Mercenary I am the king

Chapter 1061 Cooperation
The firing range was completely silent.

Only the low hum of the exhaust fan could be heard.

Song Heping's words had a profound impact on Afanti's mind.

This young man possesses such a profound strategic vision and astonishing destructive power!
His plan was bold and risky, yet it hit the nail on the head, cleverly weaving the strategic interests of the United States, Russia, extremist groups, regional powers, and even Persia itself into a grand web of counterattack.

“Samir…”

Afanti slowly spoke, "He is now the leader of the 'Iligor Liberation Forces,' but the situation in northwestern Iligor is terrible. They took Mosul before, but were quickly counterattacked by 1515. Are you sure you can defeat those brainwashed lunatics of 1515 with those Iligor militiamen?"

Song Heping affirmed, “I spoke with him on the phone before coming here, so I have some understanding of his current situation. Indeed, the 1515 militia is now unstoppable in northern Iligo. Samir currently only has a little over a thousand men left, hiding in the northern mountains and deserts to wage guerrilla warfare. They are in a very difficult situation, lacking manpower, weapons, money, and intelligence. The 1515 is cracking down on them fiercely. I need to get there as soon as possible to help him gain a foothold, consolidate his forces, and take the territory back from the 1515!”

“Song,” Afanti said, “your plan… is very bold, and also very dangerous. But I think the probability of success is no more than 30%. 1515 is not a disorganized mob; they have foreign aid, funds, and extremely ruthless methods. Even if the Americans come back, they may not follow your script. The Russians are notoriously greedy and fickle.”

"I know."

Song Heping readily admitted, "But this 30% chance is worth risking my life for. It's better than waiting here for the CIA's next assassination attempt. Besides, doesn't your Ten-Leaf Arc also need to open a passage to Iligo?"

"Then what do you need?"

Nasreddin asked directly.

It's clear that he's also interested.

In fact, Afanti had always wanted to open up a passage connecting northern Iligo to Celia, linking Celia and Persia.

Anti-1515 organizations in northwestern Iligo, such as the "Iligo Liberation Forces" controlled by Samir, have long been targets that Afanti has sought to win over.

However, due to historical and sectarian reasons, this work has not made any progress.

Now that Song Heping says he's going to northern Iligo to fight 1515 for territory, that couldn't be better.

If Song Heping succeeds, then his Shia Arc plan will be a success.

Therefore, supporting Song Heping is tantamount to fighting for one's own interests.

Song Heping, of course, understood Afanti's thoughts. He deliberately said so much to imply to Afanti that this matter was not only in his personal interest, but also in the interest of the Persians.

After all, Afanti was a high-ranking figure in Persia, and as long as one had his support, weapons and intelligence would not be a problem.

"I need equipment. The best individual soldier equipment: night vision goggles, communication equipment, anti-tank missiles, sufficient ammunition, especially sniper rifles and heavy machine guns. And also, unimpeded intelligence support."

“There’s still money,” Song Heping added. “Samir needs money to recruit soldiers, purchase supplies, and gather intelligence. This initial funding is essential.”

Nasreddin did not answer immediately, seemingly calculating quickly in his mind.

After a moment, he nodded: "I'll take care of the equipment and intelligence. Money... how much do you need?"

"One hundred million, in US dollars."

Song Heping announced a number.

Nasreddin didn't even flinch: "Sure. But not in cash."

Song Heping was stunned and said, "Don't tell me it's equivalent in value in weapons."

Afanti shook his head: "Weapons are another matter, but it's difficult for me to provide that much cash for the money you need."

Song Heping said, "The head of the Persian Revolutionary Guard can't even come up with a hundred million?"

Afanti said awkwardly, "It's not that we can't afford it, it's just that we have many expenses, and I can't give you that much money all at once."

"Then what will you give me?" Song Heping asked.

A sly glint flashed in Afanti's eyes: "Oil, petroleum. I can give you a large oil quota. You can get the cheapest oil from Persia, sell it, and that's money."

oil?

Song Heping was slightly surprised, but then felt that it made sense.

