This was after the strange and sudden resurrection that felt almost like a miracle had concluded.
One could even say this was where the true beginning lay.
In the Great Cursed Realm, the news of Takuto's resurrection spread immediately, and those in the know rushed to the palace, each voicing their joy at his recovery.
The revival of the King of Mynoghra.
It was what everyone had truly wished for, which was why they had sought out every possible method and technique, all to no avail, with no sign of improvement.
This resurrection seemed truly like the manifestation of a miracle.
"Your Majesty! Are you feeling well now!"
"Yes, I'm fine. Sorry for worrying you all."
Mynoghra's palace. The throne room.
When was the last time a discussion of this scale had been held here?
For the first time in ages, all the key subordinates were gathered in the throne room, and perhaps due to the Dark Elves' jubilation, a kind of charged, uplifting atmosphere permeated the air.
"My King! For this very day, we have trained night and day without fail! The Dark Elf Musketeer Corps is prepared to the last man! Give us your command!"
"Oh dear, indeed, it was terribly disrespectful of beings as insignificant as us to presume to understand the nature of a king. How shamefully foolish I was to bluster about curing the king myself."
Gia and the elder Mortar.
As always, their adoration for Takuto ran deep, and their joy was immeasurable.
"I-I'm so glad you're safe... I'll let Lady Anterize know right away!"
Emuru.
While she hadn't performed any standout deeds in this crisis, she had been the unsung strength supporting the wavering foundations of Mynoghra.
Her desire to share the good news not only with herself but also with her friend, Anterize, spoke volumes about her character.
"Thank goodness..."
"I'm so glad you're feeling better, Big Sister!"
The Elful sisters were equally overjoyed.
Even with the great changes her spirit had undergone upon becoming a witch, her fundamental nature had not shifted. In the end, they loved Takuto deeply and had been fervently wishing for their usual king to return.
They never wanted to lose anyone precious again—this was, without question, their true feelings.
"Everyone, please keep your words to His Majesty Takuto brief! Because! Something of this magnitude poses no difficulty whatsoever for our king! I always knew that His Majesty Takuto would recover just like this!"
And then there was Atou.
Though she spoke words meant to restrain everyone else, her face could barely contain its joy. If anything, she seemed the most elated of them all.
After that, Takuto received congratulations from the Dark Elves involved in Mynoghra's central administration and from his subordinates, each using different turns of phrase.
It was a little—no, quite embarrassing, but considering the state he had been in, this was only to be expected, and so Takuto, social anxiety and all, did his best to respond.
...
...
...
Once the congratulations had largely subsided and he could finally dive back into the sea of his own thoughts in peace,
Takuto felt a deep sense of relief that he had finally managed to re-establish his position.
Come to think of it... ever since making contact with Dragontan, it had been problem after problem.
The barbarian raids from the southern reaches of the Dark Continent, followed by the emergence of a hostile force—the Brave Questus Demon Lord's army.
Just when it seemed one crisis had passed, the next enemy appeared: the TRPG faction. Their surprise attack and the cascade of troubles that followed.
In the end, Takuto had been so depleted that he could no longer carry out any activities, and it had taken this long to recover.
The state of the world remains shrouded in chaos.
Other players, and the entities likely standing behind them.
The inevitable, all-out battle that would surely arrive.
Not only realistic statecraft, but also handling those supernatural phenomena would be necessary.
But that, too, was simply the daily life Takuto had lived.
He had always faced difficult adversaries. Whether it was inside the game "Eternal Nations" or in reality, it made little difference to Takuto.
If an enemy existed, he would crush them without fail.
To reclaim everything that had been taken.
Takuto—renewed his resolve.
"All right, then let's get to work right away!!"
In any case, what needed doing was, in truth, plodding work.
First, domestic affairs. Above all, domestic affairs.
Though various problems existed, the foundation of statecraft could not be neglected.
Precisely because the situation was this dire.
"Then I shall return the leader authority to you right away, Takuto! Please, go ahead and teach that Vittorio a proper lesson!"
Perhaps inspired by Takuto's declaration, Atou beamed with a smile like perpetual spring and made her offer.
The method of temporarily granting leader authority was just that—a temporary measure.
While it allowed for various domestic directives like construction, production, and diplomacy, it did not allow for sharing a unit's field of view or sending telepathic messages.
