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

Chapter 175 The complete infiltration of the Isshin-kai, and Gretia's jealousy of Skadi?
As it turned out, everything went exactly as Skadi had predicted.

With Hera's unchecked indulgence, Skadi's "One Heart Society" expanded at a speed that even exceeded her expectations.

All the new recruits who had just undergone the Deepsea Hunter modification surgery and were now receiving brutal training inside the magnetic field reactor learned from their superiors about this exclusive social gathering for "Deepsea Hunters."

Within the "One Heart Society," they can not only compete against each other but also exchange experiences.

[In fact, if they are strong enough, they can challenge their superiors, or even generals of Skadi's rank.]

[If they win the competition, they can advance from soldiers to elites, and even to officers.]

No officer would ever refuse a soldier's challenge.

Furthermore, the Yixin Guild will not only provide a complete competition venue for everyone, but also a range of desserts, snacks, and drinks.

They didn't need to pay a single penny for this food.

Furthermore, all Deepsea Hunters who join the Isshin-kai receive a stipend called "Loyal Member."

The stronger they are, the higher their status within the One Heart Society will be, and the greater the allowances and benefits they can enjoy!

This news immediately ignited the passion of the new deep-sea hunters.

What? Where does the money for these allowances and benefits come from?

Is that something they should be concerned with?

Since Major General Skadi has promised to distribute the benefits and allowances to them, what other objections could they possibly have?

[The Agorian society is indeed no longer troubled by material and energy needs.]

However, strength, status, and power remain the sole pursuit that every Agorian strives for!

After all, only with greater power can you realize your greater ambitions.

Now, under Skadi's "Ichishin-kai" (One Heart Society) principles, all Deepsea Hunters have deepened their consensus on "might makes right."

If you are strong enough, you can achieve upward social mobility.

If you are strong enough, within the One Heart Society, you can gain unimaginable power and respect!

[In an instant, having clarified their goals, all the new Deep Sea Hunter recruits unleashed extraordinary enthusiasm and unwavering willpower.]

They began training themselves in the most brutal ways possible to become stronger, daring not to slack off in the slightest.

Competitions and sparring among teammates are an especially popular activity.

Because they know that if they relax even for a moment, they could very well be overtaken by their colleagues.

Competition and sparring are the best ways to test each other's strengths and determine progress.

[Under such circumstances, the strength of the new recruits, who had just awakened their magnetic field power and were not yet stuck at the "electric current propulsion" level, began to advance by leaps and bounds!]

As for the progress in winning over the governor, Skadi's efforts were going incredibly smoothly.

With the status of being Hera's adopted daughter, wouldn't it be a piece of cake for Skadi to cultivate a good relationship with any governor she wanted?

However, aside from the governors, Skadi's main targets for courting were the commanders of Agor's various fleets, who held positions similar to hers.

[In order to form the First Deep Sea Fleet, an elite legion that would both fight against the Sea Siege and protect the Council's regents, many of the best and brightest officers from Agor's various fleets were selected.]

This naturally displeased the commanders of the various fleets.

After all, who likes having key members of their fleet poached?

The loss of a large number of key figures in an army is a tremendous loss for a fleet.

At that moment, Skadi approached the commanders and offered them her solution.

"The new backbone of each fleet will be trained by our First Deep Sea Naval Regiment."

Skadi made her stance clear to all the fleet commanders who came to her office.

Skadi didn't understand what infiltration or planting spies was.

She did this simply out of a basic sense of morality; she felt she had taken advantage of the other fleets and should offer them a way to make amends.

[And once again, her proposed solution unexpectedly became the right move.]

"Each fleet can send all of its best soldiers and officers to our First Deep Sea Fleet for training."

"This time, the soldiers sent by various fleets for special training will no longer undergo the transformation of the Deep Sea Hunters, and will return to their respective fleets after the special training is completed."

"How many key members have you lost in order to build our legion?"

"Our legion will train as many core members as you can. We'll also give each of you a starting amount of magnetic field power of 30,000 horsepower. How about that?"

The news greatly shocked the commanders of the various fleets.

Because of the terrifying ability to manipulate magnetic fields, it has always been reserved for deep-sea hunters, who are known as "the most loyal soldiers to Agor."

