Ch 1 Chapter 1: Rebirth in the Red Shadow
The year was 1985. The air in Moscow was thick with the familiar scent of coal smoke and bureaucracy, but beneath the gray skies, a storm was brewing—one no one could yet see.
I awoke in a grand, austere office, the sunlight faintly filtering through heavy curtains. My head throbbed as memories from another life flooded back: skyscrapers, smartphones, stock markets, a world far beyond the confines of this crumbling superpower. And then the realization hit me—I was in the Soviet Union… and I had been given a second chance.
A soft chime echoed in my mind.
"System initialized."
I froze. My heartbeat quickened. From nowhere, a holographic interface appeared in front of me, a glowing red star spinning slowly. Words formed in the air:
Red System – Welcome, Host.
Objective: Rebuild and lead the Soviet Union.
The system's voice was calm, almost amused, yet there was power in its tone.
"Host, you have been granted the knowledge and guidance to reverse the decline of the USSR. Missions will be provided. Success will grant upgrades to your abilities, influence, and resources. Fail… consequences will be severe."
I blinked. This was… impossible. But the system already began feeding me information: economic reports, Politburo loyalties, military weaknesses, even global intelligence. It was as if the entire world were an open book.
"First mission: Secure political legitimacy. Gain the trust of key party leaders."
I stood, feeling the weight of history pressing down. The leaders of the Soviet Union were skeptical, entrenched in their habits and corruption. But I had something they didn't—a system that could predict outcomes, teach me strategies, and even manipulate events subtly in my favor.
The system spoke again:
"Host, your leadership skill is currently at Level 1. Public Support: 10%. Strategy: 20%. Completion of missions will increase these stats."
I smirked. Numbers. Skills. Everything I needed to conquer the impossible.
First, I would need a plan. The Politburo would not yield power willingly. I would need to navigate their egos, placate the hardliners, and win over the reformists. The system already displayed their personalities, past decisions, and vulnerabilities. Every political maneuver I might make could be simulated and perfected before I acted.
"Tip: Begin with small victories. Remove inefficiencies. Gain loyal allies. Strengthen your influence."
I nodded. My first move would be subtle—a carefully worded speech praising Soviet achievements while hinting at necessary modernization. A few calculated reforms in the agricultural sector and technological investment would follow. Slowly, I would gain the upper hand.
But deep down, I knew this was only the beginning. The world beyond the Iron Curtain was advancing rapidly. If the USSR was to rise again, I would need more than strategy—I would need vision, courage, and ruthlessness.
And the system would guide me every step of the way.
"Host," it said, almost teasing, "welcome to your reign."
I smiled, feeling a surge of determination. History had handed me a deck of collapsing cards—and I was about to shuffle them in a way no one could imagine.
The Red System hummed softly in my mind, ready to assist. Together, we would rebuild the Soviet Union. Not as it was… but as it should have been.