After all that turmoil, he felt a new sense of awe and respect toward Antina.
“I… I know I was wrong.”
Leoro hung his head low, his voice barely a whisper, thin as a mosquito’s hum.
Just then, Vistada spoke up, cutting through the awkward tension in the air:
“Leoro, go back and reflect on your actions for two days. In two days, if we manage to capture any guns, you’ll get first pick.”
“We must have discipline! We are neither pampered, lofty nobles nor arrogant fools who call themselves ‘Chosen Ones.’ We are fighters resisting oppression, warriors battling for freedom! We must never point our guns at innocent civilians who are unarmed and defenseless!”
Vistada’s words landed with force, echoing in everyone’s ears and hammering at their hearts.
“What do we do next?”
Someone nearby couldn’t hold back their curiosity and asked Vistada.
According to the original plan, they had successfully occupied the Municipal Affairs Hall. But Vistada had never mentioned the next step. Everyone was completely lost. They couldn’t just go home and let this hard-won victory slip away, could they?
“It’s simple. We spread the word of our victory. We let more people know about us, let them join our ranks. We must let the bugle call of this victory resound through every corner of Mobius City.”
“Then, we’ll leave two or three people to guard this place. The rest of you with guns, come with me to raise hell at the Guard garrison. We can also lend a hand to the Mobius City gangs. We’re going to turn Mobius City upside down and give those oppressors no peace.”
Vistada had learned the complete process for seizing power from Demikhov.
To successfully take state power, one must first solve the manpower issue, then occupy the city’s core centers of power, and finally, widely proclaim victory to consolidate the strength of the resistance.
Since Mobius City’s military forces were sparse to begin with, and most had been diverted to contain the gangs, Vistada skipped the first step and moved directly to seizing the city’s power center.
Although they had entered the Municipal Affairs Hall smoothly, confiscated two wireless telegraphs, and smashed the telephones, the Mayor had fled like a startled bird. The Hall was just an empty shell; its actual usefulness was very limited.
“What we must do, and what we can do, is disrupt the focus of the Mobius City Police and the Guard. Make them run around like headless chickens, throwing their own ranks into chaos.”
“We can tell them: The Mayor has already run away. Why are you still guarding this empty city? For Cork, who may never even arrive? Is following orders really more important than your own life? The Mayor can disobey Cork’s commands to save his own skin, yet he leaves you here to die. Are you willing to be his sacrificial pawns?”
“Their morale will surely plummet. That will make our subsequent moves much smoother.”
“As for why we’re attacking the barracks, Demikhov and I believe there must be valuable equipment there. An attacked camp will definitely recall troops for defense. When that happens, the gangs and we can coordinate our efforts, keeping them constantly on the run, unable to defend both fronts.”
In Demikhov’s words, this seemed to be what they called “guerrilla” tactics. Antina’s understanding wasn’t profound, but she grasped the general idea without error. She listened quietly, a clearer outline of the future actions forming in her mind.
Hearing Antina’s words, Yegor’s eyes lit up instantly. This woman had keen insights, and the plans she proposed were practical and feasible. Perhaps following them could truly overthrow the rule of capital and nobility in Mobius City.
“Let us join you. We have guns, we can do a lot.”
When Yegor asked to join, Vistada agreed without a moment’s hesitation. He understood that every like-minded person was a valuable asset.
After a brief welcome, Yegor and his three companions officially joined the group. Vistada explained the group’s code of discipline:
“First, we must strictly guard everyone’s secrets. This is the foundation of our survival and growth. If secrets leak, we will be doomed beyond redemption.”
“Second, no member shall obstruct the group’s decisions. Orders must be executed resolutely. Only through unity can we defeat powerful enemies.”
“Third, shouting slogans solves nothing. What we must do is act, and only action can bring about change.”
“Fourth, we must unite with the workers and the broader masses beyond the workers. They will be the foundation of our strength. We must never threaten innocent people who cannot resist. Our purpose is to fight for their rights and interests.”
“Fifth, we must continuously deepen our understanding of these regulations. Anyone who violates the above rules must be expelled from the group. Discipline is the lifeblood of our group; it cannot be trampled upon in the slightest.”
“Sixth, we should strive to learn and constantly improve our knowledge and wisdom. Only through continuous progress can we remain invincible in this struggle.”
Without a doubt, this was a group fighting for the people—a group with drive, organization, and discipline. Though it was just beginning, Yegor could clearly see its potential.
Joining them was absolutely the right choice!
“Alright, we’ve rested enough. Teacher Antina, you stay here with these workers. It’s relatively safe here. You all must protect yourselves.”
