After being forced to step down, the once-annoying nun eloped with me.

They reluctantly agreed to something that, under normal circumstances, shouldn't have been their concern. And less than ten minutes later, they were already glad they had come to participate in this "test."

For no other reason than that.

Simply because the legendary demons were far too terrifying.

"50 meters!"

boom!

Gunshots rang out one after another, the sound of gunfire and bullets hitting the demon's shell almost simultaneously. The bullets that were deflected not only turned the generals pale, but also made the scientists and scholars look distressed.

The current test is an attack test on the demon shell.

The weapon being tested was the standard-issue rifle of Ysgard. The object being tested was the carapace of a demon discovered on Ysgard's own soil.

Although Irina initially felt that bringing out a demon that had evolved resistance to physical attacks was too much of a bully, Finn said that if they didn't teach the Isgardians a lesson with the most painful outcome, who knew if they would understand their good intentions?

[After all, to put it bluntly... the most unreasonable thing about the demon race is that they evolve to target specific attacks. We must crush the dignity of the Ysgard army and scientists before we can gain a diplomatic advantage and thus provide convenience for Yang Hao... Do you understand?]

[Yes, definitely...]

Finn seems to be venting his hostility towards Margarita on the innocent scientists and generals of Ysgard.

She made the most intelligent and far-sighted minds of Ishgard witness the cruelty of everything—a cruelty they had never seen before. Like parents watching their child being devoured alive, the elves, through their own means, tore apart the dignity of Ishgard.

Nia and Margarita tacitly approved—or rather, they were the ones who most wanted to tear apart this false dignity. Even Yang Hao didn't object, so naturally, Fen stopped hiding it.

"Heh... Did you all see that? Even at a distance of 50 meters, your most advanced individual weapons still can't pose any threat to the demon's [cannon fodder]—did you really think you could fight off the calamities of the past on your own?"

The petite elf squinted and, in front of the Isgard people, reached out to touch the scorching bullet marks on the demon's armor.

The people of Isgard remained silent, their foreheads covered in cold sweat.

If what this Elf King of the United Nations said is true... then Ysgard indeed cannot fight against the demons of the past on its own.

The rifle currently being tested is Ysgard's most advanced rifle—it will be prioritized for deployment to elite troops two years after the main prototype is finalized. This new rifle uses metal bullets borrowed from the United Nations, making it at least a generation more advanced than the weapons currently used by the people of Ysgard.

Even so, given that its power, rate of fire, and accuracy are all satisfactory...

This rifle couldn't even penetrate the armor of the most basic, cannon fodder-like juvenile demons?!

What does "cannon fodder" refer to?

It refers to the most numerous, cheapest, and even least noteworthy things.

If our weapons can't even easily deal with cannon fodder, doesn't that mean... when facing a true "regular army," we can only watch helplessly as they break through our defenses?

The generals of Issugard exchanged glances, and even from a great distance, Finn, with his eyes narrowed and a smile on his face, could still hear their conversation.

"Although we haven't used artillery yet, ultimately... if we need to use artillery to fight infantry face-to-face, then we've already lost..."

"Yes... artillery production is far lower than rifle production. Not to mention, it's much harder to carry..."

"But can't the Golems of the United Nations physically destroy these shells?"

"...Do you think a bullet is as powerful as a steam hammer in a factory?"

Ah, listen to this. This voice, though trying to sound calm, carries a hint of fear... Although Finn herself wouldn't say she particularly likes it, ultimately, she's still pleased with what's happening.

It wasn't just because doing this allowed her to vent her anger towards Margarita and the others. More importantly... Finn knew that Yang Hao would definitely be pleased with what she was doing.

While saving the world is an inescapable duty for the elves, who could refuse the reward from their loved ones while accomplishing this great cause?

With this achievement, even Theresa should at least grant me a few days of solitude, right? Hmph... Should I learn from Arthur's family?

The little elf hummed twice. Just then, the black dragon lady dressed in casual clothes approached the scholar again.

"Hehe, although Your Majesty Fen did go too far, it wouldn't have mattered if you had gone even further, would it?"

Black Dragon greeted her with a smile. Behind her, the siren, who had been dragged over to help with the work, was collecting test data from the surrounding area with a dejected expression.

When asked by the black dragon, Finn tilted his head:

“If we use artillery, I’m worried it might cause too much of a shock to your people.”

"Let them charge. Although I don't quite understand how the supposedly incredibly stubborn Elven Kingdom managed to shake off its conservative mindset, one thing is certain: what we need right now is that kind of charge—you know, what our cannons are firing right now are, strictly speaking, still perfectly round projectiles."

"Hehe... then we should indeed test it. I have no interest in crushing the dignity of the people of Isgard, but since you invited me, Miss Nia, I would really feel bad refusing."

"So, how exactly do you manage to get the conservatives in the country to obey you?"

It seems that Heilong is determined to fight this issue to the death.

But the elf merely covered her mouth and chuckled, then proudly said with her head held high:

"Of course, it's because of my man."

Elves are a free-spirited race.

If you love someone, you must have them no matter what.

If you love someone, you must possess them no matter what.

Similarly, when they love someone... they won't hesitate to use their words whenever they have the chance: after all, for elves, making the reputation of their beloved shine brighter and nobler is also a way of expressing their love.

