[Solid ice spreads from Cocolia's footsteps, rapidly encasing the entire room.]
[The tip of the Lance of Preservation is aimed at you all; a battle is imminent.]
[But Cocolia's resistance is futile. The outcome is decided swiftly.]
[For the first time, Ron and Seele reveal their true combat prowess before you—]
[You see Ron, his fists encased in crystal, shattering Cocolia's spear strike. The biting frost of its edge is completely deflected by the dark-golden crystal, and the weapon falls powerlessly to the ground.]
[You see Seele transform into a deep purple butterfly, flitting through the air. Quantum energy forms into an illusory light that ensnares and binds Cocolia.]
[You merely fire a symbolic, wind-propelled bullet that strikes the solid ice near Cocolia, chipping off a few slivers.]
[You are suddenly struck by a sorrowful truth—]
[Ron and Seele have both left you far, far behind. At this moment, you can only gaze upon their retreating backs.]
Reading the text on the light screen, Bronya felt a strange sense of unease.
What do you mean, Ron and Seele have both left me behind? Why does this feel like they've abandoned me together?
She puffed her cheeks out with a hint of indignation. The AI had accomplished her primary goal, but it had done absolutely nothing else.
While she knew she definitely couldn't keep pace with Ron, she was very familiar with Seele's strength from the last simulation—it was roughly on par with her own.
If she had been in control herself, this situation would never have happened...
It's all the AI's fault!
But it was fine. Even if she wasn't strong enough, it didn't matter.
Though she was weak, she had Ron as her personal guard to cover for her!
They had already defeated her mother in this simulation. While the threats of the Stellaron and the Anti-Matter Legion still loomed, they had a long time to prepare.
Besides, those were crises she couldn't influence anyway, no matter how much stronger she became.
As long as she could consistently stay out of danger and not be a burden to Ron, it would be fine...
With that thought, the little bit of dissatisfaction in Bronya's heart faded away, and she continued to read the text appearing on the screen:
[Cocolia is captured alive by you, her attire left in tatters.]
[The cape of her military uniform has vanished, its buttons half-undone and torn open. The medals symbolizing her honor lie scattered across the floor, with only a few lonely ones clinging to her collar.]
[Her black stockings are ripped with several large holes, revealing smooth thighs. Combined with her beautiful face, an atmosphere... perhaps best left undescribed... begins to permeate the room.]
[But this atmosphere is instantly shattered by Ron. You watch him skillfully produce a bundle of hemp rope, hog-tie your mother, and hoist her from the rafters like a punching bag before extending a wicked hand in her direction.]
["To string up a mother in front of her daughter for a spanking? Not even a demon would be so cruel!"]
[You are utterly appalled by Ron's actions and rebuke him loudly.]
[But Ron turns a deaf ear to your words, ignoring your demand.]
["Alright, our purpose isn't to humiliate her..."]
[Seele halts Ron's "assault" and coolly retrieves the Lance of Preservation from the floor beside Cocolia.]
[She places the Lance of Preservation into your hands.]
The text on the light screen faded as a choice box materialized:
[The symbol of the Supreme Guardian is within your grasp. Your future presents a new choice—]
[1. Wear the Crown. You believe yourself capable of fulfilling the duties of Supreme Guardian. To safeguard Belobog's future, you understand the difficulties and obstacles of the path ahead and consciously accept this heavy burden of civilization. (Upon selecting this option, you will become the ruler of Belobog's government, and your Stress value will increase significantly each day.)]
[2. Refuse the Crown. The position of Supreme Guardian is more than you can handle at this time. You have only imagined the responsibility that comes with the crown; in reality, it is an unimaginably heavy burden. You are not yet prepared. (Upon selecting this option, you will lose the qualification to become Belobog's Supreme Guardian and will no longer be able to participate in its major political decisions.)]
This was a single-choice question.
Bronya tapped the first option without a moment's hesitation.
The choice box vanished, and new text appeared on the screen:
[The previous Supreme Guardian, Cocolia Rand, is imprisoned by you in the Guardian's Residence at Qlipoth Fort. Wildfire has seized control of all checkpoints in the Overworld, leaving the main Silvermane Guard army trapped outside the city.]
