What a predictable bunch.

It was indeed a good idea to control as many Magivores as I could find within Central Plains while making my way to the Grand Dome, which can be said to be the equivalent of a Royal Palace in these parts.

I have already caught up to the political state of the Central Plains, and while it is fundamentally different from the Northern Empire, they have enough similarities.

Even if they didn't, that wouldn't matter much. It doesn't change what it is I have to do.

As I stand in the open field, I cast my attention on everything around me—beyond my swarm of Magivores.

The guards have formed an encirclement around us, though based on their countenance, it's clear that they do not wish to fight me.

Or rather, my Magivores.

There are one thousand and fifty-nine Magivores in total, and they are all exclusive to the Central Plains.

I couldn't bring any of the Northern Continent natives with me.

This was a decision I reached after some careful deliberations, and I am glad I did. After all, just as I feared, there was indeed a storm, and I even nearly failed.

Thankfully, even up to this point, I haven't died again.

'There are nine Cadre 4 Magivores, three hundred Cadre 3 Magivores, and the remaining seven hundred and fifty are Cadre 2 Magivores.' I smile to myself. 'They also belong to different species, so I have quite a variety.'

The most interesting thing about this development is that I could have certainly opted for more Magivores.

I haven't reached my limits, actually.

But—

'After considering the cost of feeding, among other things, I decided not to push it and settle for this number.'

It looks like I made the right choice.

If I only brought ten, they would be impressed but not think much else. If I brought a hundred, these people would take it as a sign of aggression and retaliate.

If I brought a few hundred, they would be fearful but still inevitably attack out of self preservation.

Only by resorting to this number—a thousand—or higher, can I bring about a paralyzing fear more akin to despair.

I desire to make them surrender before they even begin to fight.

In a fight where it is difficult to gauge your opponent's strength, it is impossible to tell who will emerge victorious.

I am not so haughty as to believe I am capable of defeating an entire civilization on my lonesome. However, in the battle of mental warfare, I am already the winner.

'Oh? Looks like they're finally coming out…'

I quietly watch as the Great Tribe Chief and his Ministers proceed outside the Dome, their expressions noticeably grim.

It's understandable.

After all, Magivores are viewed as very dangerous monsters, and I just brought a thousand of them to their headquarters.

Not just that, but there is a noticeable amount of Cadre 4 and Cadre 3 Magivores present.

Such a thing is too absurd.

If I use the standard of the Northern Empire and assume that C Grade Armaments are the limit of this civilization, then it becomes impossible for any of these people to defeat a Cadre 4 Magivore in a one-on-one battle.

Even if they gang up to fight, it will be an extremely difficult fight with their C Grade Armaments.

And I have nine Cadre 4 Magivores with me.

C Grade Armaments should be used against Cadre 3 Magivores, and I have three hundred of those. However, such Armaments are rare.

I highly doubt that the Great Tribe has so many Armaments in their possession. Even if they do, it is highly doubtful that such a large amount of dangerous weapons is readily available for immediate use.

If they were so strong, they wouldn't have given up so easily on No Man's Land, especially when you consider their current situation.

Regardless, it looks like I have the psychological advantage over these people for now.

'It took an entire month to gather these Magivores and reach this place, but the effort was worth it!'

Right now, about five months have passed since my Apotheosis began.

I can feel a hurried feeling pushing me, but to avoid failure, I am being more methodical in my approach.

Everything must work perfectly.

"Greetings, mighty Chief of the Great Northern Tribe. I am a humble guard of his Imperial Highness, the First Prince of the Emperor. Within my care are the Noble Officers known as Enrynral and Tyrrion. We come bearing a message of great importance from His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of the Northern Empire."

"The Emperor…" I watch as the Great North Chief glances at my horde of Magivores while muttering to himself.

"How is the Emperor doing?" He asks.

I smile upon hearing this.

'He wishes to probe our affairs, even in this situation. Interesting…'

"His Imperial Majesty is hale and hearty. Following the shameless invasion of the villain, Kalakuta, the Emperor made a timely and wise choice to retreat to No Man's Land, which we promptly conquered and now occupy."

