People in Terra, governing a bizarre little country

But he received a half-smile from Ernst.

Kelsey, caught up in Ernst's interest, found Viviana's deliberate teasing somewhat exasperating. She smiled and offered a reminder:

"If Ernst were that kind of person, would he still be teaching you now?"

"That's true."

Viviana glanced at Ernst twice, and only after Ernst shrugged as a sign of relief did she finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Ernst continued:

"How to distinguish between friend and foe is a science in itself."

"If you want to be a qualified politician, then you must first prepare for this."

"Discard all superfluous standards and firmly adhere to the bottom line you set in your heart!"

This superfluous standard naturally includes simple notions of good and evil, emotional factors, moral factors, and so on.

The renowned civil service expert, Sir Humphrey Upby, famously said, "It is a luxury for a civil servant to want to maintain his or her morals."

Note that this refers to civil servants, not outstanding civil servants. A moral vacuum is not a requirement for advancement, but rather a threshold for entry.

Of course, Ernst did not entirely agree with this statement, but considering Viviana's circumstances, it would be beneficial for her to know these things in advance.

Ernst wasn't asking her to become a ruthless political creature. If Viviana wanted, she could simply and decisively incorporate morality and emotions into her bottom line, but in that case, her "circle" would be too big.

A circle that's too large can be seen as offensive and provocative by others. Normally, few people might care, but if Viviana wants to collaborate with others, then clashes between these "circles" are very likely.

What others might consider completely harmless crossed Viviana's line, making the cooperation unacceptable and causing the negotiations to break down.

This might be fine once or twice, but if it continues in the long run, the result will be obvious—either Viviana won't be able to find anyone to cooperate with, constantly hitting walls and ultimately ending up disappointed and dismal, or Viviana will "figure it out," constantly pushing her own boundaries to achieve cooperation, and then adjusting those boundaries afterward.

This is also a form of "training," which is what is known as "the big melting pot of society, if you have something to offer, come and experience it."

However, this also presents a fatal problem—many people begin to "collapse" after their bottom line is repeatedly crossed and they repeatedly benefit from it.

This is commonly known as "having turned evil".

This is almost inevitable, after all, nothing can be repaired once it's broken. Once a bottom line is crossed, the things that were damaged in that crossing—perhaps one's sense of right and wrong, or perhaps one's feelings for family and friends—will be discarded as "useless" in the next process of building that bottom line.

After all, this breakthrough has proven that these things are not that important.

If this continues, once, twice, three times, four times, countless times, they will eventually lose everything and abandon all their principles.

They completely disregard bottom lines; that "circle" is merely a cover. As long as they can profit, they'll cross it without hesitation, caring nothing for anything else. These people are even less than political creatures.

Political creatures at least care about themselves, but these kinds of people don't. Their indulgence is a challenge to the entire order and rules. Their bottomless behavior will sooner or later evolve into a challenge to everyone's bottom line. They derive pleasure from it, but the price is the turmoil of the entire society!

This is also the duality of contradictions. The dark side of society breeds such people, allowing them to profit from crossing ethical boundaries. Ultimately, society will bear the cost of nurturing such people—the collapse of order, the disintegration of the system, and even complete annihilation!

"So, Viviana, if you want to go down this path, you have to figure out where your bottom line is first."

Ernst was more serious than ever before.

He hadn't even said these things to Vina, not because he didn't value her, but because she was always by his side. He had ample time to subtly teach her through the details of life and work. This approach was far more effective, as evidenced by Vina's ability to now handle Scherrag's daily administrative work to a certain extent when Ernst was away.

But Viviana couldn't stay; Ernst wouldn't remain in Letania forever. Therefore, he had to explain the situation clearly all at once.

Viviana fell into deep thought.

Ernst didn't urge her; he wouldn't even ask Viviana to clearly state this bottom line here.

Considering choices and gains and losses is always difficult, especially in situations where it almost completely contradicts traditional values ​​that encourage virtue, requiring her to voluntarily "give up some good qualities."

This is something that deserves careful consideration.

Kal'tsit, who was standing to the side, did not urge him at this moment. She just looked at Ernst with some curiosity.

It wasn't until today that she truly understood a little about Ernst's way of looking at this land.

Everyone sees the land differently. Kal'tsit, as a nanny, sees the land as full of children—disobedient, rebellious, and reckless, they're everywhere. Amiya and the former Theresa see beauty and things worth protecting everywhere on this land, so they hope to bring about a great reconciliation in the world. There are also those who are like hammers, seeing everything as nails, single-mindedly focused on taking revenge on society. In Ernst's previous life, these people would all be incarcerated, yet, ironically, such people are quite common in Terra!

