Do Your Own Revolution

#130

“Maximum altitude reached! Engine status normal!”

“Distance to Viselgrad?”

“We’ll reach it in an hour!”

With the engineer’s shout, the small airship’s hull shook violently.

The Imperial airship fleet.

Five airships that broke away from the grand fleet covering the Republic’s skies were flying toward the Republic’s capital through the skyways at maximum altitude and speed.

Their destination was the Republic’s capital, Viselgrad.

Numerous anti-aircraft batteries installed at key military points and pursuing airships were firing shells at them.

“Whoa?!”

“That’s a large-caliber anti-aircraft gun. The kind that can blow away even a medium-sized airship in one shot.”

“That’s intense. Without the barrier, we’d have been a fireball already, huh?”

Occasionally, large-caliber anti-aircraft guns designed for high-altitude defense would spit fire, but even those couldn’t stop this airship’s advance.

A barrier deployed by a seven stroke imprint specialist.

If you want to break through this, you’d need to unleash an attack of comparable power.

Whoosh-!

The airship reached its target position and slowly descended to secure visibility.

Breaking through the clouds and descending, what came into view was the landscape of the Republic’s capital, Viselgrad.

Having already sounded warning sirens, the city interior was in chaos with civilians evacuating and soldiers gathering to respond.

“What a mess. At this rate, couldn’t we just bomb it?”

“No, that’s impossible.”

To Ortega’s words as he looked at the city through the observation window, I quietly answered.

Why?

Just as Ortega looked at me with questioning eyes.

Swoosh—!

Dazzling light flowed from various parts of the city, forming a massive curtain that enveloped the entire capital.

“Don’t tell me that’s… a barrier?”

“They’ve put up a barrier around the entire city? How could the Republic, with almost no magical power awakeners, possibly…!”

“Instead, they have monsters.”

Looking down at the city-scale defensive shield that even the Empire would have trouble implementing, I slowly spoke.

“The Republic is a nation that can artificially create monsters. They have the technology to mass-produce monster mana cores at will.”

“…!”

“They’ve connected mass-produced monster mana cores in parallel, and used that magical power to deploy the barrier.”

The massive magical power constituting the defensive shield.

And compared to that massive magical power, the extremely crude magical formula structure.

However, breaking through this would be no simple task.

Bombing? Impossible.

Attack formulas?

We could make gaps, but with a defensive shield of this thickness, they’d be repaired immediately.

To collapse the entire defensive shield through external impact, you’d need to apply an equal amount of energy.

However, I didn’t have enough magical power to overwhelm a defensive shield of this size.

Even coating magic bullets with seven stroke imprint would be impossible.

Should we have developed nuclear bombs?

A frivolous thought popped up, but I quickly erased it and looked around at the personnel aboard the airship.

‘But the mages aboard this airship fleet aren’t just me.’

Sixty people per airship, three hundred total.

Four stroke or higher high-ranking mages, carefully selected from the entire Special Magical Power Unit.

Looking around at the unit members baring their teeth at me, I slowly gave them hand signals.

‘All personnel, to positions.’

The moment they received that signal, the five airships exchanged light signals, and hundreds of mages aboard the airships moved in perfect unison.

Swoosh—!

The five airships formed a pentagonal formation, and the members at their positions fed their magical power into the magic circles drawn on the gas cells. 𝔯à𝐍𝐨BËS̩

The airships starting to emit red light.

I immediately connected the five airships with magical power chains, then began constructing a massive formula by drawing magic circles on top.

“Magical power synchronization, commence.”

Screech—!

Magic circles drawn on the airship gas cells.

Formula transformation through altitude adjustment, and the massive sun constructed as a result.

Feeling the gathered massive magical power, a satisfied smile spread across my face.

Heliosphere.

The mass formula of the Special Magical Power Unit, deployed by around 300 high-ranking mages.

Whoosh-!

Following my hand movements, the condensed sun slowly moved.

The massive magic circle created by the five airships slowly adjusted its orbit to target the center of the defensive shield and.

“Fire.”

With that brief word, the Special Magical Power Unit’s mass formula struck the Republic’s magical power barrier.

A moment of silence.

A single flash.

And then…

Boom—!

