Cero sat in his large chair, made from materials transported from his former world. His office, located at the heart of the main base on the island, was a fusion of modern technology and functional military architecture. The walls were covered with dark metal panels, while a large holographic screen displayed maps of the regions he had conquered, including Dralven, now his foothold on the mainland.
On the table, digital documents floated in the air, showing the latest reports from his subordinates. His air force now had a number of fighter jets purchased from the system. Pilots and technicians, also trained by the system, had begun their regular training, ensuring their readiness for potential threats from the Delos Kingdom or any other enemies.
Yet, it was not military matters that occupied his mind today. Leaning back in his chair, his fingers drummed slowly on the table. The latest report from Dralven presented data that made him reflect deeply: Local population satisfaction was at a mere 40%.
Cero activated the system with his mind, and the holographic display immediately showed its signature interface in bright blue.
[System Active. What would you like to know, Director?]
System, Cero thought, his voice calm within his mind, why is the satisfaction rate of the locals only 40%? Explain in detail.
The screen displayed several graphs and key points:
Sense of Uncertainty: The locals still felt unsafe under the new rule. Cultural and Technological Discrepancy: The introduction of modern technology created social inequality. Many felt alienated in their own land. Lack of Local Representation: There was no trusted local figure to act as an intermediary between the people and the new power. High Demands: The locals were working harder than before, even though they were paid better.
Cero read through the points carefully. He sighed softly. "I've focused too much on efficiency and military power," he murmured quietly, though no one else was in the room to hear.
[Recommendation: Focus on social integration strategies and political representation. The locals need symbols of trust and assurances of stability.]
Elaborate on that recommendation, he commanded in his mind.
The system quickly displayed a list of options:
Local Figure as a Symbolic Leader: Choose a local figure to lead nominally, but still under your full control. This creates the illusion of public involvement. Social Programs: Launch programs that improve local welfare, such as education, healthcare, or food distribution. Direct Communication: Hold open meetings with the locals to answer their questions, showing that you care about them. Relocate Discontented Citizens: For those who openly oppose, offer relocation to neutral territories to reduce the potential for rebellion.
Cero pondered for a moment, his hand resting on his chin. "The locals are a problem that can't be solved with force alone. They need something that makes them feel valued, even if it's just an illusion."
He thought for a while before speaking to the system again. "System, suggest a potential local figure to be appointed as the symbolic leader."
[Analyzing Data… Most Trusted Local Figure: Baron Valric.]
Cero smirked slightly. "Valric, huh? The man I've humiliated will now be the face of my power in Dralven. Ironic, but it might work."
His tone grew colder. "But make sure he knows his limits. I don't need a puppet leader who thinks he holds real power."
Moments later, Ragner entered the room at Cero's call. He saluted perfectly before speaking. "Director, you called for me?"
Cero nodded, pointing to the holographic map. "Ragner, the satisfaction rate of the people in Dralven is only 40%. That's too low for long-term stability."
Ragner furrowed his brows. "We could increase security, maybe use more patrols."
Cero raised his hand, halting that suggestion. "Security isn't the issue. This is a political matter, not a military one. I didn't ask for your opinion on this because you're a soldier, not a politician."
Ragner nodded, though his expression showed slight dissatisfaction. "Then what's your plan, Director?"
"I'll use Valric," Cero replied. "He'll be the symbolic leader, the face that speaks to the locals. I remain in full control, but they'll feel like they have representation."
Ragner didn't respond, only nodding slowly. He knew that political strategies like this were beyond his expertise.
The decision was soon implemented. Valric, though reluctant, was given the role of symbolic leader of Dralven. He was allowed to appear in public, speak to the locals, but every major decision was still overseen by Cero's staff.
Meanwhile, social programs were launched. New schools were established in Dralven, with a curriculum that combined traditional local education with modern technology. Simple health centers were opened to ensure the locals had access to basic healthcare, which had previously been difficult for them to obtain.
The people began to feel positive changes, though distrust in the foreign power remained among some factions. On the other hand, Cero continued to monitor everything through his system, ensuring that every program ran according to plan.
