On a certain blue planet, there was an ancient country that had just recovered from a foreign invasion and civil war. During that difficult period of time, the country's conventional combat forces' equipment and technology were far inferior to the foreign enemies, so it could only invest its limited resources into researching strategic weapons.
"… Perhaps I can't defeat you in a direct battle, but I can at least take you down with me. And even if the difference in power level is so great that I can't even take you down with me, I can at least make you pay a heavy price."
And so, during the "peaceful" period known as the Cold War, certain major countries had stockpiled strategic weapons capable of destroying planets many times over. If they went too far, the prize for being the most suicidal person would probably be given to them, but it was likely that there would be no one to give it to … Cough, cough, at any rate, it was wonderful that a full-scale war didn't happen. Long live peace!
And right now, I was facing the same choice …
[Since I can't defeat you, then I'll just plant some mushrooms.]
"Mushrooms?"
Of course, I wouldn't believe that these mushrooms were actually edible mushrooms. But the next instant, I recalled what I had forgotten.
"Salo's Crystal!"
I had previously mentioned that this crystal had been used by the ancient Haletdam generation to provide energy for floating cities. The only reason why it hadn't been used as a weapon was because its explosive radius far surpassed the range of any catapults.
The crystal in my hand came from Aso's mage tower, which was the current mage tower.
This ancient nuclear weapon had experienced many hardships. It had originally been placed on the top floor of this mage tower as a trump card against the archmages. Then, it was given to the Truth Symposium as evidence that they were being targeted. Then, it was given to Timlad to be used as an energy source and a weapon research tool. But before he could do anything with it, I took it with me to the Hades during the battle of the Hades and used it as a trump card.
Along the way, we did try to use it on weapons and equipment, and we did obtain some results. However, the other aspect of this enormous energy is that it is extremely unstable. In the end, before we can thoroughly study it, this magic core can only be used in the warehouse to collect dust.
And now, after so many twists and turns, this Salo's Crystal was still in my hand. The irony was that the enemy was Aso's own kind and companions. Perhaps this was also the ancient nuclear bomb's fated target.
"Wait, if we detonate it here, the whole Starwood City … No, the whole Knight Territory and the plains around it will be affected."
[The Land of Hades.]
Alright then, there was no need to say anything else. Although it would indeed be a waste to use a nuclear bomb on a single target, it wouldn't be too much of a loss if the Undead Emperor herself was a strategic target.
"Plan? I don't think she will obediently enter my Land of Hades after seeing it once. "
[… Think about it yourself. It's useless!]
Alright then, it seemed that women's natural talent was to hold grudges. She was still holding a grudge against me for calling her useless earlier. However, I shook my head as there was indeed no need to ask. When it came to scheming and scamming, the Goddess of Order probably couldn't even compare to me … By the way, this didn't seem like something to be proud of.
However, as I thought about it, I indeed had an idea. It would be meaningless to lie to Conservation. I had already thought of a perfect lie that would be absolutely truthful … By the way, wasn't there something wrong with my talent and style? I was supposed to be a decent person! Why was I always thinking about how to scheme against others!?
[Relax. Out of all the Redeemers in history, you're the most villainous. However, you're also the one who has gone the furthest. This is the perfect example of the saying that good people don't live long. Relax, you'll definitely live a long life.]
"Tsk, you're indirectly calling me a villain?"
The silly cat kept nodding. I felt rather helpless, but now wasn't the time to be worrying about this …
"Conservation, there are actually some things that we can discuss, such as the possibility of the undead and the living coexisting, such as the future of the Tark Republic, such as the fact that I have a wonderful land where I don't have to fight to the death with this world. Perhaps we can find a place to discuss this … Damn it! Crazy bitch! "
I used a secret message using my soul waves. This was the liches' favorite method of communication. Unfortunately, before I could say anything about a secret meeting, an overwhelming storm of lightning already expressed its attitude. It would seem that Conservation was refusing to communicate with me.
This was indeed the correct method. How could I possibly trust the words of an enemy? Even if I was in front of her, I would do the same. No matter what Conservation said, even if it was possible to communicate with her, I would at least finish the battle and communicate with her as the victor.
