---o---
[You have returned empty-handed once again.]
[Not only did you fail to persuade Svarog, but even Klara has become suspicious of you. Your progress in the robot settlement is almost nil.]
[You suspect someone is obstructing you from the shadows. You already have a guess as to who that person is.]
Bronya sighed as she looked at the text on the light screen.
It was hard to imagine what kind of days she had been living through recently...
Without Ron's help, Bronya's progress in the Underworld was an arduous uphill battle.
Seele had been constantly tripping her up. With no influence of her own in the Underworld and having lost the help of Wildfire, Bronya naturally had no room to advance.
However, these were trivial matters for Bronya... As the heir to the Supreme Guardian, she had faced no shortage of difficulties growing up.
These were just temporary obstacles to Bronya. She was confident she could always resolve these troubles and achieve her goals.
I should go back to Boulder Town and deal with Seele's problem first. With her causing trouble in the dark, it feels like I'll never succeed...
Besides, it's been a week or two. Ron's illness should be better by now, right?
It's time to go back to Boulder Town and check on Ron.
With these thoughts, Bronya clicked the screen, skimmed through a series of uninteresting report notifications, and controlled her virtual character back to Boulder Town...
New text continued to appear on the screen:
[Due to your recent preoccupation, you have not paid attention to the situation in Boulder Town for a few days.]
[You feel that with others' influence, you will never be able to persuade Svarog to join your faction. You choose to return to Boulder Town to first deal with Seele, who has been obstructing you from the shadows.]
[You have returned to Boulder Town. You hear various recent rumors.]
[Tax reform, market regulation, Wildfire recruitment, mining team restructuring...]
[One event after another reaches your ears. You keenly sense that the sudden appearance of all these reforms is by no means normal. You try to get to the bottom of it.]
[You learn from some Wildfire members that the organization has a new leader, and all these reforms were policies enacted by that leader personally.]
[You learn that the leader's name is Ron.]
...?
?
???
What is going on?!
Bronya stared at the text on the screen, momentarily dumbfounded.
She hurriedly opened Ron's character card—
[Leader of Wildfire - Ron (Gold)]
[Talents: Peerless Genius, ???]
[Description: The leader of the Underworld organization "Wildfire." Formerly a personal guard to the Supreme Guardian's heir, Bronya, he later chose to join Wildfire and became its new leader.]
[??? (Gold): This Trait cannot be viewed. Its effects are unknown.]
[This character is your personal guard and has joined your personal faction.]
That's right, isn't it? Isn't Ron still in my faction?
Although there's a Golden Trait she couldn't see, this was Ron, after all. It was normal for him to suddenly acquire a new unviewable Golden Trait. Maybe he learned something new again...
Bronya had great faith in Ron's abilities. For a genius like Ron, if you looked away for a moment, he might solve some century-old problem, perhaps even receive a gift from an Aeon.
It was like that in the second simulation, where the Amber Lord had cast his gaze upon Ron. In the third simulation, he had even swung his great hammer three times for Ron, skipping three Amber Eras. Bronya felt it was normal for any kind of trait to appear on Ron.
But why would Ron become the leader of Wildfire?
I was only away from Boulder Town for less than half a week, how did this happen?
This simulation is so strange. It's had a weird feeling from the very beginning...
Bronya looked at the screen with a puzzled expression, subconsciously twisting a lock of her beautiful silver hair around her fingertip. She stared blankly for a long time but couldn't figure out what had happened.
Theoretically, if Seele had successfully poached Ron and even pushed him to the position of Wildfire's leader, Ron should be in the Wildfire faction by now...
But the screen clearly stated that Ron was locked into her faction. No matter how she thought about it, it was impossible that he had been poached, right?
No, I have to ask Ron...
With this thought, Bronya clicked on the screen. The text on it dissipated, and a new notification popped up:
[You cannot understand why Ron has become the leader of Wildfire.]
[You decide to find Ron and ask him what happened.]
[You wait on the main road leading to the Wildfire base. As time passes, you intercept a rapidly walking and seemingly hurried Ron.]
