Actually, I'd rather start with China. Arthur thought, his blue eyes tracing the vast landmass on the holographic map. It's a one-party dictatorship. Controlling its leader would be enough to control the entire country.
And they also have abundant natural resources, unlike Japan.
Arthur sighed inwardly, an exhale no one could see. The surface logic is so tempting. A perfect target. But… that's precisely why I must avoid it.
His mind raced, analyzing variables with the speed of a supercomputer. First, China is a mysterious 'black box.' In a democratic country like Japan or the United States, information flows—even if it's filtered—through the media, political opposition, and civil society. I can read its pulse. But in China? All information is centrally controlled. Controlling its top leader might feel like I have control, but what if I'm only controlling a puppet, while hidden factions within the party continue to move beyond my reach? It's a blind gamble.
He glanced at Belial, who was staring at the map with the intensity of a master strategist. Belial would probably love that challenge, but I can't take a risk that big at the start.
Second, nationalism. A regime like that builds its power on a foundation of fanatical national pride. If they sniff out foreign interference—no matter how small—the entire country could turn into a hornet's nest. Their sophisticated surveillance apparatus, designed to control their own people, would become a living hell for my pawns. It's far easier to slip into a more open society that's already accustomed to outside influence.
Arthur's fingers unconsciously tapped the armrest of the throne. And finally… the world's reaction. If Japan suddenly shows strange policy changes, the world might be suspicious, but the United States—its main ally—would likely treat it as an internal political crisis at first. But if China, the West's main geopolitical rival, suddenly moves in an inexplicable way… the entire world would immediately be on high alert. They would point every satellite, every spy, every resource they have to find out what's happening. It would put us under a global spotlight before we're ready.
No, Arthur decided with finality. Starting with China is like trying to swallow a whale in one bite.
I'll start with this delicious and nutritious salmon first. His thoughts returned to Japan. Conquer, digest, and grow stronger. Only after that… can we start hunting whales.
Arthur took a deep breath, his mind returning to the Throne Room. He saw the Floor Guardians still looking at him, awaiting their next order. He had explained the revised plan, but he knew that question must be on the minds of his most strategic thinkers.
Sure enough, Belial took a step forward, his movement respectful yet confident.
"Lord Arthur," Belial began, his deep voice echoing softly. He wasn't looking at Arthur, but rather pointing to the landmass of China on the holographic map.
"Forgive my impertinence. But if our goal is resources and efficient control, why don't we target this center of power directly? Controlling one person there would give us access to an entire continent."
Arthur wasn't surprised. In fact, he smiled faintly, a smile that showed appreciation for his subordinate's thinking.
"A good question, Belial. It shows you don't just accept orders, but analyze them." Arthur didn't answer directly. He clasped his hands behind his back, his posture radiating the calm of a king teaching a lesson.
"Tell me, what do you see when you look at that country?"
Belial frowned for a moment. "Power. Efficiency. Centralized control. An ideal target."
"I," Arthur replied, his voice now turning cold, "see a dark fortress. A labyrinth we don't know. And a sleeping dragon." He descended the throne's steps, his voice growing quieter but more intense.
"We could try to kill that dragon in its sleep. But what if we fail? What if we only succeed in wounding it? A wounded and angry dragon will burn everything around it, including us, who are not yet ready."
Arthur paused, letting his subordinates digest his words. His gaze swept over them one by one, sharp and calculating.
"Although I am very confident in Avanheim's military might," he continued, his voice softer now but no less firm, "I will never take a risk this big without certainty. This is not a blind gamble."
He looked back at the map, as if gazing into an unwritten future. "Besides… the threat of other Avalon players still exists, even if the possibility is small."
He stopped, then looked at them again, his eyes conveying absolute seriousness.
"But it remains a threat."
Arthur directed his gaze back to Belial and said, "Japan is our training ground. A place where we learn their weapons, understand their way of thinking, and build our strength without attracting the dragon's attention. Once we have a sharp enough sword and a strong enough shield, only then will we go dragon hunting."
"Remember! Our existence must not be revealed to the world until we are at least 85 to 90 percent certain of whether or not other Avalon players exist," Arthur emphasized.
"Because they are the greatest threat to Avanheim."
Damn it! What kind of nonsense did I just say?! Arthur screamed, bewildered, in his head. He could feel his face heating up slightly behind his calm mask. So embarrassing!
