In Ark Simulator, why do I always get a tough start?

Chapter 174 The Establishment of the "Ichishin-kai" and Skadi's Transformation into a True Leader
The following day, the Agor Parliament issued another supreme decree.

[Rear Admiral Skadi, Commander-in-Chief of the First Deep Sea Fleet, is appointed Minister of Security for the Blue Kingdom Parliament, with full authority over the protection of the Parliament's governor.]

Furthermore, Heratia, in her capacity as Supreme Consul, officially announced that, appreciating Major General Skadi's loyalty and abilities, she had adopted Skadi as her goddaughter.

My personal safety is entirely the responsibility of my adopted daughter, Skadi.

From this day forward, Skadi has the authority to report directly to Hera and bypass her immediate superiors.

At the same time, Ulpian was appointed commander of the guard regiment, serving as the first-line commander protecting all the consuls of the council.

Meanwhile, Gretia, who was still on a secret mission and had not yet returned to Blue Country, was promoted to Chief of Staff of the Security Department without her knowledge.

[Thus, Heratia single-handedly secured the three seats responsible for protecting the most powerful and influential consuls of Agor.]

There was an uproar throughout Agor.

No one expected that Skadi, who had risen to the rank of Major General at a speed that even a spaceship couldn't match in just one year, would be promoted again.

Moreover, the position he was promoted to was so crucial that he was directly and fully responsible for the safety of the parliamentary officials.

However, this news is no longer so sensational for the civilians and scientists of Agor.

After all, unlike before when she was promoted directly from Deepsea Hunter to Major General, Skadi's rank wasn't raised this time; only her position was added.

Within Agor, the prevailing topic of discussion was still Heratia's adoption of Skadi as her goddaughter.

As mentioned before, even the relationship between biological parents and children is quite weak in Agorian society.

Therefore, the term "adopted daughter" is extremely rare and precious.

[For Heradia, as the Supreme Consul, to publicly acknowledge her relationship with Skadi was tantamount to announcing her stance to all of Agor.]

“This child is the most trusted of my own people, whom I personally nurtured.”

"Anyone who opposes her is opposing me."

[So much so that even the common people of Agor were discussing what it was about Skadi that Governor Heratia saw in her that made her so highly regarded.]

[Even in this process, countless rumors, some bizarre and some outrageous, were born.]

For example, Heratia valued Skadi because the innocent and naive Skadi, like a child unaware of the ways of the world, provided Heratia with emotional comfort, despite her strained relationship with her daughter.

Alternatively, it could be said that Heratia, having held the position of Supreme Consul for many years and facing numerous competitors, needed a strong protector for her safety.

[Some even went so far as to spread rumors that the Archon of Heratia, widowed for many years, developed unusual feelings for Skadi, a woman of great strength and a certain heroic spirit among women.]

But regardless of the specific rumors, they all illustrate a consensus among the Agorians.

Skadi's position is likely unassailable.

[Regarding this, the Agor leadership reacted countless times faster than the civilians.]

The Agor governors, who had previously harbored jealousy or contempt for Skadi, immediately corrected their behavior upon learning of this news.

The proposal to expand the Deepsea Hunters, which Skadi had originally submitted but had been suppressed, was not only quickly approved, but also immediately distributed to all fleets.

Soon, upon learning they could become deep-sea hunters, the elite soldiers and commanders of Agor's various fleets were filled with excitement!

[This is somewhat different from the reality where Agor views Deepsea Hunters as outcasts.]

Although the threat of sea creature mutation still exists, the position of Deepsea Hunter is now extremely rare, with countless Agor soldiers vying for it.

The reason is simple: only deep-sea hunters are qualified to receive training in magnetic field power!

The god-like power that those with strong magnetic fields can wield naturally attracts countless Agorians who crave power.

In an instant, the previously quiet registration area was packed with participants pouring in.

Ulpian, who was originally in charge of this task, is now extremely busy after taking on the security work for the consuls.

Ultimately, he had to bring in his students: Siquinda, who had been knocked unconscious by Skadi's punch, and Specter, a former member of Goredia's team, to take charge of recruiting new members for the Deepsea Hunters.

Of course, Ulpian firmly vetoed Sikunda's strong application to become a Deepsea Hunter.

