Chapter 312: Who Am I? A Dog? Sigurd.
In the realm of politics, the Central Core introduced into this feudal-era world was revolutionary—nothing short of unprecedented. Its structure and efficiency rapidly drove progress in civilian welfare, infrastructure development, social reform, and the rule of law.
For the people of this world, it might have been the first time they weren't worried about how bad the government was—rather, they feared whether they could keep up with the pace of improvement the government offered.
As for the officials participating in this new political framework, the greatest challenge lay in finding their footing within an entirely new mode of governance.
All in all, while new problems continued to arise, layer upon layer, it was as if the entire era had boarded a speeding train into the future. Now all it needed… was time to adjust to the ride.
In terms of military affairs, the reforms spearheaded by Durandal were progressing remarkably well. Not without resistance, of course—but the moment she saw the potential of the new army, the empire's greatest warrior didn't hesitate in the slightest.
With overwhelming might, she bulldozed over all the pests and obstacles in her way.
Fortunately, this world wasn't bound by mundane feudalism—it contained supernatural elements. While far from the level of a world where Herrschers and fusion warriors danced across the battlefield, the gap between elite forces and ordinary people was still like heaven and earth.
Thanks to that, the construction of the new military went smoothly. Though the total number of soldiers was cut in half, their quality soared—evolving at breakneck speed. Weapons advanced at an abnormal pace, and their combat effectiveness climbed rapidly. Combined with miracle-like technologies such as Valhalla, the future looked not only promising, but downright terrifying.
With both politics and military making such groundbreaking strides, the ripple effects naturally spread throughout society, lifting every other sector in turn. The phrase "a new world is coming" was no longer just a slogan—it was becoming a lived reality.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Knock, knock, knock…
As he listened to the detailed reports from the three high officials, Sigurd rhythmically tapped his fingers against the table. His mind updated the internal "data packet" for the empire, and finally, he let out a long breath.
"Good. Nicely done."
His tone carried an unusual softness, and the three bowed their heads in response. Their serious, low-profile demeanor made it clear: they had fully submitted to the new emperor.
Rita had the grand ambition of saving the world and its people. Durandal was a loyal subject, devoted to the empire's ideals. Even Kiana—who always looked carefree—truly wanted the best for the nation.
So when a ruler appeared—one they couldn't resist, who also brought real, astonishing benefits—they could only bow their heads in surrender.
But then—
"Central Core… Valhalla… Governmental reform…"
Zhuge Kongming's voice cut in sharply. "No—that's not the point. The point is—what exactly are you trying to achieve? Who are you, really?!"
Her gaze locked onto Sigurd, eyes gleaming, fists clenched so tightly her knuckles turned white.
Logically speaking, she had assumed the reports given by the three were some kind of elaborate joke. But…
She knew these women. All three were reporting the same absurd-sounding progress, and none of them would lie about something like this.
It had only been a month.
Just one month away from the world of the living… and now, it was a world she could no longer recognize.
The one behind all of it—this person she hadn't even heard of before—just what kind of being was he?
She swallowed dryly. For someone who prided herself on possessing a peerless intellect, Zhuge Kongming felt a chill of unease ripple through her mind.
"Who am I?"
Sigurd repeated the question under his breath, falling briefly into contemplation.
"In my world, people called me many things: Tyrant. Dictator. Omnipotent one. The Scourge that Fell from the Heavens. The Strongest in the World. Ancient Monster. Mastermind…"
His voice was slow, measured—not an answer to Zhuge Kongming, but almost as if he were questioning and answering himself.
"Soon, I will ascend to the highest throne. I will command the warriors of five thousand years past and lead ten billion humans five thousand years from now. I will ride at the head of countless strongmen and control the steel flood that blankets the skies and the earth… And I will raise my sword against the higher wills that have hung over this world for eons. That… too, is who I am."
At his side, Fu Hua quietly watched. Her skirt sleeves fluttered as she turned slightly, a gentle, sacred smile appearing on her face.
Then Sigurd looked directly at Zhuge Kongming.
Those deep blue eyes were as calm as the ocean, as vast as the sky. His features were flawlessly handsome, yet his presence carried a weight that made people lose focus—made them forget to breathe.
"Who I am… could be a very complicated answer. But if you insist on something simple—"
A pause.
"I'm Sigurd. That's all there is to it."
The name "Sigurd"—spoken plainly, carried a weight far beyond its tone. Accompanying it was a subconscious release of biological pressure and mental force that shook every soul present to their core.
For Zhuge Kongming, it was the first time she'd experienced the overwhelming force of such a higher being. Her mind stuttered into instinctive silence, frozen under that immense pressure.
Then she heard Sigurd say:
"You want to deal with this so-called 'Huodou'? I'll handle it for you. In return, you'll work for me. That's all for today. Looks like you all have a lot to discuss anyway. You're dismissed."
"Ten thousand years to our Emperor!" ×3
Rita, Durandal, and Kiana stood, hands crossed respectfully in front of them, and bowed deeply with solemn reverence.
Then, one on either side, Rita and Kiana gently helped the still-dazed Zhuge Kongming to her feet—her legs too weak to stand unaided—and together, the four of them left the palace.
Once they were gone, only Sigurd and the ethereal projection of Fu Hua remained.
Sigurd leaned back casually in his seat, shedding the enigmatic aura he'd carried moments before.
Glancing to the side, he saw Fu Hua's projection touching her chin in deep thought.
"What's on your mind?" he asked.
"I was just thinking," she replied seriously, though a smile played in her eyes, "That blessing—'ten thousand years'… For you, is it really a blessing, or a curse?"
