Rian gazed in awe at the spaceship parked before him.
It was truly something out of a science fiction movie, with a very non-aerodynamic design. It was pointed at the front and sleek, similar to the design of the bullet trains in his home country, except this ship had a thicker body, not snake-like. The spaceship was carbon black combined with silver, and he could even see the cockpit space from its exterior window.
Actually, he had a hand in designing this ship. Rian knew the limits of Felix and Monica's imagination when it came to design. He was worried they would use a design like an 18th-century sailing ship. Sure, technically that would be fine since there's no air resistance in the universe, but he didn't like it aesthetically.
If you can make a better design, why use a bad one? That was his thinking. And thus, the spaceship before him came to be. Rian tried to design it to be as modern and comfortable as possible, because if anything happened to its crew, he would lose a level-one-hundred individual and a deputy head of The Ninth Oath Maids.
Rian held the Staff of Avanheim tightly, then spoke to Monica and Felix, who were standing beside the ship.
"Incredible, Monica and Felix!" he shouted, spreading his arms wide. "You have made a great contribution to the future of Avanheim!"
Hearing the praise from their Master, the faces of the two immediately lit up with happiness. They walked forward toward Rian and knelt respectfully.
"If Lord Arthur gives a command, then we as Floor Guardians will carry out that Absolute Command to completion!" they shouted loudly.
Rian had expected them to say something like this. "Since you have completed this command so well, then as your leader, I will grant you one request each. Name it," he prompted.
Meanwhile, the other Floor Guardians also happened to be gathered here. They joined in kneeling beside Monica and Felix. Emma, who was kneeling, shifted her eyes slightly toward Monica and Felix when she heard Rian's words, but they quickly returned to normal.
Merlin just smiled happily, seeing that his brother had completed their Master's command so well, without even asking for his help at all.
Belial just listened with a slightly envious look. He wished he could receive an order like that too.
As for Velusia, who was usually quiet, she felt a bit jealous that Monica could get a request from Lord Arthur. If it were me, maybe… I would ask Lord Arthur to spend the day with me. Her beautiful face flushed slightly at the thought.
Monica and Felix were thinking about what they wanted. Monica opened her mouth and said, "I want to know what Lord Arthur will do when we arrive on that planet." She looked at Rian with a curious gaze.
Felix had also decided on his request. "Me too, the same as Monica. What are Lord Arthur's plans for that foreign planet?"
Rian hadn't expected them to make such a request. This was beyond his expectations. He thought they would both ask for things related to magic. He was silent for a moment, thinking about the answer he would give.
Actually, I don't have any plans for Earth. I just want to go back and bring my family to Avanheim… But I can't possibly say that, can I?
Rian felt anxious, unable to find the right answer. Then, he saw a strange glint in Belial's and Emma's eyes. What's with them? Rian was confused as to why these two were smiling strangely.
Ahh, I have an idea. I'll just let Emma or Belial explain this. At the same time, I want to understand their thinking.
"Hmmm." Rian coughed softly. He struck the Staff of Avanheim he was holding against the ground, then said with a serious and calm expression, "To answer your request, I have decided that Emma and Belial will explain Avanheim's grand plan for that world. Belial, Emma, please explain Avanheim's plan to the other Floor Guardians so they understand our true purpose." He looked at Belial and Emma with an expectant expression.
Hearing this, a faint smile formed on the corner of Emma's lips. She began to rise from her kneeling position. Belial also stood up, putting on a calm expression, and walked to his Master's left side, while Emma went to the right. Emma gave Belial a look, and Belial nodded, letting her speak first.
Emma looked at the Floor Guardians, who were watching her curiously. She took a slow breath and began to speak seriously.
"I hope no one is foolish enough to think we built that ship just to get the coordinates of that world, are they?" Emma directed her gaze at the listening Floor Guardians.
What is she saying? Rian was confused in his mind.
"From the very beginning, Lord Arthur has told us all his true purpose…" Emma walked closer to the Floor Guardians and gave Belial a look.
Belial understood immediately and slowly spread his arms. "Don't you find it strange why Felius Castle, which has an anti-teleportation system supported by the World Class Item Camelot, didn't sound a single alarm when we were all transported to this place?"
