MTLNOVEL Chapter 229: Chapter 229: On the Theory of Nation-Building
"I-I'm sorry! It was my carelessness—I failed to stop her suicide in time!"
Despite the unsettling scene, Durandal quickly recovered from her brief moment of distraction, shaking off the unpleasant substance on her fingers. She straightened herself and saluted with impeccable form.
Hera shook her head and replied casually, "It's not your fault. The contact time was too short. Even Sigurd and I haven't developed effective countermeasures yet. Just take the body away, seal it, and keep it for future needs."
Aside from the inability to prevent suicide, the Herrschers' heightened vigilance was another critical factor. Hera hadn't even taken out Hua's Fenghuang Down—and in hindsight, that had been the right choice. If she had, the Herrscher likely would've committed suicide instantly, leaving them with no chance for even this minimal exchange of information.
"Yes!"
Durandal saluted again, then effortlessly sliced through the high-strength anti-Honkai energy restraints with a knife-hand strike. She carried the Herrscher's lifeless body out of the room.
Once alone, Hera picked up her teacup, sipping the now slightly cooled tea. She raised an eyebrow and spoke to the seemingly empty room:
"So, what do you all think?"
In the next moment, three figures materialized as holographic projections—Sigurd, Welt, and Einstein.
Sigurd rested his hands on the armrests of his chair, fingers interlocked, his tone calm and composed:
"As expected, they've set their sights on your identity. That's why they allowed this individual to approach you. While we didn't obtain concrete intelligence, we now have a lead to pursue."
"So, what you're saying is that I'm responsible for capturing the Herrscher of Thousands?"
"Intrigue, scheming, and playing the long game—you're the best at that."
"Hey! That's a bit much, don't you think? And besides, if I'm like this, what does that make my dear friend who always counters me so perfectly?"
"Exceptionally wise."
"Wow! Look at this guy—he takes all the credit for himself and dumps the bad traits on me!"
Hera pointed her two slender, spotless fingers at Sigurd, her smile radiant yet laced with playful mockery.
Sigurd met her gaze, the faintest trace of a smile tugging at his lips.
The atmosphere, however, was far from amicable. Welt and Einstein, the other two present via hologram, could clearly sense an undercurrent of tension between the two.
Clap! Clap!
Einstein clapped her hands lightly, her tone flat as she said:
"That's enough flirting. Let's get back to business."
Flirting? Sigurd, his expression unreadable, turned to Einstein as if to silently refute her remark.
Meanwhile, Hera grinned and flashed a peace sign:
"In any case, long live friendship!"
She described her relationship with Sigurd—marked by sharp banter and constant undermining—as a friendship, genuinely enjoying the dynamic.
Sigurd's expression darkened slightly, though he said nothing.
At that moment, Welt, as if emerging from deep thought, removed his glasses and let out a long sigh.
"Ah… The matter of the Herrscher of Thousands does need to be entrusted to you. On our side, I believe Sigurd's presence is required elsewhere."
His sudden remark drew puzzled looks from the others.
Sigurd and Einstein, in particular, exchanged glances. Welt hadn't mentioned any such plans before now.
Welt polished his glasses slowly, pausing for a moment before speaking:
"The incident involving the Herrscher of Thousands has brought a critical issue to the forefront. Over the years, Anti-Entropy has been dedicated to reshaping this world. Our influence now extends to one-sixth of the human-inhabited regions, primarily areas of extreme poverty. With the limitless energy provided by the 'Moonlight Throne' device, along with advanced technology and management practices, we've elevated one-eighth of the global population to a standard of living befitting humanity. Hunger and cold have been nearly eradicated, and the forces of exploitation have been drastically reduced. However, reaching this point has also brought us to the brink of full-scale conflict with the various malformed structures that dominate the world. This, in essence, is the core issue that the Herrscher of Thousands exploited."
Welt's perspective was profound and incisive, identifying the root cause that Sigurd and the others had previously overlooked.
The trio contemplated his words and eventually nodded, acknowledging this unconventional conclusion.
Welt continued:
"The world's primary contradictions today are twofold: the conflict between civilization and Honkai, and the opposition between republican ideals and various decayed systems. To resolve these contradictions fundamentally, we need a strong, central force—one capable of using immense power to do what is right."
He outlined a grand, correct direction that once again garnered the agreement of his listeners.
Sigurd asked, "So, what's your plan?"
"Nation-building. Not a nation defined by territorial borders, but one defined by civilization—a unified state encompassing all humanity, regardless of race, ethnicity, or allegiance to Schicksal or Anti-Entropy."
Welt's proposal was staggering.
Yet none of the attendees were ordinary individuals. After brief deliberation, they acknowledged it as a feasible and effective approach.
By abolishing the distinctions between nations and organizations, the entire civilization could be unified. A centralized government could decisively and legitimately eradicate all discordant elements, rallying the world's forces under the banner of resisting Honkai. Simultaneously, it would provide a clear framework for disseminating Welt's ideological system.
This also promised to settle the rivalry and tension between Schicksal and Anti-Entropy once and for all—not by declaring a victor but by uniting both sides to build a better future together. It was a solution capable of appeasing both Valkyrie troops and Anti-Entropy members alike.
As for whether such a plan could succeed… truthfully, if the four individuals present agreed to it, there was little on this planet that couldn't be accomplished. Even dismantling hundreds of nations and achieving total unification was within their reach.
The problem lay in Hera's position within this grand plan.
Currently, Hera stood as Schicksal's leader. For the greater good, even if Welt, Sigurd, and Einstein all wished to see her fall, they were compelled to maintain harmonious relations with her. But once a unified government was established, Hera's significance might diminish…
Or perhaps not. Hera's power was not solely reliant on Schicksal's support. Her unfathomable accumulation of resources and enigmatic trump cards wouldn't lose their value simply because of a systemic change.
In essence, her situation wouldn't shift drastically—at least not until the fight against Honkai was won.
That was all Hera needed. She wasn't concerned about how much longer she could live. As long as Kallen's resurrection succeeded, it would be enough.
Besides, Sigurd's rapid progress was already terrifying. Hera had long anticipated her eventual end. Whether or not a nation was established mattered little to her in the grand scheme.
Having thought this through, Hera took on an indifferent demeanor, as though the matter were unrelated to her. She asked casually, "So, which governmental system do you propose for this unified state? That's a crucial question, isn't it?"
"I believe the most suitable system is imperial rule," Welt declared.
"Wait! Hold on—you're talking about universal harmony, aren't you? Imperial rule would be a step backward!"
Hera was stunned, struggling to comprehend Welt's seemingly contradictory logic.
Likewise, Sigurd and Einstein appeared perplexed, turning to Welt for clarification.
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