Rudy Mont's excitement bubbled over as he gathered with his comrades in the central plaza of the Floating City. The area was a sea of people; nearly all members of the Fire Serpent Party in Britain had convened there. Anyone unrelated to the Party had already been transferred to Merlin City below via the Floating City's teleportation points.
The Fire Serpent Party's organization was meticulous. Everyone stood in their assigned positions according to their respective groups, making it immediately apparent if any outsiders were present. A dozen curious onlookers who had hoped to sneak into the Earl's "Attendant's Meeting" were politely but firmly escorted away by Party members. Now, only their own people remained on the Floating City.
With a wave of his hand, the Earl caused the colossal monument at the plaza's center to split into several petals. The petals opened like a lotus, revealing a towering platform. He stepped onto the appearing stairs and ascended, moving deliberately, commanding the attention of every person in the plaza.
Turning to face the crowd, he spoke:
"Comrades, the Floating City is a success, and our revolution is about to enter a new chapter!"
Rudy Mont clapped vigorously. He had expected the Earl to use radical measures to eliminate the reactionary pure-blood families, but he had never imagined the Earl could remove the greatest obstacle without spilling a drop of blood. This masterstroke—subtle, yet decisive—demonstrated a profound strategic mind. With the Earl at the helm, a brand-new Wizarding Nation seemed inevitable.
"From today onward, the Merlin Commune is officially established!
All industries under my control are now public property!
Yes, everything belongs to everyone! You are not working for me; you are working for yourselves!"
Thunderous applause erupted across the plaza, cheers reverberating like a wave. Rudy Mont almost clapped his hands raw. The Earl had amassed nearly the entire industrial wealth of the British Wizarding World, yet in a single stroke, he declared it public property. Such generosity was astonishing.
Of course, Rudy Mont did not recall the massive funds the Earl had accumulated through previous schemes—the sheer wealth could purchase dozens of times the industries now declared public. But in this moment, all he could feel was awe at the Earl's magnanimity.
"Soon," the Earl continued, "the wizards from pure-blood families will also become our colleagues. Initially, they may struggle to adapt and may even clash with us—"
"But remember," he emphasized, "the British Wizarding World no longer has an exploiting class. The means of production they once used to dominate you are now entirely in our hands. There is no need to regard them as superior, to insult them, or to target them. Essentially, they are the same as us."
Rudy Mont nodded, deeply impressed. Indeed, the Earl, even as a victor, still showed mercy to the defeated. Unfortunately, Rudy Mont had yet to witness the fate of those who fell out of favor with the Earl; in truth, they received no mercy at all.
"However," the Earl's tone shifted, growing serious, "as we bring our comrades back from other countries, there will be more workers than positions available—a situation that is unacceptable. We must increase employment opportunities.
"The Wizarding World's productivity is immense, but our consumption is limited. Even if every wizard worked together, the entire output could barely satisfy one major Muggle nation. This limitation has prevented many from creating wealth through their own labor. The root of this problem is the isolation of the Wizarding World from the Muggle world.
"Therefore, our next step is to gradually break down this barrier, allowing Muggles to recognize our existence and benefit from our products. Only then can our comrades truly earn what they deserve and craft a better life through their own hands!"
The Fire Serpent Party members had long internalized these ideals. To them, the Earl's rhetoric was gospel, and his vision was unquestionable.
"We must show Muggles that wizards are not fearsome beings, but powerful partners who can bring tremendous benefits. On that day, should anyone harm us, our Muggle allies will act on our behalf. We will be irreplaceable!"
Rudy Mont's face flushed with excitement. Professor Dumbledore, if he could see this, would recognize someone who could finally resolve the conflict between Wizards and Muggles.
"Comrades!" the Earl raised his voice. "Our future is bright, but the road ahead is still fraught with challenges. Today, we have overthrown the pure-blood families, but tomorrow will bring new enemies. Complacency is unacceptable—we must remain vigilant. And our Floating City is our greatest asset!"
"Jack Murray!"
"Here!" Jack, one of the Party's earliest loyal members, stepped forward, his face glowing with pride.
"From today forward, all comrades must reside in this Floating City. This is both a welfare for you and a symbol of our trust. As leader of the combat department, ensure everything is well organized!"
"Yes, Comrade Dantes!" Jack's devotion was absolute. As a wizard from humble origins, he had witnessed Dantes fulfill promises that benefited the entire Wizarding community, even sacrificing his own family's property for the collective good. Jack would gladly give his life for such a leader.
The Earl nodded, clearly sensing the loyalty and determination of his comrades, a smile of satisfaction crossing his face.
"Ewoyn!"
Ewoyn, who had concealed his identity with a face-changing mask during the ceremony, now stepped forward in his true form.
"Here!"
"Look, everyone, this is our Young Master Ewoyn!" the Earl teased, eliciting laughter from the crowd. Ewoyn scratched his ear awkwardly, embarrassed by the attention.
"Do not laugh. Ewoyn completed his mission flawlessly. Without him, those key figures would not have been so easily deceived. His contribution was crucial to our victory!"
The party erupted in enthusiastic applause. A light shone in Ewoyn's eyes. At that moment, he realized his efforts had not been in vain. Over two short years, he had gained the Earl's trust, transforming from a man once doubted into someone second only to Dantes himself. He burned with the desire to clear obstacles and charge into battle for his leader.
"Ewoyn, your next task will be formidable. You must enter the Muggle world to promote our potions—primarily those for beauty and curing incurable diseases. Begin with the Muggle elite and make them reliant on us. This is our first step in bridging the two worlds, and its success is paramount."
Ewoyn patted his chest. "Task guaranteed to be completed!"
The Earl waved, and Ewoyn melted back into the crowd.
Nikolai Vavilov stepped forward eagerly. "Comrade Dantes, and what of me? What is my task?"
The Earl smiled. "Patience. Once Ewoyn makes progress and our industrial scale grows, you will gather comrades from abroad."
"Comrade Dantes! Our overseas comrades can also contact Muggles! We can coordinate globally under Ewoyn's guidance!"
"Apologies, Comrade Nikolai. Europe's revolution is not under our leadership. Initially, it was Grindelwald's Witchcraft Party's responsibility—a prerequisite for their support. In the United States, we have yet to establish comrades."
Nikolai's disappointment was brief; he stepped back, but the Earl added:
"If our European comrades wish to join the Witchcraft Party, I will not object."
"No!" Nikolai replied firmly. "Only Dantes' revolution is true. I do not trust the Witchcraft Party, and neither do my compatriots. Rest assured, Comrade Dantes, we will always rally around you. When the time comes, fifty thousand comrades will enter Britain under your command!"
Ewoyn approached, patting Nikolai on the shoulder. "Brother, don't worry! I'll move quickly and ensure our comrades abroad can soon live in the Floating City!"
The plaza erupted once more with cheers, a chorus of loyalty and excitement. The Fire Serpent Party, under the Earl's guidance, had taken its first definitive steps toward a revolution that promised not only power but a new vision of unity, justice, and prosperity for the entire Wizarding World—and soon, the Muggle world too.
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