[Ice grew rapidly across the room from Cocolia's footsteps.]
[The tip of the Preservation Lance pointed at you, and the battle was about to begin.]
[But Cocolia's resistance was meaningless; the outcome was quickly decided.]
[Ron and Seele demonstrated their true combat strength before you for the first time—]
[You saw Ron deflect Cocolia's lance with his crystal-covered fist, the icy sharpness completely blocked by the dark golden crystals, falling powerless to the ground.]
[You saw Seele transform into a deep purple butterfly, flickering in the air, with imaginary energy forming an illusory light that enveloped and restrained Cocolia.]
[You only symbolically fired a few wind-guided bullets, which hit the ice around Cocolia, scattering a few ice flakes.]
[You suddenly realized a sad truth—]
[Both Ron and Seele had left you far behind; you could now only see their backs.]
Bronya felt uneasy as she read the text on the screen. What did it mean that Ron and Seele had left her behind? Why did it feel like she had been abandoned by both of them?
Slightly displeased, she pouted, realizing that while the AI had achieved her main goal, it had done nothing else. She knew she couldn't keep up with Ron, but Seele's strength was comparable to hers in the last simulation. If she had been in control, this situation wouldn't have happened...
It's all the AI's fault!
But still, it didn't matter if she wasn't strong enough. Even if she was weak, Ron, as her bodyguard, could cover for her! This simulation had defeated her mother, and although they still faced the threat of the Stellaron and the Antimatter Legion, there was plenty of time to prepare. These were crises she couldn't handle alone, no matter how much she improved. As long as she stayed out of danger and didn't drag Ron down...
With that thought, Bronya's small dissatisfaction faded as she continued to read the text on the screen:
[Cocolia was captured alive, her clothes tattered.]
[Her uniform was missing its epaulets, buttons half-torn off, and the medals symbolizing her honor scattered on the ground, with only a few left hanging on her collar.]
[Her black stockings were torn in several places, revealing her smooth thighs, paired with her beautiful face, creating an indescribable atmosphere...]
[But this atmosphere was quickly broken by Ron. You saw him skillfully pulling out a bundle of rope, tying your mother tightly and hanging her from the room's beam like a punching bag.]
["Spanking her in front of her daughter? Even demons aren't this cruel!"]
[You were shocked by Ron's actions and loudly reprimanded him.]
[But Ron ignored your words, not heeding your request.]
["Enough, our goal is not to humiliate her..."]
[Seele stopped Ron's "abuse," coldly taking the fallen Preservation Lance from beside Cocolia.]
[She handed the Preservation Lance to you.]
The text faded, and a choice appeared on the screen:
[The proof of the Supreme Guardian is within your reach, and your future holds a new choice—]
[1. Wear the crown. You believe you are capable of being the Supreme Guardian. Aware of the difficulties ahead, you will bear the burden of this civilization to safeguard Belobog's future. Choosing this option will make you the ruler of Belobog, and your stress value will increase significantly every day.]
[2. Refuse the crown. The position of Supreme Guardian is not something you can handle now. The responsibilities of the crown are beyond what you have imagined and are a burden you are not prepared for. Choosing this option will disqualify you from becoming the Supreme Guardian, and you will no longer participate in Belobog's major political decisions.]
This was a single-choice question.
Without hesitation, Bronya selected the first option.
The choice faded, and new text appeared on the screen:
[The former Supreme Guardian, Cocolia Rand, was imprisoned in the Qlipoth Fort's Guardian Residence. The Underground Fire took control of all the upper district's gates, trapping the Silvermane Guards outside the city.]
[You temporarily swore in as the Supreme Guardian of Belobog. Day and night, you diligently performed your duties, the heavy workload causing immense pressure and anxiety, and your stress value increased daily.]
[At this time, Ron requested your support for the Underground Fire to negotiate with the Silvermane Guards who had not yet recognized your rule. He hoped to share some of your administrative burden.]
[Trusting Ron, you delegated power to Ron and Seele, allowing them to negotiate with the Silvermane Guards in your name.]
[Under the threat of the Underground Fire's military force and your legitimate heir status, the Silvermane Guards had no choice but to concede, recognizing your rule over Belobog.]
[The city was in turmoil, everyone realizing this regime change was the result of an illegitimate military coup—]
[But all discordant voices were silenced by Seele's cold-blooded methods.]
[Walking the streets of Belobog, you could faintly smell the scent of blood in the air.]
[Death had become the main theme of Belobog.]
[You were displeased with Seele's methods and sternly reprimanded her, demanding a reasonable explanation.]
[But Seele claimed it was the best choice.]
[You were not satisfied with Seele's response and even considered removing her from office.]
[You decided to consult Ron.]
[Ron vouched for Seele's abilities. Trusting Ron and acknowledging Seele's capabilities, you decided to give Seele more chances.]
[A month quickly passed.]
[With power delegated to Seele and Ron, you noticed Seele swiftly implementing several harsh policies in the upper district, quickly gathering funds and resources.]
[Resentment surged, but no one dared to oppose under the Underground Fire's high-pressure rule.]
[The Council of Elders expressed numerous concerns, seeing Seele and Ron's actions as a challenge to the Supreme Guardian and the Council, an oppression of the Belobog people, a path to tyranny and destruction.]
