Building The Strongest Family-Chapter 101: An Empire From Chaos [ 1 ]

Gunnar studied the screen intently, his mind racing with possibilities.

After a moment of contemplation, he turned to Arthur and asked, "So, what’s our first mission?"

Arthur’s gaze lingered on Gunnar for a few seconds as he took a deep breath. "Varenya," he replied.

A heavy silence enveloped the room as the seven men exchanged glances, each processing the weight of Arthur’s words.

"Varenya is currently the largest country on the Noctis Continent, but it’s been torn apart by war for decades. In fact, 60% of the countries on Noctis are embroiled in conflict, warlords battling for power. The entire continent is becoming one massive battlefield."

As Arthur spoke, he pointed at the screen where vivid images of chaos and destruction flickered to life.

Gunnar exhaled slowly, his expression serious. "You’re not just sending us into a warzone; you’re planning to take control of it."

Arthur didn’t flinch at the accusation. "I need a force that can operate in the shadows, one that can turn the tide without being seen. That’s Aegis-7."

He stood up, adjusting his suit jacket with purpose. "Gunnar, you’ll lead this operation. Dain will handle tactical operations; Rhyse will oversee intelligence. The rest of you,your assignments are detailed in your dossiers."

"A few days from now, you’ll embark on your first assignment alongside my trusted personal secretary," Arthur added firmly as he looked around at them all. "Meet me at Blackwater Military Base."

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Present Day

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Arthur shook himself back to reality as he pulled his gaze away from the holographic screens with a soft sigh.

Leaning back in his command chair, he ran his fingers through his hair in frustration.

The Whitmore Family had him rattled; he felt an urgent need to leave Aurelia before things spiraled out of control.

Although they hadn’t crossed paths yet, with how rapidly the Osborn Family was advancing, it was only a matter of time before they did,and who knew if their encounter would be friendly? Precautions were essential; there was no room for error.

Just then, the massive iron doors of the command center slid open with an ominous creak, revealing Ethan clad in his usual crisp suit.

His dark blue eyes held a solemnity that filled the air as he stepped inside.

"You wanted to see me, sir?" Ethan’s voice was carefully neutral as he stood across from Arthur with an expression that radiated respect.

"Sit," Arthur commanded softly but firmly.

Ethan took a seat across from him, sitting up straight and keeping his eyes locked onto Arthur’s face,his seriousness palpable in every tense moment between them.

Arthur stared intently at Ethan, who sat across from him with a serious expression.

With a swift motion, Arthur gestured toward the holographic screen, which flickered to life, displaying an expansive map alongside various data points.

"Varenya," he began, cutting straight to the heart of the matter. "The largest country on the Noctis Continent. For decades, it has been in turmoil,perpetually engulfed in war. Right now, five warlords are ripping it apart. And we’re going to seize control; we’re going to deliver it."

Ethan’s gaze remained fixed on the holographic display as he absorbed Arthur’s words, his brow furrowing in contemplation.

Finally, he turned to Arthur and asked, "Boss, if I may ask, why do you want this?"

The question lingered in the air as Arthur shifted his attention back to the screen, a bittersweet smile creeping onto his face.

"This isn’t what I wanted at all," he chuckled softly before locking eyes with Ethan again. "But imagine discovering that your home is nothing more than a gilded cage, what would you do if everything could change in an instant?"

Confusion flickered across Ethan’s features as he struggled to grasp Arthur’s meaning. "What do you mean?"

"Because the Whitmores have turned Aurelia into that gilded cage," Arthur replied pointedly.

"Every factory we build and every business we run, they’re watching us closely. One day, when they decide we pose a threat..." He trailed off as Ethan began piecing together the implications.

Understanding dawned on Ethan’s face. "You mean this vast nation, the Aurelian Federation, one of the world’s most powerful countries, is secretly under Whitmore control? And you want to relocate the Osborn Family?"

"Exactly!" Arthur confirmed with fervor. "To a place so devastated that no one would think twice about looking there, a place where we can rebuild according to our vision."

He tapped on the holographic map emphatically. "This is our future: a kingdom forged from someone else’s chaos."

Ethan exhaled sharply through his nose and let out a soft chuckle. "Boss, are you really talking about backing a warlord?"

"I’m talking about creating one," Arthur retorted confidently as he waved his hand again; another image appeared on screen, a man marked by scars and burns with piercing grey eyes and steel-grey hair surrounded by four equally fierce-looking individuals.

"This is General Dravik; he controls the northern oil fields," Arthur explained briskly. "Colonel Veyra holds sway over the southern ports while those other three? They’re rabid dogs,almost useless."

He flipped over to another map showing troop movements and added, "I want us to support General Dravik from behind the scenes."

Ethan scrutinized the profile of General Dravik, piecing together every detail. "Dravik knows he can’t win this alone; Colonel Veyra has a formidable backing. That’s where you come in," Arthur said, leaning forward, his eyes glinting with ambition.

"You want me to offer him Osborn resources?" Ethan asked, his brow furrowing as he absorbed the implications.

"Just enough to tip the scales, think weapons, medical supplies, intelligence," Arthur replied, though his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. "All wrapped in enticing promises of international recognition."

"And when he wins?" Ethan probed, skepticism creeping into his tone.

"Then we own the man who owns Varenya." Arthur produced a small silver case from his pocket. Inside gleamed a syringe filled with amber liquid. freeweɓnovel.cøm

"And if he forgets who put him on that throne? This will serve as a reminder."

A flicker of understanding passed through Ethan’s eyes as he nodded slowly.