Hank von Kaleitz, a knight appointed by the Slane Theocracy, came from a fallen noble family. From a young age, Hank suffered constant humiliation; the betrayal of those around him and the disdain from those in higher positions repeatedly pierced his young heart like sharp knives.
This humiliation gave Hank an almost perverse and stubborn ambition, leading him to become unscrupulous. To revive his family, Hank's first scheme was directed at his poor uncle who adopted him, forcing his uncle to hang himself. Watching his uncle's body sway in the wind like a branch, an inexplicable door opened in Hank's heart. Extreme pleasure filled his being, causing him to repeatedly use, abandon, and even murder those around him, his methods becoming increasingly sophisticated until everyone willing to be close to him was subdued.
And he succeeded. Originally an unknown, fallen minor noble, he was noticed by the high-ranking officials of the Slane Theocracy and became an auxiliary member of the Sunshine Scripture, one of the Six-Colored Scriptures.
For a country like the Theocracy, which worships the Six Gods, the Six-Colored Scriptures are a power second only to the ruling class. The Sunshine Scripture, in particular, is a hotbed of talent, with its magic casters possessing unparalleled power. They are also frequently deployed on external missions, whether assisting the Dragon Kingdom, which suffers from beastmen invasions, or sowing discord between the Empire and the Kingdom. These activities bring immense benefits to the members of the Sunshine Scripture. Although, after layers of distribution, Hank didn't receive much, the accompanying sense of accomplishment was incredibly fulfilling.
As an ordinary knight, he didn't believe he could ever truly join the ranks of the Scripture, but his innate talent for strategy allowed Hank to foresee his future—an auxiliary commander of the Scripture, immensely glorious and wealthy.
That's why Hank eagerly vied for the mission to lure the Warrior Captain of the Kingdom into the Sunshine Scripture's encirclement. To outsiders, this was merely a simple slaughter of defenseless civilians, but Hank knew that his opponent was the Kingdom's Blade, capable of killing him six times over in one go, and had to be treated with extreme caution.
Whether it was forging traces or carefully selecting routes and targets, Hank personally oversaw everything—meaning he personally directed his subordinates, giving orders from horseback.
"It's almost mine... it's almost mine..." Hank galloped on his horse, taking the medicine prepared for him by the Scripture while urging himself on mentally.
Just yesterday, Hank slaughtered an entire village, checking against the household register to ensure not a single living soul was left.
This wasn't Hank finally awakening a cruel bloodlust; rather, it was his attempt to provoke the Warrior Captain of the Kingdom's nerves as much as possible, to make him pursue him with all his might—after all, a lively, bouncing prey is not good news for a hunter; an exhausted one is.
"To mobilize for a few commoners, as expected, those who care about such trifles never achieve great things..."
Hank stopped outside a village, looking at the endpoint of his journey—Carne Village, then looked up at the ethereal purple eyes in the void, a bloodthirsty smile spreading across his lips.
"Kill..." The knights charged.
"Mutual slaughter?" At the same time, Flying Squirrel, sitting in the Throne Hall, looked at the 120-inch holographic projection and couldn't help but ponder.
This holographic projection was a divine-tier reconnaissance tool prepared in advance by Walton in the game, a must-have for large guilds, with the effect of being almost undetectable during reconnaissance—unless the target actively used anti-reconnaissance magic of tier 9 or higher. However, its maintenance costs were also high. Currently, Nazarick should have been saving expenses and only activating it after solving the problem of being unable to actively produce in-game currency.
But... Walton had too much money saved! He couldn't spend it all! He simply couldn't!
Flying Squirrel recalled his experience yesterday when the treasury was opened, and he was almost drowned by a giant wave of gold coins, nearly losing his life, and couldn't help but marvel at the power of money once again.
"Carne Village is very close to us..." Walton frowned, and the memories of death began to resurface.
According to the original story, on the fourth day after transmigrating, Flying Squirrel would discover Carne Village under attack while testing reconnaissance tools, and he would lend a helping hand, saving his "dear daughter" Anri. Afterwards, Carne Village would smoothly enter Nazarick's sphere of influence, heavily utilized as bait and an experimental ground, and Anri would slowly grow into a juicer... ahem, a Goblin General.
But in this life, Walton did not intend to let the plot unfold so simply, for three reasons.
Firstly, the base of Nazarick in this life is vast, and it is very close to Carne Village, only half a day's journey (by carriage). Although it is difficult to approach due to the Swamp moat, its role as a front line and bait is diminished—at such a close distance, by the time enemies are discovered, I can fly over directly, and they probably won't even have stepped into the village.
Secondly, Nazarick has its own bait, more reliable than Carne Village, and its laboratories and factories are well-equipped. What it needs are talent and labor, which further reduces the necessity of maintaining Carne Village.
Thirdly, since she is Flying Squirrel's own daughter, if she doesn't come back to live at her maternal home, can you, Old Bone, truly rest assured? Although you didn't value her that much in your previous life...
Fourthly, though I have no ambition for dominion, I understand the suffering of the common people... ahem, Walton believes that with Flying Squirrel's old methods, he probably wouldn't even leave the starter village by the time the Blood Emperor turns bald. Walton still wants to see a broader world. As a former corporate executive, he is not accustomed to this "looks busy" but actually "slacking off" Japanese corporate management style—everyone, get to work overtime! Anyway, even if you die, I can raise you back! No resting allowed!
It was another day full of dark intentions, and Nazarick lost one streetlamp.
"Such creatures should disappear forever."
Sure enough, Old Bone still uttered the line from the original work that caused many Guardians, especially Demiurge, to misunderstand, a statement that directly led to a significant loss of labor.
But this cannot be entirely blamed on Flying Squirrel. After all, after his transmigration, the extreme evil value within him had been constantly influencing him. Although Flying Squirrel could maintain his humanity in front of Walton, in formal settings, the absolutely rational Archlich would take over. Coupled with the fact that he recalled his previous life before saying this, it was truly spoken from the heart, an unintentional remark taken seriously by the listeners.
"...Ahem..." Walton gave a fake cough, drawing attention.
"Uh... hmm... except for those useful to Nazarick..." Flying Squirrel was first stunned, then remembered that many of Walton's "children" included the "human" race...
"Alright, we'll talk about this later." Walton waved his hand, feigning indifference, but he knew that this interaction between him and Flying Squirrel had already hinted to the Guardians below—don't be too heavy-handed; at least first ascertain whether the target is useful.
This isn't because Walton is a bleeding heart; Walton was originally an executive of a giant criminal enterprise. Although he ultimately took action to preserve a spark of humanity, it doesn't change the fact that he is an evil person. However, Walton has always believed that human resources are very important. Nazarick cannot do everything. It's fine in the starter village now, but looking at the entire continent and even the whole world in the future, is Nazarick's projection of power truly sufficient? That's a big question mark.
As for the hidden danger of betrayal, there are many solutions. Besides magic, there are also interest binding, national consciousness indoctrination, common market theory, and countless other methods. There's no need to actually engage in genocide.
"I suggest, given Carne Village's unique geographical location and other reasons, Nazarick should respond to this attack on Carne Village, President, what do you think?" Walton changed the subject, looking at Flying Squirrel with a solemn expression.
"Ah... hmm... I was thinking the same thing..." Flying Squirrel paused, then nodded confidently, but his heart was racing.
Walton, look at my expression, do you think I understand?
No, I can't see it, because you are a skeleton, and I am blind.
If their communication were made public, it would certainly cause a "Guardian Revolution" event...