Tremendous heat and wind enveloped Viselgrad, and the thunderous roar shook the entire city.

A massive formula that could have blown away the entire city if not for the defensive shield.

A unit member watching the bombardment through the observation window gave a thumbs up.

Bombardment successful.

The defensive shield protecting Viselgrad shattered to pieces.

“Now then, time to start the real work.”

Muttering that, I opened my mouth toward the unit members who still had power to spare.

“From now, we commence Operation ‘Sledgehammer.'”

Thud-!

The airship hatches opened, and the city landscape I’d been watching through the windows came into clear view.

The Republic’s capital with its curtain lifted.

Toward the unit members swallowing dry saliva at that sight, I shouted at the top of my lungs.

“Special Magical Power Unit soldiers!”

A cry that ignites bombs at their critical point.

Ghastly smiles spread across the faces of the gritting unit members.

“Who are we?!”

“We are the proud mages of the Kalhyram Empire!”

“The Empire’s vanguard, the Emperor’s spearhead!”

Thud-! Thud-!

The sound of feet stomping the airship floor.

Along with the uniform sound of military boots, the unit members’ shouts continued.

“What is our objective?!”

“Tear apart and kill the Empire’s enemies!”

“Tear apart and kill the Empire’s enemies!”

“Where are we going?!”

“To hell from head to toe!”

“To hell from head to toe!”

“To hell from head to toe–!”

The chants echoing through the airship, and the unit members’ eyes blazing in sync with them.

“Special Magical Power Unit, all forces-!”

Confirming that, I commanded my loyal army.

“Begin descent.”

***

“The, the Imperial bastards jumped from their airships! They’re coming down here!”

“Magical power reactions numbering one hun… two hun… th-three hundred?!”

“All the falling enemies are mages! Marshal-!”

Considering standard tactical doctrine, the enemy’s tactics were an absurd operation.

Transporting mages to the capital’s airspace while completely ignoring anti-air defenses, collapsing the defensive shield with a mass formula, then dropping the mages from the sky.

Moreover, looking at the magical power amounts shown on the detectors, aren’t these all four stroke or higher high-ranking mages?

– Anti-aircraft battery #3 neutralized! Enemy bombardment formula!

We can’t break through their barriers! Heavy weapons! Or quickly dispatch the Armored Infantry unit…!

All heavy weapons and artillery were deployed to the front lines! All we have here are security forces…! Argh?!

Fire at the 1st Armory! Their targets are the military factories in the capital…!

Requesting support! Requesting support-!

Why are those monsters even here?!

“Using talent comparable to Knight Order leaders… so casually…!”

Black-uniformed mages falling and decorating the sky as they descended to various parts of the city.

Endless incoming reports, and staff officers unable to respond and in complete disarray.

Seeing this, Marshal Kalinin could only collapse into his seat, releasing the strength from his clenched fist.

“It’s over. This… can’t be contained.”

Mages violently ravaging the capital while completely ignoring existing combat doctrine.

Once hundreds of mages infiltrated the city interior, his defense plans were useless.

Defense lines crumbling before orders could be issued, and soldiers being swept away before they could send word.

The capital was falling faster than he could make decisions.

“I-Imperial forces! The Devils of Magic Bullets…!”

“Defend! Defend Marshal Kalinin with your lives!”

The sounds of soldiers resisting came from outside the supreme command post. But that didn’t last long.

Boom–!

As the operations room door he was standing in front of exploded entirely, a group of soldiers poured into the operations room.

Click-!

About ten high-ranking mages aiming their weapons at him after loading them.

“This is our first direct meeting.”

And at their center, a young man.

“Republic Army Marshal, Georgi Kalinin, sir.”

“Eugene, Lorentz…”

Seeing him salute toward himself, Kalinin drooped his shoulders with a sigh.

The Republic’s capital, Viselgrad, had fallen.

Just two weeks after the Empire declared war.

‘However…’

There was still a chance remaining.

Thinking that, Kalinin slowly opened his mouth while looking at Eugene.

“Congratulations, young hero of the Empire. Having captured the capital, the Empire will have complete advantage in post-war negotiations.”

“You…”

“But you haven’t won this war yet.”

Taking a breath, he gradually regained his composure.

