Who?

Landon calmly sat in his car, lowered the back of his seat, leaned back and took out a few snacks from his space before watching the system's monitors.

Why stress?

By now, the Navy, Coastal guards, Marines and the rest should be able to handle this, no?

.

~Shwah. Shwah.~~

The brutal sea waves hastily clash around the lower parts of the ships, making the chained up slaves steering below both tired and strained.

The waters were still turbulent due to the rains and stormy water that befell the seas over the last few days.

Not surprisingly, as they speculated from the clouds and winds, today was going to be a somewhat sunny day with no rains.

Primate Jimosen the 3rd, and Private Linvor, were calmly seated in a luxurious room, talking about their upcoming battle.

Jimosen had left Yodan with 21 ships, all filled with 150,000 people.

From there, he headed to Selo village in the western parts of Carona to wait for Primate Linvor of Deiferus, who was bringing 27 ships with 200,000 people.

He waited in a very desolate village that wouldn't attract the attention of many.

And to avoid pirates, they sailed somewhat close to the perimeter around the shores that were deemed fit.

Pirate ships were typically stationed further in, targeting those leaving Pyno.

But just by sailing around Pyno in close distances, as many do, one would be fine.

That said, there were instances where pirates did sail closer, but it was rare... Unless they were there for missions or headed towards one of the empires in Pyno.

That said, they got here with not so much trouble.

And those that saw them hurriedly gave them way.

Now, Jimosen and Linvor brought in about 350,000 men on 48 ships.

Everyone was now ready for action.

The men were already dressed up, with everyone knowing whether they would stay on the ships or leave once they arrived.

Again, some were still sharpening their swords to pass the time, while others hist stood on the deck of their ships, fidgeting to begin the battle

For his Excellency, they were determined to win this war.

.

~Knock. Knock. Knock.~

"Primates, we will arrive in 2 hours."

Jamisen nodded: "40 minutes before we arrive, tell the men to all stand on deck. Now go!"

"Yes, Primate." Said the middle-aged man who just knocked.

With that, he left and closed the doors hurriedly.

Linvor, who had been quietly drinking some water, calmly raised his eyebrows: "Jimosen. Be sure to wear the ring before the battle."

"I know. How could I not?

The rings his excellency gave us are the rings of victory that had ensured the Temples numerous wins since its creation.

These are spiritual rings, so don't worry.

I'll wear mine just before we leave."

"Hmmm," Linvor replied before caressing the bluish sapphire-looking ring on his finger.

Jimosen's being was a red ruby one instead.

Before leaving, the rings had been given to them to bless them, ensuring their victory.

All battles in the temple's history had always been won when people wore these sacred rings.

And so it was believed that these rings were lucky charms, always ensuring that things went their way.

Both Primates (Bishops) were ecstatic when thinking about the rewards they would receive for completing the mission.

They were promised a rank up from Primates to Holy Primates, meaning they would be given way more control and power.

But that wasn't all. They would also be given paradise estates, with a haram for a king.

.

Almost all men dreamt of Harams.

So how could they not want theirs?

Of course, the rule there is that the women who entered, would never leave the estate at will.

They will only be permitted to go out once a month, which wasn't a rare thing.

Harems were like this.

The women stayed in a fictional paradise, fighting with themselves and dreaming of being with their husbands.

They couldn't leave the estates without permission.

Of course, many around Pyno could leave 3 or 4 times a month max.

The only exception to this rule was if some party, gathering or event was hosted.

Without these special events, the women would have to stay put all through the month and years, only having specific number of times they could go out.

Some even dressed up as men or slaves in an attempt to have a good time outside.

Such was the life of a Haram woman.

They typically stayed indoors with their children and often received teachers to their estates to teach the women poetry, art, dance etc.

To relieve boredom, the women always organized private competition amongst themselves.

They had to find a way to entertain themselves while waiting for their husband to favour them.

Of course, all these were what Jimosen and Linvor looked forward to.

His excellency had promised them estates filled with 80 women of their choice.

The place will always be heavily guarded and will belong to them.

Even if the women they chose were already married, his excellency would still give her to them.

Quite frankly, they had the hits for a few Baymardian girls they saw in the newspapers, magazines and pamphlets... especially those models.

Now that they would conquer the place, his Excellency should allow them to claim some of them, no?

.

Finally, they would also be given more money as rewards too for completing the mission.

And with this money, they could buy black powder, get more weapons and do other things to strengthen their teams.

Make no mistake. Even within the temple, they secretly competed amongst themselves.

Some Primates had fallen to the status of Luncars (Battle priests/ Captains), while others had fallen into the group of ordinary warriors called Dragias.

The temple of Dragmus was a very competitive place, with everyone striving for the top position, with some even wishing to be Elders.

So one false move and their positions would be in jeopardy.

Both Jimosen and Linvor clenched their fists in determination.

No matter what, they had to come out victorious!