With only a few days until the grand finale of the Sun Tournament, all of those taking part in the final simulation were hard at work. Planning for what to do when they went up on stage. It was not only an opportunity for themselves but could very well prop up their community to greater heights if they were to succeed. A lot was riding on the results of the upcoming simulation. No one could afford to lose.

Suleiman of the Ottoman community had already said what he needed to say. However, there was one person from who he sought advice. That person was Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

“Suleiman! You have been given a chance to redeem the community. You better not mess this up,” Ataturk remarked.

“This simulation is not as easy to win as simply being in the most advantageous position,” Suleiman responded.

“While that may be true, I can say with almost near certainty that we will not be given a chance to prove our worth like this again. The Ottomans are done for, there is no doubt about that, but Turkey will rise from its ashes. For that, we will need a strong showing of our abilities. This is that chance that will not come again.”

“That is a lot of responsibility for one man to bear. Is there anything you can tell me about the world that might help my chances of winning?”

“Unfortunately, WWI is my specialty. I died before the start of the second great war. It is one of my great regrets to not lead our people in this battle.”

“Is that so.”

“I will tell you this, the Americans, they are a very different kind of people than us. They value freedom above all else, while never knowing fear. They must be persuaded.”

“Well, being in this position, I suppose it could be worse. At least I can count on Suvorov leading the Canadians to be an ally, at least for a little while.”

“I shouldn’t have to tell you this, but watch out for everyone. Well placed trust in such a monumental simulation is quite rare. Suvorov is more than just a capable general, he is one of the greatest generals of all time. He fought your empire and won every time. He’s never lost a single major war he was commanding.”

“He is a very dangerous individual, isn’t he? I wonder if it would be best to eliminate him straight away.”

“Tough to say, a man as legendary as Suvorov will be difficult to take down once he amasses enough power. Best be careful out there, Suleiman.”

Muqali, the representative of the Mongolian empire, was poised to lead the Soviet Union. Currently, he was in talks with Genghis Khan. The only man whom he would devote his loyalty. A few of Muqali's descendants became prominent officials in the Yuan dynasty of China thanks to his contributions.

“Muqali, do you still remember the day that we first met?” Ghenghis Khan asked.

“Of course, I was offered to you as a slave by my father,” Muqali responded respectfully.

“Yes, and have I not treated you well ever since? Commanding my armies, conquering neighboring lands, anything and everything you’ve ever wanted.”

“You have given me everything. I would die a million times for you.”

“Good, good. Now, I need you to win this simulation. I expect results from one of my top commanders. This opportunity does not come easily. Victory is a must this time around. To come out as a loser will result in our great community becoming a laughing stock to the world. That will not do.”

“Yes, my lord.”

“Now, you will be leading the Soviet Union, you should already know that this country has numerous advantages. Large workforce, many manufacturing plants, a largely subservient people, you get the idea. However, the large landmass is a big problem, bordering or being close to so many of the other lands.”

“That will not be a problem. I plan on selling or leasing a large portion of the land to the others. So it is no longer a liability, rather an asset.”

“What of those who seek to eliminate you first? It shouldn’t be a surprise that those...unluckier entrants will band together to try and take you out first. That should be a given.”

“Naturally, but they won’t have the chance to. I’ve got a huge surprise in store for them.”

“Good, as long as you know what you’re doing, I am confident in your abilities.”

For Ramesses II of Egypt, who would be piloting the great nation of Germany, his old ally Hattusili III was giving him a bit of friendly advice.

“Ramesses, what do you think about this simulation?” Hattusili asked.

“There isn’t much to think about. I need to win, for my community, for yours, and our futures.” Ramses replied.

“Tell me what your plan is. What do you plan on doing first?”

“Well, since I am to assume control of one of the most powerful countries, the first thing I will need to do is to create meaningful alliances.”

“You aren’t going to go start warring the moment it’s feasible to do so? That is a bit unlike you.”

“Gone are the days where I am the king of the world. Now, I am nothing more than the leader of a bunch of washed-up ex superpower nation with a revolution brewing amid this tournament.”

“What’s this about a revolution now?” Hattusili asked.

“For our community, the number of recruits has not dwindled as much and they are talented too. However, they seem to want to overthrow what I have ruled over for millennia. I daresay they are starting to form a sizable opposition.”

“When did this start? How come I was not aware of such a big development?”

“Because this is between me, and them. You best stay out of this matter. It can get pretty dicey even for someone of my skill and prestige.”

Hideki Tojo, the one who will command the armies and navies of the Japanese islands, happened to be conversing with Isoroku Yamamoto.

“Hideki Tojo, Hideki Tojo, Hideki Tojo. You must be pretty happy with the hand you were dealt,” Isoroku Yamamoto said.