“Yegor, we’d like to borrow one gun from you and your brothers. As you can see, we’re really short on equipment.”
Vistada pulled Yegor aside, looking a bit embarrassed. Truth be told, Vistada’s group was in a tight spot. They had plenty of people, but only a handful of usable lethal weapons, giving them very little real deterrent power.
Asking newcomers for weapons felt somewhat awkward.
“Sure, what’s wrong with that?”
Yegor immediately handed all four guns over to Vistada. After all, the four of them had no idea how to use guns anyway, and they had grabbed more than just these at the time. This was practically a favor handed to them on a silver platter!
Vistada was stunned by Yegor’s generosity. He hadn’t expected him to be so open-handed.
“Hey, don’t worry, we picked up quite a few guns. If you need more, we’ll definitely provide! We’re family from now on. You know, ‘Share blessings and bear hardships together’!”
“Thank you. We’ll remember this.”
“Ah, we’re family, don’t be so formal!”
Yegor clapped Vistada on the shoulder, his face showing a generosity that belied his appearance.
“Then we won’t stand on ceremony.”
Vistada cleared his throat and gathered everyone together. His gaze swept over each person as he spoke slowly:
“Alright… We have four guns and two boxes of ammunition here. Leoro.”
Hearing Vistada’s voice, Leoro stood up from the corner. Seeing the four guns on the table, his eyes stung with unshed tears for some reason.
“I said you need two days to reflect, but this is a critical moment. I’ll allow you to choose your weapon first. But this mission must be a success for you.”
Leoro didn’t even glance at the guns, grabbing the box of ammunition directly. His hands trembled slightly.
What he held now wasn’t just ammunition; it was his own fate.
“I want to go deal with those guards. Please, give me this chance. I want to use action to atone for my past mistakes and prove my resolve.”
“Are you sure? Even though most of the guards have left, there will still be quite a few there. It will be a tough fight. You could risk your life.”
Leoro nodded firmly.
The second gun went to Antina. She was best off staying in the Municipal Affairs Hall and needed a weapon for self-defense.
The last two guns Vistada gave to two workers from the docks. They had once been sailors and had sharp eyes.
They should be able to make good use of them.
“Leoro, you and Osaiku will go attack the barracks together. Be careful, coordinate well, and aim to deliver a heavy blow to the enemy.”
Osaiku was Leoro’s longtime rival.
“Everyone with a gun, except Ms. Antina, come with me to harass the Guard units blocking roads and patrolling, as well as the Police. We need to keep them constantly on the move, leaving them no time for anything else.”
“Those without guns, leave four behind. The rest, find ways to spread the word Antina spoke about. Best to go in pairs. We’ll regroup on Lyons Street in the evening. Finally, I wish everyone a safe return.”
At Vistada’s words, everyone present let out a unified shout of approval. The propaganda team set out first. Showing initiative, they grabbed a now-untied staff member from the Municipal Affairs Hall and dragged him along. That might make their message more convincing.
The remaining armed worker brothers—the two with Vistada and several unarmed workers—planned to use the alleyways to harass the Guard soldiers.
Leoro and Osaiku’s team consisted of five people. Their objective was to destroy the Guard garrison.
…
As dusk fell like ink spreading across the sky, Manville and his crew marched aggressively toward the Southern Prison of Mobius City.
By this time, the entire city was in chaos. Fires from the uprising blazed high in the streets and alleys, with shouts and sounds of smashing echoing and intertwining.
At the prison, however, the Police presence seemed remarkably thin. Due to the uprising, all police forces had been urgently pulled onto the streets to maintain the crumbling order. The prison was like a forgotten island.
“Hmph, only two guards? This is a godsend!”
A burly gang member with a fleshy face crossed his arms over his chest. He was a veteran of gang shootouts and had plenty of experience with this kind of sneak attack.
With a wave of his hand, he pulled two underlings from the crowd:
“You two, open fire directly! Make sure you shoot straight. If you mess this up, don’t blame me for being ruthless!”
Terrified by his glare, the two underlings shivered and nodded repeatedly. They carefully raised their guns, fingers tight on the triggers.
Bang!
A crisp gunshot shattered the suffocating silence in front of the prison. At the same moment, Manville and his group surged forward like arrows loosed from a bow.
They moved swiftly, subduing the two police officers on the spot in an instant. The officers had no time to react before they were pinned firmly to the ground, unable to move.
“Haha, that was easy. Didn’t break a sweat!”
One gang member laughed triumphantly, his face full of mockery. They had expected a fierce clash, but the prison’s defenses were surprisingly flimsy.