Though the situation was worst-case, his mind raced even faster to predict what would come next.

The relationship between Empire and Republic. The Republic’s internal politics. The massive changes that would unfold there.

And at the end, Kalinin reached a conclusion.

That today’s defeat would become an unparalleled opportunity for him.

“Your target, the Secretary General, left Viselgrad two weeks ago.”

“…!”

“He escaped to a fortress at the western edge with his close associates. There are no high-ranking Republic officials here.”

Hearing those words, Special Magical Power Unit members looked back at Eugene with dismayed expressions.

It would be natural to be surprised.

High-altitude infiltration using hundreds of high-ranking mages.

For such an unreasonable gamble, the payoff seemed rather disappointing.

“As expected…”

Eugene sighed with slight lamentation.

However, what Eugene had just said bothered Kalinin.

What did he just say?

As expected?

His puzzlement didn’t last long.

“I will lure out the Secretary General and hand him over to you. In exchange…”

Taking a breath, Kalinin slowly opened his mouth while looking at Eugene.

“Hero of the Empire, Eugene Lorentz.”

When the word ‘hero’ was directed at him, Eugene’s face twitched slightly.

Young man’s characteristic competitive spirit?

If he appropriately matched the mood, things could proceed quite smoothly.

With that thought, Kalinin slowly opened his mouth.

“Would you make a deal with me?”

Hearing those words, Eugene slowly lowered his gun barrel.

For now, he’d passed the major hurdle.

Now, it was time for negotiations.

***

“A capital fallen in two weeks and a Secretary General who fled from it. If this war ends in the Republic’s defeat, the Secretary General’s political life is over.”

Georgi Kalinin.

A Marshal commanding the Republic’s army and simultaneously the Republic’s renowned general who had matched Keiren in the last war.

Living up to that name, he didn’t lose his dignity even with dozens of gun barrels aimed at him.

“Therefore, in exchange for handing over the Secretary General’s head, I request an armistice with the Empire.”

“I’m merely a commander. I don’t have the authority to discuss treaties, but.”

“Come now. Are you taking me for a fool?”

Kalinin smiled slightly and said while looking at me.

“Keiren, and the Emperor. Even if the Republic and Empire are cut off from each other, I know well enough who stands behind you.”

“…”

Information about the Republic that used to be delivered through the Revolutionary Army is now delivered through magic nobles.

How much did he know?

“Stop the war. If you do, the Republic’s army will directly oust the Secretary General and hand him over to you.”

“…”

“Also, we will directly execute with the Republic’s righteous hands those war criminals who conducted inhumane experiments on Imperial prisoners.”

Hand over their own head of state and execute those who opposed the Empire.

Though it seemed like groveling to an almost shameful degree, I could immediately understand his hidden intentions.

“Cover all the Republic’s crimes with the Secretary General alone, and establish new relations with the Empire by eliminating him.”

“…”

“That’s your real objective, isn’t it?”

Kalinin seemed slightly surprised, but simultaneously nodded in agreement.

“The Empire and Republic’s powers have become exactly equal.”

“…”

“The Empire, which must check magic nobles, cannot digest a massive nation like the Republic. The longer the Empire empties itself trying to conquer the Republic, the more magic nobles will try to devour the Empire.”

An accurate understanding of Imperial affairs.

“At the same time, the Republic has suffered unspeakable damage from this war. Two consecutive defeats. The political chaos that will result… If the war ends here, both nations can maintain a balance of power without war for decades to come.”

“…”

“So during that time, you deal with your enemies.”

Kalinin continued speaking toward me.

“Clean up all the magic nobles conspiring with the Secretary General.”

“While you clean up the Secretary General’s evil faction in the Republic?”

“Exactly.”

Taking a brief breath, Kalinin spoke passionately toward me with heated eyes.

“Peace through strength. And dialogue continuing within that peace!”

“…!”

“If that is realized, the continent can finally regain the peace and prosperity that the Great Rupture took away!”

Breaking the chain of hatred and moving toward the future.

Hearing his words that seemed almost noble, I slowly opened my mouth.

“Indeed, you are someone capable of changing the Republic.”

“…”

“If His Majesty were here, he would gladly accept your proposal.”

At those words, color returned to Kalinin’s face.

“Then…!”

