Civilization: Beyond Two Worlds

The place where Kant met the deputies of the council was just a temporary shed on the high ground.

No frills, no rugs, just two large tables and a few small ones.

On a large table, large and small monitors are stacked, playing real-time images of the battlefield. The scattered wires extend all the way to the generator set outside the shed, rumbling, and some people find it noisy. After asking Kant's consent, he drew around it. A ring of noise-absorbing barriers.

On the other large table, there are an astonishing number of Kaifeng dishes in buckets and glass of iced cola neatly placed.

The mortal powerhouses who had previously participated in the siege of Phaethon gathered according to their origins, holding cokes, sitting on chairs, or leaning on the table, and drank and rested.

The atmosphere is very peaceful, even very warm, because there is no distinction between superiors and inferiors.

Even the three mortal giants, Kant, the Dragon King, and His Majesty Derrella, did not have any honorable positions or splendid thrones. Instead, they sat at the table and laughed casually.

- This gave the temporary grand speaker Karius a certain illusion.

Let him feel that since Griffin is dead and the rebel army of the Northern Council has been defeated, then this wrong war and regrettable division can be stopped and the country will be reunited.

But Kant smiled and said to him: "You don't think this war is over, do you?"

As soon as these words came out, the air in the shed was quiet for a moment.

The powerhouses present are all in their respective countries and even the entire mortal world, and they can be regarded as important figures, but when they heard this, they all stopped their movements and looked here.

He was still holding fried chicken and hamburgers in his hands, but his expression gradually became playful.

The wall fell and everyone pushed.

With their wisdom and experience, it is not difficult to guess what will happen next.

What a naive grand speaker in the bureau.

The Dragon of Aurora is so easy to pass up.

-Kalius' mind went blank for a moment.

Griffin's death, the rescue of a mind-controlled army, and the dawn of hope of ending the division and ending the war made the young ruler, who had not yet honed his politician's temperament, had some kind of naive fantasy—he Probably thought of Kant too well.

Subconsciously, Kant would take the initiative to stop the war and help the council to reunite.

As it should be.

Isn't it to fight against the star palace?

A unified Austrian law council will be your greatest help.

There have been too many casualties in this war.

Why?

At this moment, Griffin's warning before his death suddenly appeared in his mind.

"Kalios, the road ahead is more difficult than you think."

"Because I have seen the way of Kant."

He took a deep breath, suppressed his turbulent mood, and kept his expression calm.

In front of the kings and envoys of the countries... to maintain the dignity and decency of the country!

The interim president said solemnly: "The war is over, and Kant is in power. Griffin is dead, and the executioners who started the war and deceived the people no longer exist. This **** country is eager to restore peace, and the soldiers want to be reunited with their families... So are the soldiers of the council, and so are your soldiers."

Kant snorted lightly: "No, it's not over."

Kalios's fist clenched slowly, his nails digging into the flesh: "Kant is in power, already..."

"I said there is no end." Kant stared at him, "then there is no end."

Callius had to say more, Kant had stood up straight.

Eye to eye with the titular Supreme Leader of the Council.

"Do you really think I'm from Kaishantang?"

He showed a sneer: "Who was the one who provoked everywhere? Who started the war? Who started the matter? Now that we lost, he said that the war can be over, and that's it?"

"Is there such a cheap thing in this world?"

"Do you really think I'm from Kaishantang?"

"Did the weapons and ammunition I consumed in this war fall from the sky?"

"Do you think you don't need money for mobilizing the army, recruiting soldiers to fight with you, the resources consumed, the rewards issued, and the logistics expenses?"

"Fighting with Griffin here for several months, the positions we have established are enough to build a new city around the Far Harbor. You think this is enough to fight against the star palace. How did the infallible defense line be built!"

"Let these tens of thousands of soldiers observe in the white fog world for a month, and I have to eat and drink to serve. How much do you think it will cost? Do you think I should do this kind of white work?"