Naturally.

The elf, who was bringing glory to Yang Hao, was so engrossed in his own enjoyment that he didn't notice the fleeting glint of appetite in the black dragon's eyes.

Behind the black dragon, the timid siren's eyes welled with tears as she pleaded, "Please don't provoke Lady Nia anymore."

But why would the elves need to know?

She simply praised the changes her man had brought about with a self-righteous, poetic tone.

Upon hearing this, Heilong could only clench his fists in this situation.

I thought to myself, this smells so good.

Wouldn't it be nice if we, Ysgard, could get a share of the profits?

...The black dragon and the elves are engaged in a power struggle.

And half an hour later at the Presidential Palace.

"Elena, I've already said—"

"Question: Isn't this what friends should do? Yang Hao, if you want to move around freely, you'll need someone to protect you closely. Just holding hands is fine."

"...Ugh."

While accompanying Yang Hao on his wanderings, Elena, as his female companion, held Yang Hao's hand and explained to him about the weapons test.

It seems that the weapons testing range used Ysgard's most advanced naval cannons to launch an attack on the demon materials.

how to say?

A larger caliber naturally increases the probability of armor penetration—Ysgard's cannons did indeed penetrate the armor of the "cannon fodder" quite easily. But it was only the armor of the "cannon fodder."

"...Ultimately, even ship cannons aren't very effective against the metal demons unique to Ysgard...Unless it's a direct hit, the shrapnel from the exploding shells simply can't cause any fatal damage to the demons."

"Definitely: The shockwave won't have a significant impact on the demon, unless it kills it outright. Unfortunately: To kill a demon with a shockwave, the bomb's yield would likely need to be greater than the payload of the largest artillery shell in the country."

"...In other words, we need to find a way to improve our materials science skills... Ugh. Why do I feel like I'm getting busier and busier? Sigh..."

Yang Hao sighed. After all, Isgard looked like clay desperately needing straw to prop it up. Although it was useless, he still had to give it a hand...

On the other hand, the independence of two countries is indeed quite troublesome. While Miss Margarita is politically trustworthy, when it comes to development capabilities, it's still necessary to have someone else handle it personally.

Why can't Miss Margarita just bring up the matter of the national merger on her own initiative...?

Yang Hao fell into deep thought. Just then, he noticed that in the courtyard where he was walking, a crow with several feathers missing was staring intently at him from a neatly trimmed square shrub.

What's going on? Is there something stuck to me?

Yang Hao looked around suspiciously. After Elena blinked and said that everything was normal on Yang Hao, the man became extremely curious about the crow.

With this thought in mind, Yang Hao and Elena sat down on a nearby bench.

They rested briefly, basking in the bright sunshine and gentle breeze. The difference was that while Elena rested, she was also using the time to think about how to take her relationship with Yang Hao further... while Yang Hao, while watching the crows, was also worrying about his plans for the afternoon.

If nothing unexpected happens, Finn and Nia will be back after things at the weapons testing ground are over this afternoon—Finn will need to rest for a while, but the energetic Black Dragon might immediately drag her over for a meeting.

That's a good thing. After all, if the military confidence of the Issugardians is shattered, they'll certainly be more willing to request our assistance... But frankly, as long as the two countries remain separate entities, our administrative efficiency will be impossible to maintain...

We need to think of a way... we really need to think of a way.

How can I get Margarita to bring up the issue of "national merger"? What should I do?

Yang Hao couldn't help but sigh a few times.

Just then, the crow cawed loudly and flew down onto his head. Then its claws landed on a branch of the ornamental tree.

"Question: Should I get rid of it?"

Elena gave the lively crow a terrifyingly cold look. But soon, Yang Hao's gentle touch on her cheek melted the aloof synthetic doll into a clingy friend.

Yang Hao felt that it was just a crow, not worth using magical weapons for... As long as the crow didn't poop on its own head, everything else should be fine.

So, how should we solve this problem?

The man fell into deep thought.

The crow looked at him, as if it could see through his unrealistic thoughts, and then let out a mocking cawing.

The crow flew away.

Unbeknownst to Yang Hao and Elena, in a corner where the deity was incarnate, the raven was inwardly ecstatic and laughing wildly:

"Hahahaha—you actually think you can get Margarita to bring it up?! That stubborn girl would never do that! Maybe you could sleep with her once, but you think you can get Margarita to give in without doing anything? Impossible, impossible—"

"But then again, it's time to merge the two bases into one..."

"Sigh... Margarita, don't blame me. I'm doing this for your own good... I'll tamper with the ring Margarita is wearing later. Anyway, you two are so compatible that you'll be in heaven on first base, so it's good that you discover this compatibility early."

The wicked World God was planning to take advantage of the situation. Although she did notice the "warning" Lalumia had left for her—frankly, if Lalumia enjoyed watching fun so much, why not give it a try?

That's a good question. Fortunately, the world god is the type who acts faster than he thinks.

......

That afternoon.

The elf returned safely with his guards.

Upon returning, the little elf almost brazenly demanded Yang Hao's reward, constantly grumbling about how hard she had worked and exceeded the predetermined goals—although Yang Hao had never asked her to "completely shatter General Isgard's pride," she still did so according to the future plan.

What could Yang Hao say?