After all, even among the "Three Heroes of the Previous Era," each of them had lived for over fifty thousand years. As such, "ten thousand years" was laughably short in Sigurd's case.
Sigurd rolled his eyes.
"You've gotten way more cheerful lately, Red Kite Immortal."
"Have I?"
"You never used to joke like this. That brat was right—you used to be all stiff and ancient, like some dusty old relic."
"Haha~ Maybe I've been influenced by Senti."
Fu Hua chuckled, her crescent-moon eyes shining with mirth. "Seeing her so pure and free makes me want to act a little younger too, I suppose."
Sigurd gave a short laugh and snapped his fingers. A chunk of dark metallic material fell from the air—heavy and solid.
"I'll make you a Soulium body. Floating around like this must be inconvenient."
"But isn't Soulium expensive?"
"It is. So I'll put it on your tab. Remember to pay me back."
"Hahaha, at this point, I've lost track of what I owe you. Maybe I should just become your palace maid and repay the debt with my labor?"
Still smiling, Fu Hua melded into the freshly formed Soulium body Sigurd had shaped with a flick of his hand.
Once she had a solid form again, she flexed her fingers experimentally and gave a faint, satisfied smile.
"Now that I've got a body again… I'd like to check on Senti. Don't worry, I'll keep my distance. I won't interfere with your plans."
"Let's go together."
"Huh? Don't you still have political affairs to handle? Can you spare the time?"
"There's nothing left for me to do."
Sigurd began walking toward the exit of the great hall. Fu Hua followed, unconsciously keeping half a step behind—elegant and serene, almost like a gentle handmaiden.
"In the end, the ones who want to build this nation are them—not me. My goal has always been to use this as an experiment, to correct errors and test improvements. If I meddle too much, I'll only get in the way. This nation belongs to them."
"Oh? So it's not just that you're lazy?"
"I hate work, that's true. But tell me, have you ever seen me run away from what I must do?"
He glanced sideways at her.
"Honestly, refining Senti's temperament is more important than this entire experiment. There are countless bubble worlds out there—if this one fails, I can just start over with version two, or three, or four, until I get the result I want. But someone like her—a being so unique and valuable—comes only once. If I mess this up, there won't be a second chance."
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside the palace…
Senti was working.
Clearing fields by hand, hauling materials at construction sites—that was fine. As a Herrscher fused with a warrior's body, she never feared physical tasks.
But taking care of people?
Looking for things?
Fixing tools?
Cleaning delicate surfaces?
That was torture.
Beneath the eaves under the scorching noon sun, a little girl sat on the doorstep, her chubby hands cupping her round, baby-fat cheeks as she stared intently at the street.
Half an hour ago, a kind-looking big sister had told her she'd been commissioned by the local officials to help find her missing puppy. So she sat there waiting—waiting for A-Zhu, the dog she'd missed all day, to come home.
Even though… deep down, she knew that was impossible.
Then—
From the glare of sunlight, a familiar figure approached.
"Here. Your A-Zhu."
The older girl in front of her had striking crimson eyes. At first glance, she looked kind of scary—like some kind of fierce warrior—but once she started talking, it was clear she was actually quite simple-minded… and very kind.
Even so, as the fluffy creature was held up in front of her face, the little girl looked conflicted.
"But… big sis, A-Zhu was a dog… This is a cat."
"Hah? What's the difference? They're both fluffy and white, aren't they? Don't believe me? I'll make it bark for you. Hey—bark!"
Senti held the cat up in front of her face with a fierce expression, her red eyes briefly flashing with light.
"Woof! Woof!"
Said the cat.
Its long tail drooped straight toward the ground, and its eyes practically radiated helpless resignation.
The little girl's eyes widened slightly in awe.
"It did bark like a dog! Is this… a dog that just looks like a cat?"
Her worldview trembled ever so slightly.
Senti promptly shoved the cat into the girl's arms and huffed:
"Just take it! I looked forever to find it. It's obedient and smart—definitely your A-Zhu, no question!"
The little girl lowered her head.
"…Actually, I overheard you talking to my dad. A-Zhu… is dead, right? That's why you couldn't find him. I'm sorry, big sis… I knew that, but I didn't say anything. I made you search under the hot sun… I waited here just so I could apologize and tell you not to look anymore."
"Ugh, enough with that nonsense!"
Senti snapped.
"This is your A-Zhu, no doubt about it! It'll stay with you forever! So just take it already!"
"…Okay. Thank you, big sis. I'll take good care of him."
The little girl hugged the not-quite-dog, not-quite-cat creature tightly. It nuzzled softly into her arms, warm and gentle. Tears welled up at the corners of her eyes, and she sniffled quietly.
Then, something sweet was suddenly shoved into her mouth.
She blinked—there, in her hand, was a beautifully arranged skewer of candied hawthorns.
Senti was already munching on her own skewer, and when she saw the girl accept hers, she grinned with satisfaction.
"Alright then. That's that. Bye-bye!"
She ruffled the little girl's hair, turned around, and waved with a flourish as she walked away.
"Thank you, big sis!!!"
The girl's voice rang out clear and bright—so bright it could make anyone smile.
Senti rounded a corner, still biting her skewer, and unfurled a long to-do list, crossing off a few completed items.
"Next task: The kids at the imperial orphanage want to see a play—has to be new, fun, and with a happy ending— Gahh! Sigurd, just you wait! One of these days, I'm gonna make you suffer!"
Grumbling, Senti stuffed the list back into her coat, eyes burning with determination as she marched toward the orphanage.
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