However, Ulpian also made a compromise with his student—allowing Sikunda to join the First Deep Sea Regiment as a new officer in the First Squad.

Specter will lead the second team.

Meanwhile, with Skadi's permission, Ulpian incorporated all the Deepsea Hunters who survived the "Slaying of Isamara" into the Legion, appointing them as officers in various units.

Furthermore, they were given the authority to select twenty team members themselves.

[Soon, with the full cooperation of the governor and the enthusiastic participation of soldiers from various fleets, the expansion of the First Deep Sea Naval Regiment proceeded rapidly.]

Over 800 soldiers, selected as capable of becoming deep-sea hunters, began undergoing modification surgery and a three-year training program in magnetic field power.

According to Skadi and others' estimates, approximately 70% of those tested will pass the trial and become new Deepsea Hunters.

Meanwhile, Skadi has been incredibly busy lately, with absolutely no free time.

Many governors who felt they had offended Skadi in the past fell silent after realizing that Skadi's position was now unshakeable, daring not to do anything further that would harm her.

[Even occasionally, when a governor encounters Skadi on the street, he will lower his head and cover his face, avoiding her for fear of being recognized.]

Many officials, fearing that Skadi would seek revenge and remove them from their posts once she gained power, rushed to Skadi's door to apologize.

The day after Skadi was re-promoted by Heratia, her major general office was piled high with expensive gifts, almost leaving her nowhere to stand.

The officials who were waiting for her arrival all eagerly shook her hand and apologized upon her arrival.

The large number of unfamiliar officials completely confused Skadi, who was already slow to react.

However, although Skadi couldn't recognize everyone, she still made the right decision immediately.

That is, to completely disregard the actions of these officials who came to apologize.

On the contrary, Skadi, who had just spent several months' salary on desserts, once again lavishly entertained the governors, diligently memorizing each person's title and face.

After this banquet, Skadi not only secured her position but also left a good impression on Agor's upper management.

The Agor leadership's initial disdain and jealousy towards Skadi also shifted to appreciation and flattery.

Now that her power was consolidated, Skadi's intuition told her it was time to do something big.

[One Heart Society, Initiated!]

……

"Huh? This is it?"

Specter and Ulpian, who were summoned to Skadi's office, both received a crudely made necklace with four shark teeth from Skadi.

And in front of them were hundreds of similar necklaces.

Among them, the most common type has one or two large fish teeth, while those with three teeth are extremely rare, numbering only about twenty.

Looking at her two bewildered comrades, Skadi calmly explained:

"This is an admission ticket I made myself, an admission ticket for the 'One Heart Association'."

"'Ichishin-kai'?" Having never heard of this name before, Specter and Ulpian exchanged bewildered glances before Specter took the initiative to smile and ask:

"My good orca~ what clever trick have you up your sleeve this time?"

"This 'One Heart Meeting' doesn't sound like a dance party or an art discussion, does it?"

“That’s definitely not the case.” Skadi shook her head and explained calmly:
"If we're talking about resemblance, it's more like a social gathering of deep-sea hunter officers and some governors who have close ties with us and are suitable for long-term cooperation, isn't it?"

"Everyone in this association is one of our true friends. We can speak freely and discuss our experiences within the association."

"Such a gathering is perfect for us to unite our internal team, exchange information and insights, and avoid being disturbed by the outside world."

"—That sounds pretty good!"

Upon hearing this, Ghost Shark, who was quite interested in the Isshin Guild, blinked and revealed a smile of interest.

However, unlike Ghost Shark, who enjoys socializing and spending time with fellow deep-sea hunters, Ulpian frowned slightly upon hearing this and offered a gentle reminder:
"Skadi, does this make us seem like we're forming cliques for personal gain?"

“We have only just gained a foothold, and we should not do anything that would make Parliament nervous.”

"Captain, you're wrong."

The first time, Skadi made what she believed to be the correct judgment after listening to Ulpian's advice.

She shook her head, meeting the surprised gazes of Ulpian and Specter, and said to herself:

"Now is the best, and perhaps the last, opportunity for us to expand our power."

“Governor Heratia and I are currently in a mother-daughter relationship. She is willing to act as our protector now, but the future is uncertain.”

"We must seize this window of opportunity and develop rapidly."