[You are provisionally sworn in as the Supreme Guardian of Belobog. You spend every day and night trying to fulfill your duties. The overwhelming official business brings crushing pressure, leaving you anxious and uneasy. Your Stress value climbs daily.]
[At this moment, Ron approaches you with a request. He hopes that you will grant him and Wildfire your support to go and assume command of the Silvermane Guards, who have yet to recognize your rule as legitimate, and to alleviate some of your political pressure.]
[Out of your complete trust in Ron, you unhesitatingly delegate authority to him and Seele, allowing them to negotiate with the Silvermane Guards in the name of the Supreme Guardian of Belobog.]
[Under the military threat posed by Wildfire and the political weight of your status as the rightful heir, the army is forced to compromise, acknowledging your and Wildfire's rule over Belobog.]
[The city is instantly swept up in a storm of change, as everyone recognizes this transfer of power stems from an illegitimate military coup—]
[However, all discordant voices are silenced by Seele's cold-blooded handling of the situation.]
[When you walk the streets of Belobog, you can always faintly smell the scent of blood in the air.]
[For a time, death becomes the city's main theme.]
[You are not pleased with Seele's methods. You reprimand her in a stern tone, demanding a reasonable explanation.]
[But Seele insists this was the best possible choice.]
[You remain unsatisfied with Seele's performance, even beginning to consider whether you should dismiss her from her post.]
[You decide to ask for Ron's opinion.]
[Ron vouches for Seele's abilities. Out of your trust in Ron and your own acknowledgement of Seele's competence, you decide to give her a few more chances.]
[A month flashes by.]
[Because you delegated authority to Seele and Ron, you discover that Seele has implemented a number of draconian policies in the Overworld with extreme speed, rapidly accumulating a large sum of funds and materials.]
[Public resentment boils over, but under Wildfire's high-pressure rule, no one dares to rise up.]
[The Elders Council voices numerous objections, claiming that Seele and Ron's actions are a provocation to the Supreme Guardian and the Council, an exploitation of the people of Belobog, and a tyranny that leads to ruin.]
Bronya frowned at the text on the screen. She had never imagined things would turn out this way.
Why had Seele become... so ruthless?
She and Seele had governed Belobog together in the last simulation, and Seele had been her most trusted aide.
While Seele's personality was certainly sharp, there was no way she would resort to implementing such cold-blooded decrees...
She had thought Seele had merely stumbled onto the wrong path and would soon correct her course, but she never expected such a complete transformation.
What could she have possibly experienced in this simulation to change her so drastically?
This couldn't be allowed to continue.
With this thought, Bronya decided she had to dismiss Seele.
[You partially agree with their opinions, but you are certain that Seele cannot be allowed to continue down this ruthless path.]
[You go to the Wildfire garrison in Qlipoth Fort and find Seele and Ron handling political affairs.]
[You solemnly warn Seele and declare that, after discussions with the Elders Council, she must be immediately indicted and put on trial before the Belobog Tribunal.]
[However, you feel Seele's talents shouldn't be wasted in a Belobog prison.]
[You try to persuade Seele, suggesting that she has only temporarily lost her way. But with the Elders Council and most of Belobog's citizens harboring immense resentment, you hope she will resign and join you in Qlipoth Fort to handle paperwork for the time being.]
[You promise to supervise her personally. Once she has changed for the better, you will arrange for her reinstatement.]
[But Seele cuts you off.]
The text on the light screen faded away, replaced by a new scene:
"Don't say another word, Bronya. If you leave right now, I can pretend none of this ever happened..."
Seele spoke coolly. Bronya was clearly angry.
"Pretend nothing happened? Is that a threat, Seele?"
Even Seele is threatening me now? Am I such a failure as a Supreme Guardian...
Wait, if Seele is threatening me, why isn't Ron stepping in to help?
Watching the scene, Bronya's sharp eyes caught something amiss—
Ron stood silently in Seele's shadow, as if he were her silent guardian.
Even as Seele uttered words that bordered on treason, Ron remained right behind her, his posture a clear expression of his support.
?
A giant question mark appeared over Bronya's head.
