Albert was calibrating his robotic arm.
Anti-Entropy wasn't devoid of limb regeneration technology; on the contrary, it was highly advanced. In civilian applications, it had become as commonplace as cold medicine, accepted by everyone.
However, Albert chose not to regrow his original arm. Despite being born with rare natural resistance to Honkai Energy, after Anti-Entropy's bio-enhancements, his physical combat prowess became quite formidable. Nonetheless, his innate potential remained limited—in such circumstances, a mechanical arm provided an effective means to enhance his fighting capabilities.
Mechanical arms were convenient and had long proven their reliability and stability. Nonetheless, to ensure everything was in order, Albert still made it a habit to test his prosthetic's responsiveness before each battle.
As the Alliance Leader's personal guard on this mission, he needed to seize every moment of downtime to maintain peak condition.
"Click! Click! Click!"
With the sounds of alloy parts rotating and clashing, those black metallic fingers rhythmically flexed and extended, akin to a serene requiem.
At least, that's how Aqina Taurel, the noblewoman holding her luxurious dress outside the door, perceived it—a rather stifling sight.
"I'm here to negotiate with your esteemed Alliance Leader. What do you mean by stopping me at the entrance? Is this how the grand Anti-Entropy treats its guests?" Aqina asked the indifferent officer who nearly ignored her presence, her tone carrying a hint of innate arrogance—once upon a time, such insignificant pawns would only grovel before her!
"Clack!"
The metal fingers gave one final flex as Albert slipped on his black leather gloves. He glanced left and right at his hand, then expressionlessly turned toward the elegant and refined woman standing before him.
"Your surname is Taurel?"
"How, might I ask, have you heard of my illustrious family's name?"
"I lost this arm during the catastrophic Major Honkai Eruption in New Zealand years ago. Later, when holding accountable those who delayed military response and hindered rescue efforts, I led the purge... I recall personally executing two individuals with the surname Taurel. Did you know them?"
"...They were lawless criminals, a disgrace to the Tyrell family. Their actions bear little relevance to me."
Aqina composed herself, her demeanor becoming modestly courteous as she smiled.
Albert acknowledged her words with a grunt, his cold expression unchanging. He simply stated, "The Alliance Leader is currently attending to some military matters. Please wait."
In reality, he was organizing information to decide whether to pursue negotiations—aiming for the peaceful dissolution of the interest group alliance Aqina represented—or raise the sword outright, carving a clear path through bloodshed.
Albert leaned towards the simpler approach: the latter option.
Unfortunately, despite overseeing numerous purges, the Alliance Leader remained committed to moderation.
As Albert glanced at Aqina's smooth, jade-like neck, he felt a slight pang of regret within him.
Initially puzzled, Aqina felt a chill within her. Then, noticing Albert's gaze, she confidently straightened, accentuating her impressive figure—after all, one's body is also a form of capital, and if it held value, Aqina was more than willing to use it.
However, Albert shifted his gaze away, showing no interest in lingering any longer.
'Once this matter concludes, I can finalize the plan for dealing with the Eight Cities Alliance and take a brief respite as well. Maybe I should video call Tina; I don't want her complaining again that I neglect her when busy. Hmm, though Manager Cioara's attitude has been worsening lately—she even drew her gun on me last time. I've always believed myself to be diligent and upright in my duties, so what could have offended her? Could it be that Tina is badmouthing me behind my back? That mischievous brat certainly seems capable of it; I'll need to interrogate her properly later.'
As Albert muttered to himself internally, his attention remained partially fixed on Aqina, who dared not move recklessly. As a guard, despite knowing the Alliance Leader's extraordinary strength, he understood the importance of fulfilling his duties diligently.
Time slipped by silently, leaving Aqina increasingly uneasy, beads of cold sweat forming on her brow. She truly panicked, realizing that she stood before the terrifying individual currently shaking the world! The longer she waited, the greater the risk of reaching the most dreadful outcome.
"Come in."
A clear and steady voice suddenly echoed from within the room as the closed door slowly opened.
Aqina glanced at Albert but saw no indication from him. Swallowing nervously, she stepped inside.
"Please sit down."
In the bright yet modestly furnished room, a man removed his glasses and rubbed his temples, looking somewhat weary. Without lifting his head, he spoke.
Aqina obediently took a seat.
"Mr. Welt, we..."
"You represent one of the more cooperative factions among those that have united. The various groups involved have already undergone varying degrees of discipline, and subsequently, your management approach has been quite restrained... Your visit now is to inquire about treatment post-unification, am I correct?"
"As you've surmised, Mr. Welt. We dare not oppose Anti-Entropy or Schicksal, but given the stakes involving our survival, we felt compelled to unite and muster the courage to seek clarification from you."
"If... if there were plans for a deeper purge, what would you do? Would you mobilize the strength of all eight major cities against us?"
Aqina hesitated, unable to respond immediately.
Aqina knew she should vehemently deny any intent to resist, but facing Welt's calm gaze that seemed to see through everything, she ultimately found herself unable to utter a word.
