20 Black Tiger

All the city at this point in time if seen from above were covered in a red translucent barrier. This is the Lux Shield provided by the Lux Corporation at an affordable rate. Training on the procedures to operate the shield was provided for free with the use of visual projection conference. Of course the maintenance procedure was teached to every other city engineer so that they could perform the maintenance themselves.

In this age, travel is limited to mostly military personnel and small private force. There were no trades between the major cities they adapted to closed economy and everything needed to be self sufficient. The major cities have population of around 50 - 300 million depending on their sizes. The Silver Turtle City have a population of about 53 million which is a lot considering their small size of 142 000 square kilometers.

Their size always grow almost 5% every year to accommodate the rising number of population and high tech infrastructures which purpose is revealed by Lux Corporation as defensive military 'artillery' unit. The citizens of Silver Turtle City gawked in surprise and admiration at the thought of artillery the size of a 100 floor condominium being continuously constructed one after another without a hint of stopping.

The current biggest city boast of a size almost rivalling a continent in the old age, 2.7 million square kilometers and a population of about 300 million people is the Black Tiger City. They are dubbed as the most powerful city as they have large resource and the highest number of population.

Inside a villa under heavy surveillance, lies the leader of Black Tiger City, Lenno Etu. He's a big man with a towering height of 2.3 meter and riddled with scar. Currently he is talking to a visual projection inside a room.

"So what do you want?"

"I want you to have information about this stone tablet. I'll tell the Serpent City next week." said the projection while uploading two files to be projected.

"What's this? Chinese? Oh you have it translated. Let me digest this first."

After around 10 minute staring intently at the projected images, he finally spoke again.

"Do you have the confidence to survive against their assault?"

"I was born ready. If they doesn't come in another two years, they better not come at all otherwise we will just be outright erased from existence." Replied the projection full of confidence.

"What do you need me to do?"

"Soon, maybe in a month, I will contact you the details. Keep the underground path safe and clean. What is the Serpent and Dragon stance?"

"Okay. Serpent is still figuring out your motive. He will cripple or murder you if you are joining the invaders. Dragon is still unknown. Only following the lead of Serpent for now."

"Good, I know you are a dependable guy. Continue as before and report to me every week or immediately if they are making a move. My aim remains unchanged, for the survival of everyone on this world."

"Yes, embrace us all with your light of hope."

After giving a slight bow, the visual projection vanishes. The hulking man still stood slightly bowed before straightening his back.

"If it weren't for you, all of this people might have perished. Even if we survived the tide, we don't have a strong shelter. You are our hope, Serpent and Dragon would know better than going against the light." He said to himself while reminiscing the past events.

Gripping his fist tight, raising it past his head, he slammed his fist down towards an innocent desk.

*Crassh!!*

The solid wooden desk broke in half and Lenno's fist stays buried for a while.

"Imoogi... I will snap you in half if I even smell your bloodthirst towards our light."

*Bang!* The door to his room was smashed open.

"General! Are you okay?" A couple of armed soldiers rushes in and frantically observes the situation inside. Confirming that the situation is safe, they lowered their guns and stands still, awaiting order from their general.

"My door is broken. Again."

The soldiers trembled at the sound of his simple words yet none uttered a word.

"Speak. How is the people in city doing?"

"Sir, majority of the citizen is in a satisfied condition. There are still homeless and beggars."

"Huh!? Didn't I Gave An Order Last Week!? The most powerful country can't even take care of his own people! What a joke. Look at that small turtle city, no homeless no beggars everyone is happy."

"Sir, it's im-"

"Silence! Did I Ask You To Speak?! All of you get out and do a 100!"

"Sir! Yes Sir!"

The soldiers rushed out and a moment later, loud counting could be heard.

"Loyal soldiers... How many will return? Weak citizens.. How many will survive? Light, I hope you can lead us to victory."

Lost in contemplation, the hulking figure of a man was now sitting on the floor, his back laid on the walls. It wasn't until an hour have passed did the general stood tall on his feet again.

'Preparations, we need to be prepared for war. I'll make sure the soldier stays sharp.'

He walks out the room and headed straight to the fields. Taking deep breath, he shouted.

"ATTENTION !!!!!"

the ground trembled, the building vibrated, the glass shaking uncontrollably and moments later the earth trembled with even fiercer quake.

A minute passed and the field was filled with soldiers. Everyone standing in lines and ranks, they arranged themselves according to their numbers.

Silence came and everyone looked to their general. Several stray thought went through most soldier's mind but it was broken with a firm shout.

"SALUTE!!!" orders Lenno while he himself gave salute to the soldiers before him. Simultaneously the soldiers salutes back.

"WEAPONS CHECK!!!"

All the soldiers then went down on one knee, disassembling their gun's every part and cleans them then reassemble them back.

"Officers, inform all 300 temporary barracks to organize a live exercise 10 kilometers into the jungle. SOLDIERS, LET'S WIPE THE BEAST CLEAN OF OUR SURROUNDINGS."

Silence.

"What are you doing just standing around?!"

An officer besides Lenno whispered to him. "Sir, it's 3 42. In the morning."