"It was you who took the initiative to declare war, and you who were controlled by the soldiers. As a result, after I killed Griffin, I was also responsible for rescuing the soft soldiers who were controlled by you. I spent countless resources and made great sacrifices to win this battle. The battle, but also saved your people... Then you said the war was over with one mouth, everyone went back to their homes, and nothing happened - how can there be such a good thing in this world!"

Kalios blushed at the stormy questioning.

He only felt that his dignity was being humiliated and trampled... in front of the envoys of the nations! He was so angry that he even wanted to hide his face and leave. The supreme glory and prestige and dignity of the Arcane Council were now withering in the soil, making him want to cry and roar.

But he can't go, he can only stay here.

"...Kant is in power."

The temporary grand speaker tried his best to maintain emotional stability: "It was Griffin who did this, this country is also a victim, the glory of this country has been trampled on, I only hope that you will temporarily put down your personal life under the threat of the star palace. Gratitude and grievance, treat this also betrayed country with forgiveness and generosity. From now on, the Arcanist Council will become your most loyal partner, we…”

Conde laughed out loud.

"It was Griffin who did it," he said slowly, "but it wasn't just Griffin who did it."

The bitter expressions of the descendants on the side changed.

"The vast lands of the northern counties of the council, Griffin's base plate, responded to his call of war, rallied troops, provided supplies, rations were continuously shipped from the barns, and weapons of war were made in the alchemy workshops and golem factories. , soldiers came out of every home and waved their weapons at innocent Far Harbor people—"

He said to Karius, whose complexion changed, "Although Griffin is dead, the war is not over."

"...Kant is in power!"

Kalios lost his voice: "I believe that after justice is clarified, they have no reason to continue fighting against you!"

"Then surrender!" Kant snapped, "Then pay the price for defeat!"

"But…"

"I'll just say it straight, Chancellor Callius!" Kant stepped forward and said decisively, "If you want to reunite the North and South Councils, then represent your country and be responsible for the failure of the Yankees! If you don't want to, Then keep your mouth shut and discuss this matter when we take down the entire Northern Council!"

"We will pay!"

Kalios gritted his teeth and said: "These months of war consumption, the loss of the far port, and your tolerance and generosity, this country will repay with blood and loyalty! We will not avoid mistakes, just ask you to consider confrontation The overall situation of the star palace, don't make an overly harsh number... I beg you!"

Kant was silent for a moment and sighed.

"Well said, bear the humiliation for the future of the country, I believe you are a true patriot."

Hearing this, Karius looked over in surprise.

"But there is a problem." The Fire Robber looked at him, "You said that you would compensate for the loss and do your best to help me fight the Star Palace in the future..."

The interim president nodded involuntarily.

"—Can you call the shots? Do you have the final say? You make sure that your country will do what you promised, putting aside all internal friction, waste and ambition, and preparing for war with all your resources, manpower and energy. Do you never hesitate, never hesitate, never regret it when it comes to confronting the Star Palace?"

Kalius was about to respond subconsciously, but he remembered Griffin's dying roar.

Tongue open.

If this country is the voice of the great speaker and can decide everything on its own, then why does Griffin want to collude with the Star Palace, create a coup, and provoke a war!

"That's why."

Kant said lightly: "What is the benefit for me to unify the North and South of the Council?"

"I heard that you are rebuilding the council that was killed by Griffin. The candidates for the dozen or so core members of the Starry Court are mostly the same clan of the members who died earlier. I don't think they were good candidates before. Senator, you can only pick up the leaks, maybe it's a bit worse than the dead ones."

He said this with a half-smile but not a smile: "Your Excellency, will returning the split Northern Council to these worms will allow this country to make a greater contribution to the fight against the Star Palace?"

"To put it another way, how should you promise, if I help you to reunify, in the foreseeable future, will there be a second, even crazier ruler, like Griffin, who suddenly loses his nerves and retaliates against Far Harbor Declaring war and provoking today's events?"

Karius couldn't be right.

He is not incapable of refuting and arguing, but he has realized that Kant's mind is difficult to change.

