"Even if I don't know your true identity, this is still Kazimierz."
"How interesting. I caused you such a massive blunder, and you're still here warning me? Don't you realize that with this mistake, you'll likely lose your position as spokesperson?"
There was no need for him to say the rest. Losing the title of spokesperson wasn't just a demotion—it could mean complete erasure. The Kazimierz Commercial Union was notoriously strict with its spokespeople—perfection was demanded. One misstep, and they were replaced.
In the original Major Tournament storyline, technically speaking, Czarny hadn't made any critical errors. The appearance of the Radiant Knight Nearl wasn't something he could have prevented, let alone the later involvement of Rhodes Island and the Kazimierz Inquisition.
But strangely enough, despite removing Czarny from his post, the Commercial Union still promoted the man he had recommended—Markiewicz. Perhaps they believed that no one could resist the temptations of capital. And in truth, that belief wasn't entirely unfounded. It was rare for someone to spend years as a spokesperson without becoming corrupted. Whether Markiewicz would hold onto his ideals in the future was uncertain at best. That's why Czarny, in the end, gave him one final lesson—with his own death, to etch the truth into him.
"I've got other things to attend to. Goodbye."
Czarny didn't respond to Daniel Davis' words. He turned and prepared to leave. He was well aware of his situation. When facing the Commercial Union, he had no real means to resist. The only leverage he had left was his own life—something he could use to open one young man's eyes to the true face of capital.
To most people, the spokesperson's position seemed prestigious and powerful. In reality, they were little more than the Union's well-dressed attack dogs. Even when they wanted to do good, it had to be within the strict bounds of the Union's rules. All Czarny could do was ensure that the few good people got good endings—that was the extent of his authority.
But in this world, there was no such thing as a bloodless revolution. If something couldn't be won on the battlefield, it certainly wouldn't be won at the negotiation table.
The peaceful resolution in Kjerag was a rare exception—and only because of the divine power of Yelagun.
"No need to be in such a rush. Are you interested in working for me? In changing Kazimierz?"
Daniel's words made Czarny stop in his tracks. He turned and looked at him but didn't speak.
"You see the Commercial Union as an unstoppable force. But to me, they're nothing more than paper tigers. If it weren't for Lord Rosmontis' restraint, they would've already been removed. You really think they're in control?"
In this world, everything came down to power. The Inquisition of Kazimierz—their elite warriors known as Silverlance Pegasi—could wipe out the Commercial Union and the Unarmored Union with ease.
Just four Silverlance Pegasi could defeat both known top-tier Unarmored members. If the Inquisition sent 40 to 50 of them, the entire Commercial Union would be history.
Yes, such action would plunge Kazimierz into chaos. That was likely why the Inquisition hadn't acted. But in Daniel's eyes, they were being overly cautious. The more powerful side needed to act sooner, not later.
Still, that was just his perspective—he wasn't a native of Kazimierz. Maybe there were nuances he didn't understand.
"But I'm not Rosmontis. I don't have such reservations. I'm going to show the so-called Commercial Union what real power looks like. So, Czarny, live—and witness the dawn of change in Kazimierz."
"Ten of them, huh? Should I be flattered, or insulted? Tch, I was hoping to see Platinum."
As he walked out of the arena and felt the many eyes on him, Daniel chuckled to himself. During his time in Kazimierz, he had learned a fair bit about the Unarmored Union.
The Unarmored were a semi-legal organization in Kazimierz, mainly tasked with hunting illegal Infected—usually moving in squads of ten.
But under normal circumstances, they rarely deployed full squads. They operated in twos or fours. With the tournament underway and an influx of mercenaries and bounty hunters in the city, not everyone feared the Unarmored. Still, many were quietly eliminated.
At the same time, the tournament served as a recruitment drive for the Unarmored. Among the mercenaries, there were always a few who proved valuable. The pay was decent, and there were bounties for killing Infected.
"Seems like everyone thinks I'm doomed. Too bad I'm not Infected. Otherwise, maybe Redpine's knights would show up to help."
With that thought, Daniel walked forward. In broad daylight on the main streets, even the Unarmored wouldn't dare act recklessly.
"Where is he?"
In a secluded alley, the Unarmored squad pursued Daniel—but when they entered, he was nowhere in sight. As they regrouped to search, none of them noticed the golden feathers silently piercing the tops of their skulls. Feather Dust.
"He actually tried to recruit me? Must've been impressed by my archery. Even after seeing what I've done, he still wants me? Unarmored must be planning to cut and run."
What he learned from their memories through Feather Dust surprised him. These weren't ordinary Unarmored operatives—they were a special cleanup squad, directly under a top-tier operative. Every one of them was elite. Even Platinum would've had to flee if faced with all ten.
The Unarmored didn't earn their "Knight Killers" nickname for nothing. Over the 24 years of the tournament's history, countless powerful knights had tried—and failed—to defeat them. Even the Black Knight had failed once.
Every Unarmored operative was a sniper. Against traditional knights, they had a natural advantage. And with certain Originium Arts buffs, they became walking death machines.
"Too bad I've got no interest in keeping them around. Well, except for Platinum. Let's get started."
