The Empire I Create Chapter 18

Chapter 18. A Shaken Capital and Shadows of Revolution

 

A brief calm settled over the battlefield, but it was merely the eye of the storm. Hamin's futuristic army, having sailed from Tamra (Jeju), had decisively secured Naseong near Gaegyeong, defeating the Mongols in their first engagement without a single casualty, killing 800 enemies and capturing 400 more. News of this astonishing victory quickly spread across Goryeo, even reaching Karakorum, the Mongol capital.

Hamin ordered immediate medical care for the injured prisoners and detention for the rest, unwilling to condone needless slaughter. The battle vividly demonstrated the effectiveness of drone surveillance, cannons, and rapid-fire crossbows. The swift Mongol cavalry, once dominant, fell into disarray against these unfamiliar weapons. Even their retreat was blocked by drone-dropped explosives, turning their escape routes into death traps.

Lee Ji-gwang asked how far this news might spread. Hamin replied calmly that fleeing survivors or spies would inevitably inform either the Mongols or Choe Woo in Ganghwa Island. Already, rumors circulated that "a heavenly Supreme Commander had descended to defeat the Mongols."

The locals of Naseong, witnessing the swift annihilation of their feared Mongol occupiers, revered Hamin as a deity-like figure. Additionally, distributing potatoes and corn brought from Tamra greatly enhanced local support.

"Should we now try persuading Ganghwa Island or fortify our position here to face the Mongols?" pondered Hamin.

Lee Ji-gwang volunteered enthusiastically to visit Ganghwa himself, suggesting that with his father, Lee Gyu-bo, already there, he could relay their situation to King Gojong and Choe Woo. However, Hamin, influenced by Thanos’s advice, preferred consolidating strength at Naseong for the next three months.

“The Mongols will retaliate but their forces are overstretched in Europe and the Southern Song dynasty. It will take them at least three months to prepare for another invasion,” Thanos reported. Hamin agreed, planning to bolster forces and public support during this critical period.

News swiftly reached Ganghwa Island. Choe Woo, the real military power behind King Gojong, cautiously chose to remain observant, awaiting the Mongols and Hamin to weaken each other before committing forces.

Meanwhile, Ogodei Khan raged upon hearing the news. "How could the mighty Mongol Empire suffer such humiliation from an unknown Goryeo army?" General Tangutai requested 20,000 soldiers for revenge, but Buka, responsible for supplies, explained their armies were preoccupied with European and Southern Song campaigns, needing at least three months to gather forces. Frustrated but realistic, Ogodei vowed revenge in three months, aligning perfectly with Thanos’s predictions.

With three months secured, Hamin focused on strengthening Naseong, instructing Lee Ji-gwang to consolidate local support. They distributed crops and goods, announcing via posted notices that "the Mongols will return; we must prepare together." The steamships, captained by Han Yeong-seok, ensured steady supply lines between Tamra and Naseong, transporting iron ore, gunpowder materials, skilled craftsmen, and ammunition, significantly boosting their military capacity.

Two months passed quickly. Rumors about Naseong's extraordinary victory attracted countless young men eager to fight the Mongols. Hamin’s forces grew into thousands, continuously supplied with cannons, ammunition, matchlock guns, and repeating crossbows from Tamra.

Just as morale peaked, a letter arrived from Ganghwa Island—Lee Gyu-bo writing that Choe Woo requested Lee Ji-gwang’s presence. Lee Ji-gwang realized this summons aimed at observing or potentially influencing Hamin through him.

"Perhaps I should go alone to assess the situation firsthand," Lee Ji-gwang suggested.

After careful deliberation, Hamin reached a bolder decision. "What if I personally visit Ganghwa?"

Despite Lee Ji-gwang's strong objections, Hamin remained determined. He felt the past two months had sufficiently strengthened his forces, and openly engaging with the royal and military authorities now would accelerate revolutionary change.

"Remember how quickly we convinced the Tamra authorities with overwhelming force? This approach worked before; it can work again."

"But Ganghwa Island’s rulers, Choe Woo and the royal court, are fundamentally different," Lee Ji-gwang cautioned.

"Precisely because they are powerful, we must act swiftly to ally or overthrow them. Delaying only brings more suffering to the people," Hamin insisted.

Ultimately, Lee Ji-gwang consented, promising unwavering support.

Deciding whether to travel by sea or land, Hamin resolved to depart the next day with trucks, a few soldiers, Optimus robots, and Thanos. As preparations finished, Hamin gazed southward, knowing that revolution always began amidst danger.

"The Mongols return in three months," Hamin stated resolutely. "We must clarify Ganghwa's stance immediately and, if necessary, take decisive action."

With ample firepower, a growing army, and strong public support, Hamin was confident that rapid revolutionary action was essential to protect the people. Hyung-jun approached, informing him everything was ready for departure.

Hamin nodded, staring down the road leading south toward Ganghwa Island.

"Revolution always begins amid danger."