Bronya frowned at the text on the screen, not expecting such an outcome. Why had Seele become... so cold-blooded? In the last simulation, she and Seele had managed Belobog together, with Seele being her best helper. While Seele's temperament was sharp, it never reached the extent of implementing such harsh policies...
She thought Seele had only temporarily strayed and would soon adjust, but it seemed she had completely changed. What had Seele gone through in this simulation to cause such a drastic shift?
She couldn't let this continue.
With this resolve, Bronya decided to remove Seele from office.
[You partially agreed with their opinions, feeling that Seele's cold-blooded approach could not continue.]
[You went to the Underground Fire's base in the Qlipoth Fort to confront Seele and Ron about their actions.]
[You sternly warned Seele, stating that the Council of Elders had decided to prosecute her, and she would face trial in Belobog's court.]
[But you felt Seele's abilities shouldn't be wasted in a prison.]
[You tried to persuade Seele, believing she had only temporarily strayed, but with the Council and most of Belobog's citizens holding deep resentment towards her, you suggested she resign and temporarily work on clerical duties at the Qlipoth Fort with you supervising her.]
[Once her situation improved, you would reinstate her position.]
[But Seele interrupted you.]
The text faded, and a new scene appeared:
"Stop talking, Bronya. If you leave now, I can pretend nothing happened..." Seele said coldly, while Bronya, clearly angered, replied:
"Pretend nothing happened? Are you threatening me, Seele?"
Why is Seele threatening me? Am I such a failure as the Supreme Guardian?
No, if Seele is threatening me, why isn't Ron helping?
Bronya watched the screen and keenly noticed something off— Ron seemed to be silently guarding Seele, standing quietly in her shadow. Even when Seele spoke what sounded like treasonous words, Ron stood behind her, his actions showing his support.
?
Seeing this, a big question mark formed in Bronya's mind. Why was Ron supporting Seele? Was there a problem with her trying to stop Seele from straying further down the wrong path? Moreover, Ron was supposed to be her bodyguard, helping Seele manage the administration was one thing, but standing with Seele on this matter? She couldn't accept it!
Bronya angrily poked at Ron on the screen and opened his character card—
[Shadow of Belobog: Ron (Gold)]
[Talents: Unparalleled Genius, Steadfast General, Salvation Insignia, End of Days Companion]
[Description: The supreme commander of Belobog, formerly the bodyguard of the 19th Supreme Guardian Bronya Rand, later abandoned by Bronya Rand and became a member of the Underground Fire. When with [Light of Belobog: Seele], their work efficiency increases by 50%, stress value decreases by 30 per day, and affection growth rate increases by 100%. Gained exclusive trait [End of Days Companion].]
[End of Days Companion (Gold): Even in the face of the apocalypse, I will walk with you... The light of salvation will shine at the end of the world.]
[When characters Ron and Seele are both alive and the battle is a "Salvation" battle, their abilities are greatly enhanced in all aspects.]
Below Ron's character card, a prominent line of red text stated—
[This character has joined the [Underground Fire] faction, which is locked and cannot be changed.
]
Huh?
Bronya stared dumbfounded at the screen. What happened? Why was Ron no longer her bodyguard? Why... was he locked into the Underground Fire faction?
The overwhelming information confused her, leaving her dazed as she watched the animation continue—
"I'm not threatening you... I'm kindly advising you, Bronya," Seele said, setting down her documents and looking at Bronya with a complex expression filled with regret:
"Honestly, I didn't want to reveal everything so soon, but..."
"But your interference has become unavoidable."
Seele's tone grew cold, though her eyes never lost their icy resolve:
"I thought we could continue like this, you as the Supreme Guardian and me planning Belobog's future..."
"But the Council has always been a thorn in my side, and your presence has bound my hands... I'm tired of all this red tape."
Sighing, Seele briefly showed a rare sign of remorse:
"I shouldn't have dismissed Ron's advice..."
Quickly recovering, her voice turned cold again:
"...But it's not too late."
With a wave of her hand, Ron, as if in sync with Seele, swiftly produced a rope like the one used to bind Cocolia and tied Bronya up in an instant.
"What are you doing? You two?!" Bronya exclaimed, trying to break free but helplessly writhing on the floor like a captured animal.
Seele calmly looked at Bronya, explaining:
"We're doing what needs to be done, Bronya."
"The collective will becomes the grand desire to preserve, our wishes transform into the hope for civilization's survival... This is the Insignia of Salvation."
"We must eliminate all obstacles and declare the dawn to the world."
"Sorry, Bronya."
Though Seele's words conveyed an apology, her tone lacked any sincerity:
"For Belobog's future, and for the grand hope of salvation... I need complete control over Belobog."
"Complete control? Do you want to become the Supreme Guardian?" Bronya asked, frowning, but Seele's response was filled with pity:
"Belobog doesn't need a Supreme Guardian, nor the Council. Why are you still so naive?"
"Belobog needs reform. Following Ron's proposal, I will establish the First Yalilo Empire."
"I will be the Emperor of this empire," she emphasized, pausing, "the only Emperor."
"You..." Bronya was at a loss for words, staring blankly at Seele, feeling disheartened.
But Seele smiled gently at her:
"Why the long face? As the first citizen to know about this, you should be more excited."
"Celebrate," she said, "for the birth of the Empire."