reincarnation npc, but tomorrow's ark

As for the deep-sea hunters… they really didn’t care. After all, among the land dwellers, they only cared about Bai Ye as an individual. As for the other land dwellers, they had little sense of identification or belonging. Perhaps those related to Bai Ye could indeed gain their recognition, but that was all.

However, if they want to gain assistance from the land in addressing deep-sea issues, these Agor people from the depths of the ocean don't seem to be able to portray themselves as villains. At the very least, they need a positive image to promote their cause and gain acceptance.

……

"If we don't want to destroy an entire city, is it possible to control the scope of the natural disaster?" Ascalon felt he had asked a very stupid question.

If the power of natural disasters could be controlled, then the fear of this thing throughout the entire continent of Terra wouldn't have permeated the entire history of civilization...

Even if it is the superweapon "Shatter Tower" that Victoria is preparing to build and that the Sarkaz are repairing and perfecting, the so-called "control of natural disasters" is really nothing more than "Shatter Tower" being guided by "airships" in the air to induce natural disasters in selected designated areas, thus forming a natural disaster strike.

Once a natural disaster takes shape, even its instigator can no longer control it; the "Shadow Tower" merely played a supporting role. It's like slowly pushing a boulder up a hillside; from then on, the boulder will only roll uncontrollably downhill. The upward push is partially controllable, but the subsequent part is completely beyond human intervention.

That's true at least for ordinary humans; as for beings like giant beasts, that's a different story.

Well, for beings like giant beasts, it's definitely a different story.

“I’ll try my best… mainly because I’ve never done this before, and I’m not sure if I can do it…” Bai Ye answered Ascalon’s question.

Preventing natural disasters was nothing new to Bai Ye. He himself had stopped natural disasters before they were fully formed, and more than once. Moreover, according to Nian and Xi, they had an older sister, another incarnation of a fragment of the Year Beast, who once intervened in Shang Shu and easily eliminated a natural disaster with a wave of her hand.

This is quite similar to how the old celestial master could easily change celestial phenomena by fanning himself with a palm leaf fan.

Since they were all able to do it, Bai Ye had no reason to think he was inferior to them... at least that's what Bai Ye thought, and he also had his own confidence.

Big Daddy didn't seem to have any objections to Bai Ye's words; or rather, he simply sat silently to the side, never offering a clear opinion. Ascalon and Logos, however, gained a much clearer understanding of Bai Ye.

Even Logos, a man of great experience and extensive knowledge, couldn't help but take notice of these words. Bai Ye is the true king of Rhodes Island.

“If it’s based on the premise that the scope and power of the natural disaster are controllable, then we can indeed discuss the feasibility of your plan, and… the specific plan for its implementation.” Ascalon finally understood why, during her secret talks with Kal’tsit, the actual leader of Rhodes Island regarded Bai Ye as their last trump card—provided that Bai Ye was willing to help Rhodes Island and abide by the contract he signed with the old woman.

At least the older woman believed that Bai Ye wasn't the type to break a promise easily. If he were to betray her, there was only one reason—the other party had betrayed her first.

"So the next task is clear... First, we need to determine the type of natural disaster, its coverage area, duration, and intensity. However, the natural disaster is not the key; it's just to divert the Sarkaz royal court's attention, force them to reveal their trump card, and cover up the energy fluctuations behind it."

Bai Ye snapped his fingers, and his thoughts became clearer and clearer.

Natural disasters are merely the prelude to the grand scheme; the final blow, the destruction of the Shard, will be the decisive victory. At least for now, it seems the Regent's ultimate reliance is on the Shard.

The ever-growing Sarkaz mercenaries, the gradual encroachment and control over Londinium, the gathering of the Sarkaz royal court... all of this is to ensure the implementation of the plan.

Bai Ye's plan was also just a prelude; the most crucial step, the decisive move, was to successfully and completely destroy the "Fragment Tower."

Once all the cornerstones of a plan are aligned and fixed, then no matter how many cards the opponent has to play, as long as their last resort is destroyed, then final victory is assured.