So he sighed lightly: "Please state your plans and conditions."

"I'm just a victim who was forced to fight back in self-defense, to solve the potential hidden dangers of war once and for all, and get the spoils I deserve, that's all."

"What does the council have to do to get your forgiveness and forgiveness?"

"It's simple."

Kant smiled slightly and said lightly: "I want to review the northern area of ​​the council, all."

With a puff, a giant dragon who was sitting at a table with his clan eating chicken made a loud noise.

The dragon was biting a crispy fried chicken leg in his mouth. He was just leaning over to pick up the pile of tender beef five squares on the table. Hearing the statement that his appetite was bigger than that of the Dragon Emperor, he subconsciously took a bite.

As a result, half of the chicken legs fell off the table, and the other half got stuck in the throat with the bone attached.

So this silly beeping dragon blushed under everyone's gaze, and was at a loss.

With the physical quality of the dragon clan, in fact, it only needs to imitate Shen's throat to shrink, and then the hard chicken bones can be crushed.

-By the way, in the internal staff instruction manual of the Dragon Clan Defense Hire Operator, this behavior is absolutely prohibited, and a certain male dragon with worrying integrity was killed when he was hired.

Of course, this is not the point. The point is that when the loud dragon was watched by the Dragon Emperor, Kant, and the people present, his head panicked, but he forgot to break it, and instead opened his mouth stupidly and tried to use it. Grab it out - not only is this action extremely unseemly, it also looks more hilarious.

So the fellow clan and colleagues around him immediately grabbed his arm, held him down, lowered their voices, and shouted to the panic-stricken Dragon Clan, "Fire-breathing, fire-breathing, silly beep!"

The giant dragon then reacted, just like a human would raise his head and purr when he rinsed his mouth, he also raised his head with his mouth wide open and made the sound of Euler, and the dragon flames flashed and disappeared in his throat.

After the half of the chicken leg was cooked, the giant dragons sat down and looked around with a straight face, with a "what's the matter with you" expression on their faces.

In view of the reputation of the dragons being better than the elves, everyone withdrew their attention.

By default nothing happens.

Here, Karius finally calmed down from the raging tide in his heart.

...but only superficial.

His tone was extremely sad and angry: "Did you want to divide our country from the beginning?"

"You should thank me." Kant said lightly, "I helped you keep half of the country."

Callius' hands and feet were cold.

One of the mortal powers, the glorious Arcane Council, a powerful country equal to elves and empires, will it be divided into two under the plans and calculations of the Aurora people?

He turned his head subconsciously and looked at the strong men of the countries.

Want to get some solidarity from them.

The observers from various forces and the principality of the small country were just dealing with the fried chicken in their hands as if nothing had happened, without even looking at him, deliberately avoiding his sight.

Only the powerhouses of a few big countries did not avoid his gaze.

The elves occupy a corner of the tent, standing or sitting.

They each held a family bucket, and watched the fun while eating. An elf Dharma King opened his big fan-like hand, grabbed a handful of Colonel's chicken nuggets, and threw them into his mouth as if they were eating fried beans.

The Phoenix King, on the other hand, was sitting at the table beside Kant, eating slowly, and the chicken bones that were eaten neatly filled the small half of the table.

The imperial man was sitting in the other corner, and a standing officer of the Imperial Guard handed the empty barrel in his hand to the colleague next to him, who then handed it to the side with a blank expression, and handed it all the way to the table, where the empty barrels were stacked high. .

The giant dragon was still the same, but the giant dragon, who had just made a joke, was cleaning up the messed up table with low eyebrows, and carefully swept the chicken racks and debris thrown from the table into the empty bucket.

Only the Dragon Emperor's face was as deep as water, sitting on the other side, chewing slowly with a serious expression.

— He was thinking, what kind of fried chicken is this Nima Bubble Potato Chips.

Totally, no solidarity, not even anyone showing concern or dissatisfaction.

