Miracle Card Shop: All My Cards Can Be Actualize

Chapter 430: Reclaiming Territory

The murmur of confusion rippled through the meeting room. The authority granted to Cao Cao seemed far greater than they'd anticipated. The same official voiced their concerns once more.

"Mr. Emberweave," they asked, "you mentioned territory and resource disputes. Isn't Astral PMC a private military company hired for conflict resolution? Why would a PMC CEO be involved in such matters?"

Daniel, recognizing the need for clarification, offered an apology. "My apologies, I wasn't clear enough. As you know, the Astral Group, which encompasses both Astral Tech and Astral PMC, owns and governs Sector Alpha City Island, essentially a corporate-owned state. While we don't actively seek conflict, the potential for territorial and resource disputes does exist.

That's precisely why I've entrusted Mr. Cao with the critical responsibility of managing those risks."

The people in the meeting room nod in understanding, then, a man in his mid thirty, a familiar face raise his hand, he is Colonel Parker who oversees the frontline of the reclaiming campaign whom Daniel met during the first phase of the campaign.

"I have a question for you, Mr. Cao. Is your full name Cao Cao, with the courtesy name Mengde, the same as that Cao Cao from the Three Kingdoms era? Is that your true name?" Parker asked with a slight smile, intrigued by the exact similarity in names and curious about its origin.

"Yes, that's my name," Cao Cao chuckled. "It just so happens that my father was a big fan of the Three Kingdoms novel, along with all its franchises like movies and series. I even have several Hanfu outfits that I wear as pajamas and casual attire!" His humorous remark elicited laughter from everyone in the meeting room.

"I hope that answers your question," Cao Cao added with a playful smile, accompanied by another round of laughter.

Cao Cao opted for a harmless white lie in his response, a choice approved by Daniel. After all, revealing the truth that Cao Cao was the real historical figure resurrected in the present era would be far-fetched and less convenient.

The meeting proceeded with a few more questions, primarily focusing on PMC policies and the broader Astral Group's stance. Daniel reiterated his commitment to supplying the US with advanced technology and weapons as long as they supported the Golden Empire Group, with consideration for potential privileged deals.

The attendees were aware of Victoria Goldwyn's relationship with Daniel, leading to an understanding that Daniel's corporate interests and the US would maintain friendly relations as long as Victoria Goldwyn remained the uncrowned queen.

— Weeks Later - Louisiana Frontline —

This mobile HQ, custom-built for this campaign, boasts impressive defensive capabilities. Its AI-controlled turrets and anti-air defenses boast an accuracy of 99% within their effective range. It also houses a compact command center equipped with a Super Intelligence AI assistant, various communication facilities, and a well-stocked armory.

It even offers the same level of luxury as a high-end motorhome!

If one were to ask about the AI's origin, it stems from the "Clockwork Oracle Module" card Daniel had actualized and integrated into Oceanos.

—

Card Name: Clockwork Oracle Module

Illustration: A brain made of steel, with millions of clockwork gears and springs, suspended in the middle of a transparent box.

Rarity: Legendary

Type: Artifact

Mana Cost: 5 Non-Element

Description:

At the start of each turn, you may look at the top card of your deck. You may either return it to the top and continue drawing normally, or place it at the bottom of your deck.

At the end of each turn, you may look at the top card of your opponent's deck. You may either return it to the top and continue the end of turn sequence, or place it at the bottom of your opponent's deck.

Flavor Text: A wondrous invention crafted from a fusion of magic and science, its intricate springs and millions of gears function as its mind, never ceasing. It can process vast amounts of information and even foretell the future, akin to the Delphi Oracle of old.

—

Daniel sat in the lounge with old man Ragnar, who accompanied him to the frontline in case any troublesome mage families in the area caused trouble. Ragnar was familiar with some of the local mage families within the Confederacy territory. If things escalated due to these families causing issues, Ragnar could negotiate with them before violence erupted.

Suddenly, Nicholas Sullivan, clad in black power armor, entered the lounge. Nicholas wore the advanced model exclusive to Astral PMC commanding officers, unlike the outdated version Daniel had sold to the US.