"I understand. Regarding Trials before and after unification, we will adopt relatively lenient standards. However, there are certain lines we absolutely won't cross. Furthermore, this is your only chance. Once unification is complete, everyone will be treated equally. If you aim to rise higher, no one will deliberately hold you back; we judge solely based on ability and actions. That's all I have to say. To assure you of these policies' authenticity, I can provide you with a written guarantee. Please consider it carefully. You may return now."
With a signed assurance from Welt in hand, Aqina left the Anti-Entropy base somewhat dazed.
Throughout the negotiation process, her actual conversation with Welt lasted merely a few brief minutes.
"Alliance Leader, are you truly going to adopt a moderate approach? I still believe this is an excellent opportunity to completely eliminate the backward classes; even temporary pain would be worth it," Albert suggested earnestly after a brief discussion.
Welt looked at the young officer, not much older yet possessing a remarkably mature appearance, and smiled slightly.
"I understand your point of view. The Eight Cities Alliance is indeed insignificant, and even if we consider all other alliances combined, should we wish, we have the capability to eradicate them entirely. But is it necessary?"
"For the cleanliness and unity of the unified Empire, I think it is."
"Cleanliness and unity... At first glance, yes, that seems accurate. However, Albert, you also comprehend this, don't you? Many individuals do not deserve death, and among them are countless innocent people who form the majority within these opposing forces. After 'cleaning up,' will the new Empire genuinely be free from conflicts, Albert? For instance, how do we address the lingering hatred resulting from such massive sacrifices?"
Welt gazed warmly at Albert, his eyes reflecting not just pure compassion but also a keen understanding and rationality.
Albert opened his mouth, gradually furrowing his brow.
Welt sighed and said, "I know what you're considering—to completely eliminate these factions, allowing the new Empire to be free of sharp class conflicts for quite some time. However, with each person killed, at least three or five new grudges will arise. We'll end up with numerous resentful individuals, undoubtedly including many children... Who will handle this situation? How can we ensure they won't become new problems? Should we continue killing indefinitely?"
"But, Alliance Leader, class conflict is the most acute societal issue!"
"No, the greatest contradiction now actually lies between humans and Honkai. As for class conflicts... once the new Empire is established, these class enemies will return to being part of the populace. The highest and most significant class, ironically, would be us. Do you understand that?"
"...I'm feeling a bit confused. Alliance Leader, I think it's best if I don't say more. Just call on me when there's fighting to be done."
Albert scratched his head, seemingly grasping some understanding yet still bewildered—well, forget it. These complex long-term issues should be left for the big shots to ponder. He was just a soldier; politics were not his forte!
Welt looked at Albert with disappointment.
Feeling sheepish, Albert rubbed his nose.
After a moment, Welt broke into a smile. "In the future, try reading more books. Also, questioning and challenging assumptions is a valuable trait; remember to keep that up."
"Yes, sir!"
"In any case, leaving some people behind won't result in the class remnants you're worried about. Before unification, they can't accomplish much, and afterward, it'll be even less likely for them to hinder our progress against Honkai or societal transformation.
Therefore, employing relatively moderate methods actually benefits our cause. Moreover, we have certain principles we steadfastly uphold, so it's not unconditional forgiveness.
I'll soon compile the objectives and explanations of relevant policies. If you have questions, try finding answers within those documents. And if you have further suggestions, feel free to come see me anytime."
"Understood, Alliance Leader! Well then, unless there's anything else today, I'll head off now?"
"You may go. Get some good rest."
Albert saluted and left.
Welt shifted the massive pile of documents on his desk aside, stretched lazily, and gazed out the window towards the distant direction of Headquarters.
"The battle over there should be starting soon, right? Hang in there, young ones! The future belongs to us all, but ultimately, it will be your world..."
"Beep! Beep!"
The sound of his communicator chimed nearby.
Welt answered the call.
"We've detected traces of the Herrscher of a Thousand People while monitoring the Eight Cities Alliance. If our assumptions are correct, they indeed intend to disrupt the peaceful transition towards unity. What's the plan, Yang?"
"Prioritize the broader picture. Capture them alive if possible; otherwise, eliminate them. We can't let them further destabilize the situation. All hidden factions with vested interests have now revealed themselves. It's time to steadily advance towards unification."
"Understood. Take care and don't overwork yourself."
"I will, you too, Ein. By the way, would you like to join for dinner tonight?"
"Certainly, since we're in the same city. I'll invite Dr. Tesla as well. She's quite excited lately due to experimenting with numerous new mechs."
"Hah! Keep an eye on her, Tesla... Well, keeping watch is always a good idea."
Welt chuckled, feeling both exasperated and reassured by Dr. Tesla's impulsive nature.
The call ended.
With that, Welt finally finished his immediate tasks for the moment. He continued gazing at the sky towards Headquarters, silently offering blessings and hopes for their success, wishing these young ones to emerge victorious and truly grow stronger.