Kalios's heart was icy cold, perhaps because he was happy to see the division of the Austrian Council, or because Kant did not dare to speak out due to his fierceness. In short, the Dragon of Aurora was completely unscrupulous.

In the just-concluded campaign, he has shown courage, strength, authority, military might and armament that are enough to shock the world, and he has won victories that are awe-inspiring all over the world.

And the victor undoubtedly has the right to the spoils.

Even if this right is...

- Divide the Austrian Council into the desired number of shares.

The darkest hour has come.

And Carius is still forcibly enduring grief and grief.

He thought of Griffin and hated more and more the traitor who betrayed and divided the country, and it was his folly that led to what he is today.

But the more so...the more he wants to stay.

Protect the country as much as possible in the most difficult time of the storm, and restore the lost honor of the Senate - Griffin! The more I work for this country, the more filthy your tombstone is!

calm down.

Kant may be pressuring or extorting. He is not someone who is obsessed with power. His ultimate goal is to defeat the star palace. Griffin said Kant's path should be like this.

so…

He was emotional at first.

"Government, war is cruel, everyone is hurt, and if you want to make the people who started the war pay the price, they have already paid the price..."

"No, Your Excellency."

Kant's heart is as iron as stone, and his words are cold: "Griffin has indeed paid the price, and the soldiers who participated in the war have also paid the price. The dead have paid the cruelest price, and the living have also been tortured by war and betrayed by leaders. , their punishment is enough, so I let them go home."

"Civilians have also paid a price - more taxes and labor, and those who sacrificed their family's men to fight in the war paid a heavy price, and I will not pursue it."

"But in addition to these people, there are people who should pay the most...don't think about staying out of it."

Callius couldn't, he could only figure it out.

"This is not a sensible decision, Kant is in power. Splitting a country like the Council is too overbearing, it will cause other countries to secretly and secretly fear, but it will hinder the policy of uniting all countries and fighting against strong enemies. This is the one."

"Secondly, there were heavy casualties in the war. The Northern Council did not say that every family had a funeral, but there were always a lot of casualties... Although it was Griffin's fault, fools never dared to blame the big man for the problem. Guiding the Far Harbor to blame is not conducive to occupation and domination."

He said this in a sincere tone and tried his best to persuade.

"As the occupier, the Far Harbor, which rules the northern land of the Council, can only be restrained by force. Not only does it involve a large military force, but the local people will not cooperate in a short period of time. The best solution is to reunify the Council. , it is up to us to appease and rule the North..."

He solemnly said: "At that time, no matter what you want from the northern counties, we can do it for you and provide you - troops, resources, weapons, mages... anything can be."

Kant shook his head and said, "What I want, you can't give it."

"Please say what you want, the council is not the strongest country, but..."

The fire thief raised his hand and pointed outside the tent.

On the battlefield, the banner is swaggering.

The torrent of steel, the ever victorious army, proudly unfolds, patrolling the battlefield.

"Before, they were soldiers who were beaten and disarmed, poor people whose homes were destroyed, ordinary people from ordinary or even humble backgrounds... Now, they are the iron heroes who defeated you."

He said earnestly: "What I want is to have a brave army far exceeding this number from the huge population base of the Northern Council. I believe that in another hundred years, you will never have such an armed force."

Kalios looked shocked, he looked in the direction of Kant's finger, listened to his words, couldn't help but imagined the army born in the northern counties according to the proportion of the army and the population of the Far Harbor... But the next moment, he returned. Come to mind - how is it possible! How could such a thing happen! ?

Just as he was about to debate, Kant seemed tired of the question and answer.

"You say we can't manage the northern counties well... I disagree with that."

He shouted, "Horus!"

Horus, who was sitting outside drinking aviation gasoline, stood up. The appearance of a Terminator with a metal mechanical structure and a face like a skeleton always made those who saw him in awe: "Yes!"

"Make a marching plan, select those who will lead the way from the council's descendants, and prepare to blitz and march to occupy the entire territory of the northern council as quickly as possible... Before that, ultimatum and propaganda will go first."

"Yes!"

