The Syrian chief tactician's words felt like a knife slicing through the hearts of the Syrian top brass.When they were the kings of the mountains—just like Hamed, they had hid deep in the barren woods where no satellite imaging could reach, burying their ammunition and supplies between crevices.Due to their strategic advantage, the former government forces would always avoid reaching too deep.Suddenly, now that they were in power, they were facing the same dilemmas. No longer armed guerrillas dwelling in the mountains, they were the legitimate government, occupying the capital and holding the reins of power. When they considered the situation from Hamed's point of view relative to theirs, they had to agree they had no chance of winning—even a three-year long assault would just waste time, manpower, and precious ammunition.And a lot could change in three years. Even they couldn't say for sure that they would still be in power then.That was why the top brass quickly came to t

The Syrian top brass were furious, but they also understood that Hamed was just flexing his advantage at this point, having demonstrated how superior his forces were in a fight.Indeed, his demands were extortion and more than that, meant to humiliate—just as invading countries would demand reparations for their campaigns after a successful conquest.The top brass themselves rose to power through rebellion, and had hardly any experience in politicking. If they maintained their old rebel spirit, they definitely wouldn't take this lying down and would go down swinging if they had to.But things were different now that they were in power—if they pushed their luck, they'd lose everything in under two years.Hence, the Syrian president snatched Abdullah's satellite phone and barked, "No more games! What do you want?!"Hamed thought to himself—since the geezer put it that way, his terms were already accepted and he won again.However, he also had to be careful in choosing the perfect m

With things calming down in Syria, Tanya's concert in Paris went as scheduled.As usual, her influence was enormous, and the fans of Europe could well have been celebrating Christmas at that concert.Still, it had been two weeks since the Randheli Raid, and Oskia was celebrating its Festival of Lights.Charlie personally believed it was the most lively and vibrant of Oskian festivals, with all of River Quark decorated with colorful lanterns and lively ribbons. There were even gondola rides offered, and Aurous Hill citizens remained enthusiastic despite the cold, dank weather.The Calligraphy and Painting Association was also hosting a literature event at a bookstore on the riverbank. As a member, Jacob was naturally there to show support, while Elaine also joined since she always loved her fun, so she dragged along Charlie and Claire.Aside from the dazzling lanterns hung from the trees along the river, children were carrying their own lanterns as they strolled, adding a tinge of

Stephen then asked, "Ma'am… Why Aurous Hill? Why not Mount Pantro if there's something we need to discuss face-to-face?"Ashley sighed before smiling again. "I keep having this urge to come here for so many years. But even though Charlie grew up and settled here, I would only make brief, quiet visits here without seeing him, because I'm afraid to. Naturally, sneaking here on a boat with decent cover is so that I can stay longer and see more, only to somehow bump into Charlie…"Pausing, she threw her hands up and sighed wryly. "Alright, enough of this foolish prattle. I'm here to talk about something important, Stephen."Stephen stood and bowed his head respectfully. "Yes, Mrs. Wade!"Ashley then said, "I can see that Claire was definitely preparing to leave Aurous Hill, working overtime to finish whatever projects she can, and already paying client damages for ones she expected to fall short. We can definitely presume that she is ready to leave after Charlie's birthday on the secon

As it turned out, Ashley wanted to set the fireworks not for herself, but for Charlie.Smiling, she said quietly, "Charlie won't get to see his mommy, but he'd at least get to see the fireworks his mom wants to show him on this merry night."When he stops and stares up at the night sky when the fireworks erupt… he'll be surprised, he'll smile happily. And that's enough, as a gift from his mother."-While Ashley's boat had left the busier parts of the Quark River, Charlie never noticed his closest kin had drifted gracefully past him into the distance.He and Claire were still strolling down the banks of the Quark River, and arriving at the bookstore where the Calligraphy and Painting Association was holding an event.Children were flocking around, eager to guess the answers to the riddles the staff were handing out. There was a small stall filled with dolls, toys and other little gimmicks that would be gifted to anyone who got the answer.Jacob was actually diligent at work for