Mystery: A Spark

Arthur could no longer imagine the chaos that would ensue in Intis society.

If it's not controlled properly, the future over there might become chaotic and demonic, just like in the previous life.

Furthermore, he was unsure how Intis's version would change.

Whether to continue updating to the European and American versions, or to switch to the Japanese version's "three wallets" or the Chinese version's "accepting gifts ≠ my agreement"—all of this is uncertain.

"What a tragedy," Arthur lamented.

At that moment, he deeply felt the weight of his sins.

"It's alright, you've done more than just this one bad deed anyway, the more debts you have, the less you have to worry about," Arthas said, patting Arthur on the shoulder in a "comforting" manner.

"I want to eat dog meat," Arthur said expressionlessly.

“Dog meat isn’t tasty, how about we just eat wolf meat? I’ll go and get Horus for you,” Arthas suggested with a grin.

“You’re such a good brother,” Arthur said, glancing at it.

“Of course, Horus is my beloved friend, brother, and confidant. Now that something good has happened, I naturally have to think of him,” Arthas said with considerable pride.

“You’re the kind of person who gets things done. Alright, stop joking around. Help me deliver a letter to Bernadette, then we’ll be heading back to Backlund.” Arthur took out paper and pen and began writing the letter.

In the previous victory in the Intersea County, the Rune side captured more than 20,000 Fusaks.

The usual way to deal with these prisoners was either to exchange them with the enemy, to make them laborers, or to kill them all.

However, the last approach is generally not adopted because international repercussions need to be considered.

If you treat other people's prisoners of war the way you treat them, then other people will naturally treat your prisoners of war the same way.

This will not only generate enormous and irreconcilable hatred, but also easily lead to a lose-lose situation.

Of course, there are other unconventional methods, such as concentration camps and the soap industry, but we won't go into those further.

Back then, the inter-sea navy of Rune was severely tricked by George III, which caused the navy to collapse. However, being collapsed did not mean that everyone was killed. In fact, most of them were captured by Fussac in a surprise attack.

This means that most of these people are actually still alive.

Therefore, when signing the Rufsky Non-Aggression Pact, Arthur discussed with Alcarvon Einhorn the possibility of exchanging prisoners on a 1:1 basis.

Alcavon was naturally reluctant to accept this proposal, as the number of captured Interstellar sailors was less than that of Fussacks.

In other words, if this exchange method is used, some of the Fusak soldiers will still be captured by Rune.

But there was no use in being unwilling, after all, the situation was beyond his control. Fussack did not gain much advantage in the previous war, and was even counterattacked.

If they hadn't been quick to back down, the outcome might have been very different.

Therefore, they lacked sufficient confidence at the negotiating table, let alone the ability to propose any conditions.

In addition, among the 20,000 Fusak prisoners were a considerable number of officers, as well as a few generals who were captured after their armies collapsed.

These people, to varying degrees, had backgrounds in the Fussac aristocracy, which put considerable pressure on Alcavon.

Even though he was a member of the royal family, he could not ignore the opinions of the nobles.

Therefore, Alcarvon eventually agreed to Arthur's terms, exchanging the prisoners one for one.

The remaining prisoners from the Rune Navy were redeemed with gold pounds.

After all, they were all veterans of the battlefield, and Fussack couldn't just abandon them.

The war, which had suddenly broken out, came to an end after the exchange of prisoners and the signing of a non-aggression pact.

Although some knowledgeable people know that this so-called non-aggression pact is not very useful and has no binding force.

But at least in the short term, the peace can be maintained until both Fussac and Run see enough benefits to start a war.

Therefore, the next step is a valuable period of development.

During this time, Arthur and Bernadette will need to carefully plan how to cultivate the relationship between Rune and Intis.

……

"Aren't you going to return with us in triumph, Shatas?"

In the ship's mess hall, Arthur and his eight friends sat in a circle, eating and chatting.

“Don’t forget I’m an elf, Arthur, and I’ve joined the Church of Knowledge, so it’s difficult for me to appear in public in Rune, let alone receive the cheers of your people as a member of the triumphant army.” Shatas tossed her hair, revealing her pointed ears.

“But you played a crucial role in this war, and even the Church of Storms turned a blind eye to your existence. You really don’t need to care so much,” Arthur said.

“It’s not that I mind, I’m just not really used to this kind of occasion,” Shatas said, shaking her head.

“My situation is similar to Shatas’s; I’m not suitable to join Rune,” Snowman said.

“Alright, I respect your choice.” Arthur’s gaze shifted to Klein. “You…”

“Obviously, I can’t show my face in that kind of situation,” Klein said after spitting out the fishbone from his mouth.

Returning in triumph with Arthur and receiving a welcome from the people of Backlund was, to some extent, a political act, representing a willingness to join the Rune military and political system and become a member of it.

This is not what Klein wanted.