Well, of course, for Bai Ye, the so-called victory or defeat is meaningless. He only needs to ensure that the situation in Lontinim is stable and under control, so that it does not evolve into an unstable factor that disrupts the entire land.

"The attraction of natural disasters is also crucial. Those old guys gathered in Londinium will definitely be lured out by this sudden disaster. Their focus will be shifted away from the 'Shattered Building'."

Bai Ye became more and more certain as she spoke.

The other party was in the open, while he hid in the shadows, concealing all his thoughts.

……

“You’re a terrible guy…” Ascalon gave Bai Ye a deep look.

Controlling natural disasters was what the regent was most confident in; he believed only he could do it. After all, he was the only one currently entrenched atop the Shard.

Bai Ye's intention is to defeat his opponent in the area where he is most confident and unique.

Killing people and then taking pig hearts, how terrifying!

Chapter Ten: Fate

When the White Nights arrived over Londinium, the Regent of Londinium, Theresis, also received a letter brought back by a messenger sent by the Absolute Master.

Everything unfolded exactly as Rhodes Island had predicted.

No force, not even the Sarkaz, could secretly infiltrate the core city of Chernobog in Talulah. After losing three "messengers," they chose to give up. In the end, they never saw the last pure-blooded Wendigo, the one who could represent the Wendigo court, Bozocasti.

As for the official form? The core city of Chernobog has never directly recognized the legitimacy of the Regent's regime in any form. Therefore, the core city does not welcome this Sarkaz monarch who actually occupies the western hall of the Holy Kings, and will not receive his messenger out of respect for him.

The messenger returned empty-handed.

The remaining Wendigo are still fighting spirits in the northern Ursus. They no longer have the royal court in their hearts.

……

The Cyclops sent back a letter, and as always, she described a tragic scene—Londonium was torn into three pieces by fire, the Shard collapsed under hundreds of lightning bolts, and the Regent… yes, she also foretold the Regent's fate.

She said she saw Therese die alone on the throne beneath the Western Hall of the Holy Kings.

"As for the lich, thanks to Manfred's persistent persuasion, he is already on his way to Lentinium."

That's all the news.

Theresis showed no apparent emotion regarding the news brought by the Pardoner, including when he heard the prophecy delivered by the Cyclops. The same was true when he learned of his own death; the Sarkaz ruler remained unmoved. He showed no wavering, nor did he deliberately display indifference or disdain.

He was merely an observer, as if the regent's words had nothing to do with him.

“Write back to her and thank her for her concern.” With that casual remark, Therese turned to the other questions and matters.

"Continue the search for information about the Stonewing Demons. If you can find any lost bloodlines, immediately extend an invitation to them."

"The committee will work together with the royal courts to ensure victory in this war."

"Therese said in an unquestionable voice."

Because he has already grasped the trump card.

If the Sarkaz have any chance of a new beginning, this is their only chance.

"The airship will be completed soon. Then, those souls will be able to go to the skies above Londinium and become the guides for this storm."

"When we have the ability to lead the storm—they will fear the Sarkaz’s attention as much as they fear the storm’s arrival."

-------------------------------------

"Could the Cyclops, or some other Sarkaz monster, have known about our plans beforehand?"

Bai Ye suddenly spoke up, asking a question. He had always harbored a deep-seated apprehension about the Sarkaz's sorcery. Although Bai Ye wasn't a loser, he would make thorough preparations for any given plan. The plan could succeed, or it could fail.

Yes, perhaps the Cyclops can indeed predict the future to some extent—although Logos believes there are more scientific, or rather, more Originium Arts-based explanations for this, rather than the superstitious beliefs commonly held. In any case, the Cyclops' prophecies, at least in some respects, have indeed been quite accurate.

However, they can only see the result, but cannot see the whole picture of the event.

“Don’t worry that your plans will be detected by some kind of Sarkaz witchcraft,” Logos reassured White Night.

