---

Destruction.

I know very well how the human world faces destruction.

It’s not like I haven’t been through that brutal process over the past several cycles.

However, despite facing destruction dozens of times, it’s not like there’s no way to stop it.

Every destruction follows a certain pattern, and if we respond appropriately, we can avoid it.

It’s just that the difficulty of this process is devilishly high, yet it means there’s a 1% chance.

Thus, it’s crucial to block the first phase of ‘destruction’ properly.

Starting with stopping the collapse of the human world caused by ‘Demon Church.’

“So far, we’re sailing smoothly.”

And I have already prevented several incursions of the Demon Church.

Starting from my territory, then Zigmund, Clendor, and now the Crayble Revolutionary Group as well.

I am currently finding and eliminating the seeds sown by those demons one by one.

Moreover, the Princess and Elena are cooperating with me to monitor the influence of the Demon Church throughout the Empire, so I believe we can somewhat prevent the first phase of ‘the collapse of the human world.’

Instead, we are laying the groundwork for the human world to unite against the demons.

“What are you thinking so hard about?”

At that moment, Vanessa smiled at me and spoke up.

Unlike her initial wary expression, she now showed considerable fondness.

“I was calculating. The appropriate timing for you to return to the revolutionary group.”

Of course, I’ve also become quite comfortable around her.

It’s the result of the bond we’ve built over the last three days.

Cultural hobbies like literature, poetry, and music have played a role in this.

Though I purposefully aligned my interests with hers, knowing her tendencies beforehand.

“···Hmm. When would you say is a good time?”

However, it’s impossible for her to rely on me just because of that.

Currently, our relationship is almost like that of a teacher and a student.

I lead her, and she follows me.

She became captivated by my ideas.

“What about a week from now? Let’s give it some time. If there’s someone who tries to seize power without waiting for you during that time, it’s highly likely they are a traitor in the organization.”

“·····That makes sense.”

Through past regressions, I had already gathered this information.

Using that information, I persuaded Vanessa.

To identify the traitors in the organization, it would be better to wait for them to trip over their own feet rather than move rashly.

“···Thank you in many ways. If it weren’t for you, I would have really····”

“It’s fine. For me, meeting you has completed my life. Without a messenger like you, the truth would remain buried in darkness forever.”

“·····No. Just you alone are enough. Even if you publicly declare it, surely the people of the world─”

“···No. This world needs young and beautiful faces like yours. I’m not that charming.”

“No, you are quite·····!”

In that moment, Vanessa, who was about to refute my words, trailed off.

Eventually, after collecting herself, she looked down and said.

“····You are also a sufficiently attractive person. I’m sure the crowd would go wild for you.”

“······.”

Could it be that she feels sympathy for Oliver Cromwell?

Her eyes were misted with emotion.

The set Oliver Cromwell felt complex due to his disfigured appearance, and I had been thoroughly portraying that visage.

“····Everyone has their role to play. And I’m just an investigator and planner. You are the leader and messenger. Everyone shines in a position suited to their role.”

Hence, I politely refused Vanessa’s proposal.

Such a rejection would suit Cromwell, and stepping out in public as she wished would heighten the risk of exposing my true identity.

Vanessa, with a somewhat disappointed yet awkward smile, responded to me.

“····I’m sorry. I was a bit presumptuous, weren’t I?”

“Hmm. Not at all. Let’s talk about work instead.”

I lightly snapped my fingers to change the subject.

Then, a hologram appeared before my eyes along with a detailed blueprint.

It was the ‘Tiger’ H-type tank armed with an 88mm gun.

“·····What is this?”

“This is the monster that will speed up our revolution. It’s promising because even commoners who can’t use mana can be trained to handle it.”

“·······?”

Vanessa looked at me with a completely perplexed expression.

Which was an expected reaction.

After all, there was no concept of tanks in this era.

“I guess an explanation is needed.”

So, I began to play the hologram.

Demonstrating how a tank built based on the blueprint exerts its power so she could really feel it.

Eventually, after witnessing the formidable defense and firepower of the Tiger, Vanessa spoke with a dumbfounded expression.

“Can this… really be done? That one machine can easily take on FOUR Sword Experts?!”

Sword Experts are classified before they reach the Sword Master tier.

A tank with such overwhelming firepower that can effortlessly face FOUR Sword Experts.

The Tiger tank, known as the monster of the German army during World War II.

“That’s right. Four commoners can take on four Sword Experts.”

“······.”

Vanessa splashed cold water on her face.

Her expression was one of disbelief, yet she could barely contain the excitement bubbling within her.

“If that’s true… then commoners can now…”

“Exactly. They can become warriors. They can struggle with their own strength.”

“······.”

Vanessa nodded with a vacant expression.

Then she began to pace around me with brisk steps, deep in thought.

Eventually, she stopped in her tracks and said.

“How many can we make? How much training is needed to handle those? Isn’t there a huge cost?”

····Hmm.

Of course, it would cost quite a bit.

Above all, we need to establish the infrastructure to produce tanks.

Just having the blueprint isn’t enough to make them.

“···Follow me.”

Thus, I had haphazardly built the basic infrastructure over the past two months.

It was two months since I started making the Kamen Rider suits, so during that time, I had slaved away with Eve to at least create a rough outline of a tank production plant.

