Victor bowed his head politely, his eyes glancing at the two princesses with a friendly gaze, yet one laced with hidden menace.
His heavy footsteps echoed with authority as he strode through the pristine corridor beneath the glittering chandeliers, his eyes occasionally cast down toward the training grounds below the balcony.
In just a brief moment, he sensed the emptiness of the place, the confusion lingering in his heart, before he resolved to move forward.
The night was still young, with plenty of time to wait. He needed to hurry back to Brian, gather the latest information, and finally begin the plan that should have started from the beginning.
Opening the door, he noticed the light from outside spilling across the floor. He surveyed the young woman sleeping peacefully, her hair scattered messily, her body hidden beneath the blanket, her steady breathing like that of a lifeless mannequin.
This eased his mind from the earlier tension. It was fortunate nothing had happened while he was away.
He let out a slow breath.
Sitting ceremoniously at the foot of the bed, he listened to the ticking of the clock as the seconds turned into minutes, and the resounding chime marked each passing hour.
He waited calmly for Brian's return.
More than anything, he focused his thoughts on the possibilities of tonight and the near future.
If nothing went wrong, his ultimate goal was to develop the Miracle of Authority—to command even his own death, to redefine it by the principles of the exalted, and thus surpass all other miracles bound by tangible form.
To stand against awe-inspiring supernatural powers, he would rely on the highest efficiency of intellect while concealing his true abilities.
If he could shape it to such a level, he would become the opposing force to the stars themselves, hunting them without fear.
Even if it meant creating tragedies engraved into history, erasing the essence of humanity, mercilessly exterminating men, women, and children, devoid of conscience, even if it meant turning the land upside down—it was necessary.
But first, he had to reclaim the Republic of Venn to build a foundation for survival in this world.
The future must be imprinted beyond reality itself. Since Victor had been drawn into Oliver's revolutionary scheme, his life in this alien world was no longer bound by normal ideals.
It became survival as an outsider with metal embedded within him—the only thing that made him unique and linked to the stars, perhaps the very root of it all.
Soon, he would prepare to free countless slaves, while the Empire seemed intent on drawing him further into their grasp.
Even as a wanted criminal across lands, the possibility of being exalted as an envoy remained.
Surely, the offer would arrive in due time.
The door opened as the clock struck eight. A short-haired, black-haired man with a thin yet gradually strengthening body entered, clad in a refined suit suited to the status of one walking the capital of the Blood Empire.
Brian removed his coat and spread a newspaper across the floor.
"You look very prepared today, Mr. Victor. But unfortunately, there's no news from the Republic of Venn. Most likely, something internal is happening that cannot be published. Still, reports on the economy and the warship industry continue."
"Is it possible to get direct news from the Republic of Venn? There should be revolutionaries near the border."
"It's possible, if we had a network to pass it on. For now, I've obtained patrol maps of the Blood Empire's army—from a bar owner in the lawless district of the capital. It may allow us to go further than expected."
"Can he be trusted?"
"No. They're criminals who traffic humans to the Underground Continent, the very source of many brothels in the city's slums and beyond the eastern wall near the wastelands. Many fugitives from the Republic of Venn were tricked and captured by them."
"So it's not just this one bar owner, but multiple groups overlapping?"
"You're right. It's not an organization, more like a criminal marketplace."
Brian spread out the army's operational plans.
"If you want something, you must pay for it. Fortunately, I got along with him and obtained this for free."
He leaned down over the worn parchment, noting the strange patterns of the patrol routes.
He pointed to the castle.
"This castle is the central hub of patrol expansion. Beneath it lies thousands of rooms, including a massive slave mine. It serves as the army's headquarters for communications and strategic documents, as there isn't enough space for a large training ground."
"You've analyzed it sharply, Mr. Victor. Even if it's not the main army, the White Armor troops guarding the royal family are here. We can't be careless."
"What if we escaped through the wastelands?"
"I'd discard that option! With that place's reputation, it's not worth the risk."
"And the Underground Continent you mentioned?"
"Sadly, the Republic of Venn has no path to reach it. Perhaps you don't know—it lies kilometers deeper than any underground level, a vast dark world uniting all continents into one landmass, filled with ancient creatures. Millions of criminal groups and Dungeon Organization patrols roam everywhere. It's the least suitable option."
"I have another idea. Gather information on border defenses and look for networks that can link us to the revolutionaries. I'll take care of the rest. It may take time, but that should be enough for you as well."
"Do you already know something, Mr. Victor?"
"No, just speculating. But if we succeed, you could become my right hand in the Republic's revolution."
Brian's eyes blazed with fire, his fist clenched, smiling.
"Yes!! Though even moving through the city at night is difficult, building a network for information won't be impossible, even if it's risky."
"What's your plan?"
"I plan to contact a news agency in the Republic of Venn through the Blood Empire. To do that, I need allies from the Empire itself. Surely there are Venn agents hiding here."
"How can you be so sure?"
Brian tucked the documents under his coat.
"Rumors abound in the lawless district. Many slaves have escaped—yet it's impossible they left this city."
Victor grinned slyly.
"In that case, will you accompany me tomorrow night?"
"Why?"
"It's time to spark a flame in the shadows. When it spreads, it will consume the universe. Liberation must be built on faith, a symbol of honor to rally behind, and clear progress in security. I will give a speech."
He paused, considering sabotage as well—
to create problems for the Empire, while also fueling his own vitality.
"But Mr. Victor, you could be in danger if Imperial soldiers are lurking."
"That's impossible. They need me. Punishment would tie their own hands, silencing communication. If everything remains ambiguous, the matter ends there."
Victor rose with dignity, adjusting his attire and hair in order.
"Let's go, Brian. You'll help me sneak out tonight."