Apocalypse Gachapon Chapter 1950: Aggressive

~4 minute read · 1,120 words
Previously on Apocalypse Gachapon...
The Assault Camp and Bronze Camp clashed in a final equipment-free duel within the simulator, with the Bronze Camp securing victory after a grueling fight that saw the Assault Camp eliminate thirty-seven opponents. Ye Zhongming confronted the Bronze Camp soldiers, lambasting their perennial weakness and lack of honor while demanding strict obedience and introducing challenge-based tests to restore their dignity. He rewarded the victors with points and equipment, praised the Assault Camp's efforts with added points and future training promises, and began a leaders' meeting by overhauling supply distribution rules to rely on team-earned points.

Upon hearing this proposal, all the Thousand-Person Leaders immediately voiced their objections.

Should this plan actually go into effect, wouldn't it choke them out completely? Aside from basic meals and medical care, every other necessity would require points to obtain? Wouldn't that essentially shift control away from the clan straight into this man's hands?

Moreover, the alterations being proposed targeted the very perks of military service. These hadn't shifted much since the Star-Eye Clan first formed. If soldiers now had to strive hard just for their benefits, who in their right mind would still enlist in the Bronze Camp going forward?

Silent agreement might be possible in the moment, but explaining it back to the rank-and-file troops afterward? Impossible—they simply couldn't consent to it.

"Order Leader, couldn't we discuss this issue further?"

Given that the Assault Camp had recently demonstrated its prowess and validated Ye Zhongming's training expertise, Zhong Hongke's tone remained courteous, yet his rejection came through loud and clear.

"Indeed, pulling back these privileges would make handling the troops underneath a nightmare. They won't just mutter complaints like today; they'll storm the clan headquarters and stir up chaos. That kind of fallout would harm the clan's image severely, and it wouldn't look favorable for you at all."

Zhi Chaka found himself somewhat cowed by this resolute Order Leader. He had no choice in the matter—nor did the rest; they all shared that sentiment.

To begin with, this individual had slain Ka Lanka, who ranked among the top fighters in the Bronze Camp during the Order Leader's absence—perhaps not the absolute strongest, but close—and he dispatched him with one swift strike.

At the time, the various Thousand-Person Leaders and Hundred-Person Leaders had privately conferred multiple times about the incident, concluding it must have been a calculated trap. The intended victim might not have been set in stone, but any challenger would meet their end, and Ka Lanka simply drew the short straw.

Yet even staging an ambush like that was utterly daunting; right after, he eliminated Leng Jiao, whose power matched that of the Thousand-Person Leaders themselves.

Next, the recent triumph of the Assault Camp showed beyond doubt that his instructional methods were top-notch. In under ten days, those sixty-five warriors seemed utterly reborn in the eyes of observers. That level of talent was undeniable, earning him genuine admiration from all.

Lastly, as mid-tier commanders, the Thousand-Person Leaders possessed sharper insights than the average grunt. While regular soldiers might take time to grasp the duels' nuances, these leaders spotted the truth instantly.

The Order Leader had imparted crucial combat techniques to the Assault Camp, equipped each member with top-quality gear in abundance, and excelled at rallying loyalty, fostering unbreakable unity and skyrocketing spirits close to their peak.

Together, these elements forged the scene unfolding now, compelling them to respect this fresh Order Leader for his all-around prowess.

In his mind, Zhi Chaka resisted the proposal, yet he realized the gathered Thousand-Person Leaders' standing fell short for outright defiance; they were all under his command, after all. Staying silent felt off, but challenging it outright seemed unwarranted.

Thus, he framed his stance as gentle persuasion, aiming to nudge Ye Zhongming toward reconsidering the directive.

"No issue there. The clan has already approved. Here's the signed authorization from the two leaders—feel free to review it."

The meeting table doubled as a display surface. With a couple of taps on his device, Ye Zhongming projected a full authorization document. The leaders explicitly endorsed his full overhaul of the Bronze Camp, encompassing everything from supplies onward, without exclusions.

In other words, beyond mere tools and arms, even rations and remedies fell under his discretion for distribution.

With the clan's top brass on board, what point was there in further dissent? The twenty Thousand-Person Leaders and their deputies quieted down.

"Next, regarding missions." Ye Zhongming pressed on.

"From this point, the Bronze Camp may select its own tasks. I'll grant you selection privileges, though final calls stay with me. As for rewards from missions, teams keep thirty percent outright, plus equivalent points. Use those points to claim gear."

Ye Zhongming had touched on this earlier, so no one batted an eye. Still, seeing it roll out so swiftly struck many as overly hasty.

Nevertheless, holding the choice in their grasp eased the Thousand-Person Leaders' concerns considerably. At minimum, they avoided blunders from an uninformed Order Leader picking poorly and sparking needless deaths.

Decision authority? They shrugged it off, even viewing Ye Zhongming's oversight as a safeguard—should issues crop up, blame would steer clear of them.

"Additionally, expect some group tasks for the Bronze Camp and select operations. Both picking and approving them lie solely with me. Refusal isn't an option. That said, I'll secure the clan's nod ahead of time and notify you promptly."

The Thousand-Person Leaders creased their brows slightly, yet they went along, figuring the clan would rein in any wild ideas.

"Upon returning, begin picking out troops skilled in covert operations, utterly devoted, and with kin back home. Cap each Thousand-Person unit at twenty for now. Once chosen, forward the roster to me directly. Crucially, keep it under wraps."

What purpose could this serve? The Thousand-Person Leaders puzzled over it, especially the secrecy mandate?

Before clarity dawned, Ye Zhongming added more.

"On top of that, identify fighters ill-suited to the Star-Eye Clan's core techniques and talents, such as Ou Chong. Compile a list and send it my way. No cap here—include every fitting case."

Noting the reactions among his audience, Ye Zhongming grasped their doubts. Gravely, he declared, "These directives carry even greater weight than the prior ones. Treat them with utmost seriousness. Should I uncover any deception later, expect no mercy from me."

The Thousand-Person Leaders nodded in assent. Truth be told, executing this proved straightforward. With the Order Leader's command laid out, compliance was simple, even if Ye Zhongming's intentions remained murky.

"Furthermore, catalog any troops boasting unique talents separately and report them to me. Flag those showing promise as well. I need full details on each one's advancement level, particularly anyone mired at key hurdles; gather comprehensive dossiers and deliver them."

"Essentially, know your underlings inside out first, then ensure I gain that same insight. Clear?"

Finishing up, Ye Zhongming rose, gazing at these elite warriors now loyal to him, and proclaimed, "As you depart, check the south-side chamber—twenty gear pieces await as my personal offerings. Pick what suits you. See this as proof: align with me, and surprises await in the form of rewards."

"Moreover, don't view point trades for supplies as a raw deal, since forthcoming gains will eclipse the clan's standard fare, featuring enhanced and advanced wonders."