---o---
[You bid farewell to Natasha and decide to return to the Wildfire base to implement the "Pioneer Group" plan.]
[But before you can reach the Wildfire base, your old superior, Bronya Rand, blocks your path on the street.]
[She greets you and makes small talk about her recent experiences in the robot settlement, indirectly asking you all sorts of small questions.]
[You feel that she seems to be hiding something. Because you are in a hurry to push the "Pioneer Group" plan and don't want to waste time beating around the bush with her, you ask her directly.]
The text on the screen faded, and a new scene appeared:
"Bronya... is there something you want to ask?"
Ron calmly tucked the few vials of potion he was carrying deep into his overcoat and asked the somewhat conflicted-looking Bronya in an amicable tone:
"You don't have to be so secretive... If you have a question, just say it directly."
"After all, I am your personal guard, Bronya."
"Of course I know you're my personal guard, it's just..." Bronya looked at the sincere expression on Ron's face, hesitated for a moment, but finally gave up on being coy and asked directly:
"I just want to know... why did you suddenly become the leader of Wildfire?"
"Did you... did you join Wildfire's faction?"
A hint of panic and a hint of hope were hidden in her eyes... she waited for Ron's answer.
The scene on the screen faded, and a new choice box appeared:
[Bronya has finally noticed that something is amiss, but out of her trust in you, she merely questions you.]
[Faced with the current situation, please choose—]
[1. "Since you've already found out, I'll drop the act... Sorry, I belong to Natasha now."
You decide to stop deceiving Bronya. You will tell Bronya the whole truth.
After choosing this option, Bronya's Favorability toward you will decrease moderately. Your relationship with Bronya may be completely fractured as a result.]
[2. "Three years, and another three years, I'm already the leader of Wildfire, Boss Bronya!"
You decide to continue deceiving Bronya. Bronya might discover the truth.
After choosing this option, her choice will be determined by her trust in you and her own Intelligence value.
If she discovers the truth, her Favorability toward you will decrease dramatically.
If she does not discover the truth, her Favorability toward you will increase slightly, her Trust value will increase significantly, and it will be easier for you to make use of Bronya.]
Looking at the options that popped up, Ron couldn't hold back a twitch of his lips for a moment.
...The Bronya in the simulation still hadn't figured it out?
I've already become the leader of Wildfire. Even the slowest person should have immediately realized I've defected, right?
The intelligence of the simulated Bronya is on a completely different level from the real one. The game AI is truly dull-witted...
Ron complained silently in his heart and chose the second option without hesitation.
Although Bronya's status was no longer important to Ron now—he was confident that with the Pioneer Group capable of exploring the Fragmentum, as long as he developed and utilized the corroded areas of the Underworld, its development would surely advance by leaps and bounds.
After that, the Underworld's combat strength would be more than enough to steamroll the Overworld. Unifying Belobog could be achieved by force alone; he didn't need to care too much about Bronya's status.
However, a peaceful unification of the upper and lower districts was also a good thing. Although he felt bad for Bronya, for the future of Belobog, it was better for the little duckling to remain in the dark...
As Ron thought this, the options on the screen faded, and a new scene appeared:
"Shh... Bronya, we can't talk about this here."
Hearing Bronya's question, Ron hurriedly covered her mouth, cautiously glancing at the passersby before leading her to a deserted alley.
Although Bronya was a little confused, she obediently followed Ron.
Seeing that no one was around, Ron let go of Bronya's hand, leaned in close to her ear, and whispered:
"Boss, don't expose me... To help you unify the Underworld, I've already become the leader of Wildfire!"
---o---
Watching the scene on the screen, Bronya subconsciously tugged at the hair she was fiddling with—
"Ah, ow, ow, ow..."
She glanced teary-eyed at the strand of silver-white hair she had pulled out, sighed helplessly, and rubbed her head. Ron's words echoed in her ears, and the anxiety in her heart completely dissipated.
As expected of Ron, he always brings all sorts of surprises...
To think that in just these few days, he has directly infiltrated Wildfire's inner circle and become its leader?!
