I'm in Terra

Tallulah took the small bowl and drank the warm soup in one gulp. "Thank you, it's great to have you. By the way, how are the parade plans going?"

"You're worried about that." Alina took the empty bowl with a smile and poured some more for Tallulah: "Ino handled it very well. The first group of marchers have been detained in the police station, and the second group of marches is still brewing. When things get bigger and bigger, the lord will probably be unable to help but take action.

In addition, there is news from Lyudmila that the garrison in Che is even more rudimentary than any other city we have encountered before. The number of soldiers stationed in the barracks outside the city is even less than our own troops. It seems that there is no army stationed in this city.

Tallulah nodded, her uneasiness vanishing under the comfort of her best friend. "Really? It seems even the heavens are helping us."

Alina touched Tallulah's forehead and helped her back to bed. "So, rest in peace and prepare for our opening."

Looking at Tallulah who fell back into her dream, Alina's eyes gradually lost their luster.

......

"The only good news is that the new interim overlord is politically inept and completely oblivious to the unrest unfolding across Chernobog." Victoria's eyes, open, showed no emotion. But the two secretaries, familiar with the young man, knew their governor was in a bad mood.

The reason was simple: the unauthorized actions of those internal guards ultimately disrupted the two men's deployment.

Originally, Victor planned to use Kasheina's promise of a week's control over Boris to restructure Che City's internal affairs and, through the hands of Bee Hunter, secretly transfer Che City's resources to Luxembourg. However, it seemed that someone among the internal guards did not want to see Kasheina become powerful, and they took the initiative to disrupt the plan.

The parade plan announced by Alina was exactly what Victoria used to test the new lord.

"The allies you're talking about aren't as reliable as you thought." Victoria was still in the mood to tease the embarrassed Kashena. Compared to Victor, who still had the overall direction in hand, Kashena, who had been tricked from beginning to end, was the one who was truly annoyed.

"They're just a bunch of useless people cobbled together. Their ability to make their own decisions is disappointing." Kashena took a deep breath and forced herself to calm down. "Since we've already started testing the waters, how about delaying the operation for another week and a half?"

Victoria frowned. "Don't forget, the longer we delay, the more variables there will be. Time may not be on our side."

Kasheina narrowed her eyes and asked meaningfully, "But what if the next change is on our side? Just yesterday, I observed an unreasonable surge of energy around Chernobog. If it's not a group of war sorcerers casting spells there, it's most likely a natural disaster brewing around Chernobog. If we use this natural disaster to completely destroy Chernobog, I wonder if those onlookers will have room to turn against us?"

Victor smiled. "Using natural disasters to completely lock down the situation in Chernobog? I have no objection. But can you determine when the next natural disaster will occur?"

Kashena nodded: "Of course, what do you want to do?"

"Go to Che City and take away everything you can."

Wine Pond and Meat Forest: 49 Mudstone

"As a chess player, you are planning to play yourself?" Kashena was a little surprised.

In her impression, Victoria's style is very similar to hers. They are both the kind of people who hide behind the scenes and quietly guide the development of events, and then suddenly strike at the critical moment to decide the outcome in one fell swoop.

But now Victoria said he would take the initiative to take risks and go to the city that was about to become a sacrifice.

Seeing Kashena's surprised expression, Victor smiled slightly. "You seem to have misunderstood something. I'm not planning on sending troops to Chernobyl to muddy the waters. I said I'm going there to plunder resources."

Kasheina seemed to understand something: "But how are you going to plunder without soldiers?"

"Rob, cheat. Use any means necessary, drain the pond to catch all the fish." Victoria opened his arms. Miss Dorothy, who had just finished her work, snuggled into his arms knowingly. "Now that Boris is dead, the power of the entire city has been handed over to the Rostov family. I can secretly negotiate a deal with that merchant noble and make him willingly hand over his 'inheritance' to me."

Kashiena suddenly realized, "You're just your usual style. But this kind of thing doesn't require a lot of manpower. You and Dorothy, two quick-moving people, are perfect for this... Wait, what about Luxembourg's daily government affairs?"

Victoria and Dorothy exchanged a glance, the cunning in their eyes revealing no attempt to conceal anything. "Of course, we'll give it to our dear Ms. Kashiena. Don't worry, I'll spend some time sorting out the documents you've been working on after I get back. Don't let me down, okay?"

"...I want compensation." Kasheina was silent for a few seconds, then glared at the two people who were clearly planning to go out and play. "A week of paid leave, and priority for that kind of thing."

