Sombravida's control over intelligence was meticulous.
His ability to fabricate evidence was equally formidable.
Within just two weeks, Atak's former territory appeared to have regained its former vitality.
His own forces split into opposing units, engaging in continuous combat drills — a performance for observers, and a brutal training exercise for survival.
Neither side held back.
They fought to wound, to exhaust, to harden.
And they healed.
Combat Medicine and Battlefield Endurance
Besides Nel, two newly evolved Adjuchas with healing abilities had recently emerged within Sombravida's territory.
Though newly advanced and still early-stage Adjuchas, they were invaluable.
During the staged battles, they moved constantly between both sides, stabilizing injuries and preventing unnecessary losses.
War required resilience.
Resilience required healers.
Sombravida ensured they received relentless practical training.
Timd's Contributions
During these two weeks, Timd's contributions proved transformative.
He standardized commonly used battle phrases into a written tactical system and began teaching it to key Adjuchas commanders.
Though incomplete, it already possessed strategic value.
The written system relied on symbols and short tactical markers rather than full language constructs.
Considering the diverse physiologies of Hollows, he abandoned complex gesture communication. Only Sombravida, Nel, and Jekain's command gestures needed to be recognized universally.
This reduced confusion during high-pressure combat.
Timekeeping for War
Timd also created a rudimentary timekeeping device using environmental cycles within Hueco Mundo — airflow patterns, sand movement, and light diffusion changes.
It lacked precision.
But it introduced something revolutionary:
a shared sense of time.
No longer would Hollows rely solely on instinct or spiritual fatigue cycles.
Sombravida could now coordinate actions by schedule.
Preparation became possible.
Coordination became possible.
War became organized.
Signal Systems
Timd also developed four colored smoke signal bombs.
These rose vertically to great heights without emitting detectable spiritual pressure, unlike Cero bursts or reiatsu flares.
They functioned as covert battlefield signals.
He created them by combining the combustion abilities of four Hollow species with Muld's mineral shaping.
Because the materials were ability-derived, production remained limited.
But sufficient for war.
Each color was assigned tactical meaning.
After completing the system, Timd returned underground with his team to avoid exposure when Gatmont's messenger arrived.
Awaiting the Messenger
Everything was prepared.
Sombravida and his commanders waited.
Three days later, a Garganta opened at the border of Jekain's territory.
Feeling the spatial distortion, Sombravida ordered two Adjuchas-class envoys to receive the messenger.
Nel accompanied them.
Sombravida remained at the Northern Alliance blockade.
At this critical stage, he could not risk a breach.
Arrival of Gatmont's Messenger
The messenger resembled a fusion of mantis and aquatic predator — lean, agile, and efficient.
It immediately sought the highest authority present.
"Where is Yinfeng?"
One envoy replied:
"Lord Yinfeng has gone to scout the Northwest Alliance's terrain and intelligence."
"Our lord stated Gatmont's southern front faces pressure. We must contain the northern alliances swiftly."
"Please forgive his absence."
The messenger waved dismissively.
"He serves Gatmont. That is sufficient."
"Report the situation."
Situation Report
Nel stepped forward.
"We are already engaged with Atak's territory. Victory is not immediate, but preventing reinforcements to the southern front is assured."
The messenger nodded.
"Casualties?"
"We were ambushed recently," Nel answered smoothly.
"Over a dozen Adjuchas lost, including three mid-tier."
"However, several Gillian evolved successfully, and we have replenished six low-tier Adjuchas."
"Our strength is now roughly equal."
"The front line is currently engaged. Would you like to observe?"
Sombravida had trained her well.
Verification Visit
The messenger agreed.
Suspicion lingered due to Yinfeng's absence.
Nel led the way using Sonído-like movement.
The messenger followed with equivalent agility.
Two Adjuchas envoys trailed behind.
After half a day, they reached the canyon border between Atak's former territory and Pyromon's lands.
Across the canyon, approximately twenty Adjuchas fought violently.
Cero flashes tore through the air.
Reiatsu collided in chaotic waves.
The battle appeared genuine.
Because it was.
Messenger's Doubt
From over a kilometer away, the messenger narrowed its eyes.
"I do not recognize these spiritual signatures."
"Where is Atak?"
Nel responded without hesitation:
"Months of war bring casualties. Newly evolved Adjuchas replace the fallen."
"We have fought repeatedly. Many veterans likely perished."
"As for Atak, he may be occupied elsewhere."
"Lord Yinfeng is absent as well. Perhaps both sides hold reserves."
The messenger considered.
"…reasonable."
Strategic Discussion
"Any movement from the Northwest Alliance?" it asked.
"No major battles," Nel replied.
"Only that Lord Gross fought Atak twice."
"Lord Sombravida and Lord Yinfeng are scouting. They should return within two days."
The messenger nodded.
"Then perhaps Gross can be persuaded to strike Atak from the rear."
Nel nearly slipped.
"I will convey your suggestion… to Lord Sombravida."
Orders from Gatmont
The messenger spoke formally:
"Gatmont holds advantage in the south."
"When he engages the Second Alliance, the northern alliances must not send reinforcements."
"Prepare for war."
"In approximately ten days, Gatmont will launch a general offensive."
"You must dismantle the Northern Alliance and entangle the Northwest Alliance."
"Failure will force Gatmont to face three alliances at once."
Nel bowed deeply.
"It will be conveyed."
Departure
The messenger declined rest.
He opened a Garganta at the canyon's edge.
The battling Hollows glanced briefly but continued fighting.
The portal closed.
Only then did tension release.
Maintain the Illusion
Nel roared skyward.
The battle intensified again.
They would fight until exhaustion before withdrawing.
The healers watched with silent resignation.
It would be another long night.
Confirmation of Departure
That night, Sombravida returned.
After hearing Nel's report, he opened a Garganta briefly and probed its spatial resonance.
No foreign signatures remained.
Satisfied, he ordered Jekain to release the hidden Hollows from underground concealment.
Final Orders Before War
"The final inspection is over," Sombravida said.
"Tomorrow at noon, we launch the general offensive against the Northern Alliance."
Jekain bowed.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Have Timd halt Void Beast Mine production."
"Prepare thirty signal smokes."
"Distribute unused mines to the two subordinate lords."
"They will arm their mid-tier commanders and scout units."
Jekain hesitated.
"We attack both territories simultaneously?"
Sombravida's gaze sharpened.
"The raids are over."
"It is time to temper our forces."
"The lower lords must face true battle."
"They must learn to stand at death's edge."
"That is how warriors are born."
Jekain's eyes burned with renewed purpose.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
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