A Villain's Journey Begins in the Type-Moon World

Wang Chong made no attempt to conceal anything about this matter, but stated it clearly:

"My goal has always been to liberate the entire land of Ursus. The southern cities were always among the objectives of our Reunion Movement. The fighting in the north has merely accelerated this movement."

"It's not just that we're accelerating the integration movement, adopting a two-front strategy to disperse the army group's influence and dominance. The army group is also accelerating the civilian resistance."

“Ms. Kal'tsit… Rhodes Island has severed ties with Chernobog ever since it began to move. So you have no idea that the citizens of Chernobog were on the verge of destruction these past few days.”

Wang Chong then gave a general account of what had happened in Chernobyl during this period. Prices had skyrocketed, and all of Dor had set fire to the inner city, slaughtered the newly rich, and plundered their wealth.

The entire city of Chernobog was on the verge of collapse, on the verge of utter destruction and chaos. If it weren't for the intervention of the underground infected and the Reunion Movement, Chernobog would likely have become a morally bankrupt ghost town in no time.

Upon hearing what had happened in Chernobyl, the high-ranking officials of Rhodes Island all showed expressions of pity.

Amiya was no exception; she also only learned about the specific situation in Chernobog at this time.

And a question couldn't help but arise in my mind: if I had decided to go to Chernobog earlier, could I have handled the situation there as well as my teacher?

Amiya didn't know the answer. But right now, she sensed something was wrong with the distance between Kal'tsit and Wang Chong.

Chapter 393: Head-to-Head

Amiya's premonition had indeed come true. Wang Chong's first words were directed at Kal'tsit:

"Ms. Kal'tsit, now that I have answered your question, isn't it my turn to ask one?"

"……Speaking."

Kal'tsit's heart sank; she anticipated the other party's question would be sharp. But since she had just chosen such a direct approach, she was now prepared to face a counterattack.

"Okay, let's start with the simplest one, which is the question I just mentioned."

Wang Chong's eyes were sharp as he slowly spoke:

"Why is Rhodes Island near Chernobog? Judging from your direction of travel, your target is Chernobog itself. This is strange—Chernobog has been moving all along. How could you have pinpointed its location so accurately without an inside man?"

“I have installed tracking equipment in Chernobyl that can continuously send signals to indicate the location.”

Kal'tsit's answer was concise and restrained:

"As for why I came here, it's because the equipment was accidentally triggered. You can think of it as me storing an extremely valuable item there and setting a security alarm for it. The alarm was triggered, so naturally I had to lead a team to retrieve it."

This explanation is watertight, cleverly avoiding mentioning the Doctor's existence, yet providing a seemingly reasonable explanation for Rhodes Island's appearance.

Upon hearing this, Wang Chong let out a cryptic chuckle: "A precious item? Ha, I'm curious, what kind of 'treasure' could possibly warrant Rhodes Island mobilizing its entire force?"

"That's probably not convenient to tell you, just as you wouldn't reveal your gun secret to us." Kal'tsit cleverly used their own words against them.

"Alright, let's change the question then."

Wang Chong did not dwell on this; his gaze slowly swept over each Rhodes Island operator present, with a scrutinizing air:

"What I really want to know is Rhodes Island's true goal. Are you genuinely trying to save the infected, or are you simply... fulfilling the last wish of someone who has passed away?"

Kal'tsit's pupils contracted sharply, and her tone tightened instantly: "What do you mean by that? What do you know?"

"You should be familiar with the code name 'W,' right?" Wang Chong's lips curled into a meaningful smile. "I know about you, the history of the Tower of Babel, and the truth behind that civil war..."

“W…it’s her…” Kal’tsit’s mind immediately conjured up the image of the female mercenary who was always around Princess Theresa and was skilled in the art of exploding Originium.

"Even if you know Rhodes Island's past, Rhodes Island today is just a pharmaceutical company."

Kal'tsit steadied herself and attempted to reiterate her position:

"We are committed to alleviating the suffering and hardship of those infected. This is not only one of His Highness's last wishes, but also the ideal that Rhodes Island upholds. The two are not contradictory..."

As soon as she spoke, she suddenly realized how similar her eagerness to defend herself was to Wang Chong's posture when he was discussing the "dual purpose" of the integration movement!

This indirectly confirms Wang Chong's claim that he was "both liberating the people of Qiecheng and diverting the flames of war from the north," and gives the other side ammunition to ridicule him.

"Heh, how does it feel to have your true intentions questioned, Ms. Kal'tsit?"

Wang Chong's cold laugh was laced with undisguised mockery:

Compared to the credibility of my previous argument, don't you find your current statement pale and laughable?

His voice suddenly turned cold, revealing its sharp edge:

"You say this is the ideal that Rhodes Island upholds? Then I'd like to ask, as a pharmaceutical company, why is your core team filled with so many people who are not in the pharmaceutical field?!"

His sharp gaze swept over the elite operators present:

"With just one glance, I can tell that all of you here are seasoned veterans! Even among your ordinary operators, many have fought alongside the Reunion Movement!"