That's too amazing. Unifying the Underworld will be incredibly simple now...
This simulation is in the bag!
Bronya thought to herself and clicked the screen to let the simulation continue.
---o---
[Out of her trust in you, Bronya did not discover the truth.]
[She praises you greatly and has high expectations for the unification of the Underworld.]
["I will do my best to support you in controlling Wildfire, Ron... If you need anything, you can come to me at any time."]
["The future of Belobog will surely dawn in our hands!"]
[You express your agreement with Bronya's grand ambitions, managing to fool her. You then use the excuse of being too busy as the leader of Wildfire to escape from her entanglement.]
Reading the text, a small pang of guilt arose in Ron's heart.
"I didn't expect the duckling to trust me so much... Alright, I do feel a little bad for her."
"But... for the future of Belobog to reach the dawn, I'm sure the duckling would understand, right?"
Ron thought silently, pushing that little bit of guilt to the back of his mind and quickly forgetting this minor episode.
Right now, implementing the "Pioneer Group" plan was the most important thing...
He clicked on the screen, and new text appeared:
[You have returned to the Wildfire base.]
[Seele has approached you again, offering you various suggestions...]
---o---
The text on the screen faded, and a new scene emerged:
"Ron, I think we should do something..."
Seele walked into the Wildfire leader's office, clutching a few manuscripts covered in dense, crooked handwriting. She had faint dark circles under her eyes.
As a child who grew up in the Underworld's orphanage, Seele had always been the most mischievous one...
Just reading a book made her fidget with irritation, let alone writing something.
But for the future of the Underworld, she had spent a long time painstakingly writing down her vision for the future on paper with her crooked script, hoping these ideas could be realized in Ron's hands.
"The Underworld is too crowded now because of the Fragmentum's corrosion. The conflict between the miners and the wanderers is getting worse... I think we need to give them more living space."
Seele handed the papers to Ron and said with utmost seriousness:
"I think, perhaps, we can set our sights on the Overworld now..."
Watching the scene, Seele felt a little nervous.
It had been too many times... she had given Ron too many suggestions.
Every time, Ron would face her with an appreciative attitude but never actually accept her opinions.
She could feel his perfunctory attitude, which made her start to doubt if her ideas were really that bad.
This time, she had specifically controlled her simulated character, spent an entire night, and earnestly wrote down her suggestions based on the experience she gained in the last simulation, intending to guide Ron down the same path as before.
She was eagerly awaiting Ron's response.
The scene on the screen continued to play:
Ron tapped his fingertips on the manuscript on the desk, his tone full of agreement with Seele's words.
"Mm... the Underworld's capacity is indeed insufficient right now..."
As he spoke, his tone suddenly shifted. "But now is not the time to meddle with the Overworld."
"Your idea isn't wrong, it just needs a few small changes in its implementation..."
"To unify Belobog, we absolutely cannot be too hasty... Take a look at this, Seele."
Ron then took a glass test tube sealed with a cork from his overcoat. Inside was a translucent, bright red liquid, calmly emitting a soft, warm glow.
"This is what will decide our future, Seele."
[You shared the potion: "Snowstorm Immunity" with Seele.]
[You informed her of the upcoming "Pioneer Group" plan, painting a beautiful blueprint of the future for her.]
[Seele was extremely surprised and delighted by this. She immediately made a solemn pledge to you, stating that she would voluntarily join the Pioneer Group and become the main force for Wildfire in exploring the Fragmentum.]
Seele really is completely loyal to Wildfire, only thinking about the future of the Underworld...
But that's a good thing. If I assign Seele to the Pioneer Group, she'll be too busy to come up with all sorts of opinions every day.
Besides, Seele's own strength is not weak. She'll definitely be a major force in exploring the Fragmentum. This kills two birds with one stone...
Ron thought pensively and clicked the screen. The text continued to appear:
[You watch as Seele departs, filled with expectation and joy.]
[Next, facing the imminent implementation of the "Pioneer Group" plan, you find yourself in a bit of a dilemma.]