“But, no.”

However regrettably, standing here was not the Emperor but me.

And my thoughts differed from the Emperor’s.

Click-!

The Heresy loaded with magic bullets aimed at Marshal Kalinin’s face.

“What do you mean, no! If war stops and trade begins, we can heal the scars of war faster…!”

“The Republic is inherently a nation that must conflict with the Empire. If not now, you will clash again someday.”

I said.

“Now is a golden opportunity to sweep away the Republic. Missing this chance is no different than giving the future me the massive homework of dealing with the Republic.”

A Republic grown powerful under Kalinin’s leadership after overthrowing an incompetent leader like the Secretary General.

I’m already getting a headache thinking about how to deal with that.

“Kill me, and this war won’t end.”

Hearing my words, Kalinin spoke to me through gritted teeth.

“The Republic’s population is more than double the Empire’s, and its territory more than four times. How do you plan to control all that? Are you planning to massacre the Republic’s citizens living in this land?”

“Yes.”

At my answer that felt refreshing even to me, Kalinin was lost for words.

He shouldn’t be surprised here.

I continued speaking.

“Though it’s not my intention, that seems to be how it will turn out.”

“How it will turn out?”

To Kalinin’s questioning words, I spoke with a slight smile.

“The Secretary General who emptied the capital and fled west, not showing himself until now.”

“…!”

“Don’t you know what he’s doing? And why he left the capital…?”

Hearing those words, Kalinin stood wide-eyed and speechless.

Understandable.

This was information unknown even to the Imperial Intelligence Department and the Emperor who could see the future.

It was player knowledge from having played [Revolution Empire] Part 2.

“It won’t be me driving the Republic’s people to their deaths.”

“…!”

The one who survives without dying by your hands.

The one who will continue ruling the Republic.

The Secretary General will do it.

“You, surely…?”

“Yes. I know.”

I recalled the settings of Republic-side characters from the original work.

Marshal Georgi Kalinin, a man of character who cares for the people while possessing military talent surpassing the Secretary General.

Along with his son Petrenko, he reforms the Republic, and by their hands, the Republic undergoes one transformation.

‘And that grown Republic… ends up devouring the Empire weakened by revolution.’

What resulted was the cold betrayal delivered to the protagonist.

Accepting destruction after becoming a vassal state of the Republic.

That was this game’s ending.

And because I knew this, I could make my decision without hesitation.

I will kill this man.

Because he is a true leader and a good person.

Because he is an excellent commander who even Keiren would pay respect to, and a hero who seeks to transform the Republic for its people.

“The more you prosper, the more we decline.”

“…!”

“Your catastrophe is our opportunity, and your destruction is our revival.”

Therefore.

I placed my finger on the trigger aimed at Kalinin.

“That’s why we’re killing you first.”

“…!”

“We’ll leave the evil ones rampant in the Republic unchecked and encourage their evil to devour the Republic. We’ll cut off any possibility of changing the Republic and hand this country over to the clutches of evil.”

So that their malice can turn this Republic into hell.

So that the Empire opposing them can be righteous.

Bang-!

Kalinin, enraged, suddenly threw a punch, but I blocked it instantly with a barrier.

“What are you trying to do, Eugene Lorentz!”

“…”

“If that happens, do you know how many Republic citizens will die! Just how many lives will be lost…!”

“I have a rough idea.”

At least tens of millions would die.

“But honestly, what does it matter?”

It’s not me killing them but your Secretary General.

And those people would be enemy citizens anyway.

“With your death as the turning point, there won’t be a single person left in the Republic who can stop the Secretary General.”

“…!”

“And the fat Secretary General backed into a corner… will try to stop the Empire by any means necessary.”

Using the Republic’s specialty, monster engineering.

“Hundreds of thousands of Republic citizens will be sacrificed…!”

“And those sacrifices will become the justification for the Empire to conquer the Republic.”

The land covered with dead Republic citizens’ corpses will become the soil for the Empire’s growth.

“We will continue the war.”

“…!”

“And the glorious Kalhyram Empire will become the one and only nation to unify the continent.”

Recalling what kind of person the Republic’s Secretary General was.

What he did in the game.

I smiled contentedly.

“Even if they don’t want that.”

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