"To be honest, the Reunion Movement has never viewed Rhodes Island as a purely pharmaceutical company, but rather as a trustworthy partner with whom they can fight together!"

Wang Chong's words were like heavy hammer blows, each one more forceful than the last:

"But what did Rhodes Island do? You possess such a powerful armed force, yet you chose to stand idly by at a crucial moment when further progress was needed! I don't believe you were completely unaware of the dire suffering of the infected in the southern cities!"

"But what about you? Because you fear the behemoth that is Ursus, you cling to the so-called neutral stance, only willing to send out some peripheral personnel to carry out those so-called missions that are destined to fail and ultimately can only retreat in a sorry state!"

"What is this? Trying to comfort yourselves by putting on an act of trying your best but being unable to do so? Let me ask you another question: Is it so difficult to concentrate your efforts, like today, to truly save the unjustly suffering infected people in a city?!"

He pointed sharply out the window, as if the battlefield, its smoke still lingering, was still before his eyes:

"And that battle just now! You clearly had the ability to quickly break through the encirclement, yet you hesitated and remained inactive! Even after we intervened, you stood by and watched for a long time! Only when our personnel made contact did you finally begin to cooperate with our operation!"

Wang Chong's gaze swept over the crowd with a strong sense of pressure, and he said:

"What? Are you all exceptionally capable, yet more reserved than those pampered young noblemen? Do you have to wait for others to pave the way before you take a step?"

"And Kal'tsit, you...!"

Wang Chong pointed at Kal'tsit, addressed her by her first name, and continued:

"As the de facto leader of Rhodes Island, I really want to ask you, what exactly do you want to do?! Don't you think Rhodes Island is incredibly divided right now? Aren't your ideals and slogans and your actual actions suffocatingly disconnected?!"

This last paragraph was practically a direct rebuke to everyone present. The sharp words made even the most good-tempered person blush, let alone the strong-willed operators.

Sure enough, before Kal'tsit could even respond, an elite operator, unable to contain her anger, slammed her hand on the table and stood up abruptly: "What do you know?! What gives you the right to criticize us like that?! Where's Mei Yong? Where's Lin Zai Zai...?"

"I truly don't understand you!"

Wang Chong did not back down, meeting the other party's angry gaze with even more impassioned voice:

"Any infected person struggling to survive on this miserable land of Ursus who judges your actions will not understand!"

"The rescue was incomplete; the resources that should have been used were withheld; allies risked their lives to come to your aid, yet you stood by and watched coldly!"

"What are you so afraid of? What are you worried about? Is it the iron hooves of Ursus? Is it the overly progressive ideas of the Reunion Movement? Or is it that Regent who once defeated you so badly?!"

“I didn’t mean to be so blunt. Every organization has its own difficulties and limitations, which I understand and am tolerant of. But what about your leader?”

Wang Chong once again pointed the finger directly at Kal'tsit, and said:

"Even now, she still treats her collaborators with suspicion and questioning! This forces me to re-examine Rhodes Island's true stance!"

"It even makes me wonder if you will ultimately betray the Reunion Movement and all those who are fighting for the cause of the infected because of those inexplicable concerns, and stab them in the back!"

These words were now veiled and extremely harsh. However, the Rhodes Island members found it difficult to refute them, because Wang Chong's accusations hit their sore spots perfectly—the one that made the wrong decisions was indeed Rhodes Island.

In fact, some operators had already harbored doubts about some of Kal'tsit's previous orders. Wang Chong accurately seized upon this internal conflict and exposed and amplified it.

Some elite operators were even puzzled: the Reunion Movement had just extended a helping hand, so why did such a fierce conflict break out in the blink of an eye?

The entire carriage fell into a deathly silence; the heavy atmosphere made it hard to breathe, and no one knew what to say at that moment.

"...I apologize."

A deep voice broke the suffocating silence.

Kal'tsit slowly raised her head, a deep weariness etched on her brow. She lowered her head slightly and spoke, word by word:

"The previous questioning, and Rhodes Island's... hesitant performance on the battlefield, were all due to my decisions. I take full responsibility, and I apologize to you."

Kal'tsit raised her eyes, her gaze carrying a heavy honesty:

"Since you know about the history of the Tower of Babel, you should understand that the people of Rhodes Island now are the last remaining forces His Highness left behind. I can no longer gamble, I can no longer watch more old friends perish in pointless conflicts."

Kal'tsit took a deep breath and continued to analyze her own thoughts:

"As for my personal high level of vigilance towards you and the Integration Movement... the reason is that your rise has been too abnormal, far exceeding the development speed that a normal uprising should have."

"Whether it's their overly avant-garde ideas or the impressive musket squad that's taking center stage today, it's all exceeded what a civilian organization should be like."

"This makes me wonder... if there is an unknown and powerful force behind the Reunion Movement that has enabled it to grow so rapidly in such a short time."

"On the other hand, Rhodes Island..."

Kal'tsit's voice carried a hint of bitterness:

"Even with many powerful individuals, their foundation is ultimately far inferior to that of a national machine."

