I, who was eager to retire, became an Imperial General.

Chapter 79 Hell? No, I'm destined for Heaven!

"I have a dream that everyone in the world can achieve equality."

"People will no longer discriminate against or fight each other because of their race. There will be no more class divisions in the world, no more exploitation and oppression. Orcs and humans can live together peacefully, laugh together, and live a happy and fulfilling life."

"I have a dream that the world will never again be at war."

"No more families in the world will be torn apart by war. Children can grow up freely, running on soft grass, basking in the warm sunshine, their faces full of laughter. Even the birds sing for their vitality and innocence."

"I have a dream that one day, the barriers between people will disappear, there will be no more mountains of prejudice in people's hearts, deep canyons will gradually rise, rugged mountains will turn into vast plains, and winding and narrow paths will become flat."

"The light of peace shines on the highest Mayan mountain and shines equally on everyone."

"The winds of freedom will rise from the far reaches of the Kruno Ocean and gently blow back to the center of the meridian, allowing the brilliance of humanity to shine with the most dazzling light in history!"

"This is my dream, and it is the direction I strive for."

After delivering his speech, which incorporated elements of a modified version of "I Have a Dream" set in another world, John stopped and stared at Serbia, who was standing frozen in place, smiling as he observed her reaction.

"……ridiculous!"

After regaining her senses, Serbia was not moved by the grand vision John had described. Her gaze remained cold, and a disdainful smile curled at the corner of her mouth.

It was as if he was trying to prove the coldness in his heart with this expression.

But after catching a glimpse of the other person's hands clenched tightly for some reason, and the evasive look in their eyes when they met gazes, they realized...

John then clearly understood that he had achieved his goal.

After all, in his previous life, the original draft of this speech had circulated almost all over the world. Even though he had only used the framework and made some modifications, in a world where pacifism and liberalism were still in their infancy and the world was still dominated by the divine right of kings and social aristocracy, it was a completely devastating blow to ordinary people like Serbia.

After all, this is the overwhelming force resulting from a spirit that was ahead of its time.

It's inevitable that the other party will feel shocked and moved.

John collected his thoughts, and the tense leg muscles that had been ready to flee at any moment should Serbia erupt.

Seeing Serbia's stubborn refusal to admit defeat, his smile deepened, and then he remarked, half-jokingly:

"Ridiculous? Perhaps, but hasn't history already told us that society will continue to move in a positive direction over time? Maybe one day my dream will come true?"

"Besides, you can only know the outcome of anything after you've done it. If you back down just because of fear of the unknown, wouldn't that person be even more ridiculous than me?"

"..."

Serbia fell silent, and his gaze toward John began to flicker.

She realized that she couldn't quite understand this guy anymore.

She didn't believe the high-sounding words the other party had just said.

After all, he was someone whom the resourceful Morning Star was willing to lower himself to assassinate.

John Maslow must have been a cunning and treacherous fox.

A fox can never become a person with pure faith.

She preferred to believe that the other person's thought was the same as that of the person who had just delivered that inspiring speech, and that it was copied from the notes of some great person with a sincere heart.

After all, she had seen too many absurd things and considered herself a smart person.

So-called intelligence means that such people are not easily swayed by the words of others.

"It seems you are still wary of me, but that's normal and I can understand. After all, if people could easily build trust with each other, the world probably wouldn't be in such a bad state now."

Seeing that Serbia's eyes remained wary, and knowing that he had completed the first phase of psychological manipulation of this war dragon god, John did not press the matter further. In fact, this outcome was within his expectations.

Having a better understanding of Serbia's conflicted personality than Serbia himself, he knew very well that achieving this result was already a testament to his excellent oratory skills.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, he will likely remain in Bahamut for a considerable period of time in the future.

This period of time was also enough for him to try to persuade this irritable yet calm older sister with his newfound spirituality from another world.

Thinking of this, John no longer hesitated.

Instead, he stood up amidst the Serbian's astonished gaze, then stepped forward to untie the ropes binding him, and without any disgust at the dirt on his body, helped him up from the ground.

Then, with a smile, he told her about his plans for her future:
"As a participant in this assassination plan, according to the laws of the Empire, Miss Serbia, you should have been executed on the spot."

"After all, although I am just a rookie commander with no reputation, Admiral Dormammu values ​​me to some extent, so it is reasonable for him to give you the highest punishment as an assassin."

"However, considering your complicated background and the deal between us, I have decided to plead for you this time, as an 'observer' who is watching the game from the sidelines, and to secure a special prisoner-of-war clause for you."

"This will allow you to operate as a prisoner of war alongside my troops, and you will be given certain special privileges. In this way, you will be able to witness how this game between commoners and nobles will ultimately end in my scheme."

"And I also believe that with your intelligent mind, Ms. Serbia, you will surely understand that this is a win-win situation for both of us, isn't it?"

"..."

Although Serbia would rather take this damned imperial lackey hostage and escape than act as a so-called witness.

But looking at the other party's confident smile, and feeling the kick he had received from that monstrous girl, his chest was still aching and hadn't fully healed.

Serbia suppressed his inner impulse and instead gave John Maslow a sarcastic, insincere smile:

"Since Commander John has shown me such leniency, I naturally have no reason to refuse. However, I am truly curious: with your arrogance, aren't you afraid that the nobles will drag you into hell?"

After saying this, a hint of regret flashed in Serbia's eyes, and he cursed himself for his stupidity.

Even though they're already living under someone else's roof, they still provoke others. Isn't that just asking for a beating?

When did I, who am known for my calmness, become so impulsive?

Just as she was contemplating whether to swallow her humiliation and apologize to this damned imperial lackey, she noticed that instead of getting angry, Yo gave her a cryptic smile.

Immediately afterwards, the other party's incredibly calm yet undeniably authoritative voice slowly entered her ears.

"Hell? No, I don't think so, because I'm destined for heaven!"

Meeting the astonished gaze of the Serbian, John slowly put his hands behind his back, and then, under the Serbian's watchful eye, walked slowly toward the place of light shining through the gaps in the tent.

At the same time, his voice rang out inside the tent. Though not loud, the confidence within it struck Serbia like a heavy boulder, causing her to instinctively hold her breath.
"Because I am destined to be amidst the cheers of the people, the screams of those maggots, and the approving gaze of the great gods."

"Step by step, step by step, we ascend to that dazzling paradise!"

"Wow!"

As John slowly pulled back the tarpaulin, bright sunlight broke free of the shadows and generously shone down on John Maslow's head.

The air was still, the breeze was gentle, yet there was an inexplicable sense of holiness.

It was as if countless gods were watching this tiny figure from the heavens above.

Even the most sacred radiance in the world seemed to be gently caressing his smooth black hair at this moment, silently crowning him in a way that mortals could not fathom, because of the grand vision in his heart.

……

(End of this chapter)