"W-WHAT?!"

"No way!"

"T-that is impossible!"

"No Man's Land is unconquerable!"

"How did he achieve something like that?!"

Their shock is understandable, and I understand that they are still very wary of me… but why do they feel the need to question us so openly?

Would it not be better to ask these questions and express their concerns privately?

'I have no complaints, though. The more questions they ask, the more I can shamelessly answer and inflate our relevance… hehe!'

So far, everything is going according to plan.

"I understand your surprise, but please do not limit our Emperor and his ways to your understanding. We have indeed conquered the great wilderness through his Imperial Majesty's Wisdom. The greatest dangers in No Man's Land are the Magivores, but those pose no threat to the authority of the Emperor and his mysterious powers. To show proof of this, he has lent us his Imperial Seal and we have brought these thousand-fold Magivores with us as a token of his might."

I can see them shaking down to their bones now.

They're probably spiraling into many misconceptions about the Emperor and the hidden capabilities of the Northern Empire. I am sure an image of a fortress in No Man's Land with countless soldiers guarding the Emperor is playing in their mind right now.

The truth is that there is no such thing.

The Emperor is simply hiding away in a secret bunker alongside two of his children and two Imperial Knights serving as guards.

That is all we have.

We also haven't conquered No Man's Land, but have only properly explored the Southern and Western areas of the wilderness.

But who cares?

I will bluff as many times as I need to until they believe that we are a force to be reckoned with.

Only then can they take us seriously.

"S-such power… how did—?"

"Please state your purpose for coming here!"

Before the Chief can ask another question, one of the Ministers cuts him off and asks a different one instead.

'Hmm?' I frown at the older-looking man almost immediately.

Compared to the vigorous-looking Chief, who resembles a hardened warrior and natural-born leader, this man appears slim and tall, with a scar on one side of his face.

"Who are you?" I ask aloud.

'You stopped your leader from giving me another opportunity to flex. The fact that you have the audacity to do so, and the Chief isn't even flinching at your interruption shows you have a high status.'

"My name is Geralt, and I am the Minister of Internal Affairs. I am a noble servant of our Great Tribe Chief."

"I see…"

A named character, huh? That must mean he is special, or at least plays a significant role in this Trial Scenario.

But what role is that exactly?

I know Kalakuta is the antagonist. Tyrrion and Enryndral are the heroes. My central objective thus should be related to The Great Bridgeworks.

Defeating Kalakuta and helping the Northern Empire are only secondary to that main goal.

'Even the Emperor and the Great Tribe Chief have no names. They are powerful supporting characters, but they aren't main players.'

I sigh deeply.

Once again, I am met with a lack of information.

But… that doesn't mean I am helpless.

In fact—

"Hehe… We have come to help the Central Plains." I declare boldly, much to the shock of everyone present.

I'm sure even the people in my carriage are stunned by my sudden statement.

After all, we actually came here to ally with these people so we can take back our Northern Empire. In fact, it is actually we who need their help, not the other way around.

But I can't simply state that.

It will place us at a disadvantage, and after establishing a superior position in their minds, I can't afford to lower myself any further.

This is politics, in the end.

I need to obtain the most favorable position so that negotiations are smooth.

"We are well aware of the situation in the Central Plains. Your resources are dwindling, aren't they? Magivore attacks are also becoming more and more frequent, and with the expansion of more tribes, the hold that the Great Northern Tribe has on the Central Plains is dwindling—"

"That's enough out of you—!"

"We can help…" I stretch out a hand, as if offering a handshake. "Our Empire is rich, and No Man's Land has many Special Resources which we are willing to share. We also plan to reach out to the other Continents and make the same offer, ultimately connecting everyone in an endless cycle of benefits."

"What… do you mean?" Despite Geralt's wariness, the Chief simply can't help his curiosity and has to ask me this.

I smile warmly and respond.

"The Western Alliance lacks the minerals that you possess but possess great technology. The Eastern Sects do not have great technology, but have very fertile lands for edible resources. The Southern Kingdom possesses both Minerals and Edible Resources, but are severely lacking in Special Resources. It appears that each world power is lacking one thing or the other. Only by joining forces can we cover up our deficits and make the most effective use of our excesses."