He spoke in a way that was difficult to understand:

"Whether due to errors or the collective emotions stirred up by current events, some grand prophecies can span a long period of Sarkaz history, and even cause history to converge on the prophecy itself..."

"I think I heard the old woman... Kal'tsit say something similar. Stop being a riddle player and just tell me what I can understand."

Bai Ye muttered to himself, while simultaneously correcting his unconscious "slip of the tongue" under Ascalon's terrifying gaze.

"Simply put, the Cyclops' so-called prophecy still falls under the category of Originium Arts. Its essence is still a comprehensive deduction based on the collective memory of the Sarkaz. The mindset shaped by the long suffering of the Sarkaz race may be the reason why Cyclops often foresee tragic fates." Logos nodded, answering Bai Ye's question.

"So, don't worry that they've figured out your thoughts. Putting aside the fact that they're still willing to serve the Sarkaz court—in most cases, the visions that Cyclopes can see through their foresight are random, fleeting, fragmented, chaotic, and illogical, and the skill they hone throughout their lives is to understand these visions."

"I never believed they could see you in such a shattered scene. And who can look directly at the storm itself?"

Logos stared at the sharp blade that appeared in Bai Ye's hand.

"I am the approaching storm..." Bai Ye sheathed the "Wind Chime" sword, suppressing the eager blade.

Theresis, at the eye of the storm, had no idea that high above him, in the dark clouds, someone was plotting a terrible scheme to destroy his ambitions.

Some are planning to summon a storm, while others are the storm itself.

Perhaps Logos was wrong this time; the Cyclops' letter, in a way, foreshadowed their fate. This window of opportunity that determined the Sarkaz's destiny and their marathon-like plan came to an end as the white night descended over Londinium.

……

"The next thing to do is simple." Bai Ye stretched easily.

"Make contact with our people, find out what's going on inside Londinium, and understand the extent to which the natural disaster can reach. The focus should be on taking care of those old guys who pose a threat."

Although Bai Ye's goal was clearly not to use natural disasters to destroy the entire Sarkaz, he would not show mercy to enemies who were now on his opposite side.

Bai Ye certainly wouldn't let such a good opportunity to weaken the enemy slip by. Although the power of the natural disasters was probably not enough to destroy the power that Theresis had accumulated, he would obviously not fare well either.

"Our people?" Ascalon asked doubtfully.

“Yes, you know, Lontinim right now isn’t just about the Sarkaz,” Bai Ye replied with a smile.

Chapter Eleven Military Commission

At present, Lentinium is indeed not only home to the Sarkaz. However, there is no doubt that these henchmen of Theresis have effectively taken control of the entire Lentinium.

Through legislation, the Grand Dukes are barred from entering Lentinium. Moreover, although their power is so great that even Theresis is wary of them, the Grand Dukes never unite. They only distrust and check each other, maintaining a fragile balance with the center of Lentinium.

At that moment, Therese was sitting in the western hall of the Holy King's Society.

The Western Hall of the Holy Kings was already located here before Londinium was even a mobile city.

Originally, it was simply called the Western Hall. The Draco royal family summoned their courtiers in this palace and adorned the exterior walls with their favorite gold and rubies.

The decorations were burned to ashes in the fire three hundred years ago. But the skeleton of the building remained, witnessing the coronation of the first Aslan king.

After that, the Western Hall was officially renamed the Western Hall of the Holy Kings, in commemoration of the peaceful and prosperous era jointly created by King Drak and King Aslan.

Twenty-six years ago, the last Aslan king was captured by the Parliament's army in the same place. And now, this is no longer the meeting place of the Victorian Parliament. It is now occupied by the Sarkaz.

He received messengers bringing news of the movements and intelligence of the various dukes' territories from different regions. How much of it was true? How much was just a smokescreen released by the dukes? Behind this fog of mystery, how many conspiracies were hidden, all aimed at the Sarkaz of Londinium?

Therese looked tired.