"Of course, good and obedient children will be compensated." Before he could finish his words, Victoria was dragged into the realm of consciousness by Dorothy who had already activated the dimensional transcendence.

Only Kashena was left facing the documents that had just been sorted out on the table.

"...I'll have to find a way to squeeze that guy dry from now on. He even caught my attention."

"...I agree." The assassin lady who emerged from the shadows raised her hand in agreement with a sickly look. She never thought that there would be a day when she would be pulled out to help.

On the other side, the two people who escaped into the realm of consciousness were "strolling" in the wilderness full of souls. Miss Dorothy, who rarely went out to travel, was extremely excited, especially since it was only her and Victoria on this trip.

"How do we get there? Just follow little Shura's coordinates and fly there?" Miss Dorothy pushed her big round-framed glasses, her excitement evident in her expression.

"No rush, follow me first." Victoria shook his head and carefully searched for the soul reactions around him.

Soon, a familiar yet unfamiliar reaction appeared in Victoria's perception. He gestured to Dorothy and quickly flew towards the person in the perception.

"Boss, we're back again and were almost discovered by those bear cubs."

In the wilderness south of New Woden, a group of armored Sarkaz were trekking through the snowy forest. They were none other than the Mudstone Squad, the group that had previously attempted to break away from the Reunion. After more than a week of forced marching, they clanged back to Luxembourg.

"Don't make a fuss! It's just an ordinary patrol. By the time they report their situation, we'll have already left this area," the leading Sarkaz said in a gentle voice. Compared to the other armored mercenaries, she, as the leader, was armed to the teeth. Her heavy armor creaked and scraped against the icy snow, like a fleshless machine.

No one doubts the true nature of this armor. Simply donning it requires immense strength and endurance. The powerful Sarkaz always use exaggerated weapons to prove their power, and this armor itself is a symbol of strength.

"We're almost at the border of Luxembourg. I don't know if the letter written by the snow rabbit will be useful. It's so crooked and looks like a reptile." Knowing that he had said the wrong thing, Sarkaz, who had just spoken, scratched his head and decisively changed the subject.

"Come on, you still have the nerve to talk about that little girl, as if you know a few words."

"What? You can't say you can't write, right?"

Watching his men's energetic banter, Mud Rock felt relaxed but also a little worried.

The food Alina provided them wasn't much; a month's worth of rations consisted of a few potatoes or two slices of black bread per day. This was barely enough to keep them from starving, let alone fill their stomachs. Therefore, Mudstone followed Alina's advice and combined two days' worth of rations into one, barely allowing the brothers to maintain a full stomach and march quickly.

Even though they are full of energy now, they will all become mute in a few days when their food supplies run out.

"An Jing, I have an idea." Mudstone paused and clapped his hands. "Now that we're out of the danger zone, I think it's time to slow down. Controlling food rations and organizing hunting teams should also be put back on the agenda."

"Oh? You can think of these questions right away. Maybe you are quite good at thinking?"

Just as Mudstone was about to gather the team and redistribute tasks, a dull voice appeared behind her.

Everyone looked intently and found that a man and a woman had come to them without them noticing.

Without any orders, every Sarkaz mercenary subconsciously tightened their grip on their weapons. Anyone who had managed to bypass their guard and suddenly appear was definitely not a good person.

"Who are you?" Mudstone raised his warhammer and smashed it on the snow in front of him, indicating that he had no ill intentions.

Victoria smiled mysteriously, released Dorothy, and walked over to Mudstone. "A group of Sarkaz entered my territory from the south. You must be from the Reunion Movement, right? If nothing goes wrong, I'm the one you're looking for."

Mudstone was slightly startled, carefully examining their attire. Although both Victoria and Dorothy were wearing thick windbreakers, Victoria still wore the exquisite aristocratic attire underneath, while Dorothy wore a standard office lady uniform, looking out of place in the snow.

Seeing this, Mudstone quickly rummaged through his clothes and quickly pulled out a slightly crumpled piece of paper. "We are former members of the Reunion Movement. This is a letter from Miss Yelena to you. My brothers are tired of fighting desperately and would like to find some safe work with you."

Victoria raised his eyebrows, took the letter and stuffed it into his arms: "So many great guys, don't you plan to join the army?"

Mud Rock shook his head: "No, I can join the army for them if they really want."