Why was Ron supporting Seele? Was there something wrong with her trying to stop Seele from going further down this mistaken path?
Besides, Ron is my personal guard. It's bad enough he spends all day handling politics with Seele, but that's for Belobog's sake, so I can tolerate it...
But taking her side on this? Unacceptable!
Pouting, Bronya jabbed at Ron's image on the screen and opened his character card—
[Shadow of Belobog · Ron (Gold)]
[Talents: Unparalleled Talent, General of the Loyal Guard, Inscribed Mark of Salvation, Companion in the Apocalypse]
[Description: Commander-in-Chief of Belobog's military. Formerly served as the personal guard to the 19th Supreme Guardian, Bronya Rand, but was later abandoned by her and became a member of the Wildfire organization.
When together with the character [Light of Belobog · Seele], both characters' work efficiency increases by 50%, their daily Stress is reduced by a fixed 30 points, their Affection growth rate increases by 100%, and they gain the exclusive Trait [Companion in the Apocalypse].]
[Companion in the Apocalypse (Gold): Even as the end of days approaches, I will walk this path with you... The dawn of salvation will ultimately shine at the world's end.]
[When the characters Ron and Seele are both alive and engaged in a "War of Salvation," all of their ability stats will be massively increased.]
Beneath Ron's character card, a conspicuous line of bold red text was displayed—
[This character has joined the [Wildfire] faction. This faction is now locked and cannot be changed.]
Huh?
Bronya stared dumbly at the screen.
What happened? Why isn't Ron my personal guard anymore?
Why... is he locked into the Wildfire faction?
The sheer volume of information overwhelmed her. She sat there in a daze as the animation on the screen continued to play—
"I'm not threatening you... I am simply giving you some friendly advice, Bronya."
Seele set down the scroll in her hand, her expression complicated as she looked at Bronya, her voice filled with apology.
"To be honest, I didn't want to reveal all this so soon, but..."
"But your obstruction has become impossible to ignore."
Seele's words grew colder, though the ruthless glint in her eyes had never truly left.
"I had hoped we could continue on peacefully. You, playing the role of Supreme Guardian, while I charted a new course for Belobog..."
"But the existence of the Elders Council has always been a thorn in my side, and your presence constrains me... I've had enough of all this red tape."
She sighed, a rare look of self-reproach flashing across her face.
"I never should have argued against Ron's suggestion..."
But Seele quickly composed herself, her tone chilling once more.
"...However, it's not too late."
As she spoke, she gave a slight wave of her hand. As if sharing a telepathic link, Ron suddenly produced a hemp rope, identical to the one used on Cocolia, and swiftly bound Bronya into a tight bundle, like a rice dumpling.
"What are you doing?! What are you two doing?!"
Bronya stared at Seele in disbelief. She struggled against Ron's bonds, but she was completely powerless, able to do nothing but squirm pathetically on the ground like a young animal caught by a hunter.
Seele watched her quietly and explained in a calm voice:
"We aren't doing anything to you, Bronya. We are simply doing what must be done."
"The ideals of the masses converge into the great vow of Preservation; our desires become the hope for our civilization's survival... This is the Inscribed Mark of Salvation."
"We must eliminate all who stand in our way and declare the coming of dawn to the entire world."
"I'm sorry, Bronya."
Though her words were an apology, her tone held not a shred of remorse.
"For the future of Belobog, and for the great vow of salvation... I need absolute control."
"Absolute control? Do you intend to become the Supreme Guardian?"
Bronya's brow furrowed as she asked the question, but she received only a pitying look from Seele.
"Belobog has no need for a Supreme Guardian. It has even less need for an Elders Council. Why are you still so naive?"
"Belobog requires reformation. As per Ron's proposal, I will establish the Jarilo-VI First Empire."
"I will become the Empire's Emperor," she declared, pausing for a moment for emphasis. "The sole Emperor."
"You..."
Bronya was at a loss for words, simply staring at Seele, utterly devastated.
But Seele just looked at her and offered a gentle smile.
"Why do you look like that? As the first citizen of the Empire to learn of this news, this is not how you should be reacting."
"Rejoice," she commanded. "Rejoice for the birth of the Empire."