Two days later, in the small clinic in Boulder Town, Oleg noticed Natasha seemed distracted. "Natasha, are you okay? You haven't seemed yourself the past couple of days."
She paused, then forced a smile. "It's nothing, Oleg. Just a bit tired from the extra patients lately." She changed the subject. "By the way, I have an idea about the patrols around Boulder Town."
Oleg listened patiently as she laid out Jiang Mo's instructions, carefully packaged as her own analysis. She suggested increasing the frequency of random patrols, especially at night, and shifting defensive forces to focus on the eastern abandoned mining area and the northern scrapyard entrance—two areas where monsters had recently been more active.
Oleg stroked his beard, considering her words. The suggestion made sense. "You're right. Fixed routes are too predictable. I'll make the arrangements." He trusted his partner's judgment and didn't question the sudden strategic input.
Natasha breathed a silent sigh of relief. Passing on the child's orders for the first time had been nerve-wracking.
A few days later, Jiang Mo overheard chatter in the streets. "Hey, did you hear? Wildfire caught some more monsters trying to sneak in from the east mine last night!"
The residents of Boulder Town began to feel the change. Monster attacks didn't stop, but every time they tried to breach the town's perimeter, they were intercepted by Wildfire patrols. The new patrol routes were surprisingly effective. After several successful defenses, the townspeople's respect for Wildfire grew, and more people began to join.
Seele also grew rapidly during this time. She honed her combat skills and learned teamwork. Her agility was a great asset, and she quickly earned the respect of Oleg and the other members.
"Jiang Mo! We beat back another wave of monsters today!" she would announce excitedly whenever she returned to the shelter, her eyes sparkling. "Uncle Oleg's patrol strategies are amazing!"
Jiang Mo would listen quietly, occasionally asking questions to guide her into revealing more details about Wildfire's internal operations, personnel, and supplies. He needed information to plan his next steps.
A few months later, Boulder Town's order was restored, but a new problem arose: a severe shortage of resources. Food, medicine, and supplies were all scarce. Wildfire's stockpiles soon attracted the attention of other factions. A particularly vicious gang led by a former mine foreman called "Iron Claw" demanded that Wildfire hand over their warehouse of warm clothing.
Oleg was furious. "We have to fight! If we back down now, everyone will walk all over us!"
But Natasha, reciting Jiang Mo's script, proposed a different plan. "A direct confrontation will lead to heavy losses, Oleg. Their numbers and equipment are better. But… we can use the terrain. The ruins behind the warehouse are a natural labyrinth. We can lure them in…" She pushed a crudely drawn map in front of him, marked with ambush points, retreat routes, and even the likely time and direction of a monster tide.
The plan was cunning and treacherous, completely unlike Natasha's usual style. But Oleg, after careful consideration, agreed.
The battle took place two nights later, and everything unfolded exactly as Jiang Mo had scripted. Wildfire feigned weakness, lured Iron Claw's men into the ruins, and ambushed them. Just as the fight was raging, a horde of monsters, attracted by the noise, swarmed the battlefield. Iron Claw's gang was routed, caught between Wildfire and the monsters. Their leader was defeated by Oleg himself.
The victory solidified Wildfire's reputation as the protectors of Boulder Town.
Jiang Mo learned of the victory with a satisfied smile. The manipulation of information and human psychology was his greatest weapon.
Meanwhile, in her clinic, Natasha stared at her pale reflection, feeling more and more like a stranger. She was a puppet, carrying out the child's every command. The only thing that kept her going was the thought of her brother, Vache.
Another year passed. Wildfire grew stronger, and Boulder Town became a safe haven in the Underworld.
Jiang Mo turned ten. On his birthday, Seele shyly gave him a small, crookedly sewn doll. "Happy birthday, Jiang Mo."
He accepted the gift with a smile. But his mind was on something else.
Late that night, as the cold wind howled outside his shelter, a long-awaited mechanical voice sounded in his mind:
[Host has reached the age of ten. The conditions for initiating the second simulation have been met.]
[Initiate Villain Simulation?]
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