Chapter 418: Chapter 34: Preparing for Battle
The other border generals are preparing to flee Amestris, which is not good news. Mustang has already spread the plan of the homunculi within the army, and the iron-clad evidence is laid bare; the homunculi cannot deny it.
In the original work, Mustang and others didn’t have it this easy, mainly because the intelligence gap was too wide; they didn’t know about the plan or the background of the Little Man in the Bottle.
Logically, since the Little Man in the Bottle established the country, it should have a firm grasp over it. However, its aim is too inhumane, intending to sacrifice the nation’s citizens, putting it at odds with everyone.
In the past century, the Little Man in the Bottle’s actions have grown increasingly extreme, its fangs gradually revealed, with successive civil wars causing Amestris to trend toward collapse.
"You all move faster. I’ve already completely torn all decorum on my side, and I can’t stay in the center any longer."
It seems Mustang’s situation isn’t very good either.
"Where are you located?"
Su Xiao frowned; if Mustang gets cleared out of Central City, it’ll be troublesome, as the Northern Army needs a ’jumping board’ to enter the center.
"Don’t worry, I’m stationed with the army in a small town near Central City, currently facing off with the Central Army. Those generals in Central City think I’ve lost my mind, seeking death."
Knowing Mustang’s cautious nature, everyone associated with him should be protected in that small town to avoid becoming hostages.
"Any suggestions?"
Olivier looked at Su Xiao.
"Me? No opinions, I’m not good at military strategies, so you all decide."
Olivier and Mustang are both cunning old hands. Although the three are in a cooperative relationship, it is tenuous at best, as the two could kick Su Xiao out at any time.
"As the initiator of the alliance, you have the right to make suggestions, speak freely."
Mustang also spoke up, both testing Su Xiao’s inclinations.
"Same as before, I’m not good at military strategies. If there are tough enemies, I can step in."
Su Xiao’s answer made Mustang and Olivier fall silent for a while.
"Then... what’s your goal? Don’t say you have none. My goal is to become the High President, Olivier’s is to defend her territory. What’s your goal?"
Mustang laid things bare; this is information that must be understood for the alliance.
"My goal? It’s no secret, something that belongs to the Little Man in the Bottle."
"What is it?"
"His alchemical research results."
Su Xiao’s words startled Mustang and Olivier.
"Are you planning to set up a Nationwide Transmutation Circle?"
Hearing Mustang’s question, Su Xiao shook his head. Such speculation was fair.
"You two think setting up a Nationwide Transmutation Circle is easy? Not to mention whether I can live for hundreds of years, just the amount of Philosopher’s Stones needed is impossible, Mustang, you should know this."
Mustang nodded from the other end of the phone.
"I have no more questions here. If we succeed, the Little Man in the Bottle’s alchemical knowledge can be yours, but all records regarding the Nationwide Transmutation Circle must be destroyed."
"No problem."
Su Xiao expressed his stance.
"No problem here either."
Olivier also expressed her stance.
The three’s goals temporarily aligned, advancing Su Xiao’s plans further.
"Then the alliance is officially formed."
Su Xiao confirmed the alliance, marking the true formation of the three-party alliance.
It would be troublesome to seize the Power of God after the Little Man in the Bottle obtains it, so Su Xiao also considered setting up a Nationwide Transmutation Circle himself to gain the Power of God.
But an awkward problem arose; he doesn’t know alchemy; he only understands alchemy theory.
Even if he knew alchemy, whether to execute the Nationwide Transmutation was another matter.
The Little Man in the Bottle has two purposes for executing the Nationwide Transmutation: to obtain a large number of Philosopher’s Stones and to drag the Eye of Truth into its body.
The Eye of Truth as one, one as whole, and whole as God, so the Power of God is the power of the Eye of Truth.
Su Xiao’s ultimate goal is the Power of God within the Eye of Truth, but can a human truly bear the Power of God? The answer is no.
To bear the Eye of Truth, one must first implant a large number of Philosopher’s Stones within the body, a material made from human souls. Housing tens of thousands of Lost Souls would certainly affect one’s sanity.
Su Xiao’s development direction is close combat, not the Undead Mage, so his interest in the Eye of Truth is not great; it’s just a mission item.
"Since we’ve allied, we should unify our plan."
Su Xiao’s thoughts were interrupted by Olivier.
"There’s no particular plan; you’ll dispatch troops toward the center directly, then we’ll regroup with Mustang and find a way to destroy or capture the Central Army. The ultimate target is the Little Man in the Bottle."
Su Xiao’s straightforward plan clearly left Ice Queen Olivia stunned.
"Is it that simple?"
Olivier suddenly felt that this alliance wasn’t very reliable.
"Yes, unless you propose another plan."
Su Xiao won’t intervene in the specific actions of Olivier and Mustang, as long as they send troops to Central City.
Currently, Mustang’s forces are already facing off with the Central Army. War is inevitable; the only one left to persuade is Olivier—not persuade, but "encourage."
Olivier and Mustang are not fools, but they must oppose the Central Army; it’s a matter of life and death, requiring no inducement from Su Xiao.
"Mustang, are we just going to charge in recklessly? No detailed plan?"
"No."
Mustang’s response further surprised Olivier.
"If we’re just charging recklessly, then I’m withdrawing from the alliance."
The instability of the alliance was apparent.
"Suit yourself, but I must remind you, this country was established by the Little Man in the Bottle. Keeping out of the imminent war is impossible."
Mustang’s stance was firm; he also understood that plans were unnecessary at this point. The Nationwide Transmutation Circle hasn’t been completed, making it the best time to defeat the Little Man in the Bottle. Speed is crucial, and it’s better to commence the conflict with the Central Army now than to spend time planning.
"You can withdraw, or you can escape Amestris like other border generals, but whether the Little Man in the Bottle agrees is uncertain, as sacrificial offerings are still needed."
Su Xiao’s words left Olivier looking uncomfortable; no one wants to become such a so-called sacrificial offering.
"Just kidding, when do we start the war?"
Olivier clearly understood that it’s now a matter of life or death; the alliance wasn’t formed by Su Xiao, but arose naturally under the Little Man in the Bottle’s threat. He hadn’t done much persuasion.
"Now."
"Start the war now?"
"Yes, right now, immediately, at once!"
This time Su Xiao’s stance was firm; the sooner they attacked Central City, the better.
"How soon can your troops assemble?"
Su Xiao looked at Olivier.
"No more than ten minutes."
The efficiency of the Border Army was astonishing; tens of thousands of troops could be gathered in ten minutes, given the frequent minor skirmishes with neighboring enemy countries. This efficiency was essential to avoid being breached.
Under Olivier’s orders, the entire border post became busy, orderly footsteps resounding one after another.
Olivier wasn’t exaggerating. In less than ten minutes, tens of thousands of troops gathered at the front of the border post.