Wine Pond and Meat Forest: 50 Intimidation

Mudrock is a very reassuring operator, with thick armor, a gentle tone, and an indomitable will.

If Victoria were asked to choose the top three men in Terra, Mudstone would definitely be among them.

Moreover, her employment method is also very simple. As long as you provide food and accommodation and stay away from the battlefield, Mudstone and her team can become your most trusted subordinates, capable of moving bricks, building houses, farming and reclaiming wasteland.

Victor had long coveted the Son of Earth and Stone's abilities, which was why he had previously used Alina to trick Mudstone back to Luxembourg. After all, with so many members of the Reunion Movement, there were only a few truly worthy of Victor's attention.

Tallulah, Yelena, Mudstone, and at most nine former Lungmen police inspectors who will join the Reunion Movement in the future.

As for Adam, Big Bob, and the others, Victor had absolutely no interest in them. Every single one of his Flying Bear soldiers was a veteran of countless battles. To put it bluntly, he had no shortage of combatants. What he needed was more well-rounded, higher-end talent.

In comparison, the operators of Rhodes Island are more suitable for the future team he has planned for himself.

--------

After arranging the Mudstone Team's destination, Victor and the others did not stay long. They started the dimensional transcendence and followed the hunting bee's breath all the way to Chernobog.

Aside from the necessary food, drink, and toilet breaks, Victoria and Dorothy didn't stop for a moment. They raced all the way, reaching the heart of Che within three days.

The so-called city gate guards were useless under the power of dimensional transcendence. Victoria took Dorothy's hand and appeared in a park in a dignified manner.

Considering the imminent arrival of the infected, Victoria didn't rush to find the Bee Hunters. Instead, he and Dorothy booked a room at a luxury hotel, washed up, and then went to Chernobyl's city hall.

Compared to older cities like Luxembourg, Cheshire's town hall appears newer and more imposing. It's clear that Count Boris invested heavily in maintaining this landmark building during his lifetime.

After casually strolling around the first floor and the lobby for a few times, Victoria took Dorothy's arm and walked into a corner seemingly casually, and then jumped into the world of consciousness again.

The main reason why Victoria was wandering around the hall was to confirm whether those troublesome internal guards were still in Che City. After Dorothy's confirmation, the two went straight to the top floor of the city hall, the luxurious office that once belonged to Count Boris.

At this time, the person sitting in the office chair and working hard was not the shrewd and cunning Count Boris, but a younger middle-aged man who looked more like a star than an aristocrat.

Andrei Rostov. The current head of the Rostov family and the father of Natalia Andreevina Rostov (Zao Lu). An interesting man who rose from a noble retainer to a full-fledged count.

Maybe it should be called Lucky Boy? Never mind. Victoria never judged other people's luck or schemes.

"Ahem, good morning, Mr. Andre."

Looking at Andre, who was buried in the copywriting with a bitter face, Victoria coughed lightly out of politeness as a reminder.

Andre, suddenly interrupted, shuddered, his pen leaving a long smudge on the document. He glared at Victoria in anger, then suddenly woke up and called for his bodyguard.

"Who are you? How did you get up here? Guards! Guards..."

The next second, a magic ball landed in front of Mr. Andre, silencing the bewildered Count instantly.

Victoria smiled and pressed down Dorothy's hand. "Don't be rude to Mr. Andre. He is now the lord of Che City. We are here to reach a consensus with Mr. Andre. Using violence would be too embarrassing."

"I'm very sorry." Dorothy understood and withdrew her hand and bowed symbolically to Andre. Then she turned into a caring secretary and made hot tea for the two of them.

"Don't be nervous. My secretary just lost his composure because of your overreaction. I think Mr. Andre is such a broad-minded person that he won't care about such trivial matters, right?" As he said that, Victoria pulled a chair over and sat down opposite Andre leisurely.

"Before we start, let me introduce myself. My name is Victory, Victory Kalashnikov. Thanks to my father's influence, I managed to become a count. I'm very happy to be chatting with such an outstanding nobleman like Mr. Andrei today."

Andre frowned: "Your Excellency looks only a few years older than my daughter. I wonder who your father is..."

"Admiral." Victory's smile grew even brighter. "Commander of the Sixth Legion, Governor General of Luxembourg."

Considering that Andre might not be aware of the war happening in the north, Victoria gave Andre a subtle hint.

"So you are the general's son. I apologize for being a little rude just now."