Although the Sarkaz occupy the most magnificent mobile city on this land, and have been blessed by the late King Victoria, this land has never been ravaged by natural disasters, and the city possesses what can be called the continent's premier industrial power, every minute, batches of weapons are produced from hundreds of factories actually belonging to the Sarkaz and distributed to the hands of Sarkaz mercenaries.

The factory is not only producing weapons directly, but also manufacturing materials for rebuilding the Shard and components for building the airships.

Although the workers were unaware of what they were producing, they were forced to work like slaves, constantly watched by Sarkaz overseers, and were effectively enslaved by the Sarkaz.

Even so, Therese dared not relax. The dukes of Victoria were cunning; they carefully selected every piece of intelligence that flowed into Londinium, causing the Sarkaz to lose their composure.

Although the Sarkaz never lost out in the game, they did not have the upper hand either.

Even in Lentinium, Victoria, the situation was not much different from when they were in Kazdel; the Military Council was always busy with endless affairs. Any error in the annotation of intelligence could be enough to bring Kazdel to its doom.

……

"We should also make contact with the ground."

Bai Ye opened the aircraft's hatch.

"Us?" Ascalon looked at the cold air rushing into the spacecraft and the outline of the mobile city of Londinium shrouded in mist below. Looking down from high above, the enormous city seemed incredibly small.

"The Cyclops will hover in the air, serving as a crucial link in our communications. It will also help us clear the fog of battle, allowing us to overlook the entire city from high above and keep track of its situation at all times."

Similar technology existed on Earth centuries ago, but those key nodes flew high enough and were constantly orbiting the Earth.

Unfortunately, on this magical land of Terra, the area outside the atmosphere is a forbidden zone. An invisible shackle creates a false starry sky, effectively sealing off the entire planet. Only after traversing this realm did Bai Ye understand why the players' attempts to build rockets had failed.

They are unable to cross the "Star Pod" to launch their spacecraft into planetary orbit. Even without the intervention of the "Game GM" to stop their madness, these attempts would ultimately fail due to the characteristics of this land.

Unfortunately, even in the sixth version, the "Star Pod," which touches upon the fundamental nature of this planet, remains a secret unknown to most ordinary players. Of course, those players attempting to launch rockets were clearly aware that something was amiss; their actions were a form of probing.

From this perspective, perhaps their actions cannot be called a failure. They simply mistakenly attributed their failure to "game design flaws." After all, they wrongly believed that "star pods" were a limitation imposed on players by the game system, and that there was an invisible wall outside the planet.

Although it's a groundbreaking game, even by 24th-century standards it could be considered cutting-edge technology. However, players believe that loading an entire planet is the limit, and the stars outside the planet are probably just textures.

Adding an invisible wall to enclose the entire map is perfectly reasonable. While it feels a bit forced, it's not a major flaw. In any case, it's definitely better than those games where the loading screen takes longer than the entire Call of Duty campaign. If you can't handle space-based content, don't force it; focusing on the planetary aspects is far more important.

……

“Hovering the aircraft here is fine, but don’t we need to land first?” Goredia asked, looking at the moving city below.

“We’ll just airdrop directly. The current situation in Londinium is that we simply can’t find a suitable helipad inside the city. The entire city has been taken over by the Sarkaz, and even the city defense forces are controlled by them. It’s already a huge challenge for us to even get in.” Bai Ye shook his head.

"There are ways to stop outside, but we're already in the airspace above the city. Do we really need to go out again?"

Bai Ye didn't want to go out again; getting in was difficult enough as it was.

It's better to stay still than to move. Hidden in the dark clouds above Londinium, protected by the air currents, it's safe here.

"Therefore, the only problem now is that we need to airdrop in."

Although the massive spacecraft "Cyclops" cannot land, people can disembark. As for the spacecraft itself, it will be taken over by artificial intelligence.

This time, Bai Ye didn't bring the rice cooker onto the aircraft; instead, he used the artificial intelligence El, which he had obtained from Luna. Adapting the technologies of the two worlds was also a challenge, and it was with Luna's assistance that they overcame it.

El was also the name of Bai Ye's former AI butler. Bai Ye naturally thought of this name.