, she ordered the cells unlocked. The heavy wooden bars swung open, and the the general and his two captains blinked at the sudden freedom, momentarily stunned.
"The time for talking is over," Chinua announced, her voice brooking no argument. "General Chong, you and your men are being released. You will fight for Zaoging under my terms."
Chong, shedding his prisoner's weariness, immediately straightened. "We are ready, General. Show us the way."
Chinua led the three men to the large haunted ground, fenced enclosure where the captured Ginmiao soldiers were kept. The field was quiet, the men inside mostly sitting or staring blankly, their morale worn thin by captivity.
Chong marched right up to the fence, his presence electrifying the camp. The soldiers rose instantly, their faces lighting up with shock and hope at the sight of their general.
"Soldiers of Gimsong!" Chong's voice was strong, ringing with authority. "You have heard the news of Zaoging. It is under attack by a force we do not know. General Chinua has offered us freedom and a chance to save our families."
He paused, letting his words sink in. "We are going back to fight. If you choose to come, you are free this instant, and you will answer to me. You will face an unknown, vicious enemy. If you fall, you fall honorably defending your home."
"However," Chong continued, his eyes sweeping over the ranks. "If you choose to stay, you remain here as prisoners. General Chinua has treated you with fairness and honor. You will be safe, but you will stand by while the people of Zaoging perish. The choice is yours. Make it now!"
A heavy silence descended upon the camp. The soldiers looked at one another, a deep internal struggle playing out on their faces.
A few dozen men immediately started shouting their willingness, their hands reaching for the fence, their loyalty to Zaoging overriding their fear. They were quickly followed by others who felt the shame of inaction.
Yet, many hesitated. They were tired, wounded, and afraid of the "unknown force." Life in Chinua's camp, though captive, was safe, warm, and orderly. They had not been abused, and their stomachs were full. The thought of running headlong into a deadly, chaotic battle, only to be recaptured or killed, held many in place.
The line began to form—the volunteers surging toward the gate, ready to embrace the heavy consequences of freedom, and the reluctant remaining huddled in the dirt, choosing the bitter safety of captivity over the unpredictable death of the battlefield.
The scene in the Ginmiao holding area was one of frantic, organized chaos. The volunteers—a contingent of just over three hundred men—were scrambling to prepare for the unexpected march. Chinua had been true to her word, sending over carts loaded with provisions and a trove of salvaged military supplies. Each man quickly donned his own, familiar armor—dented, scraped, but protective—which had been restored and returned by Chinua's order. They strapped on their own swords and quivers, now freshly restocked with arrows and weapons provided by the Hmagol stores.
General Chong moved among his men, a renewed sense of purpose radiating from him. He was no longer a broken prisoner but a commander reclaiming his identity. He stopped to slap a younger soldier on the shoulder, checking his grip on a newly issued spear. Long and Xao directed the effort, their movements sharp and efficient, coordinating the distribution of meager rations and checking the fitness of the men.
"Remember your oath, soldiers!" Xao barked, ensuring every man understood the precarious nature of their freedom. "We fight for Zaoging, for our families! We do not turn our eyes back to this city unless commanded!"
The volunteer force quickly transformed from a scattered group of tired prisoners into a lean, motivated fighting unit. Their uniforms were ragged, but their familiar armor and their mission—saving their home—ignited their spirits.
Chong took one final look at the three hundred men behind him. He then turned his horse and began leading them toward the northern gate, marching them down the main street of Nue-Li City.
As they approached, both sides of the street were lined with unexpected offerings: bowls of steaming food, cups of warm milk, and soft bread placed on makeshift tables outside people's houses.
The Ginmiao soldiers had never witnessed anything like it. They hesitated, their stomachs growling from months of meager prison rations, yet they were wary. Having fully accepted the perilous nature of their mission, they were half-convinced this generosity was a trick, or perhaps a final, bittersweet meal before their deaths in Zaoging.
As they approached Dae's house, Dae stood in front of his home, waving to Chong. Chong immediately stopped his horse, and the long line of soldiers halted in place.
"What's going on? What are these?" Chong asked, sweeping a hand toward the laden tables.
Dae looked up at the General and smiled warmly. "This is the Magoli tradition, General. When the soldiers go to war, the community prepares food for them to take, so they will not be hungry during their long journey. It's General Chinua's order."
Chong looked back at his soldiers, who were still hesitant. He then turned back to Dae, translating the tradition into a direct order.
"General Chinua has ordered that the soldiers should take as much food as they can carry," he announced to his men, his voice carrying down the line. "It is also part of the Magoli tradition to eat while marching to war! Take what you need; we move out now!"
The Ginmiao soldiers, realizing this was a genuine act of respect and generosity, surged forward to grab rations—bread, dried meat, and pockets of warm milk—tucking the precious sustenance into their packs before quickly falling back into formation.
As Chong and his men approached the northern gate, it was already wide open. A few weary people who had escaped Zaoging stepped quickly aside as they saw the three hundred armed soldiers marching toward them.
Waiting on horseback right beside the open gate was Hye. Chong quickly moved his horse toward Hye, and the soldiers instantly halted behind him.
"What are you doing?" Chong asked, confusion evident in his voice.
Hye smiled coolly. "I am heading to Zaoging with you."
Chong shook his head lightly. "Hye, you are General Chinua's chief strategist. Heading to war with us is against military rule. I'm positive your military rules and ours are no different on that count."
Hye's smile widened slightly. "General, I serve no King, and Chinua knows it too." He glanced at the three hundred soldiers standing behind Chong. "Besides, without me, you will be walking straight into your grave. But with me, there is a possibility that you can pull yourselves out of the grave your enemy dug for you."
"I can't guarantee your safety," Chong said worriedly.
"I know what I am doing, and I don't need your protection," Hye said firmly. "So, are we going to waste time debating, or shall we keep moving?"
Hye smiled and rode his horse forward, passing out of the city gates.
Chong turned to look at his soldiers, his voice catching the old fire. "To Zaoging! For our Ginmiao brothers and sisters!" he roared.
With a ragged but determined cheer, the three hundred Ginmiao soldiers streamed out of the city and onto the mud-churned road. They marched with a fierce, ground-eating pace, their focus fixed on the distant, besieged city of Zaoging, leaving the uneasy peace of Nue-Li behind and charging straight toward the unknown force that threatened to consume their world.