[When actually implementing the "Pioneer Group" plan, what is the best way to proceed?]
[Please Choose—]
[1. Secrecy Focused.
You believe that haste makes waste. All information related to "Snowstorm Immunity" must be strictly monitored, and the establishment of the "Pioneer Group" must be completely in your hands.
You decide to temporarily only allow a few high-level leaders of Wildfire with maximum loyalty to become pioneers and receive the "Snowstorm Immunity" potion.
You will begin training the loyalty of Wildfire members, selecting the best of the best. Only members with maximum loyalty will be allowed to become pioneers.]
[2. Development Focused.
You believe that even for a small-scale trial, a systematic operation for the "Pioneer Group" is needed. The group requires a stable channel for fresh blood.
You decide to issue a "Pioneer Recruitment" to all Wildfire members with a loyalty of 80 or above and establish a pioneer school.
You will train pioneers in batches, and the "Pioneer Group" will form a larger scale within three months.]
Looking at the text, Ron hesitated for a moment.
Although he knew the importance of secrecy in this matter, these were essentially branch options that appeared only after he had already chosen a conservative, secretive path.
One was just extremely conservative, while the other was slightly more aggressive while still being conservative.
The second option only allowed Wildfire members with a loyalty of 80 or above to become pioneers. Theoretically, a loyalty of 80 would present no possibility of betrayal; they were already utterly devoted to Wildfire...
Ron thought for a long time, but in the end, he pulled back the hand that was about to press the second option and clicked on the first.
Forget it... Since I've already chosen to be conservative, I'll see it through to the end.
When dealing with a blessing from The Apothecary of Abundance, one could never be too cautious.
There could not be a single dissenting voice within the "Pioneer Group." They must all be individuals willing to abandon their lives for the future of the Underworld. He had to have complete control over the entire group.
If even one thing went wrong... Ron could easily imagine what a terrifying situation would unfold.
One had to remember, the people who took "Snowstorm Immunity" had undergone an evolution. These little superhumans, whose physical fitness was vastly different from normal humans after their evolution, if any of them truly harbored ill intentions...
That would mean a civil war that could never be stopped.
The difference in species would trigger a life-or-death internal struggle. Ordinary people would not allow the existence of such superhumans, and the pioneers would not sit back and wait to be killed. At that time, no matter how strong Ron's personal power was, it would be absolutely impossible to completely end the internal strife.
Stable development is better...
As Ron thought this, the choice box on the screen faded, and new text appeared:
[You have decided to implement the "Pioneer Group" plan under the most cautious conditions.]
[You secretly summoned the dozen or so Wildfire members with maximum loyalty. After screening out some administrative staff, all the others agreed to your request without hesitation.]
The text on the screen faded, and a new scene appeared:
Standing in the secret room of the Wildfire base, Ron swept his serious gaze over the few Wildfire members before him.
He calmly placed several vials of potion on the table and pushed them toward the group.
The dim candlelight flickered, casting an agitated red glow through the test tubes and onto the faces of everyone present.
"Drink, everyone."
Ron said calmly, "For the fate of Belobog."
"Then, Ron, what is the price?"
Someone hesitated before the potion. "It's not that I don't trust you, but a potion that grants immunity to the snowstorm and Fragmentum corrosion, something like this is just..."
Ron shook his head and said gravely:
"Your concern is not wrong. This is certainly not a free lunch... You will pay everything for this."
"Everything," he emphasized again. "After becoming pioneers, all of you will pay everything for this."
"You will venture deep into the snow-swept Fragmentum, filled with solitude and death. You will fight for survival among terrifying Fragmentum creations, opening up one ancient ruin after another..."
"The Pioneer Group will forever walk the path of exploration. Your only goal is the depths of the Fragmentum. No one can escape this duty."
"But... all of this is for the future of Belobog."
Ron took a deep breath and promised with utmost seriousness:
"The achievements of the Pioneer Group will be engraved upon the Everwinter Monument in the future, becoming the most cherished part of Belobog..."
"Never forgotten."