Just as Victoria guessed, Andrei was not aware of the war that had just broken out in the north. Although the caravans under his command crisscrossed the southern region, they rarely intervened in affairs north of the Ural Mountains, not to mention the sudden visit from a young man who claimed to be the general's son.

However, to be cautious, Andre still tried to test what Victor said.

"I wonder why Count Victory suddenly came to see me? If I remember correctly, Luxembourg and my city are almost halfway across Ursus, right?"

Victoria didn't rush to answer. Instead, he waved and asked Dorothy, who was waiting beside him, to bring him some hot tea. "To be honest with you, Mr. Andre, I'm here to make some money and to see him off to the grave."

"You want to kill me?" Andre was about to take the teacup, but after hearing Victoria's words, he suddenly pulled his hand back under the table.

"You're wrong. It's not that I want to kill you, it's that you already have no way to survive."

Victoria spread his hands, indicating that he held no hostility. "I've heard that Lord Boris of Chernobog is a shrewd and capable politician. May I ask where Count Boris is now?"

"This is confidential." Andre's expression relaxed slightly, but he still kept his hand on the alarm button, not daring to let go. "This is a confidential matter within the city of Che. It's not for a count like you to interfere."

"Really?" Victoria smiled calmly. "He's been taken away, right? By those black-clad monsters who claim to be the Emperor's inner guards, right? And they left in such a hurry, without even having time to hand over power. They hastily handed the position to you and left."

"You know?" Andre was suddenly shocked, and he no longer had any doubts about Victoria's identity.

Victoria took a sip from his teacup. "Of course, I not only know that Boris was taken away, I also know that he is dead now. And you are next. Well, the tea here is good, really tasteful."

Wine and Meat: 51 Compromise and Bargain

Sweat kept dripping down Andre's forehead.

The calmer Victoria appeared, the more panicked Andre became. On the first day of taking over the official duties in Checheng, Andre wondered if his friend had met with an accident.

Now that Andre had confirmed the news from Victoria's mouth, he was not relieved, but became even more frightened.

He didn't know why Boris was arrested and why he died. Now he was sitting in the position where Boris once sat, knowing nothing. Who could guarantee that he would not follow in Boris's footsteps?

"Will I definitely die?" After pondering for a long time, Andrei seemed to have figured out the pros and cons and took the initiative to look at Victoria: "Is there any way to survive? The Rostov family has accumulated some wealth after all these years of operation. Add to that the basic foundation of the entire Che City, it can be said to be a huge sum of money. If you are willing to help me..."

Andre stopped talking midway, not for any other reason, but simply because Victoria, who was sitting opposite him, shook his head regretfully.

"You've come to your senses, but it's too late. Boris died because he sat on this chair. And now, this chair is under your butt. Do you think you're smarter than Boris? In fact, it's not just you, your family, and even this city, that have become victims of politics. You're just the unlucky guy who happened to sit on the lord's throne."

Andre slammed the table in surprise and said, "The entire city of Che is a sacrifice? Are they serious?"

Victoria smacked his lips playfully. "The Emperor's inner guards have already taken action. What do you think? Instead of pondering whether this is reasonable or not, why not think about how to save your family? I remember that most of the Rostov family's assets are in Che City, right?"

Andre had been in the business world for many years and immediately understood Victoria's metaphor: "I see, so that's why you came here?"

"It's just a deal." Victoria clapped his hands. "I'll help your family rebuild in my territory. In return, I want you to move as much valuable supplies out of the city as possible before it gets dragged down by the city of Qie."

Andre picked up the teacup and took a sip. "Yes, I can. It's not difficult for me to do this, but how can I trust you? I believe that you will support my family as promised after my death?"

After knowing his fate was sealed, Andre regained his usual calm demeanor, a man who navigated the business world. He knew his current position was his best bargaining chip, and he was ready to sell his ass to Victoria for a good price.

"But unfortunately, you're not in a position to bargain." Victoria put down his teacup, his expression calm again. "The Internal Guard's actions come and go without a trace. Unless someone like me is informed in advance, no one can know their whereabouts. In other words, other regions are completely unaware of Checheng's situation, and I have no bidders. You only have two choices: die here, holding Checheng's legacy, or gamble with it to find a way out."

Andre glanced at Victor deeply. The moment Victor's words left his mouth, he realized that the young man in front of him was even more shrewd and terrifying than he had imagined. He definitely didn't leave himself time to find external help, and he might not even have time to think.

"How much time do I have?"