Is this really how Ernst saw Terra?

The series of circles is quite easy to understand.

So, bribery is inducing others to actively disrupt one's own circle, while a transaction is temporarily combining the two circles, ensuring that neither side crosses the bottom line while protecting the other's bottom line.

What is the World Summit?

Is a "super circle" formed based on bottom lines jointly recognized by the five permanent members of the Security Council?

As long as you stay within this circle, you can enjoy protection, convenience, and order.

If an external enemy attempts to provoke us, it will provoke a united attack from countless collaborators.

For those inside, if they try to get out by extraordinary means—by touching the outer perimeter of the circle from within—that is considered crossing the line!

"Great!"

Kal'tsit couldn't help but think to herself.

However, she was also curious. Since Ernst said that "how to distinguish between friend and foe" was the most basic method, what about more advanced methods?

Kal'tsit stepped forward and curiously voiced her question.

Ernst glanced at Kal'tsit with some confusion.

No, buddy, are you insatiable?

Ernst had his own plans and some selfish motives in accepting Viviana as his disciple, but it was also inseparable from Kal'tsit's two words of encouragement.

He's already being lenient by not kicking Kal'tsit out while he's teaching Viviana. You can eavesdrop, but why are you asking questions after class?

Viviana's father paid tuition for the Business Ethics Program. What about you? Hakimi, did you pay your tuition?

He rolled his eyes at Kal'tsit:

"The basics alone are enough for many people to practice for a lifetime. I've never heard of building a skyscraper without a solid foundation!"

Kelsey was stunned for a moment, and before she could react, Ernst had already turned and left.

He certainly knew advanced knowledge as well.

But just as Ernst said, the advanced methods were too sophisticated. Not to mention teaching Kal'tsit and Viviana, even Ernst himself wouldn't dare say he had fully grasped their essence.

That's how politics is. It can be very simple; you can just memorize some books and get by. But if you want to delve into it, the basics become incredibly difficult, and even the advanced techniques, like understanding a sentence that's clearly written in a book, are extremely challenging!

"Politics, in essence, is about making as many friends as possible and as few enemies as possible." +4《3

Ernst recited the passage to himself, and even though it sounded like colloquial speech, it did not diminish the philosophical meaning it contained.

How can I increase my friends and decrease my enemies while adhering to my own principles?

How did such a great idea as the "united front" come about?

Ernst genuinely believed that he still had a lot to learn.

Chapter 699 The Soul Forge Returns!

Shelag, outside the borders, Sarkaz camp.

Emengard finally caught a glimpse of Sherag's silhouette in the distance.

Behind her, dozens of scavengers carried heavy platforms on their shoulders. On these platforms, roaring furnaces distorted the air, spewing out surging energy, mixed with distortion and madness.

The Soul Forge, a treasure of the Sarkaz, is a sorcerer's creation comparable to the Originium-powered furnace of a medium-sized mobile city.

Imprisoned within, were the ever-burning souls of the dead, their fury burning with an insatiable rage. This rage transformed into power, which then flowed through countless conduits into every corner of the once-moving city of Kazdel. Thus, the city, through this heart, came to life, becoming the Sarkaz's first home in this era.

This is the ambition of Theresis and Theresia, another attempt by the Sarkaz race in a new era, and the origin of Rhodes Island, which was once known as the "Tower of Babel".

And now, it is burning, and it has come to this distant country.

Emengard could see the Sarkaz in those towns from afar. The houses built by the Sons of Earth and Stone were sturdy and durable. The protection of Yeragand was silent. Without the fear of natural disasters or discrimination, the Sarkaz who stayed here seemed to have a more peaceful atmosphere.

Of course, it could also be because they read a lot of books.

Seemingly sensing a familiar presence in the distance, many Sarkaz in the camp raised their heads and looked towards Emengard.

There might be countless obstructions in front of them, making it impossible for them to clearly see Emengard's location, but the sense of closeness derived from their bloodline still drew them in, making them curiously put down their work, push open their doors, walk out of the construction site, and come to the edge of the town to gaze at the burning old furnace that was coming from beyond the horizon.

"Is that the old furnace?"

"Kazdel's Old Forge?"

"Yes, I remember that temperature, it was from that furnace!"