Felix, Monica, Lily, Asuka, Natasha, and Velusia—except for Merlin—realized it upon hearing that. It was true. With such a defense system, it seemed impossible to move Felius Castle without any warning at all. They looked at Belial and Emma with curiosity, waiting for them to continue.
As for Rian, who heard that, he also felt it made sense. But what does the transfer of Felius Castle have to do with my purpose? He looked on, confused, behind his flat expression.
Belial looked toward his Master. Seeing no change in his expression, he continued. "Therefore, Secretary-General Emma and I have concluded that the relocation of Felius Castle to this world was done by Lord Arthur himself. As for the explanation, I'll let the Secretary-General explain." Belial placed his hand on his chest and bowed slightly, deferring to Emma.
WHAAAAT?! Rian screamed frantically in his heart. His eyes glowed with a faint blue light for a moment before returning to normal. Since when did I do that?! I don't even know what purpose they're talking about!
Rian looked at Emma and Belial with a confused expression.
Emma looked at her master and asked with an adoring expression, "Lord Arthur, shall I explain?"
"Yes. Please explain in simple and easy-to-understand language so the other Floor Guardians understand and don't misunderstand Avanheim's purpose going forward," Rian commanded with a calm expression. For now, I need to know what Emma and Belial are thinking first. If not, I'll have a hard time following their conversation.
"Thank you for your permission, My Lord. I will now explain Lord Arthur's true purpose to all of you, and the future direction of Avanheim." Emma's serious voice echoed across the grassy plains of the Second Floor. The Floor Guardians showed serious expressions, even Merlin. Because Emma's words would determine the direction of Avanheim's policies.
"At first, I didn't quite understand why Lord Arthur moved Felius Castle to this place. But now, I understand his intention, especially after the discovery of that world." Emma spread her arms. "Lord Arthur's true plan is… the conquest of that world. And this relocation was the first step in that conquest."
Emma's voice echoed in the ears of the Floor Guardians, even Jarvis and Octavia, who had been kneeling by their side all along.
Huh?
For a moment, Rian couldn't follow the conversation. He was silent, a look of shock on his face. What does she mean? World conquest? When did I ever say that? he screamed in his head.
Emma looked back at her master and asked with a smile, "Is something wrong, My Lord?"
Rian quickly changed his shocked expression back to a calm one. "I… am impressed with you two for guessing my true intentions," he said, his voice slightly stammering, and with an admiring expression. For some reason, saying this is making my stomach churn.
"As Secretary-General, of course, I must be able to understand the Master's will," Emma replied, her face blushing with happiness.
Damn it. Understand what? Rian cursed in his heart.
"In that case, please explain Avanheim's next plan to the Floor Guardians. I believe you already understand it, don't you?" Rian asked with a calm expression.
"Of course, My Lord. I will explain it at once." Emma walked back to the Floor Guardians.
For now, I just need to listen to all of 'my real plan' from Emma and Belial. That way, I won't look like an idiot. At least, if I know their version of the 'world conquest' plan, I can add my own thoughts.
Actually, Rian wasn't entirely opposed to a plan of world conquest. But the risks were too great. Besides, Earth had now entered the modern era, not the easily conquered Middle Ages. The plan for conquest would also have to be different. He was worried that Emma and Belial's plan would be too extreme and completely without strategy, like just attacking with raw power. That couldn't be allowed to happen. Even if they ultimately won, the sacrifices would be too great.
Wait a minute? Why am I having thoughts like this? Even the most efficient plan of world conquest would sacrifice millions of human lives! What's wrong with me?
Rian was sure that if this were his old self, he wouldn't have had any thoughts of conquering the world at all, let alone agreeing to it.
Is this an effect of this body? Rian thought, confused.
"This time, I will explain the details of the world conquest plan," Emma said seriously.
The Floor Guardians listened intently, as if afraid of missing any important information.
On the Grassy Plains of the Second Floor, Eminalia, all the high-ranking members of Avanheim's political structure were currently gathered: the Floor Guardians from the First to the Eighth Floors, as well as the head and deputy head of The Ninth Oath Maids.
"The next objective of Lord Arthur's World Conquest Plan, after we arrive in this world," Emma paused for a moment, letting everyone digest her words, "is to obtain information about that world, and most importantly, its coordinates, which we will use for Gate magic. That way, we can secure a logistics route between Avanheim and that world, and then send troops."