[And if their fleet could have several, or even dozens, officers who possess magnetic field power, command capabilities, and extraordinary strength...]

Therefore, the improvement in their fleet's combat effectiveness is obvious.

However, some fleet commanders cautiously raised the question of what to do if the Heratian ruler intervened in the matter.

Skadi's words reassured them greatly.

"—Colonel Ulpian's student, Sikunda, isn't she someone who, despite not being a Deepsea Hunter, also possesses magnetic field power?"

"And not only was she not impeached by parliament, she also became the commander-in-chief of the Blue Country's coast guard."

"Given such cases, it is by no means a problem for us to train a few key personnel who are proficient in magnetic field power for each fleet."

Skadi, who had already prepared her speech in her mind, said absentmindedly, as if reciting lines:
"Even if there is such a thing, please rest assured, I will explain to my godmother and will never let you take the blame."

"I only hope that our First Deep Sea Naval Regiment, in cooperation with the other fleets, can make our relationship closer and our cooperation more pleasant."

"Our legion needs fresh blood, and your fleets need elite personnel."

"Our cooperation can achieve a win-win situation."

With Skadi's assurance, the commanders of the various fleets were finally able to breathe a sigh of relief.

They began sending the remaining core and elite personnel from each fleet to Skadi's First Abyssal Fleet for special training.

After all, there is competition between the various fleets.

Everyone wants their fleet to be the backbone of Agor, the elite of the elite.

[Nowadays, those with magnetic field strength capable of influencing the combat power of a fleet are naturally the kind of individuals their fleet must compete for and cultivate!]

As for Skadi's invitation to join the "Ichishin-kai," the commanders of each fleet naturally accepted with immense honor.

[Thus, in just one year, Skadi, without her full knowledge, had already infiltrated all levels of society in the Kingdom of Agor.]

[Skati's confidants and subordinates began to fill the ranks of governors, engineers, deep-sea hunters, fleets, and even the Supreme Council.]

Skadi's power in the Kingdom of Agor is rapidly growing over time...

Just when Skadi's plans were going smoothly, a small incident occurred.

[Gredia, who trained with you for two years, has finally returned to the Blue Kingdom.]

[This governor, who knew about Skadi's plans but had never formally joined the "One Heart Society," did one thing upon returning to Blue Country: he sought out his mother.]

She had countless questions she wanted her mother to answer.

"boom."

The door to the meditation room was slowly pushed open, and Gretia, who had just returned to the Blue Kingdom, was not at ease. She walked hurriedly to Heratia.

"Governor Heratia!"

"I think you need to give me a reasonable explanation for the series of events that have occurred in Agor this year."

"...My little Gretia."

"You've just returned from a mission. Instead of resting properly, why are you questioning your mother like this?"

Heratia slowly opened her eyes, gazing at her daughter, who had been away from Agor for two years because of her orders, her gaze remaining perfectly calm.

However, she did not pay attention to the question her daughter raised, but instead carefully sensed the aura emanating from her daughter whom she had not seen for two years.

Two years have passed, and to Heratia's disappointment, her daughter still seems to have made no progress.

The power of 24 horsepower seemed to have become a bottleneck that plagued her throughout her life.

At the same time, Heratia could sense the sharp aura of her daughter, who had been "on a mission" for two years, like a blade drawn from its sheath.

Heratia does not possess magnetic powers, but as the Supreme Ruler, she has extraordinary intuition.

She could feel the tremendous transformation her daughter had undergone in the past two years.

Although she still possesses 24 horsepower, the current Goredia could probably easily handle ten of her past selves.

This also filled Heratia with anticipation.

"Little Goredia".

"Two years ago, under the guise of carrying out a mission, I arranged for you to go deep into the Sea King's lair to find the ruins of the Sea Tiger God of War that Skadi had explored before."

"And judging from your aura... little Goredia, you've already found her?"

"...That's right."

Despite having countless questions in her mind, Goredia still chose to answer her mother's questions.

“I found the ruins that Skadi mentioned, and the secret manual left behind by the Sea Tiger God of War within them.”

"In the past two years, I have fully mastered the theoretical knowledge of 'Hell Path' and 'Asura Path' that were not recorded on the supercomputer in Blue Country."

"Furthermore, I have also memorized the core principles of the Bodhidharma Sutra."