“We can’t afford to gamble, and we can’t easily get involved in a complex conspiracy involving the state. That’s why I’ve always kept my distance and been wary of you, and I don’t want to be dragged too deep into it.”

Kal'tsit readily admitted her concerns in this regard.

Chapter 394: Kal'tsit's Second Apology

“You said Rhodes Island’s actions were superficial and merely a formality… I admit that. Because from a long-term strategic perspective, even if Rhodes Island does everything in its power to rescue some of the infected from a city, the effect on changing the tragic situation of the infected in the world as a whole will be negligible.”

"This is not only a drop in the ocean and a temporary solution, but it may also lead to rejection by sovereign states, completely cutting off the opportunity to communicate with them and seek solutions."

Kal'tsit finally clearly outlined the path Rhodes Island had chosen:

"Therefore, the most meaningful thing Rhodes Island can do right now is to develop a cure for Oripathy. But before that goal is achieved, the primary task is to protect everyone on the ship of Rhodes Island."

"This is why Rhodes Island's operations seem so contradictory and so fragmented. Because the path we chose was never armed struggle... but self-preservation and medical redemption."

Kal'tsit's gaze returned calmly to Wang Chong:

“We don’t have the same confidence as your Reunion Movement… at least, as the leader of Rhodes Island, that’s my assessment and that’s the decision I make.”

"This is my explanation and answer. I apologize again for the misunderstanding and unpleasantness caused by my misjudgment. I hope this answer satisfies you?"

“This is your second apology, Ms. Kal'tsit.” Wang Chong’s tone returned to its usual calm, yet carried an undeniable weight. “Third time’s the charm. I don’t want to see any more unnecessary suspicions between us. Otherwise, rather than forcing a cooperation, it’s better to part ways amicably and end it here.”

He changed the subject, his tone softening slightly:

"As for which path Rhodes Island chooses, the Reunion Movement will remain inclusive and understanding. As long as it can ultimately help those infected who are suffering, that will be enough."

“…Thank you for your understanding.” Kal'tsit understood; she had lost this round of confrontation again. Not only had she failed to probe Wang Chong and the Reunion Movement's weaknesses, but her opponent had also seized upon her vulnerabilities, pressing her relentlessly until she was finally forced to admit her mistake.

Unlike her previous loss of composure in front of Amiya and a select few, this time her authority was directly challenged by all the elite operators present. It is foreseeable that, following this incident, her influence within Rhodes Island's upper echelons will inevitably begin to decline.

However, Kal'tsit didn't care much about this. As she had just confessed, what she sought was never power itself, but rather to protect everyone on Rhodes Island, the ark that carried hope and memories.

If their influence diminishes, it will be a good opportunity for Amiya to step into the limelight more quickly. After all, this young demon lord will eventually become the true leader of Rhodes Island.

Just then, Amiya took a step forward, her voice clear and firm:

"Your Excellency, I am sorry that this misunderstanding has occurred between us. But I think that everyone has different views and methods when it comes to helping those infected."

"The clash of ideas between each other, and the resulting doubts, is a process that is difficult to completely avoid."

Amiya looked around at everyone present, her eyes filled with expectation, and said:

"Fortunately, we are at least still on the same path of helping those infected, and I firmly believe that."

"Even if there are conflicts and frictions in the process, they will eventually be transformed into a deeper understanding and unity through mutual adaptation."

"And now, we are faced with a path that requires unity and cooperation to traverse. That path is the Ursus army before us."

Suddenly, Amiya's tone turned serious, and she looked out the car window at the faint outline of enemy troops in the distance.

"They indiscriminately sought to slaughter every life they could find in this wilderness. Such atrocities disqualify them from being called an army!"

Amiya paused, then declared righteously:

"For the sake of the surviving citizens of Chernobog, and for the sake of any innocent people who might step into this area, we must utterly annihilate this army in this wilderness!"

Hearing Amiya's statement, Wang Chong nodded and replied, "Do you have Yong Kong, or Lin Zai Zai?"

"As you have just heard my description of the situation in Chernobog, you should understand that even if we do not take the initiative to annihilate this army, they will never let us go easily."

“Therefore, I hope that this time, both sides can truly work together.” Wang Chong’s gaze swept over the Rhodes Island group. “Once these enemies are dealt with, I will welcome you all to Chernobog. At that time, you can search for anything in the city without worry.”

Perhaps influenced by Wang Chong's previous words, this time when discussing specific combat plans, the elite agents no longer simply stayed in the carriage.

They stepped forward one after another, clearly explaining the characteristics of their Originium Arts and the tactical positions their squads were good at, actively engaging in the planning of this war that was a matter of life and death.

Soon, a detailed battle plan was finalized. They decided to take advantage of the darkness and limited visibility, and, in conjunction with Wang Chong's ability to create an eerie black mist that enveloped the battlefield, sneak close enough to launch a deadly surprise attack on the Ursus army.

Each person's stealth route, attack position, and distance had been precisely planned. As night fell, the dense darkness provided the best cover, and all units advanced silently, like shadows blending into the night, according to the established plan.

This also marks the official start of the first cooperative operation between Rhodes Island and the Reunion Movement.

"boom--!"