When Skadi recalled Hera's trust in her, even treating her like a daughter, she instinctively spoke with some uncertainty:

"Moreover, our current efforts to strengthen our own power and unite our members may actually be what our godmother would like to see."

"Our legion is now responsible for the protection of the Supreme Council. The stronger we become, the safer our foster mother and the others will be."

"As long as we don't hide too much and tell our godmother everything about the Yixin Society, she shouldn't suspect us."

“…Skadi, you’ve grown up.”

Looking at Skadi, who had somehow grown taller and seen farther than him, Ulpian nodded knowingly after a brief moment of surprise.

This former Skadi captain seems to understand why his former teammate is now his boss.

Having survived a brush with death, Skadi's progress had reached a level that even he could only look up to.

...However, in the ruins of the pre-civilization, besides the martial arts left behind by the Sea Tiger God of War, Skadi actually learned politics as well.

"Since no one has any objections, let's take all these necklaces and distribute them to the deep-sea hunters."

Seeing that neither Specter nor Ulpian raised any further objections, Skadi continued to instruct them:

"However, before distributing these necklaces, I want you to keep a few things in mind."

"First, the Yixin Society is divided into two levels: the senior level and the ordinary level."

"A typical newcomer with a strength of 10,000 horses can only receive a necklace with a large fish tooth and can only participate in social gatherings and interact with other newcomers in the ordinary level."

"To receive a necklace with two teeth, one must be either an outstanding newcomer or a seasoned deep-sea hunter who has already surpassed the newcomer level and possesses at least 50,000 horsepower."

"Although these people cannot enter the senior level yet, as long as they are capable enough, they are qualified to obtain three teeth."

"The only members who can receive three teeth are Deepsea Hunter officers who, like us, experienced the 'Siege of Isamara' or governors who have close ties with us."

"Or, they might be exceptionally strong, with a power level of over 100,000 horses."

"They can then enter the senior level and become core members of the One Heart Society."

"As for the members of the four teeth, currently, only I am qualified to make the decision personally."

"The higher the rank of a member of the Isshin Society, the more benefits they can enjoy, the higher the subsidies, and the right to exchange experiences with stronger people."

Drawing clear lines not only signifies a distinct class system within the "One Heart Society," but also serves to motivate a new generation of deep-sea hunters to strive to improve their strength.

After Specter and Ulpian both remembered the hierarchy of the "Ichishin-kai," Skadi added again:

"Also, tell all the deep-sea hunters that there is a rule they must follow if they want to join the 'One Heart Society'."

That is, "Wholeheartedly for the country, wholeheartedly for friends!"

“We only invite members who are loyal to Agor and the First Deep Sea Regiment. All those who join the ‘One Heart Society’ must swear an oath not to betray the organization.”

"And anyone who dares to break this promise... I will personally hunt them down and kill them."

"Until they pay the price for breaking their promise!"

Skadi gritted her teeth slightly, unusually hardening her resolve, and uttered this declaration that was quite out of character for her.

Skadi is not a cruel or ruthless person, except when it comes to Haizi and her enemies.

On the contrary, her coldness was actually just due to her aloof personality. She was worried that others would not adapt to her personality, so she chose to stay away from others.

But now, Skadi knows that as a leader, she can no longer act entirely according to her own personality as she used to.

Her godfather told her that when she chose to walk this path, she had to be prepared to bear the fate of thousands of people on her shoulders.

Power corrupts her mind, forcing her to transform into someone she can no longer recognize.

Skadi has already made up her mind.

"……I see."

Hearing Skadi's words, which were completely unlike anything she would have said in the past, Specter and Ulpian silently nodded in agreement after holding their breath.

They all sensed it.

The orca lady in front of him, who was once cute and innocent, is transforming into a true, ruthless leader.

"So, regarding the 'One Heart Society,' do we need any secret codes or anything like that?"

"This way, it will be easier for us to identify our own people, and we'll have an entrance slogan when we hold social gatherings?"

"Of course."

Skadi, regaining her composure, calmly nodded at Specter's suggestion.

After some thought, she came up with the most suitable slogan for "One Heart Society".

"Loyalty, how about that?"

Ghost Shark and Ulpian exchanged glances, then, without tacit understanding, responded to their superior with the most standard military posture.

"Yes."

"Loyalty! Honesty!" x2
(End of this chapter)