CH236 Contingency

***

"Listen first, Laura," Alex said.

He projected a Rune Phone message from the projector screen of his Beta Bracer.

"I've set up a school to train gifted children, especially those from Fury lands, so they can reach their full potential. My brother, Wilbert, will also be attending this school.

"I've already gained the agreement of the Family Head: the children of the branches involved with the Family Council may serve their punishment by transferring to this school. There, they'll be trained in their chosen or innate fields.

"The only cost is that they'll undergo indoctrination—first to align their views with my goals, and second with the Fury Family's. Considering the value they'll gain, I believe that's a fair price."

He closed the message, letting the weight of his words sink in.

Laura stared, stunned.

"Instead of stripping these children of their chances, I'd much rather see you rise. If you successfully complete this mission, I will place you as head of your branch within a few years. That is my reward to you."

Technically, Laura should have been the next in line to inherit her branch's Head's seat after her father's death. But her uncle had taken it instead, using her youth and weakness as justification.

Alex was convinced that same uncle had twisted the story of Laura's father's death to secure his position. The man's reckless choices—joining the Family Council, instigating a duel, then pushing Laura forward as heir instead of his own son—were proof enough for Alex. To him, Laura's uncle was a snake, one whose head he intended to cut off at the first opportunity.

By contrast, he was far more comfortable with Laura leading her branch. Even if she still harboured hostility toward him, at least Alex understood her bottom line. Her uncle? Not at all.

Alex's gaze bore into hers.

"The choice is yours. Do you want your kin freed of their obligations to the family? Or will you accept my offer?"

Laura's lips trembled. "Are you… are you telling the truth? You're sending them to the same school as your brother?"

"Have you ever known me to lie?" Alex asked calmly. "Not only will I send them to the same school, but they'll also receive the same opportunities as Wilbert—if they're brilliant enough to seize them.

"But be warned, when they graduate, they'll likely become my people."

"So, Laura… what say you?"

"I agree!" Laura immediately accepted his offer.

Alex was already on course to become the next Fury Family Head. To come under his umbrella was an advantage, not a demerit. Neither she nor the children would end up in a worse situation than the one they were already trapped in.

The older military officers subtly turned toward Alex. A flicker of fear crossed their eyes as they realized the full weight of his school initiative.

Not only would he turn potential hostiles into allies and subordinates, but by binding the children to his banner, he would also force their elders—those who currently opposed him—to re-evaluate their stance. Just as Laura had.

A single action with multiple benefits.

What's more, Alex had chosen to reveal this plan here, in front of them, when he could have spoken to Laura privately. That made the message clear; he was extending an offer to them as well.

An offer for their own children, or underage kin, to join this school. The price? In the grand scheme of things, those children—and by extension their families—would inevitably be seen as his people.

Of course, Alex didn't spell it out directly. He merely hinted. Pushing too hard risked scaring them away, which would defeat the purpose.

But Alex had no doubt: each of the three officers was intelligent enough to grasp his intentions.

He dismissed everyone except Colonel Hoist.

Once Lieutenant Cross, Major Jaeger, and Laura had left the tent, Alex finally spoke.

"Colonel, I need three men who are experts in stealth and infiltration. Men who can keep their mouths shut, rein in their curiosity, and follow orders without question."

"All my men are experts in those areas, General."

"Then more specifically," Alex clarified, "I need men—strength aside—crazy enough and capable enough to sneak behind enemy lines, into a secure facility, and deliver a package for me. No questions asked."

Colonel Hoist's brows drew together. "How secure is this location? And how large is the package, sir?"

"About the size of an average chest box. To this location."

Alex pointed to a marked spot on the map.

Surprise flickered in the Colonel's eyes.

"I see… Now I understand why you asked for lunatics. Sneaking in there truly is insane."

"Do you have such people? Can it be done?" Alex asked.

"Do you only need them to get the box inside the facility? No other conditions?" Colonel Hoist pressed.

"Yes. All I need is for them to deliver the box—without opening it, under any circumstance. They'll die if they do." Alex's voice sharpened. "And the deeper they get it inside, the better."

"In that case, I know exactly the right men for the job," Colonel Hoist confirmed.

"Good. Gather them. I'll send someone to accompany them with the package."

"Understood, General."

Colonel Hoist exited the tent.

Alex's gaze lingered on the marked location on the map, eyes narrowing.

"Udara."

The Amazon stepped out of the shadows behind him, silent and fluid, then half-knelt.

"Master."

"I need you to accompany the box. You're the only one I can trust completely with it."

Udara placed a hand over her chest. "I will ensure it reaches its destination, Master."

"I don't doubt you." Alex's lips curved briefly, but the smile faded just as quickly. His tone hardened. "If something happens and delivery becomes impossible, leave the box behind and retreat."

Udara tilted her head. "Master?"

"Don't worry. I have a way to recover it, even if it's taken. Your life is more important to me than whatever's inside that box."

He lowered his voice, almost to himself. "I can always replace an item. But people I can truly trust… they're far rarer."

It wasn't clear if Udara heard him. Her head was still bowed, her expression unreadable.

"I will see your will done, Master."

"Good."

From his Sanctuary Pocket Dimension, Alex withdrew a chest-sized box, crafted with straps to be worn like a backpack, and handed it to her.

"Leave as soon as Colonel Hoist gathers the men."

"Understood."

Udara slung the box onto her back and left the tent without another word.

Now alone, Alex stared at the map with unfocused eyes.

'With this contingency in place, even if we somehow lose this war, the Kellermans won't walk away unscathed,' he mused. 'But I'd rather not use it. The goal is to win outright… not to rely on a last resort...'

***

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