She continued, "But, sending troops without knowing information about the enemy is a foolish act. So, in this initial stage, we must first gather enough information, and then formulate a plan to conquer the world with military force."
"We must also be wary of the possible existence of other Avalon players. That is why Lord Arthur chose this strategy. Isn't that right, My Lord?" Emma turned, awaiting confirmation from her master.
"Yes, you are right, Emma. As the Secretary-General said," Rian replied, now only able to agree with resignation. Damn it! What strategy?! I didn't even think about that at all!
"Ohh…." The Floor Guardians wore expressions of awe at their master's wisdom, even Merlin, though he felt something was strange. But if this is Father's wish, then I, Merlin Pendragon, will make his dream a reality. Merlin clenched his fists.
Belial stepped forward, taking Emma's place as she returned to Rian's side. "And I will give you the answer as to why the Master moved Felius Castle to this godforsaken place. I believe this question is now in your minds, isn't it?" Belial held his chin as he spoke, then spread his arms. "This is because Lord Arthur's wisdom surpasses all of ours. Truly magnificent!" he said with an admiring expression.
Huh? Rian looked on, confused. What is it this time? What wisdom?! I don't even know at all why Avanheim was moved to this world!
"So you guessed it too, eh, Belial," Rian said with a serious expression. He struck his staff against the ground. "Explain it to everyone."
"Yes, I will explain." Belial placed his arm on his chest, then walked closer to the Floor Guardians. "The reason why Lord Arthur moved Felius Castle here is because this place is perfectly suited to be Avanheim's base. I'm not saying the environment outside is good, but in terms of military strategy, it's genius. With the distance and environmental conditions between this world and the target world, we have a natural defense, and the enemy could never reach Avanheim. That way, all damage from the war will occur in the enemy's territory."
He paused for a moment. "Although they have slightly more advanced technology, especially in the field of transportation, my and Emma's analysis shows that they can only send man-made objects, not troops. This means their technology is not yet perfected in this area. This is our chance. We have Gate magic that can shorten distance and logistics. A great leader must think long-term, right?"
"Besides, Lord Arthur already told Emma and Merlin a few months ago, and the results from the reconnaissance teams over the last three months also show that there are no other living beings here besides us. So, we can easily shift our focus to that world. And remember, Lord Arthur still has a trump card to change this world's environment to be like the world of Monia."
"Umm…." Lily raised her hand.
"Go ahead," Belial said, allowing her to speak.
"Is the trump card you're talking about… the Holy Grail World Class Item?" Lily asked with a hesitant expression on her cute face.
"Correct." Belial nodded in confirmation.
The other Floor Guardians nodded in understanding, but Asuka was not at all happy to hear this. In that case, why did the Master tell me to research plants that can live in this dead environment? Isn't that just messing with me, if he's just going to use a World Class Item in the end? Asuka thought, confused.
"However, we will not use the World Class Item right away," Belial continued, "because we do not know what kind of enemy we are facing. We will use it after we have all the information about that world. Isn't that right, Lord Arthur?" He turned, bowed slightly, and placed his arm on his right breast.
Rian, who was processing Belial's words, was startled by the question, though his expression remained flat. Wait a minute, what did he ask? I didn't hear him. But Rian decided to answer with a template sentence he had prepared. "Yes, you are right," he said, praising Belial.
Right about what! Rian screamed in embarrassment in his head.
Belial's demon tail wagged happily at the praise. He turned and said seriously again, "I hope everyone now understands Avanheim's current goal. That is… to conquer the world!"
The Floor Guardians all nodded in understanding. Belial and Emma knelt again with the others.
"Long live Arthur Leonhart!"
"Eternal glory to Avanheim!" Emma shouted, followed by all the Floor Guardians, Jarvis, and Octavia.
Hearing the cheers, Rian clenched his fists tightly. Damn it. I can't possibly say no, can I, after seeing this?
Rian took a deep breath, then said loudly, "In that case… immediately execute the World Conquest Plan!" He struck his Staff of Avanheim against the ground.
His loud voice echoed across the quiet green meadow. A cool wind blew through his black hair and clothes. The morning sunlight shone on his body as he said it, making the Floor Guardians, Jarvis, and Octavia even more excited.