He had no fondness for an organization like the Unarmored. He had no intention of taking control—he'd rather wipe them out. Platinum would be the only exception.
"Commercial Union building attacked by the Unarmored. Multiple board members injured or dead. Inquisition proposes deploying the Silverlance Pegasi. Rejected by the Union."
"Guess I just handed Rosmontis a nice excuse."
The next day, the news was filled with the Unarmored's assault on the Union's headquarters. Even Maria Nearl's popularity was overshadowed.
Naturally, Daniel was behind it. Let them tear each other apart. He exposed the Unarmored while letting them hurt the Union—a two-for-one deal.
"Planning to run away? It won't be that easy."
"The fact this barely affected the tournament shows the Union's determination. Not surprising—this is their golden goose, after all."
At the Flameblade Arena, Daniel looked around the still-packed stadium. He wasn't surprised. Knight competitions were the Union's cash cow—they'd never abandon it.
"Hm? Isn't that Spokesman McKee? What a rare sight. Heard you were attacked. What a shame you're fine. Oh? And where's Czarny? Don't tell me you guys got rid of him already?"
Spotting McKee on the arena's VIP platform, Daniel strolled over. This particular spokesman was different—no matter what he did, he'd never be replaced. After all, he was the son of the president of Rose Paper Group.
Different status meant different treatment.
The Commercial Union was, after all, a coalition of many companies—some more powerful than others. Rose Paper Group stood at the pinnacle, rivaled only by Meshkov Group, Whistling Guard Co., and Allen Select Tech.
Whistling Guard, for instance, claimed it would surpass Raiden Industries—despite producing overheating armor. Laughable. Even Volvotekochinski performed better, and they still dreamed of surpassing Raiden?
Bang. Bang.
As Daniel approached McKee, two guards stepped out to block him. A moment later, both were kicked aside, unconscious.
"What do you want?" McKee raised a hand to stop his other guards and stared at Daniel before speaking.
"Nothing much. Just saw you here and wanted a chat. You didn't think I'd kill you here, did you? Although… that wouldn't be difficult. But killing you like this would be letting you off too easy, Mr. Young Master of Rose Paper Group."
Daniel gave him a sly smile.
Rose Paper controlled all of Kazimierz's media. If Daniel wanted to change the country, public opinion was crucial. He had no intention of following the Doctor's drawn-out plan—that would take too long.
"You were behind yesterday's attack, weren't you? Are you with the Inquisition?"
The Union wasn't stupid. They didn't blame the Unarmored for the attack—they suspected the Inquisition. Especially after the Inquisition called to mobilize the Silverlance Pegasi.
They even thought Maria Nearl's participation was orchestrated by the Inquisition. They simply couldn't believe she entered the tournament for the sake of family honor. In their world, everything was about profit.
This was also why, later on, the Doctor managed to use the Commercial Union to shift attitudes toward Infected contestants. After the Blood Knight, the Union only allowed Infected to compete because it brought profit.
"That's right. It was me. You people in the Union have long decided the fate of others on a whim. Take this for example—Plastic Knight, hospitalized at Third Hospital. What, afraid to poison him outright and raise suspicion?"
"And this one, Fang Knight. Got into a fan brawl and injured multiple fans. Now on the run? Convenient."
"Oh, and Sapling Knight—suddenly infected with Oripathy and vanished without a trace. Truly ruthless."
Daniel walked right up to McKee, pulled out a tablet, and showed him each headline. Even without fighting Maria, Plastic Knight was betrayed by his own order.
As for the Redpine Order, Daniel knew their situation but chose not to approach. Infected were highly wary of outsiders.
"Now it's your turn. One a day—how's that for an idea?"
He pocketed the tablet.
"You're provoking the Commercial Union," McKee said grimly. He had never imagined anyone would say these things to his face.
"Provoking the Commercial Union? Hahaha!"
Daniel burst out laughing, drawing attention from those nearby. But when people saw it was Daniel and McKee, most turned away quickly.
"McKee, you overestimate yourselves. To me, the so-called Commercial Union is nothing more than a group of clowns—a source of entertainment. Oh, and your bodyguards? Weak. They won't keep you safe. You might want to hire better ones."
He stepped up, straightened McKee's collar, and whispered, "Give your father in Columbia my regards. Tell him to enjoy his meals while he still can—he might not get many more."
With a sharp snap of his fingers, Daniel turned and walked away.
To Daniel, controlling the Union would be easy—whether through Feather Dust or Mirror Flower, Water Moon. But after learning what they did—especially at Site Zero—he decided they deserved to know real fear.
Controlling them was too lenient.
"What did you say?"
Soon after Daniel left, McKee received a call. Another Union board member had been killed—his villa blown up.
"I want that man dead—kill him, and everything else is forgiven."
McKee quickly called someone else.
"Looks like this one came prepared," came a low voice from the other end.
"This time, I don't want any mistakes. Send in Xuan Tie."
Then, more respectfully, McKee made another call.
"Father, we have a problem."
"I already know. You can't even handle this?"
"This one's different."
He quickly relayed everything Daniel had said—and how he had already contacted the Unarmored.
"If the Unarmored are involved, what are you so worried about? So many have challenged the Union's order over the years, and yet we still stand."
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