Chapter 5: The First Results
Weeks passed. The agricultural pilot in the Volga region began producing tangible results. Grain yields increased, inefficiencies were exposed and corrected, and local officials praised the reforms. News of success spread quietly but steadily, reaching the ears of the Soviet public.
"Mission update: Public perception rising. Unlock economic and technological influence modules."
I visited Moscow personally, seeing the subtle changes. Farmers spoke with cautious optimism; engineers in state factories implemented new methods. The system provided feedback in real time:
Public Support: 30%
Influence over Politburo: 45%
Leadership: Level 3
"System upgrade available: Economic Manipulation and Technological Insight."
I chose Technological Insight first. The USSR lagged behind the West in computing, aerospace, and communications. I would need to leapfrog decades of stagnation to ensure global relevance.
"Module activated. Host now capable of guiding technological projects and innovations. Efficiency increased."
Meanwhile, rival officials began whispering. Some feared my rapid rise; others tried to sabotage minor reforms. The system warned me:
"Alert: Opposition factions increasing. Prepare countermeasures. Recommend expanding loyal network and public influence."
I moved quickly, assigning allies to key posts, using Petrov to supervise the military upgrades, Volkov to oversee expanded agricultural reforms, and Makarova to manage ideological messaging. Each action increased my control while strengthening the perception of competent leadership.
The first small victories had been achieved, but the system reminded me of the road ahead:
"Host, your rise is accelerating. Global attention is inevitable. Your next missions will involve foreign policy, economic reconstruction, and internal consolidation. Prepare to face both internal and external challenges."
I stood on the balcony of the Kremlin, looking at the gray expanse of Moscow below. The city seemed unchanged, but I knew better. Change had begun—not in buildings, but in minds. The Soviet Union was stirring.
"Host," the system whispered, "prepare for the next phase: uniting the Party, modernizing industry, and demonstrating global influence. Your path to kingship begins now."