I love time travel the most!

In that case——

"I'm asking you, do you want to join my organization?"

Kobayashi suddenly extended an invitation.

It was abrupt and very untimely.

However, he still said, "The few of you left are no match for your comrades. Why don't you join my organization?"

"The Axis religion..."

Najendan took a drag of her cigarette and fell into deep thought.

Leone frowned and said, "Kobayashi, at this point it doesn't really matter which side you join, right? The Revolutionary Army and the Axis Cult are no different, are they?"

"No, no, no, the difference is huge."

Kobayashi solemnly raised one finger and waved it.

The revolutionary army initially had good intentions. Several like-minded individuals established a resistance against the corrupt empire. They strived to help those who had suffered the same injustices and combined their strength to form a force that the capital could not ignore.

However, as their power grew, many persecuted nobles also joined them.

Their aspirations were originally good, and to be precise, they are still good now.

However, once they successfully overthrow the corrupt empire, they will rise to power and repeat the same mistakes as the empire.

after all……

Humans keep making the same mistakes and never learn from them.

"So you mean to say that the Axis religion is good?"

"I don't deny that there are shining points in human nature, but in reality, most people can't maintain them, and at such times, if there were a [God] to guide them..."

It's not that we really need God.

Kobayashi was telling them that the empire could no longer be led by the same system.

Stagnation leads to sedimentation, and sedimentation leads to decay.

Because even a thousand-year-old empire eventually decays, the people no longer trust them and urgently need another system that can lead them.

"And this is the Axis religion."

Xiaolin's words are all reasonable.

Even if a corrupt empire is overthrown, a new empire will simply repeat the same mistakes.

If that's the case, why not just overthrow the foundation of the regime and try a different approach?

But, but...!

"Wouldn't all those fallen comrades have died in vain?!"

It doesn't really matter who you help, as long as you can overthrow the corrupt empire.

Too many companions have died on this road. If we don't continue, wouldn't it seem like we've wasted their efforts and made everything we did meaningless?

"That's a problem."

Kobayashi nodded in agreement. He understood Leone's thoughts very well and even felt a strong sense of empathy for her.

But then he said, "Wouldn't it be enough to just revive those comrades?"

"……Aha?"

The Night Raid members slightly opened their mouths, as if they hadn't heard what he had just said.

"So, why not just revive those comrades?" Kobayashi seemed to be talking nonsense, but he said with such confidence, "I can't save everyone, but I want to save most of them, at least to protect the people I care about! ... This is what I said a long time ago."

therefore--

Kobayashi raised the "Shangri-La" in his hand, and a purple light array unfolded in front of everyone.

As the light faded, two figures appeared before them.

"Wow, it really teleported me!"

His masculine charm was so familiar that even though he was completely shrouded in white religious robes, the Night Raid members knew exactly who he was.

The other person remained silent, but the giant scissors in her hand had completely revealed her identity.

"No, no way... It can't be a lie... This must be fake..."

"Hey, hey, hey, this isn't funny!"

"hiss--"

The people who were attacked at night gasped in shock.

The tall man pulled back his hood, revealing his signature pompadour, and laughed heartily, "How was that? Did I scare you all? It's been a long time, everyone!"

"It really is you, Brand!"

Lubbock excitedly lunged forward, only to be embraced by Brand.

A familiar scent, a body brimming with vitality.

"It's real! It really is Brand!"

As Lubbock shouted, the Night Raid members had no choice but to believe it.

"Then...you, you are..."

Mine slowly walked towards Hill, her hands trembling slightly as she reached out.

Hill took her small hand and lifted her hood, revealing the face everyone had been longing to see.

"Long time no see, Mine."

"……Um."

Upon hearing that familiar voice, Mine felt a lump in her throat, and clear tears streamed down her face, only to be gently wiped away by Hill.

It was her, still with that familiar gentleness.

Najendan took a deep drag of her cigarette and then exhaled heavily.

When her dead comrades reappeared before her, even she, who was usually calm and collected, became emotional.

"What on earth is this..."

"It's nothing, just a simple resurrection."

"...Incredible words have come out of your mouth."

But the problem isn't over yet.

“Najshitan, the corrupt empire will surely be overthrown. The Axis religion preaches wisdom and peace. People who resist and hate war will not stand on the side of the revolutionary army. If they insist on starting a war, it means that their purpose is not to save the people, but to usurp the power of the empire and vainly try to replace and continue the rule.”

The empire is nearing its end, with all regions completely submitting to the Axis religion, and the people are hoping for a savior to end the dark ages.

Favorable timing, advantageous location, and harmonious relationships!

So no matter what, the ultimate victor will be the Axis!

"I think you will make the right judgment."

"……I will."

This is my last ripple... After a night shift, I've been typing all day and feel like I'm about to collapse.

Chapter 88 Minister: The Clown Was Actually Me

"Oh, right, Chelsea is still alive too."

"...Really? That's great."

"But she can't come back now because she's doing a mission for me."

"Task?"

"Ah. A task that only she can do and that she'd be very happy to do. When you find out, you'll be absolutely, absolutely blown away."

"That's something to look forward to!"

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

This rescue operation allowed Kobayashi to successfully subdue Night Raid, and at the same time, she fully revealed her plan and her intention to use Tatsumi as bait to them.

Since the ministers wanted to lure them, Kobayashi naturally decided to play along and launch the final battle.

The sixth brother has had enough; it's time for him to make his appearance.

Return to the hunters' camp.

As soon as I entered, I saw Esdeath floating in mid-air, her long silver hair flowing behind her, and tiny, shimmering ice crystals surrounding her, making her look like a proud and aloof ice goddess under the sunlight.

"this is……?"

"Kobayashi, you're back."

Esdeath descended from mid-air after seeing Kobayashi.

"This is a new technique I developed. By manipulating the ice surrounding me, I can float in the air. Although I can't fly freely like Ran, it's perfect for intimidating enemies with this kind of flashy performance."

She asked, "What do you think, Kobayashi?"

“…Ah, what a troublesome ability,” Kobayashi replied in a low voice.

They were thinking of throwing the opponent into the volcano if they couldn't beat them, but now that's completely useless, isn't it?

As expected of Esdeath, she has immense potential for development.

Unexpectedly, she suddenly stepped forward and hugged Xiaolin, saying gratefully, "It's all thanks to you, Xiaolin."

"……Eh?"

Feeling its softness, Kobayashi blinked, somewhat not understanding what Esdeath meant by those words.

Esdeath explained, "Living with you during this time has deepened my understanding of ice a lot, and for some reason, thinking of you calms me down and gives me a stronger grasp on ice."

"Haha...that's great...yes, great."

Xiaolin's tone was subtle, offering a perfunctory compliment while glancing down at the blue crystal on her chest, inwardly cursing under her breath.