“Indeed, I don’t think I could have asked for better. I mean, who knows more about the Japanese and their mindsets during this time, except me? I was Japan’s head of government as well as one of its best generals during WWII. This could very well be a chance to prove that Japan should have won the biggest war the world has ever seen.”

“So, there are no doubts in your mind about what to do once the simulation begins?”

“No doubts. Isoroku, you were there for much of the war with me, tell me, do you think Japan should’ve won the war?”

“I had a 100% certainty. Though the wildcard proved to be more resilient than we thought.”

“Precisely, I aim to eliminate that wildcard immediately. This will show the world just how powerful the Japanese are.”

“Would it not have been better to show them through the group matches as well?”

“Of course not! I threw the group matches on purpose. That is what led to me being placed in Japan, remember?”

“Right, of course. What do you plan on doing after the fall of the Americans?”

“Since Canada is right there, I need to take them out as soon as possible. Suvorov from Russia will prove to be a much more difficult opponent than those Ottomans. Even with the strength disparity.”

“You shouldn’t underestimate the Ottomans like that, they do have some exceptional talents. Suleiman especially. Plus, the manufacturing capability of the US is almost unparalleled at this time.”

“Irrelevant.”

“Alright fine, what about resources? The biggest reason that we started invading other countries in WWII was because of our lack of resources. You can’t seriously expect to challenge the Americans without at least securing sources of some much-needed materials to build more weapons and vehicles of war.”

“Not to worry, I’ve already agreed with Muqali. He’s letting me purchase a lot of resource-rich land from the Soviet Union. That should solve most of my problems in the short term. Everything will go according to my plan, that, I can assure you.”

“Nice to see you as confident in your abilities as ever.”

As for Maximilian Juventus of the Greco Roman community, he was to lead the United Kingdom to victory. Presently, he was in a meeting with Gaius Julius Caesar.

“Max, what is your plan? This is not a simple simulation. The results of this are so much bigger than you can ever imagine. How do you plan to win?”

“I plan on making a few alliances first. That way, I have the confidence to be bolder in my actions.” Max replied.

“Well, that doesn’t sound very Greek or Roman. We usually just go in, wreck some stuff, and take over.”

“I know, and look where we are now. The laughingstock of this planet.”

“You better watch your mouth. Or I’ll-”

“Or you’ll what, exactly? Kick me out? Why do you think I left this community in the first place? Because you geezers have become senile. Not to mention your inability to lead the community sustainably.”

“You little…”

“Save it, old man. I came back because I know you need my help. The results of the group matches should have opened even your closed mind to the reality we are living in. You are no longer at the top of the world, so stop acting like you are!”

“You think you stand on the high ground here? We don’t need you, Max! You are merely a means to an end. So tell me, what else do you have in store?”

“Whatever. Other than the alliances, the single most important piece on the map is that of Africa. Whosoever holds Africa in will increase their chances of winning the simulation drastically. I am sure that I am not the only one to recognize this.”

“What makes Africa so important?”

“Land, resources, and most importantly, manpower.”

Rajaraja from the Indian community would be the one to assume command of France. Ashoka the Great was the only one he respected, and the person whom he was currently confiding in.

“Ashoka, do you have any advice for me?” Rajaraja asked.

“Not really, the French are a bit short on money at this point, I guess. I believe in your skills, that’s all I’ll say..” Ashoka responded.

“I was hoping you’d be a little more helpful. Though, I can work with this, who better to make a country rich than a Tamil King? A business aficionado.”

“Remember the reason that you’re in this position.”

“Because the group matches for the Indian community didn’t end up going so well?”

“No, because you and your Tamil King faction need to understand that we need to band together instead of fighting each other. This simulation will make you realize that we are nowhere near the best on this planet anymore. However, we could be if we can come together.”

“I was never one for such sappy thoughts. That said, I have started to realize that what you have been saying to me for the past few hundred years has some merit to it. But I still need to see for myself just how big the difference is.”

“It never fills me with joy to see someone realize that they are not as great as they thought they were. I just want you to know that whatever happens out there, don't give up fighting.”

“Give up on fighting? Like you have done, Ashoka?”

“I did not give up on fighting, I merely retired. I am still very much active in all other aspects of this planet.”

“Right. I just, I just don’t know how impactful I will be in this simulation. I mean, have you seen some of the simulations in the group matches? And those people aren’t even the cream of the crop. How can I do anything against those monsters?”

“Scared, are you?”

“Well, yeah. Those fellows who you lost to on the final group matches? That team from China?”

“What about them?”

“They had some type of explosion as devastating as nukes. How am I supposed to compete with that?”

“Did they? I don’t think they ever used it on me.”

“That’s not the point here.”

“Look, you are overthinking things. Just try to learn as much from this simulation as possible. Now, I have to go take care of a few other matters. I hope to see you perform well in a few days.”

“I hope so too.”