"Assist Tirixipios in successfully obtaining the Janus Fire Seed. Base evaluation: C-rank."
"Destruction of the Janusapolis old aristocratic faction reaches 97%. Successfully occupied Janusapolis. Evaluation greatly increased."
"Invited Thunder Knight Senexios to join the Fire Chasing Camp ahead of schedule. Evaluation additionally increased."
"Overall evaluation: A+. Eligible to unlock special plot scene and receive special plot rewards."
"Proceed with 1-1 map standard reward settlement?"
"Settle."
"Settlement complete. Rewards obtained in this scenario: Gold *150, Universal EXP *1500, Term Copier *1."
"You have successfully occupied the central structure of the 1-1 map, Janusapolis. Thereafter, occupation yields will be distributed each system day: Gold *2 daily, Universal EXP *50 daily. Every seven days, a mirror copy scenario can be generated. Completing the mirror copy yields relics, light cones, curios, Universal EXP, Gold, and other related rewards."
"City management mode now available."
"It can develop sustainably too?"
Yi Zhen hadn't expected this bonus from impulsively seizing the city. It felt like this cheat key wasn't limited to just the mobile game stuff.
Either way, more passive income was always better for him.
"Whoa, it even has Age of Ice to play."
Looking at the one-click foolproof city management planner, Yi Zhen nodded in satisfaction. If he could lead those stubborn folks through minus 150 degrees, a normal environment should be a breeze, right?
Wait, no. This damn place had no sun, and there were Black Tide monsters lurking around.
"Looks like it's not that easy after all."
Still, with the old aristocratic faction wiped out, Janusapolis shouldn't have as many troublemakers going forward.
"Hiss, almost forgot. Time to confiscate their assets."
It was his first time doing this, and he felt a thrill of excitement.
Yi Zhen rubbed his hands, eager to pick a few lucky names from the old nobles list to test the waters.
But before he could decide where to start the purge, the Saintess finished explaining and soothing the populace. She rushed toward him like a streak of blazing flame, her deep blue eyes brimming with anxiety.
"Yi Zhen, didn't we agree to chase fire together for life? Why are you staying in Janusapolis?"
"Because we need a base, Tirixipios."
Yi Zhen took her hand gently, soothing her in a warm voice.
"We destroyed the old ruling class and shattered the existing order. If we don't step in, ambitious opportunists will take over and bring even more suffering to the people."
"But..."
"Even the worst order is better than chaos. The old nobles were bloodsucking scum who fed on human misery, but they did keep the populace alive."
NPC lives counted too! Especially since he seemed to be data now himself.
"Besides, in the future, you'll build your own strongholds with others. I'm just speeding things up a bit."
Oherma was definitely prime real estate, but nothing said he could only take one city.
Janusapolis's weakness was the lack of a Dawn Machine. Aegler had abandoned his duties, fleeing the Black Tide without even bothering to raise the sun again.
In this eternal night, Oherma with its Dawn Machine was SSR-tier territory.
Good things came to those who waited. As he progressed through stages, he'd claim that land eventually.
Places like Xuanfeng and Aideliya, which birthed demigods, were future targets too.
Janusapolis made a perfect practice run. As the City of Three Phases, it housed temples, creations, and Fire Seeds of Taronton, Janus, and Olonis. It was the endpoint of Ke Huang's Ten Great Campaigns to conquer the land, a special city rivaling the holy city of Oherma.
"Fire chasing isn't a dinner party. You have to treat it like a real enterprise."
"Relying on one person to roam the land? The people won't take your words seriously, and conservative nobles will brand you a heretic, exile you, persecute you, kill you."
"So, good girl, you need a strong backing to give your words weight."
Weak states had no diplomacy.
A lone warrior? Laughable.
Confucius was wise beyond measure, yet after fourteen years wandering with disciples, he achieved nothing.
Right now, Tirixipios looked adult. Visiting other city-states with official backing might earn her respect.
But once she started wielding Portal Authority frequently, her soul would splinter into countless childlike versions. Then, forget haughty noble priests—even common folk wouldn't trust a kid's words.
"Go forward boldly. I've got your back."
His cheat could boost his own power, sure. But with new features unlocked, it could empower his teammates too.
So, the real play was hoarding resources.
He hated clutch victories. Why not max out resources, steamroll late-game?
Do you like my three-star five-cost soulmate?
Do you like my triple-priv sheep knife Aya?
Do you like my ten-Xianzhou-bond Jing Yuan?
Once he maxed out the Night Demigod, Day Demigod, and soulmate, even the Iron Tomb would get pushed back while they ran AI to generate some spicy art!
"I understand."
The Saintess got Yi Zhen's point. She reached out and hugged him tightly. Her soft body trembled faintly against him as she rested her head on his shoulder, whispering,
"I won't let your efforts go to waste, Yi Zhen."
"Like Senexios's oath, from this day forward, I'm with you until my heart stops beating."
"I may not be your weapon, but... I'll ensure you're never lost or hindered."
"All the portals of the world will stay open to you forever."
Listening to the Saintess's heartfelt confession, Mr. Yi Zhen pondered deeply. Did this "portal" include her own gate and path?
He'd have to discuss that topic thoroughly with her later.
"Maybe I came at a bad time?"
As Yi Zhen savored the warm, fragrant embrace, a voice tinged with faint sourness came from behind.
He looked up. At some point, the towering lady who'd single-handedly stormed Janusapolis with her spear had entered the palace. Gazing at the embracing pair, a flicker of displeasure crossed her eyes.
While she was out there fighting for her life, some sneaky cat was trying to steal her external brain while she was away?!
Yi Zhen, is this the dear friend you said I'd have in the future?
Screw that kind of thieving friend!
"No, you arrived right on time."
Enduring the hefty bowling-ball pressure from Teacher Big Tirixipios's chest, Yi Zhen turned his attention to the other northern hemisphere powerhouse, who rivaled her despite her youth.
"Dear Senexios, we've taken our first step on this journey. And next, I won't hog the rewards."
"Come to my side. It's time to divide the spoils... er, share the joy!"