He would rather be a night watchman, a detective, an adventurer, or a wealthy man, but he doesn't want to be an official or a soldier.

Arthur wasn't surprised by Klein's choice; the idea of ​​an officer like Klein was indeed a bit odd, so he started asking for other people's opinions.

"what about you?"

Grosser, disguised as a human, touched his shiny bald head, thought for a moment, and then said:

"I have nowhere else to go besides the Golden Dream, so I might as well just follow you from now on."

Arthur nodded. "I won't let you down. Maybe I can let you walk around in your true form in the future, without having to pretend."

"Hehe, I don't really care about that." Grosser chuckled, then seemed to remember something, "By the way, can I join that Steel Legion? I think that fighting style suits me quite well."

"Oh? You want to join the Scourge?" Arthur raised an eyebrow.

“Uh, is that not allowed?” Grosser asked.

“Great,” Arthur laughed. “I also think you’d be a good fit to be a member of the Scourge.”

Are natural disasters inconvenient? The idea that they can only be undead creatures without members is flawed.

"So, what about you two? Do you have any ideas?" Arthur looked at the hunter duo on the other side.

Anderson and Danitz exchanged a glance, pondered for a moment, and then said:

"It seems I have nowhere better to go, after all, hunters can't live without war."

Danitz hesitated, "If I become a regular soldier, what if I encounter the captain and the others in the future..."

To his dilemma, Arthur only gave one answer:

"Being a pirate is not a long-term solution, and neither is being a pirate general."

Danitz paused for two seconds, pondered the meaning of the sentence, and asked:

"Hmm... then it seems I have no reason to refuse."

“Payment is not an issue,” Arthur said with a smile.

“I’m safer in Backlund, and if I could get a job, I could earn some pocket money,” Mobert said before Arthur could even ask.

“Okay, no problem.” Arthur nodded.

He knew that with the threat of Amon, the Zoroastrian grandfather and grandson would prefer to stay in Backlund, so he had anticipated Mobert's choice.

At this point, Arthur had officially recruited two demigods and two Sequence 5s into his ranks. Together with the officers and generals he had befriended during this war, these people would become Arthur's core members in the Rune army.

They will also have a new name: the "Heller faction".

……

News of the end of the Rufus War reached Ruen long ago.

Although the war of national defense was nominally a draw between the two countries, it was clear to anyone with a discerning eye that Rune had gained a considerable advantage.

From the unfavorable start of strategic defense to the subsequent strategic counter-offensive, this series of victories was undoubtedly a great victory for the Rune people.

Therefore, when the war ended and the two countries signed a "non-aggression pact," the whole of Ruen was filled with jubilation, as if it were in the midst of a festive atmosphere.

From Dixie in the south to Winter in the north, from West Velas in the west to East Chester in the east, everyone talking about this victory inevitably mentions one name.

Arthur Heller.

This former president of the Workers' Mutual Aid Association and founder of the Umbrella Corporation decisively broke the surrender mentality of many officials, nobles, and even the king during this war, and resolutely shouted for a fight to the death.

Like a fighter, he mobilized the forces of the Workers' Aid Association and the Umbrella Corporation to win this war of national defense for Rune.

And now, this fighter is about to return to Backlund.

As soon as Arthur stepped off the ship, he heard cheers that were like a mountain collapsing and a tsunami crashing down.

People chanted his name in unison, their eyes filled with undisguised adoration. Many even carried baskets filled with flower petals they had picked themselves, following Arthur's procession and scattering petals into the air as they cheered.

Walking along the King's Road leading to Sodrak Palace, Arthur smiled and waved to the people around him.

He looked up at the petals drifting in the sky, stretched out his hand, and a few petals fell into his palm.

Arthur gently twirled the petals in his hand, a smile playing on his lips. With a light flick of his wrist, he sent the petals into the river not far away.

Klein, who had already escaped using the Faceless Man's abilities, watched this scene and his lips twitched slightly.

To be honest, he felt a strange sense of déjà vu about the current scene.

Before he could recall the source of this déjà vu, Arthur led his men and pushed open the gates of Sodrak Palace, walking inside.

The people who came to welcome the triumphant return consciously stopped in front of the palace gates and dispersed in twos and threes.

It's foreseeable that the taverns in Backlund will be extremely busy today.

Upon entering the palace, Arthur saw a group of people standing in front of him to greet him.

At the forefront of the crowd were Audrey, Hugh, and Prime Minister Agushid, followed by the officials and nobles of Rune.

Arthur stepped forward, glanced at them, and asked with a light laugh:

"Thank you all for coming to greet me, but why do I feel like some faces are missing?"

"It is regrettable, Arthur, that dozens of gentlemen died of depression during the war because they were too worried about the supply of materials," Audrey, dressed in a long black dress, said calmly.

Chapter 300 New Policies and the Head of State