It's no secret that Persia was involved in oil smuggling.

The United States has been imposing sanctions on Persian oil, so Persian oil is often smuggled out of the country, processed in other countries, and then sold around the world after being repackaged.

This old guy isn't willing to give me real money.

But Persia has plenty of oil, so giving oil to Afanti was just a piece of cake.

Smuggling business...

Ok……

Song Heping thought of Nura. This girl used to make her fortune through smuggling.

He has been active in the Middle East and North Africa, so he has probably been involved in this kind of oil smuggling business before.

I'll ask her when the time comes; she probably has a way to get rid of this oil.

“Fine, oil it is,” Song Heping said. “It’s better than nothing.”

“However, Song…” Afanti’s tone became extremely serious, “I also have requirements.”

Song Heping laughed and said, "There's no such thing as a free lunch. I knew you had something to ask for. Go ahead and say it."

“I will appoint an absolutely trustworthy person as my deputy and liaison officer. He will be accountable only to me, ensuring that our resources are not misused, and that… when necessary, he can make judgments that align with Persian interests.”

Perhaps worried that Song Heping might disagree, he immediately added, "You know the person I'm sending to you, Nassin, and you can trust him."

"Nassr?"

"Yes, Nassin, you two have known each other for a long time."

Afanti was right; this guy was an old acquaintance of Song Heping.

"no problem."

This is a form of checks and balances, which Song Heping fully understands.

"Furthermore, in Iligo, you are 'freedom fighters,' a local armed force resisting the tyranny of 1515. You have no official ties with Persia. Any actions you take are unrelated to Tehran. This is an ironclad rule!"

When Afanti saw that Song Heping had agreed, he put forward a second request.

"Understood. We are just a group of mercenaries and local resistance fighters who fight for money and revenge."

Song Heping answered crisply and decisively.

"The last point, and the most important one."

Afanti's gaze was sharp as a knife, staring directly into Song Heping's eyes. "'The Ten-Aye Crescent' is a top strategic secret. In Iligo, it is absolutely forbidden to mention or attempt to coordinate with local Shia militias in any form! At least initially, absolutely not! This would immediately expose your background, inviting a frenzied attack from the 1515 and Sunni tribes, and even the United States. You would be just an ordinary militia! Understand? Controlling the territory is the first priority; everything else can wait until you've established a foothold and the time is right! Don't rush things!"

He emphasized it very highly.

Song Heping nodded solemnly: "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. Survive first, then we'll talk about other things."

Afanti seemed relieved. He patted Song Heping on the shoulder: "Take good care of your injuries and get yourself into top condition. The people and equipment you need will be ready for you within three days. I'll have Nassin personally bring you the intelligence data. We'll plan the departure time and route in detail later."

"Three days?"

Song Heping was somewhat surprised by Afanti's efficiency.

"Time waits for no one, Song."

Looking towards the deep entrance to the shooting range, Afanti seemed to see the smoke of gunpowder spreading from northwestern Iligo.

"1515 is growing stronger, the Americans are watching, and the Russians are anxious... We must make our move first. Since you dare to play that game in the Northwest, I'll gamble with you!"

He turned to leave, took two steps, then stopped. Without looking back, his voice was low but carried a complex emotion: "Song... come back alive."

After saying that, Afan's tall figure disappeared into the shadows of the shooting range passage, and his footsteps faded into the distance.

Song Heping stood there, looking in the direction where Afanti had disappeared, then looked down at the water-stained map on the table that was about to dry.

Northwest of Iligo...

Anbar Province...

Nineveh Plain...

He picked up the M4 carbine again, pulled the bolt, and the crisp metallic clang was particularly loud in the silent shooting range.

He slammed a new magazine, fully loaded with bullets, into the chamber with a sharp "click".

Song Heping muttered to himself, "Alright, this time, let's go big."

He raised his gun, aimed, and pulled the trigger.

boom! boom! boom!
The bullet whistled out and precisely tore through the bullseye fifty meters away.

　Asking for a monthly ticket!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)