World Development System 185 116. Anak? Who is this new guy?

Everyone smiled and understood John's meaning that they simply deny their involvement.

John continued as everyone over here present understood it's meaning, "We will target their base most likely in a few days when the Royal family is Openly hostile against us. That would be the time to surprise all of them by obliterating Gold rush mercenaries and other flies from this map for good. So we will start targeting the Goldrush mercenaries in the wilds first thing today. I don't want anyone to leak out that I too am participating in raids to anyone. Is that clear to you all?

Everyone answered in unison with a lot of emotion, "Yes, Sir."

John nodded and spoke, "I guess I will need an identity if I am to participate in the raids. Lets call him, the Everburning, Anak. Okay, it's decided, The Everburning Anak from the Ghosts division will handle war matters in southern and western front. This chance will be good for bonding with my men on the field. Any objections?"

None objected and agreed, "No, Sir. The Everburning Anak will be our General from time to time. There won't be any objections."

Jay sighed with a smile and thought, 'For the first time I feel good, I already had enough of those pesky mercenaries harassing us every day.'

John nodded and concluded the meeting, "Okay, we will conclude this meeting, Inform the details of this meeting to your subordinates. Exclude about me participating and tell that a new General named Anak from the Ghost's division is appointed, Ok? And also prepare necessary documents about his identity."

Taylor nodded, "Yes, Milord. I will make sure of the preparations required for the documentation. He will be classified category."

Shortly afterward, John headed out with Jay and his ghost bodyguards in disguise towards the borders.

Taylor sighed as he saw John heading off to the borders as he was the one who was burdened by the matters as John was nowhere to be seen.

He thought, 'Now I feel more sorry for the Gold Rush mercenaries who managed to anger our Lord to such an extent.

****

Currently, John was wearing a customized armor made by Tornwall with a masquerade mask on his face. The mask was half black and half white. He was wearing full dark blue clothes which signified that he was the commander of the troops. John and Jay were traveling to the north-frontier town's Castle in the south near Dolores with his Ghost guards.

At the Borders,

The Army was on alert at the southern castle as they were warned by Jay earlier before he left for the hurried important meeting.

Marsh was the one who was currently handling the matters of all the castles in south and west. Currently, he was patrolling in the wilds with his subordinate, He thought about the current events and said to his subordinate, "I hope Jay brings good news for us this time around. Those men of ours too are getting itchy every second because of the impudent actions of those Gold Rush Mercenaries. It looks they aren't too afraid of us. It's as if they have some backing."

Marsh's subordinate spoke after looking back into the distance, "Boss, it looks like someone is coming from the city in large numbers. It looks there are at least 20 people. Do we shoot them down?"

Marsh nodded as he smoked his cigarette, "No, they are from the city. Keep looking, our men are anyway on a lookout."

The subordinate Jeb looked carefully and spotted Jay, He reported this immediately to Marsh, "Boss, It seems Minister Jay is the one who is escorting them with someone at the front. It looks like that masked guy is the leader from the way everyone is behaving. It seems he is someone from the Ghosts. What do you think?"

Marsh furrowed his brows and thought, "Hmm... Both the army and Ghosts handle matters differently, why are they getting involved at the borders? Is there some decision of some collaboration or something else which was taken by Lord?"

All the soldiers witnessed the scene and immediately understood that something was going to happen.

Marsh nonetheless still greeted Jay first and then later on John who was in a mask,

"I hope you had a fine journey, Jay."

Marsh Greeted Jay first in order to reveal his allegiance first. John and other ghosts smiled at this scene but none of them spoke anything as they were only ordered to keep John safe.

Jay furrowed his brows and understood the thinking of Marsh, "It's Ok, Greet our new Commander, he is personally vetted by Lord John. His name is Anak, The Everburning. Previously he headed the Ghosts which was unknown to most of the people. This time he will command our western and southern armies. You shouldn't doubt his abilities as I personally know him. Here is the decree of Lord John. What are you guys waiting for? Greet your new commander. From now on a big war is coming and lord specially sent his most trusted men on the borders. I hope every one of us is united because we have enemies on all sides."

One of the soldiers murmured as he heard Jay, "Who is this new guy? Never heard of him"

Marsh understood that Jay was backing this new guy fully and immediately greeted his new commander, "Yes, Sir. Greetings to our Commander, Anak, The Everburning. We hope to have a good time together while you are in the army. I will be working directly under you."

Marsh raised a question as he found that John was wearing a mask which was quite odd, "Sir, why don't you show us your face?"

Jay slapped his forehead as he heard Marsh, He spoke, "He is from the Ghosts, so you guys must understand his importance on keeping his identity unexposed. These other 20 guys are his personal subordinates."

Jay then introduced the head of the guards to everyone who revealed his face, "The guy heading them is an elf called, Arlen Ven, He too works directly under our Lord. He was just recently recruited by our Lord because of his brilliant archery, swordsmanship and stealth skills. This time they will help us in scouting our enemies and plan our attacks. Though we have telescopes, their experience will come in handy. Is everyone clear?"

Marsh understood why the Lord wanted them to join their team, He along with others nodded and spoke, "Yes, Sir"

Marsh thought, 'But still, was there a need for a new general. I hope he isn't weak or you shouldn't expect me to respect him unless he proves his worth by his actions.'

Everyone had their doubts at the entry of new commander but they were still assured because of the amount of Trust Jay gave.

Jay continued in a serious tone, "Meanwhile I will be in charge of the castle in case our enemies attack us after we start our operations. So you understand the need for 2 Generals, RIGHT?" Jay ended with a tone where he wouldn't take no for an answer.

Everyone agreed immediately after looking at Jay's face and spoke, "Yes, Sir."

Marsh found something odd in Jay's behavior and thought, 'Jay is quite an odd guy, usually he wouldn't even give face to officials who would want to add their relatives in the army but this time he is quite timid. I guess this guy is certainly a bigshot looking at the way Jay is treating him. Well lets what is he capable of.'

John took over after Jay finished his explanation, "Okay Okay, we will start with our operation right away, I think every one of you that is present over here wants to exact revenge for the mates who lived in Greenwoods village. I guess many of you also had friends there. So here is your chance."

John continued, "According to my information, Gold Rush mercenaries usually hunt near the south-west from our city. They are 3000 men strong at their base which is located north-west of Dolores. From today onwards we will be starting a massacre of mercenaries, Lord has given all the right on using the ballistas and other means to me." 

Marsh asked, "General Anak as you are chosen by Lord himself I am sure you are quite strong and hence I want to know your proficiency in various arts and the arts you are best at."

John didn't think anything of it and thought, 'Well, my skills are balanced. I guess I am not particularly better at anything compared to my other skills.' 

John replied immediately, "Hmm... I don't think I have proficiency in any particular thing. I guess I have the best reactions and judgment in a fight, can it still be called a proficiency? If I am weak at something I guess it must be my magic since I am only a beginner magician."

Marsh nodded and spoke, "Hmm... so you are a magic knight? Well, how about a duel with our best magic knight?"

Thought Jay knew about John combat prowess he still worried as he heard Marsh and his ways to test his new commander.

John nonchalantly answered, "I don't mind."

Marsh came near the knight and told him in a low tone, "Make sure to remove that arrogant guy's mask even if you lose. I wonder if he is keeping that mask just for a show and to look cool, all those guys at Ghost's always try to look cool. who knows if he loses that mask if we are in a battle. While Don't underestimate him even though you are our best guy as a Magic knight."

The Magic knight nodded, "Yes, Sir. I will try my best."

John smiled as he heard Marsh.

Chapter end