“After my testing, the power of these two martial arts techniques is in no way inferior to ‘Heavenly Martial Killing Path,’ which can greatly enhance the strength of the Deep Sea Hunters.” “—That’s wonderful.”

Heratia was overjoyed at her daughter's achievement.

However, Goredia's expression didn't relax at all; she just stared at her mother's back and asked, word by word:
“Governor Heratia…After I returned to the Blue Kingdom, I learned of some rumors.”

"You really took Skadi as your goddaughter?"

"And you even appointed her as the commander-in-chief of the First Deep Navy Regiment and the Minister of Security for the Council?"

“…My little Gretia, you are very well-informed.”

When Heratia mentioned Skadi, whom she had personally promoted, a hint of joy appeared between her brows.

There is no doubt that Heratia is not only fully aware of Skadi's recent activities, but also emotionally supportive of them.

Skadi's actions made Heratia increasingly admire her adopted daughter.

However, the smiling Heratia was completely oblivious to her daughter's furrowed brow.

This expression...

Even her daughter, Gretia, had never seen it.

For some reason, despite her extremely strained relationship with her mother, Goredia never considered her mother's opinion of her.

but.

Whether it was with her master or her mother, when she saw that these two people, who were closest to her in terms of relationship and blood, only favored Skadi, she was deeply moved.

For no apparent reason, a strong feeling of jealousy welled up in Goredia's chest.

“You’re right, little Goredia.”

"I did indeed adopt Skadi as my goddaughter and make her one of my confidantes."

Oblivious to her daughter's unusual mood, Heratia continued praising her highly admired adopted daughter, smiling faintly:

"She is truly a very capable person, not only possessing great power, but also being a pure-hearted and good girl."

"With such an adopted daughter in charge of my security and the security of the entire parliament, I feel very at ease."

"...Consul Heratia, if I may be so bold, you seem to lack even the most basic vigilance."

Perhaps out of jealousy, Gretia, who was fully aware of Skadi's plan to overthrow the Agor leadership, found it difficult to control her emotions.

Although Goredia had promised Skadi that she would acquiesce unless Skadi's actions directly undermined Agor's stability.

But now, as the governor, Goredia couldn't help but offer a reminder.

"Don't you know just how terrifyingly fast the 'One Heart Society' founded by Major General Skadi has expanded?"

"The core members of the current 'One Heart Society' cover all areas of Agor, and even include fleet commanders."

“Governor Heratia, are you sure these are also within your permitted scope?”

"--certainly."

However, to Greta's surprise, her mother's answer was so matter-of-fact.

What she didn't expect was that Heratia knew the complete list of all the members who had joined the "One Heart Society"—because Skadi had given her the list voluntarily.

Heratia thought of Skadi, who was honest to the point of being endearing, and who had actually handed over her leverage. With a beaming smile, she said:
“My little Goredia, the bond between me and Skadi is much closer than you can imagine.”

“Although Skadi’s actions were a little excessive… isn’t it only natural to select and train the best Agor soldiers to protect the Supreme Council’s regent?”

"Moreover, the cooperation between Skadi and several fleets can greatly enhance our Agor's defense capabilities."

"Since it is beneficial to the development of the Agorian civilization, why should I stop it?"

—In particular, all of Skadi's power comes from the permission of her, the Supreme Consul.

If he really felt that Skadi's behavior was wrong, he could withdraw his appointment at any time, causing all her power to vanish in an instant.

This is the real reason why Heratia was so confident.

Heratia always viewed Skadi as a derivative of her power.

Besides, Heratia didn't believe that an innocent girl who had handed over her leverage would do anything to harm her.

In conclusion, Heratia finally felt completely at ease.

But as a deep-sea hunter and captain who had fought on the front lines in Agor, Gretia wouldn't think that way.

She knew very well just how strong the bonds of friendship were in the military.

In the military, through competition and life, and after several missions and collaborations, it only takes a few years for two completely unrelated people to develop an extraordinary friendship.

This kind of friendship will transcend class and status differences, becoming the most solid network of connections.

Currently, Skadi's "Isshin-kai" is focusing on training a large number of officers, adjutants, and elites from various fleets.

Even after these people finish their special training and return to their own fleets, their camaraderie with their comrades in the First Deep Sea Fleet will not disappear.

