The Monster Who Commands Wars

Chapter 15: Whispers of Annihilation

The cold mountain air swept through the hidden pathways leading to The Hollow Veil. High above, thunder rumbled across the sky, a distant storm moving in from the horizon. Hikaru stood at the entrance of a concealed observation post, watching the dark clouds form. It was fitting—tonight, his plans would stir the world just as nature itself prepared to unleash its fury.

Behind him, a soft chime echoed through the underground corridors. Another report had arrived.

A masked operative approached, his voice low but urgent. "The misinformation has worked. Kumo's scouts retreated after encountering the false site. Their report suggests a failed bio-weapon experiment from an unknown faction. The Raikage has deemed it too dangerous to pursue."

Hikaru exhaled, a smirk forming. "Fear moves faster than steel."

He turned to a nearby console, where a holographic display flickered to life, showcasing a map of the Elemental Nations. Several key locations were marked—places where war brewed beneath the surface, where tensions threatened to erupt.

One, in particular, pulsed red.

Kiri.

"Update me on Project Revenant," Hikaru commanded.

Another operative, a woman with sharp eyes and a calculated demeanor, stepped forward. "Deployment is ready. The test subjects have been introduced to the targeted area. Effects will be monitored within the next 48 hours."

Hikaru's fingers tapped against the edge of the console. Project Revenant wasn't a weapon in the traditional sense. It was a psychological warfare initiative—hallucinogenic compounds dispersed through mist, inducing paranoia, auditory hallucinations, and irrational fear among enemy ranks. In a place like Kiri, where distrust already ran deep, it would be enough to turn allies against each other.

He turned toward a separate screen, displaying grainy surveillance footage from various outposts. Wars were waged with more than just weapons. Information, deception, and control over fear were far more effective.

"Make sure there are no traces leading back to us," Hikaru ordered. "Let them think it's the ghosts of their past coming to haunt them."

The woman nodded and disappeared into the depths of The Hollow Veil.

Hikaru leaned against the console, his gaze fixed on the flickering red marker on the map. Kiri would tear itself apart, and by the time they realized what had happened, The Hollow Veil would already be five steps ahead.

The storm outside raged on. But within these hidden halls, another storm was already in motion—one that would reshape the battlefield forever.