The first days of Valric's work under Cero's rule were filled with skepticism and uncertainty. For him, being a puppet for a foreign ruler was a great humiliation, but he had no other choice. Surviving was more important than maintaining pride, especially after witnessing how Cero and his forces could destroy anything that stood in their way.
At first, Valric carried out his duties halfheartedly. He spoke to the people, repeating the messages sent by Cero's forces, ensuring the locals stayed calm. However, as time went on, something strange began to happen.
He realized that his life—ironically—was much better than before.
As a symbolic leader, Valric was granted privileges he had never enjoyed before. His mansion was now equipped with modern technology brought by Cero. Heating systems for the coming winter, quality food from military logistics supplies, and direct access to engineers and technicians who could fix anything broken in no time.
In the past, during the winter season, he had to worry about food supplies and heating for his people. Now, he knew that Cero's forces had an incredibly efficient logistics system, ensuring no one went hungry. He even began to enjoy comforts he never imagined.
"Genius," he muttered one night while sitting in his office, looking at the map of Dralven, now filled with new supply routes and planned construction with precision. "The man is truly a genius."
However, the praise wasn't entirely sincere. There was a hidden sense of envy behind it—a frustration that he had never been able to achieve what Cero had done in just a few weeks.
As time went on, Valric's skepticism of Cero began to fade. He started to see that Cero's power, though foreign and cold, brought stability that he had never achieved as a Baron. The people, who had previously complained about heavy taxes, were now receiving better wages through work in the mines and construction. The social programs launched by Cero made his people feel safer and more valued.
Valric, who had initially thought of waiting for Delos Kingdom to send reinforcements, began to lose enthusiasm for that idea. Winter was coming, and he knew how difficult it would be for Delos' forces to move through the snow. The roads would be closed, and reinforcements could be delayed for up to three months.
"Delos will not come," thought Valric one day, staring at the season's first snowfall from the window of his mansion. "And even if they do, would it truly be better?"
He was no longer certain of the answer.
Slowly, Valric's admiration for Cero began to grow, though he never voiced it aloud. He observed how Cero managed the region in ways that not only benefited his forces but also the local populace.
Valric began to notice the finer details in Cero's strategy: how he distributed work to foster a sense of involvement, how he integrated modern technology into the local social structures, and how he ensured everyone had a role—be it the locals, workers brought from another world, or his own military forces.
"A flawless system," he muttered to himself one evening, sipping wine freshly delivered from the military supply chain. "He's not just a general but an extraordinary leader."
Yet, even as his admiration grew, Valric harbored a deep-seated fear. He knew all of this was a result of Cero's overwhelming power, a power that could just as easily turn against him.
One day, Valric was summoned to a brief meeting with Cero at the main base. Entering the expansive command room, he was greeted by the sight of holographic screens displaying data on the territories under their control. Cero sat at a large table in the center of the room, reviewing reports filled with information on the population, logistics, and military status.
"Baron Valric," Cero said without turning, his voice calm yet brimming with authority. "How are the people faring?"
Valric hesitated for a moment before answering. "They... are beginning to accept the changes, Director. The social programs you've implemented have had a positive impact."
Cero gave a small nod, his eyes still fixed on the screen. "Satisfaction levels have risen to 52%," he said, almost as if talking to himself. "Still not enough."
Gathering his courage, Valric asked, "Director, may I inquire about your long-term plans for Dralven? I mean... after all this…"
Cero finally looked up at Valric, his gaze cold yet calculated. "My long-term plan is to ensure that Dralven becomes a solid foothold for the next step. This world is vast, Baron. And I have no intention of stopping here."
Valric swallowed hard. That answer made him feel insignificant, yet it also deepened his admiration for the man before him. Cero wasn't merely thinking about Dralven—he was envisioning the entire world.
That night, back in his mansion, Valric reflected on his conversation with Cero. He knew that Cero's power was not something he could oppose, even if he wanted to. But he also couldn't deny that his life was now far better. No more heavy taxes from Delos, no more anxiety about surviving the winter, and no more fear of bandit attacks.
"Am I a traitor?" he asked himself, staring at the mirror in his study. "Or am I just a man who has finally found a way to survive?"
The question had no clear answer. Yet one thing he knew for certain: he now admired Cero far more than he hoped for reinforcements from Delos.