"And what do you suggest? An alliance? Such a thing is naive. Attempts have been made in the past, but—"

"The Great Bridgeworks!" I declare grandly, a bold smile on my face.

"We will connect all the Continents and ensure swift, effective transportation between the lands. This will usher in a new, modern era."

"W-what are you—?"

"Why are wars fought? Why do battles occur? In the end, is it not a war for benefits? Sure, conflicts may lead to warfare, but if there are sufficient benefits holding everyone together, and there is enough detriment discouraging escalation… Why should fights break out between our forces?"

"...."

"War for the sake of war is useless. Using the Great Bridgeworks to connect our civilizations, we will eliminate the need for war and usher in a new era of prosperity for us all and the generations to come."

I smile at the audience.

It is clear that they are all moved by my statement. But these aren't my words—not entirely.

They are the recorded sentiments of Enryndral and Tyrrion, the visionaries of The Great Bridgeworks.

In his inaugural speech, which officially opened the bridges and roads, Enryndral spewed out these very same ideals. Although his wishes didn't fully come to pass, and wars still occur every now and again, the Great Bridgeworks largely contributed to the era of peace that followed his construction

I am simply using his words to convince these people. By tugging at their heartstrings and painting a grand image to them, they can better understand the vision.

Even if they don't… so what?

I simply have to ensure that they have no choice but to cooperate.

'Using the Magivores as a threatening factor is one thing. I can also use their slipping authority in the Central Plains as an additional incentive for them to agree to this, but there is one final card I can play…'

"The Emperor, in his magnanimity, has chosen the Central Plains as the first one to ally with in this grand cause. Now, you can choose to hear us out… or we can take our business elsewhere."

Hehe…

That's right!

I will simply use the other Great Nations as a way to influence their decision.

No one wants to get left behind.

This same phenomenon exists in the realm of politics. Every Nation wishes to have an edge over the other, and they also do not wish to make enemies of powerful forces.

Looking at things logically, the Central Plains simply has too much to lose and less to gain if they outrightly refuse us.

Sure, they might require a lot of deliberation to reach a conclusion, but the decision was practically set in stone the moment I spoke in detail about the Great Bridgeworks and the benefits it would provide.

Edible Resources!

Foreign materials, technology, and weapons!

International power and acclaim!

All of these… under the control and supervision of the Great Northern Tribe!

'Not only will it solve their internal disputes, further cementing the Great Northern Tribe as the overlord of the Central Plains, but they will be able to expand even further without fear of resource scarcity.' I chuckle within myself.

As for how I became aware of all these problems, to begin with, I simply had to look around while traveling through the Central Plains.

It is easy to gauge a Kingdom's wellbeing by looking at its ordinary people.

After overhearing conversations, interrogating some people, passing through crop fields, and traversing barren areas, it became abundantly clear what the current state of the Central Plains is.

More importantly, I understood how to exploit it—promising a solution to these issues while also using the Central Plains for our benefit.

It's the only way to guarantee cooperation!

'Normally, they would be hesitant in helping us… even if we offer Special Resources. In fact, they could pretend to cooperate, but stab us in the back once they receive enough benefits. The only way to ensure true cooperation is by offering them something they really want and placing ourselves in a superior position.'

Thankfully, I have been able to do just that.

'Looks like it's time…'

"I will now introduce His Imperial Highness and the Noble Officials who directly serve the Emperor." I step towards the carriage and finally open the doors, bowing my head so Enryndral and Tyrrion can proceed with dignity.

Once they come outside, they also bow their heads and watch as I escort the first prince to the forefront.

Although his appearance is undignified, due to all the groundwork I already laid out before he made his appearance, no one dares to treat him lightly—especially since the Imperial Seal is in his hands.

The same Imperial Seal I vaguely attributed to the Magivores around us.

'Politics is a game…'

I watch in silence as everyone present attributes a great level of respect to the Prince and our entire envoy group.

My joy intensifies at this moment.

'... And as long as I win in the end, that's all that matters!'

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