‘·····It was tough.’

However, the tank production plant had to be built secretly, so it had to be just Eve and me working together.

Because of that, I had been dedicated to this work without sleeping properly, and luckily I had ‘hand skills’ and ‘engineering thinking.’

Now my hand skills had maxed out, and with the added skill of ‘remote control,’ I could perform multiple tasks simultaneously with several holographic hands.

On top of that, with Eve assisting me, who could produce performances similar to mine, we managed to create the tank production plant through our intense cooperation.

“Here it is. We’ve established everything we need to start production.”

Thus, I showed Vanessa the product of our joint effort.

Vanessa looked around the factory with a look of wonder.

Eventually, after touring the factory, she walked towards me and suddenly hugged me tightly.

“Thank you. Thanks to you… I can do something truly meaningful now. Thank you····.”

····Something truly meaningful.

That probably means “a revolution achieved by the power of commoners.”

Originally, commoners without mana only existed to be toys for nobles to play with and to be ridiculed.

“····It’s too early to be overjoyed. There are issues, you know.”

But feeling awkward in this sentimental atmosphere, I changed the subject.

Vanessa, who had been hugging me, looked up at me with wide eyes.

“First, we need workers to run the factory. Those we can trust to maintain strict security. But I suppose your revolutionary group can help with this, right?”

Vanessa nodded.

Then she answered that once she returns to the revolutionary group to clean up the internal traitors, she would provide enough manpower.

“Right. But the real problem is the materials. We need suitable materials to make those tanks. But there’s only one place in the world that can provide such materials. It’s Edgar Fix’s ‘Steel Mill.'”

“······.”

Edgar Fix.

Vanessa’s expression hardened at hearing that name.

She swallowed hard and said.

“It would be difficult to have a proper transaction with him, right?”

“Right. Edgar Fix is smart and perceptive. He’s not only handsome and good with people, but he also possesses extensive academic knowledge. Deceiving him will be tough.”

“·····? ···Hmm. I see. So what do we do?”

“We steal.”

“?”

Vanessa looked at me with a perplexed expression on her face.

She asked.

“Wait, you’re saying we steal?”

“Exactly. There’s no other way. The uniformly well-refined alloys can only be sourced from there.”

The first method for producing mass tanks within the Empire.

It’s to create a big event that makes the Empire feel a sense of crisis.

To trigger a significant incident to rob Edgar Fix’s steel mill and create a sense of urgency regarding ‘Oliver Cromwell.’

Only then will Edgar Fix have a justification to act, and through this, we can achieve the goal of ‘mass production of tanks.’

“····Is that possible?”

“Of course, it’s possible. I’ve dedicated my life to this endeavor. I haven’t prepared for it frivolously.”

“···Then what’s the strategy?”

“First, you return to the revolutionary group. We need someone reliable to help us.”

However, before doing this, we need to eliminate the Demon Church within the revolutionary group.

Those who pushed the revolutionary group to advance the timing of the revolution.

“So, I need to ask, have you seen any new members utilizing powers you’ve never noticed before? Or members who rapidly rose to the high ranks and began voicing their opinions to you?”

“····There are such members… But why?”

“They’re traitors. Or they might be trying to use you. We have to get rid of them first.”

***

In the past week.

I have built a stronger relationship with Vanessa.

She had become completely captivated by the ideology and vision of ‘Oliver Cromwell.’

“Democracy… Do you think such an age will ever come? I truly hope it comes to fruition.”

“Of course. Destiny cannot be denied. On the day the light brightly illuminates the world, that will mark the point when this world moves towards the world we dream of.”

Thus, I introduced to Vanessa the most successful political system and economic philosophy achieved by modern times.

Freedom and democracy. And how the power of science and technology provides such a prosperous life.

“····It feels like a dream! Fried chicken is delivered right to your door with just a push of a button!”

Thus, Vanessa gradually became completely enchanted by my ideology.

Her dream of a revolution to liberate the oppressed commoners was beginning to take philosophical shape.

The purpose of why we must carry this out had become clear.

“···You said that. Meeting me has completed you. But it’s the opposite for me. I think I was born to meet you.”

However, Vanessa’s level of being captivated by Oliver Cromwell was beyond my expectations.

She began to regard Cromwell not just as a mental support but as something more.

“It’s still early. The moment our destiny is fulfilled will be when the light shines upon the world.”

Thus, I shifted my gaze back to the mission, avoiding the deepening atmosphere.

Though I could see her eyes becoming more intense, I stubbornly ignored it.

“It’s time. It’s time for you to return to your rightful place.”

So today.

I sent her back to the revolutionary group.

With the instruction to eliminate the traitors and reclaim her position as the revolutionary leader.

Vanessa, with a face full of longing, said.

“It has been the happiest week of my life. Well then… See you in three days.”

Three days.

The date she promised to return after sorting things out within the organization.

I nodded in agreement.

Then she used the portal device I gave her to leave this place.

And I also used the portal device to return to my hideout.

-Boom!

“······.”

A portal device connected to my hideout, the Lord’s office.

There, sitting perfectly in my place at the desk was Eve.

Then Eve frowned as she spoke.

“There’s a lot of other female pheromones here. Just how much have you been flirting with her?”

“······.”

····Having someone say that while looking like me felt quite strange.

 

---