"But why is it here? Could it be that the Military Commission has attacked?!"

"I don't want to go back! Brothers, let's grab our weapons! I'd rather die than go back and fight that guy Therese!"

They're quick to fight at the drop of a hat—that's the Sarkaz.

They didn't have many formalities, nor did they have many concerns. When they chose to leave their homes and set foot on the land of Shelag for a slim hope, they had already abandoned almost everything from their past.

Everything they have now is thanks to Sherag.

The great god Jeragund was merciful and granted them an environment where they did not have to worry about natural disasters!

The Sarkaz Residents' Committee is very generous. As the first residents, the Sarkaz, who hold high positions, did not oppress or exploit them. Instead, they helped them build houses and gave them opportunities to work and support their families!

Prime Minister Ernst was both kind and righteous. Although he was a fellow Victorian, he was not at all harsh like the Victorians. He treated them like the sun in the sky, spreading kindness and grace to the earth with equality and kindness!

Those who have seen the light cannot bear the darkness. Having finally achieved such a wonderful life, they don't care about anything else. Even if Theresis himself came, they would dare to put a sack over their back and kick him mercilessly!

But the appearance of a figure stopped them in their tracks.

[Eye] stepped out.

As the ruler of the Cyclops royal court and the head of the Sarkaz town outside Sherag, his appearance undoubtedly calmed the hearts of everyone present.

Even if Theresis himself came, he wouldn't be able to end the battle easily against a "King of the Royal Court," would he?

【Eyes】meaning they don't know what they're thinking; if they did, they'd probably curse at them.

What are you thinking? Me, fight Theresis? Really?

The Cyclops is not good at fighting. If you ask him to fight Theresis without using any tricks, it would be better to let him just kill himself by crashing into his head.

7. At least he might not actually kill himself.

Of course, if he used some tricks, he wouldn't be afraid of Theresis. The Cyclops's "Foresight" is a rough application of the big data of the information ocean stored in Originium. Besides "Foresight," they also have some other ways of using it.

For example, extracting a piece of "war" information from a sea of ​​information and then throwing Theresis into it.

[Eye] He doesn't know the principle behind this operation, but it's his talent; he doesn't need to understand it to use it.

"Step back. That's not an enemy, but the temperature of the Soul Furnace is not something an ordinary Sarkaz can endure."

This is a lie. The Sarkaz are physically strong, so the high temperature isn't the main problem. More importantly, he fears that these ordinary Sarkaz wouldn't be able to withstand the wails of the dead souls within the Soul Forge, and the twisted emotions that might leak out.

Those things are troublesome to clean up, and most of the time, only liches, who "want to get to the bottom of everything," would spend the time and effort to study them. Rather than causing trouble later if something unexpected happens, it's better to dismiss these people in advance.

"By the way, go and inform Mr. Hedley and Ms. Nastya."

[Eye] added that the Sarkaz around him exchanged glances, nodded, and dispersed, with several Cyclopes hurrying towards the immigration checkpoint.

[Eye] Then he walked towards Emengard.

He had only taken a few steps when another figure appeared beside him.

"Lamaren, you're a little late."

[Eyes] spoke. A hint of embarrassment crossed Ramallian's face beneath her veil, but she didn't explain further, simply saying:

"Something came up and I was held up."

No more words.

She couldn't very well say that she had been secretly trying to use magic to connect with the PhonoR-0, the witchcraft car that Nasty had modified again, to spy on her eldest son's latest movements, and that's why she was late, could she?

However, things have been rather strange in Lontinim lately. The Sarkaz's defensive lines have been shrinking, and the Blood Demons, who used to occasionally venture out of the city to harass the allied forces, have become completely silent. As for the Carrion Eater army, which had been lurking on the edge of the battlefield and putting pressure on the allied forces, they have vanished without a trace.

Rhodes Island headquarters has been in a state of silence lately due to Kal'tsit's sudden departure. Ascalon and Kroos are conducting intelligence gathering work, one in the shadows and the other in the open, but neither has made any significant progress yet.

On such a battlefield, this eerie silence often signifies the gathering of power, but what power can Sarkaz gather?

What other remote corner could they possibly dig out of two royal courts?

Lamarlene was starting to worry about Efanil, even though she kept saying, "He's a grown-up banshee now and doesn't need his mother's care anymore," she still couldn't help but feel a little sorry for him.

Being a mother means having endless worries.

"Will be fine."

[Eye] suddenly blurted out a sentence.