"We must approach this issue from a dialectical perspective. Monarchy may be feudal detritus, but the fundamental problem lies in the opposition between the ruling class's interests and those of the people. Its direct flaw is the inconsistent competence of rulers, leading to unstable control over power. Once these issues are addressed, its advantages become apparent—true centralization, where one decree stands unopposed."
"I'm not advocating for a return to ancient feudal systems. First, we need a steadfast and highly capable Emperor who can suppress all discordant elements from above. Concurrently, we should refine the governing bodies based on modern principles, implementing an efficient and viable administrative framework."
"Lastly, monarchy serves merely as a temporary solution to resolve our current two major conflicts. Once Honkai ends and the old, corrupt forces have been purged, we will transition to the republican model I envision, truly advancing towards a harmonious society."
Welt calmly outlined his vision.
Gradually, understanding dawned on the other three's faces.
After all, political power and systems were merely tools, not ultimate goals.
Welt's idea was straightforward: concentrate strength to achieve objectives. As for the concerns typical of autocracy, such as instability due to reliance on individual ability and susceptibility to corruption—since it would be just one term, wouldn't selecting a capable person suffice? Moreover, with others assisting, there shouldn't be any major issues.
In essence, the crux of this plan lay in choosing the right Emperor.
Firstly, they must embody wisdom, resourcefulness, prestige, and adherence to the most fundamental principles, possessing enough capability to wield unprecedented power. They need to harness the might of the entire civilization to resolve humanity's two current major conflicts. Secondly, upon accomplishing these tasks, they must relinquish their supreme authority and inevitable zenith of fame without clinging to power, cooperating in transitioning the system accordingly.
This would likely be both humankind's first and last great Emperor, unparalleled in history.
Naturally, it also presented an incredibly challenging task.
"... (?_?)"
After organizing his thoughts, Zeke displayed a deadpan expression.
It sounded like Welt would be very suitable to take on this burden... ahem, I mean, accept this honor.
During the silence at the meeting, Zeke spoke up:
"I understand your point now. Whether it's addressing Honkai or achieving the radical transformation you envision, both indeed require immense power as support. Then, this monumental task shall be entrusted to you..."
"Unfortunately, I cannot accept."
Before Zeke could finish, Welt shook his head firmly. It wasn't mere modesty but a sincere expression of his stance.
Zeke, Hera, and Einstein all looked at Welt with surprise—logically, since he brought up the topic, who else should shoulder the responsibility if not him?
Under their gazes, Welt sighed.
"I've been pondering this issue myself, and my conclusion is—I am not suited for it. In terms of ideological alignment and detachment from power, I may qualify. However, compared to you three, there's a significant gap in wisdom. To govern the entire world, many crucial details might elude me, risking chaos. Additionally, in terms of reputation... being a Herrscher will always be a natural weakness. And let's face it, Otto, would you willingly submit to my rule?"
Welt highlighted several critical issues that couldn't be overlooked. Each one posed a potential major crisis, likely to surface at pivotal moments.
Hera's radiant nod caught everyone off guard.
Indeed, she admired the current Welt and was willing to bestow upon him titles like Hero, Warrior, Sage, and Saint, acknowledging him as a man worthy of entrusting her life. However, this admiration did not diminish Hera's pride or make her willingly subordinate herself to Welt.
Zeke rubbed his chin, sensing an ominous foreboding as he muttered,
"Dr. Ein is out of the question too; being a gentle researcher, he falls short in many aspects. And Otto... He's the worst choice imaginable; even if he were to lose his mind, I wouldn't pick him. Could it be... me?!"
Zeke pointed at himself, incredulous, staring blankly at Welt.
This time, it was Welt's turn to smile brightly and nod affirmatively.
Zeke's face darkened immediately.
"No way! Sounds like nothing but trouble!"
"Oh, absolutely perfect! What we need is someone indifferent to power, ensuring you'll willingly step down when the time comes."
"But Otto won't submit to me... right?"
Zeke initially intended to assert this reason firmly but hesitated and glanced at Hera instead.
"Indeed, he would~" Hera's smile was pure and radiant, akin to a blooming white lily.
Yes, no matter how insightful and resolute Welt might be, to Hera, it simply wasn't enough. He could never truly command her admiration or submission.
Zeke, on the other hand, was the savior who brought resurrection technology—a being of unparalleled intellect, strength, and surpassing Otto Apocalypse in virtually every aspect, almost transcending his existence entirely.
From Otto's perspective, even if everyone lived for five hundred years, Welt still wouldn't surpass him. But Zeke—perhaps he had already reached another dimension entirely, completely out of reach?
Moreover, having interacted with Zeke over many years, they had developed a deep friendship as its foundation. Thus, bowing down to Zeke wasn't entirely unacceptable for Hera.
Most importantly, seeing Zeke's discomfort, as if he'd tasted something revolting, brought immense pleasure to Hera. She imagined that once he actually assumed that troublesome position, his expressions would frequently become even more delightful, wouldn't they?
In short, Hera found Emperor Zeke to be absolutely perfect.
Hera's pure and radiant smile sent chills down Zeke's spine, prompting him to quickly shake his head.
"No way! Please find someone more competent for this task."
"Zeke, I know wielding such power would only bring you trouble, but someone must shoulder this responsibility, and you're the most suitable candidate. Don't you wish to create a safe and beautiful world for Kiana and her friends? Can you trust handing over this authority, which includes their fate, to anyone else?"
Welt placed a hand on Zeke's shoulder, delivering a profound and persuasive plea.
According to Newton's third law, every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Just as Zeke had studied Welt thoroughly, confident he could handle any move from this man, Welt too had gained deep insights into Zeke.
Therefore, Welt knew exactly how to persuade him.
As anticipated, Zeke fell silent upon hearing these words, contemplating various scenarios—such as if, hypothetically, someone sitting on the imperial throne in the future demanded that Kiana undertake a suicide mission, claiming it was necessary to save humanity.
Zeke was confident that no matter who sat on the throne, he could grind their face into the dirt and calmly tell them—fuck your mother!
But what if Kiana agreed to it? What then?
This scenario wasn't impossible... In fact, given the dire circumstances, it was highly likely.
So, Zeke began to waver.