Instead, they will become a hidden network of connections that Skadi can utilize in the future!

And when Skadi's network of connections extends throughout Agor, she will become a part of Agor's heart!
And the network of connections she has built will cover every capillary in the country of Agor!
By that day, the Supreme Council would have lost control of the Agor army, and the guards around it would all be deep-sea hunters promoted and trained by Skadi.

How could Agor's Supreme Council not be overthrown?!
As she watched helplessly as the Supreme Council was about to plunge into the abyss, the anxiety in Gledia's heart was unimaginable.

Although she did not want to betray Skadi, she also wanted to fulfill her duties as consul.

This left Goredia in a state of extreme inner conflict.

"Consul Heratia, I believe this matter needs further discussion; we must stop it..."

"—Enough, my little Gretia."

However, Heratia was quite puzzled to hear that her daughter actually had such a problem with the loyal subordinate she had trained, and she stopped her daughter's behavior.

After all, to Hera, Skadi was her own protégé whom she had personally trained.

Skadi, this powerful yet simple-minded subordinate, is a loyal servant whom Skadi can inherit after Skadi's abdication, and her daughter, Goredia, can inherit her position.

How could one possibly suspect their own daughter, who is also their own flesh and blood?
Such distrust within the organization will lead to enormous turmoil and is ultimately a self-destructive act.

Therefore, Heratia had to speak up to stop it.

After Gretia had nothing more to say, Heratia resumed her demeanor as consul and softly gave the order:

"Gredia, this time you have done a great job, bringing more of the wealth left by the previous civilization to Agor."

“I plan to convene a council to announce your achievements in a fair manner, and then transfer you from the Deep Sea Hunters team to the Supreme Council to serve as the Minister of Parliamentary Intelligence.”

"From now on, my little Gretia, you will stay by my side and work for me."

"Governor Heratia?!"

When she heard that she was going to leave the Deepsea Hunters, Gretia was clearly surprised.

After all, the Minister of Intelligence, although not holding a very high position in the Supreme Council, is a close confidant of the Supreme Regent.

Assigning this position to Goredia was undoubtedly Heratia's own selfish motive.

But before Goredia could refuse, Heratia had already finalized the matter.

“This is an order, Gladys, you have no right to refuse.”

"And as a mother... Now that the First Deep Sea Fleet has been established, both Skadi and Ulpian are far superior to you."

"With them here, I no longer want you to go into battle."

"Staying by my side and making the most of your abilities as consul would also be a contribution to Agor."

Goredia remained silent for a long time.

However, when she heard her mother, who had always regarded her as her proudest work of art, say that Skadi and Ulpian were both far superior to her, she was shocked.

Even after receiving two years of instruction from Chen Qi, Goredia, who was still stuck at 24 power, felt an intense sense of resentment once again.

……Why?
What exactly is wrong with me, Biskadi, and Ulpian?

Why is it that she, who was once at the very top, has now become a weakling?
This resentment, coupled with the sense of humiliation rising in Goredia's heart, made her involuntarily tighten her grip on the long spear in her hand.

But after a long time, Goredia's rationality suppressed her emotions, allowing her to gradually come to terms with reality in silence.

"...I will accept this position."

Under the pressure of reality, Goredia chose to give in.

"However, I will not resign from my position as captain of the Deep Sea Hunters. I will go to the First Deep Sea Navy Regiment to serve as an instructor and chief of staff."

“…That’s fine.”

Seeing that her daughter had actually compromised, Heratia nodded with satisfaction after a brief moment of astonishment.

However, Goredia's decision to accept the proposal was not because she had given up in the first place.

Conversely, having realized that she might never be able to break through her limitations in her lifetime, Goredia chose to make Agor better in her own way.

Surprisingly, no one in the Supreme Council noticed Skadi's actions, and everyone thought they were safe and sound.

What a bunch of insects.

Goredia gritted her teeth slightly, her mind already made up—

He himself must assist his mother in reforming the entire Agor parliament from within!
She will use her own methods to overthrow Agor's leadership, so that Skadi's coup will have no reason to break out again.

This is also a competition that Gretia, who is jealous of Skadi, wants to have with Skadi.

Goredia absolutely refused to believe that she could lose to Skadi in terms of consulship!
This time, I must be faster and stronger than Skadi!
(End of this chapter)