"… I. I have Aso's inheritance and his final words, which are related to you! Sabatian! If you miss this opportunity, you'll never know what Aso intends to say to you! "
Conservation's original name, which only very few people knew, was useful. Aso's final words seemed to be quite important to Conservation. The next instant, the storm of lightning calmed down.
Right after that, a soul horn sounded. The high-level undead charging at the frontlines all stopped with confused expressions. However, military orders were absolute. The next instant, they could only confusedly return to their masters.
"… This isn't a lie. However, I can't sense your sincerity."
Conservation's ethereal figure once again appeared on the giant throne in the distance. Her emotionless voice echoed in the sky as she looked directly at me. The next instant, I did my best to stand in front of the window at the top of the tower and show off my Holy Knight's sincerity (begging) smile that I had practiced so hard for so many years!
Look, my bright eyes are filled with burning desire. My slightly upturned lips are filled with joy from the bottom of my heart. Also, my dazzling golden hair that could reflect sunlight was the symbol of the Son of Holy Light … silly cat, if you keep acting like you're going to vomit, I'm going to throw you out! What? My hair has dried up and split due to lack of care, and now I forgot to remove the dye? I … I guess I'll make do!
As I reminisced about the past, I exclaimed that I would once again have to rely on my face to make a living. I then kicked the silly cat who kept commenting on me into the sky. I furiously combed my hair as I once again put on my most sincere smile towards Conservation.
"Sincerity? Passion? I have a lot of sincerity here, far more than you can imagine. I just don't know if you can handle it. "
…
"The people of Haletdam are no idiots. They've seen far too many primitive species that gained intelligence betray their benefactors, such as elves and humans, goblins and ogres. That's why they've always been highly on guard against artificial souls and artificial intelligence. From the very start, the Sky Tower Spirit's true identity has been restricted. He's only an authorized manager. It's impossible for him to become the true master of this tower! "
The plaza was now filled with broken mechanical parts. The ravages of time had caused these mechanical guards, which weren't meant for combat, to become much weaker. Now that everyone had some free time, Timlad knew that he needed to explain something to his companions in a small elevator room. His companions glared angrily at him.
"That is to say, one of the many souls sleeping here is definitely the true master of this Sky Tower, as well as the master of this Sky Tower Spirit. According to the most basic rules of artificial intelligence, no matter what the situation is, not only is the Sky Tower Spirit not allowed to harm its master, it's also required to do everything possible to serve its master's interests! This is the most basic rule that must be obeyed as long as the Sky Tower Spirit exists. "
Strange letters from the Haletdam generation moved back and forth in the elevator. Timlad adjusted the equipment in his hands as he decided to reveal the answer to the mystery. Whether or not he would be able to turn the situation around or escape with his face covered in dust would all depend on how true his guess was.
"However, the Sky Tower Spirit that gained its own will was incredibly sly. Since it could only serve its master's interests, and its master was currently only a sleeping soul, the Sky Tower Spirit decided to perform a soul surgery for its master's interests. The Sky Tower Spirit merged with a large number of natural souls, causing its master's soul to become incredibly powerful. However, too many soul shards naturally caused the Sky Tower Spirit to lose its sense of self and memories. Then, the Sky Tower Spirit thought for its master's sake and followed the program to awaken the Sky Tower Spirit from its slumber. The Sky Tower Spirit created an artificial body for the Sky Tower Spirit. However, the Sky Tower Spirit used the body structure with the greatest potential and had the Sky Tower Spirit start from scratch, starting from an infant …"
Timlad suddenly turned around, only to see that Katerina wasn't trembling in her adopted father's arms with a pale face as he had expected. Katerina stood up by herself, her eyes filled with streams of data. The next instant, she smiled bitterly as she continued the conversation.
"… Then, the Sky Tower Spirit determined that such an environment would be disadvantageous for an infant's growth. And so, in an 'accident', a group of 'lucky' adventurers picked up the infant, and the Sky Tower Spirit broke free from its shackles. The Sky Tower Spirit probably feared the return of its original master the most. That's right, I've returned. The master of the Black Tower, Catalina, has returned. "
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