As Nicholas opened his power armor helmet, revealing his face, he immediately launched into questions. "Mr. Emberweave, where did you find that Cao Cao guy? He's quite something. He helped with the US recruitment campaign, spouting propaganda about liberating your brethren from tyrants. And just like that, hundreds of thousands volunteered.

Especially states like Texas, that had personal grudges against the Confederacy, had to rigorously test candidates to select the best. Amongst 20 or 30 thousand volunteers."

Nicholas continued, incredulous, "Don't tell me you resurrected the real Cao Cao from the grave to work for you."

Daniel chuckled. "Yes, Nicholas, that's precisely what I did."

Nicholas fell silent, stunned by the revelation. "You're serious?" He scrutinized Daniel's face, searching for any hint of jest. "Wait... you ARE serious. Good heavens, you mages are crazy you know that? Who's next?

Heracles? Or maybe King Arthur this time?"

"In fact," Daniel began, pouring The Golden Oak Distillery whiskey into his and Ragnar's glasses, "the big, muscular guy working as Cao Cao's personal bodyguard is Heracles."

"What?!" Nicholas exclaimed, startled.

"And... King Arthur is a work in progress," Daniel finished, raising his glass of Golden Oak Distillery whiskey in a toast, offering Nicholas a drink.

Nicholas snatched the bottle from Daniel's hand and gulped down the remaining whiskey, the revelation unsettled him, now calming his nerves somewhat. He slammed the bottle onto the counter.

"You mages are crazy..." he muttered, closing his helmet mask before heading out to resume his duties as field commander.

Ragnar looked at Daniel with a multitude of questions swirling in his mind, unsure of where to begin.

"What?" Daniel asked, noticing the old man's scrutiny.

"At this point, kid, I don't know which question to ask first. Just... tread carefully with these gods of death. They're not known for their pleasantries." Ragnar finished his warning and returned to his whiskey.

"Noted, old man," Daniel replied.

—

Outside the mobile HQ, Nicholas walked towards his squad stationed at the makeshift airport nearby. As he passed, many US soldiers saluted him. Veterans of the US Reclaiming campaign recognized him, as Nicholas and his team often spearheaded the most intense battles and bore the brunt of the fighting. Many soldiers owed their lives to Nicholas' team, making him a minor celebrity on the front lines.

Near the Carryall, Cao Cao stood with the Astral PMC team, their morale at an all-time high. This group consisted of recruits who had undergone the rigorous Spartan training regime at the Atlanteus base, alongside individuals Daniel had actualized from cards. The latter were fiercely loyal to Daniel and easily distinguishable by their unwavering dedication.

However, under Cao Cao's guidance, the gap in determination between the recruits and the actualized individuals had vanished. Witnessing this positive outcome, Nicholas approached Cao Cao with a nod of approval.

"Greetings, Grand Chancellor Cao," he said, acknowledging Cao Cao's true identity.

"His Lordship has revealed the truth to you?" Cao Cao inquired.

"Indeed," Nicholas confirmed.

"Then congratulations, Mr. Sullivan. You have become one of His Lordship's trusted aides. This is an achievement to be proud of," Cao Cao said with genuine congratulations, his tone devoid of jealousy or sarcasm.

"I don't know if I can handle all that unsettling truth as calmly as you did, Mr. Cao Cao. I mean… I was just a regular human without any magical abilities until last year." Nicholas said with a nervous smile.

"There's no need to rush, Mr. Sullivan. Take your time. Good luck on the battlefield," Cao Cao replied, offering his well wishes to Nicholas before retreating from the Carryall. He watched as the aircraft lifted the assault pod towards the sky, ready to execute the planned attack.

Cao Cao observed the Carryall take off and then made his way back to the mobile HQ. Inside the command center, he noticed the two US Commanders engrossed in conversation, oblivious to his presence.

"Gentlemen," he cleared his throat, drawing their attention. "Cao Cao, CEO of Astral PMC. A pleasure to meet you." He extended a hand in greeting.

The commanders paused, their eyes scanning Cao Cao from head to toe, revealing traces of arrogance and disdain. It was evident that they looked down on him. They then resumed their conversation, ignoring Cao Cao's extended hand.

Undeterred, Cao Cao smiled, retracting his hand and turning his attention to the interactive map and various data displayed on multiple monitors. Some screens showed helmet camera feeds from US soldiers in power armor.