Blackstone Code

After the phone rang three times, some people stood up and gathered around the table. The major, under their watchful eyes, finally picked up the phone.

He didn’t speak. As an Army major, he had access to confidential information and training. His transfer to Blackstone Security was part of a downsizing strategy to infiltrate the group, and he had received corresponding secrecy training.

Speaking would reveal his accent. Many think their pronunciation is perfect, but people from other regions immediately recognize their heavy accent.

This wasn’t the Federation but the Amellia region. Speaking first would give him away, so he stayed silent.

Few knew this number. If the caller was an ally, they would speak first. If not, after a few seconds of silence from the major, the caller would hang up, minimizing exposure.

Fortunately, Lynch’s voice came through quickly: “It’s me. I’m in Gephra. They don’t believe how fast we are, so I’m going to prove it!”

“Check recent newspapers for any key anti-government figures or groups on the front page…”

“Bring the newspapers,” the major ordered. Soldiers quickly brought a stack, and several began flipping through them.

Not only were they searching, but in Gephra Palace’s hall, palace attendants also browsed Amellia region newspapers. Almost simultaneously, both sides saw the same paper—dated ten days ago—featuring a young, spirited man on the front page with the headline: We Will Never Compromise.

He was the leader of a group called the Amellia Independence Front, code-named Swallow. Ten days ago, he had appeared amidst the escalating conflicts in the region. These anti-government forces repeatedly challenged the Gephra Empire’s limits. They even sent photos and articles to newspapers and magazines and openly showed videos on TV.

The newspapers dared to report this under the provincial governor’s orders—not to block such news.

Newspapers and TV were the locals’ main information sources. Censoring them might reduce the rebels’ influence but would damage media credibility.

If the media lost trust, the public wouldn’t believe future reports—even claims that the rebels were defeated—and young people would continue to secretly join or form rebel groups.

So, the governor insisted on unbiased reporting, so when the official government released news, people would believe it.

The young man in the report claimed that persistence would drive invaders from their homeland and lead to ultimate victory, urging people to hold on, promising hope was near.

Swallow had become one of the most well-known rebel leaders in Amellia, inspiring many youth to join the vigorous fight against tyranny and invasion.

So his front-page appearance was normal.

The Emperor of Gephra looked at the paper and listened to the palace military intelligence officer describe the man’s background and difficulties.

The rebel and his group hid somewhere in the wilderness. Amellia was not a crowded imperial capital or a developed city—land was vast and sparsely populated.

This meant large natural uninhabited areas, including mountains. Finding people deliberately hiding there was nearly impossible.

That’s why they were unfindable—they were too good at hiding!

Unfound meant they couldn’t be eliminated and instead kept harassing the Empire. Coupled with the Army’s can’t beat them and can’t catch them approach, recent outdoor sweeps had been ineffective—like the sides switched places.

Without armored vehicles, the Empire’s Army got chased by the rebels.

Hearing this, the Emperor slammed his armrest angrily. “Enough!” He was furious, spending huge sums every year to support a bunch of useless men—and worse, sending them to die, then paying out staggering compensation.

The thought of these dead men still costing the Empire compensation wearied him.

He looked at Lynch seriously. “Catch this man within twenty-four hours. Is this the demonstration you promised me, Mr. Lynch?”

“You should know, I am the Emperor of Gephra. Whether wise or foolish, I represent the supreme face of this nation. Mocking me comes at a heavy price you cannot afford. Understand?”