"Dong Tianming."

"The old minister is here."

"In my name, issue an ultimatum to officials, clansmen, families and financial groups in the northern counties, and let them see Griffin's fate."

Kant gave an order with a cold and stern expression: "Tell them, tell these war criminals who succumbed to Griffin's persuasion and agitation and waved their blades at Far Harbor, I will give them two choices."

"First, the army advances, crushing their last resistance, and then I execute their entire clan, all men, women, old men, women and children, and infants, hang their bodies in the high forest, and put their genealogy, records, and graveyards all over Flattened, their name and blood lost to history, as an end for betrayer, and as a deterrent to mortals. Griffins today are their tomorrow."

Kant looked at the stiff-faced council members and snorted.

"The second path is also the path I hope they choose."

He paused and said, "Give me all their real estate, including houses, castles, shops, land, woodlands, mines, workshops, factories, docks, and so on."

"Leave all their servants and employees, including maids, workers, guards, crew, consultants, mechanics, pharmacists, and so on."

"Give half of their wealth, including precious metals, magic items, equity...and more."

"Then..." Kant said slowly, "The whole family moved to the Far Harbor."

"I have planned a new city for them in the northern part of the Far Harbor, and I allow them to become part of the regime that I directly rule and lead, giving them new rights and obligations. They will be fortunate enough to be educated just like the people of the Far Harbor. , work gloriously, join the army and fight, enjoy the latest technological convenience, and dedicate my life to the future of the mortal world, I will treat them fairly and impartially."

His gaze turned from the descending generals back to the pale and uncertain face of Karius.

"Before they give away their property and move their family, they are obliged to assist the Far Harbor Army, appease the local people, and cooperate with the inventory work. Those who perform well will receive certain rewards and preferential treatment. After all, a new city also has a lot of management. post, I hope they start rolling up now."

"If you don't obey, your whole family will die. If you don't surrender, your whole family will die. If you resist, your whole family will die."

"Viciously destroying the spoils I deserve, and spreading rumors among the people, will kill the whole family."

Karius laughed angrily.

- This is the same set again, can fear and high pressure stabilize the order?

Dong Tianming has already bowed to answer.

"The third thing." Kant added, "It was also Dong Tian who ordered you to do it. You must cooperate with A'Fu in this matter, and let all the soldiers from the council, especially the new ones, know."

The emperor remained motionless, waiting for Kant's instructions.

"All the council soldiers who died in this war, whether they died during the confrontation or died in today's battle." The fire thief said indifferently, "It is recorded as being killed in the war against the Star Palace. ."

"The land and pensions to their families, the standard is determined by your research, not less than 30% of our soldiers' wounded pension standard, of course not too much. When the soldiers return home, they will also follow their performance. and the accumulated temporary work points to pay tolls.”

"All the money is taken from the wealthy businessmen of the northern council."

"Wei." Dong Tianming cupped his hands and said, "My lord is merciful."

"It's just to buy people's hearts." Kant sneered while staring at Kalius. "The officials who have been trained in the past few months, and the activists of the officers and soldiers of the council department, should also be sent to the northern counties. Land reform, asset reorganization, industrial Reconstruction is also on the agenda. Grand Chancellor Kalios feels that we are not capable of governing the northern counties well, so let him see what we are capable of.”

"clear."

Kant looked at the generals of the council again: "The surrendered officers and soldiers can go home after a one-month observation period. During this month, they will be observed and re-educated."

"After they are freed, they will also sign a contract, and in return for my saving and releasing them, they will swear that they will never be enemies with me. These former soldiers brought a new job."

"Those who are willing to continue to be soldiers can accept relevant assessments after applying, and all qualified can become recruits. Those who are unwilling to be soldiers can stay in their hometowns. The new regime needs many civil servants, as well as many local sages. You will be our partners, or good collaborators."

"Several generals, do you want to find a new job with me, wash away the shame of today through the battle of revenge with Xinggong, or return to the Southern Council as a soldier who once betrayed with the stain of disrepute, in the After a period of time, he was gradually squeezed out as a marginal person, or even settled by the autumn queen?"

