Mercenaries, I Will Be King Chapter 1236 - 1076: Ambition and Plans

The laptop fan on the ammunition box buzzed softly as Song Heping's gaze fell once more on the news about the air strike, but his thoughts were already drifting to more practical next steps.

Convincing Samir and Naxin was just the first step. Next, he had to persuade the person truly providing support—Avanti.

He picked up the satellite phone, took a deep breath, and dialed the encrypted number.

The phone rang a few tis before it was answered, and Avanti's familiar yet slightly fatigued voice ca through. It was clear he had been closely monitoring the situation as well.

"Song? Thank Allah, you withdrew safely. Naxin just gave a brief report... The battle in the Dry River Valley is astounding, though the losses as well..."

There was a hint of genuine regret in Avanti's voice, as those over two hundred Suicide Squad mbers were an exceedingly precious elite force.

"Wars always cost lives. What matters is that they are used valuably."

Song Heping interrupted his lantation, his tone calm and direct.

"The battle in the valley earned 'Liberation Forces' a reputation, but we also blew through our capital. What we need now is ti and a place to recover our strength."

"I understand. Location A is prepared for you, and supplies will be replenished swiftly..." Avanti said.

"No, Avanti."

Song Heping interrupted him once more.

"Location A is not hidden enough, nor safe enough. I need you to provide a new location, within Persia, in the northern mountainous region, near the border—it must be a more concealed, harder to detect secret camp. I want to take the entire 'Liberation Forces' there."

The other end of the line fell into a brief silence, clearly surprised by the request.

"Enter Persian territory?"

Avanti's voice was filled with astonishnt and doubt.

"Song, I understand the need for rest, but entering our borders... it's highly politically sensitive. Moreover, it's currently the best ti to launch a counterattack. The Aricans have already made their move, 1515 suffered a fierce airstrike, the morale must be hit, and it's an opportune ti for you to coordinate ground operations and expand influence. Naxin ntioned a lack of personnel, which is understandable, but as far as I know, there are still over seven hundred people at Location A, plus the fifty veterans withdrawn from the valley. Altogether, you should be able to harass and sabotage 1515's supply lines, which will also play a crucial role and can accumulate prestige for Samir."

Song Heping had anticipated this response and explained, "Avanti, there are different kinds of prestige. Rushing forward now, fighting a few guerrilla wars, destroying a few roads, will only bring limited prestige, which will quickly be drowned out by news of the governnt army and other major militia groups 'reclaiming lost territory.' We don't want a fair-weather friend; we want a friend in need."

He paused to let Avanti digest this, and continued, "Yes, we have over seven hundred people now. But less than half have undergone rigorous combat training, heavy weaponry is scarce, and ammunition needs resupply. With this scanty force to harass 1515 is like throwing stones at a lion—perhaps it might get angry, but it certainly won't kill it, and it might even turn around and bite back. 1515 suffered setbacks in Tikrit and was subjected to an air strike. Their next step to secure their rear would certainly be to fiercely eliminate all resistance forces in the northwest region. 'Liberation Forces' caused them heavy casualties in the valley, naturally making us their number one target. Staying at Location A would just an waiting for them to surround us with superior forces."

"As for taking Mosul..."

Song Heping sneered, "With our current strength, it is unimaginable. Even with the covert support you've provided, it's absolutely impossible. If we move forward now, the best result would be to engage in guerrilla warfare on the Tikrit-Mosul supply lines, but does that have any substantial help for your 'Shia Arc' plan? Can it give Samir enough strength and prestige to control the northwest region? It can't. We would only be completely consud, and your prior investnts would be in vain."

Avanti remained silent, not issuing a response.

But Song Heping could hear his heavy breathing, indicating he had struck a chord with his concerns.

"Then what is your plan?"

Avanti finally spoke again, his tone much calr, carrying a sense of inquiry.

"My plan is to wait and grow stronger."

Song Heping said resolutely, "We need an absolutely safe environnt to recruit new soldiers—not just Illigos, but volunteers from other places as well. Conduct at least three months of intensive training while stockpiling sufficient weapons and ammunition, particularly heavy weaponry. We aim to build not a guerrilla force, but a true elite force capable of formal offensive and defensive operations."

"What are you waiting for?" Avanti asked.

"Waiting for changes in the situation."

Song Heping analyzed, "The Aricans will not redeploy large-scale ground forces. Airstrikes cannot fundantally solve the problem. You and I both know the combat effectiveness of the governnt army and the 'People's Movent's' militia. At first, they might recapture so territory with air support, but once 1515 adapts, or the focus of the Arican airstrikes shifts, the situation is bound to shift. By then, whoever can withstand or even defeat 1515's main force in critical battles will beco a hero, gaining the most political capital and international attention."

"And we, 'Liberation Forces', with the blood-stained reputation from the valley blockade, will enter the battlefield by then as a fully rested, well-trained, and better-equipped fresh force. We won't be playing a supporting role; we'll be changing the course of the battle. Only in this way can Samir leap to a pivotal position, truly securing a place in the future Illiguo northwest power landscape, and only this way can your investnt yield maximum return—a territory firmly in the grip of pro-Persian forces, which is your true puzzle piece for the 'Shia Arc,' not a depleted guerrilla force."