He glanced at his Floor Guardians, who were still kneeling, looking at him with serious and admiring expressions.
And all of them… are listening so earnestly! I can't imagine if anyone else heard what I just said. They'd think I was spouting nonsense and pretending to be a master strategist!
Honestly, he knew that controlling China would indeed be much easier for carrying out the world conquest plan. The benefits were far greater than the risks. But… because he hated communists, he would never do that.
I'd rather destroy a communist country first, then rebuild it into the country I want, rather than ruling it from the start as a communist state. That would only make it more prosperous and powerful.
Especially… a semi-communist product like China. I despise it.
Belial nodded slowly. The expression on his face changed from doubt to deep understanding. He bowed his head.
"I understand, My Lord. A most wise strategy. I was too focused on the endgame and forgot the process."
At Arthur's side, Emma looked at him with a gaze that was almost religious worship. Even Belial's sharpest thinking is still beneath Lord Arthur's wisdom. Truly… magnificent.
The world conquest plan I thought was perfect… turns out to have so many weaknesses I didn't even realize. Emma clenched her fists at her sides, her nails digging into her palms.
About what My Lord just said… does he intend to start a war relying only on Japan? By increasing their military strength, without Avanheim having to interfere directly? Emma thought, her eyes now fixed on the map. But can they win? I doubt this small island nation can defeat a country tens of times its size. She compared the size of Japan to China on the map.
Besides, to invade China, we would first have to occupy the Korean Peninsula or the island of Taiwan. It's much easier to start from China than Japan. But… Lord Arthur's words also make sense.
And as for nuclear weapons… that is indeed a problem. However, as long as we infiltrate and sabotage them so they can't use them, it won't be a major issue. Even if they manage to block our sabotage, I can send Merlin to prevent it. With his 'Door' skill, he can move that nuclear bomb anywhere in the universe. Or I could step in myself and send it through a Gate portal. Even if the bomb explodes… I don't believe a lowly, non-magical weapon made by humans could penetrate my high-tier magic defenses.
I'll ask My Lord about this in private later. Whether it's as I think, or if Avanheim will assist secretly in the coming war.
"Good that you understand." Arthur patted Belial's shoulder, a rare gesture of approval.
"Now, back to the main agenda."
His gaze shifted to the figure of the girl still lying beside the throne.
"She," Arthur said, his voice softening, "is the first proof of our power in this world. The power to give life. Emma, what is her condition?"
Emma stepped forward, her reptilian blue eyes observing the girl. "Her vital signs are stable, My Lord. She is only in a deep sleep, as you said. Her soul has fully returned to her body."
"Good." Arthur nodded. He looked at the girl's pale yet peaceful face. I have given you a second chance… I hope you don't waste it.
Just as Arthur thought that, he caught it. A small tremor in the girl's eyelids.
The other Floor Guardians noticed it too. A tense silence once again filled the room.
The girl's eyelids fluttered, feeling as heavy as lead. A strange scent—not the sterile smell of a hospital, not the familiar smell of her room—pricked her nose. She tried to move, but her muscles felt like jelly, refusing to obey.
She tried to open her mouth to speak, but all that came out was a weak, hoarse sigh.
Where… am I?
With all her remaining strength, she forced her eyes open.
The first sight that greeted her was a very high, domed ceiling, painted with images of European paintings she didn't recognize. A soft white light emanated from giant crystal chandeliers that hung like frozen stars.
And two large, white marble statues were behind her head.
She blinked, trying to focus. Her head felt dizzy.
This… isn't heaven. It isn't hell, either.
Where is this?..
Wasn't I already dead?
She slowly turned her head to the side. And that's when she saw them.
Her heart seemed to stop beating.
Surrounding her stood figures that should only exist in nightmares or the wildest fantasies. A little girl with a dinosaur tail. A woman with demonic horns and reptilian eyes. A handsome man with pointed ears and a long black tail who smiled at her as if this were the most natural thing in the world. And in the center of them all stood a young man with black hair and sky-blue eyes who was looking straight at her, his gaze holding a mixture of pity, curiosity, and… happiness?
Her breath caught in her throat. She tried to speak, but no sound came out.
Her eyes, filled with curiosity, looked at the young man standing beside her.
Arthur crouched down, his hand supporting his chin. He looked at the girl who had just returned from death and asked the first question.
"Welcome back to the land of the living," he said calmly.
"Now… can you tell us your name?"