He stretched out his hand: "If you choose the former, please come over and shake my hand."

Listening to Kant's words, Dereira raised her head and glanced at several sword saints.

The Juggernauts hesitated for a moment, then put down the family buckets in their hands as if nothing had happened.

But several generals just hesitated for a moment, then came forward and shook hands with Kant solemnly in turn.

Damn, why don't you have a chicken.

Karius watched all this, his lips trembling, almost clenching his teeth.

"Sorry, I don't want to either."

Kant said sincerely: "After this battle, the council's vitality was damaged, and it was unable to play its due role in the war against the Star Palace, so I had to find another way to make up for it from here."

The interim chief speaker said indifferently: "You have already made a decision, why do you need to explain it to me."

"Because I still see you as a potential comrade, and I want to try my best to resolve the grievances in your heart - at least to ensure that you will not affect the overall situation because of personal grudges."

"Humph…"

"Let's put it this way, I need your cooperation for matters in the northern counties - for example, I hope you can comfort Tulaxia's dissatisfaction and opposition."

Hearing this, Karius' eyes changed from icy cold to stunned, even mocking.

"Although the events of the northern counties are an established fact, there are also several different forms."

Kant raised his finger.

"One, the northern counties were annexed by the Far Harbor, and you should never try to regain your homeland in your life."

"Second, a new council regime will be established in the north to stand up to you, and there will be a civil war in the future."

"Thirdly, the new regime of the Northern Council only maintains its actual independence, and it is also under the control of Turashaye in name, but the powers such as military, economic, appointment and dismissal of officials are not in your hands. They will operate according to the model I want, Future battles will also be conducted in the name of the council."

He said lightly: "The three modes are essentially the same, but the third one will leave you with the greatest hope. In the future, defeat the Star Palace and return to peace in the mortal world. There is no hope of returning to unity."

Karius' complexion was distorted and his eyes were splitting.

He hissed: "Do you know what awaits me if I agree to your terms?"

"Of course, you agree or even acquiesce to this matter, and you are about to sit at a table with Griffin." Kant looked calm, "Your competitors and opponents will come up with this matter and curse endlessly. And attack you, they don't care how much shame and burden you carry, they will only scold you for losing your power and humiliating the country."

Kalios stared fiercely at the Aurora.

"Oxington will help you, and the independent northern counties will continue to maintain economic, cultural, personnel and military exchanges with the south, provided that the great speaker is still you."

"The Far Harbor will also give you support and help you sit in the position of the ruler. I hope you will keep your mission in mind. The enemy is the star palace. Repeat, the enemy is the star palace. You have to prepare for war, you have to cooperate, you have to obey, Otherwise, you will be kicked out of this position, and Oxington must be the top speaker."

Kant did not flinch in the face of this almost hatred glaring.

He took care of the other's clothes.

"You can do what you did today again, like Griffin."

"And I will lead an army far stronger than today and defeat you again."

The fire thief said warmly: "But Kalios, don't make a mistake. If this kind of thing happens again, I swear the ending will never be as gentle as today."

"By that time, there will be no more rescues and releases, no more confiscation of property and family migration, and no more 31st slaughter. Because if this kind of thing happens a second time in the same country, then It's not just those who started and waged wars who are guilty..."

Kant patted his chest.

"And all those who failed to stop the war and punish people."

After saying these words, Kant bowed to Callius, and then extended his hand.

"Patriots, great patriots, for the future of the mortal world, for the unwashed shame and dusty glory of the Arcanist Council, for the threat of the Star Palace and the people worthy of protection..."

"Can you shake hands with me?"

"Would you like to call me comrade?"

He raised his head and said affectionately, "Excuse me, please don't refuse."

Witnessing all this, Horus, who had just given the order through the data link, spit oil on the ground.

"Shoot." He said disdainfully, "Scumbag."

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PS1: Eight thousand words... sleepy.