Therefore, to fully utilize the system's capabilities, an early return of authority was necessary.
Of course, the reason that it was something Takuto should possess in the first place was more important than the practical implications.
The fact that Takuto was the Leader was precisely the greatest and most powerful weapon he possessed. There was no reason whatsoever to relinquish that authority.
But...
"Ah, about that. I'm still not in peak condition, so could you leave my Leader privileges as they are for now?"
"Huh? R-Really?"
He had taken them completely off guard. Those who had been watching how the conversation would unfold also showed visible surprise.
"Yeah. To be honest, the ability I used to recapture Atou—my poor condition was because of that. It seems like I can't really use it in quick succession. If possible, I'd like to take some time to focus on recovery."
"Does that mean... given enough time, there won't be any problem?"
It was old Mortar who asked, fully aware that he was interjecting uninvited into the conversation. Though Takuto had been revived, the details remained unclear. His trust in the king was firm, but fearing some unforeseen contingency was only natural given his position.
"Yeah, if I just get some rest, I'll be fine. We're not talking about years or anything. Let's see... a month should be plenty? Just think of it as muscle soreness and running out of mana—that sort of thing."
"Understood. Then we must increase the guards around your person."
"I don't think it's necessary to go that far."
Takuto was nonchalant about it, but everyone else had already resolved to bolster his protection even further. With an unshakeable determination that this time, they would absolutely keep him safe.
"Not being able to use telepathy or check on my units is a drawback, but what matters most for a Leader is up here—the mind. Rest assured on that front."
"I was never concerned about that! Then, Lord Takuto, please issue your commands as you see fit!"
"Ha ha ha, thank you."
He bowed his head deeply.
As if blessing the return of their king, as if celebrating his resurrection.
Though varied problems remain, Mynoghra now restarts its engines here.
――And do not forget.
*Eternal Nations* is a nation-management simulation game.
In other words, the longer time passes, the greater its scale and national power grow.
◇ ◇ ◇
"Come, it is time for domestic affairs."
Takuto declares in an elated voice.
Every inhabitant of Mynoghra desires their nation's prosperity, but none show stronger obsession and attachment than Takuto himself.
Above all, he loved this time.
"I already grasp the domestic situation to a certain extent. There are several points to adjust, so let's work through them."
At Takuto's command, the colossal living entity known as a nation raises its head and resumes its stirrings.
A strategy had already formed in his mind.
All that remained was to handle practical adjustments and issue directives.
Takuto verifies the current state, checking for discrepancies with the information he possesses.
"Just to confirm, we can't build new facilities yet, right? Mortar, have research stalled for the moment?"
"Yes. The *Six Great Elements* are mostly researched, and the next research project is on hold. However, if we were to start researching a new technology now... considering the knowledge gained from previous studies, I fear it would take considerable time."
The response to the first agenda item stood in stark contrast to the bold, rallying words everyone had been shouting moments ago—it was somewhat subdued.
This was understandable, because when it came to running Mynoghra as a nation, this research yielded the least results despite their efforts.
Of course, this was not because the Dark Elves led by Mortar were incompetent.
The notion that developing new technology cannot be accomplished overnight is an utterly common-sense, unassailable reason. Indeed, one should rather praise the fact that Military Magic and the Six Great Elements were completed in the time since coming to this world. Yet even that was insufficient.
"Currently, what is holding Mynoghra back is the lack of technology. Despite the numerous subordinates and facilities we possess, it is impossible to produce anything without establishing the foundational technologies..."
Atou's words struck the mark.
Facilities possessing various capabilities. Magic that performs all manner of miracles.
And heroes who wield diverse powers.
No matter how infinite the possibilities and overwhelming the power, if they cannot be used, they are worthless.
Originally, the weakness of 'Eternal Nations'—a game where nations were managed over units of years, even decades—lay in its powerlessness against time.
And this weakness was perhaps most incompatible with the battles they faced in this world.
At present, with the current state of research, all unlocked buildings had already been constructed.
At Dragontan, some were still under construction, but none of them were of a scale to significantly alter the situation given the recycled nature of the Great Cursed Realm.
Bluntly put, Mynoghra was immobilized, shackled by the massive burden of technology.
But even that—
"Ah, I forgot to mention, but I plagiarized the technology, so it's fine."
In Takuto's hands, it was easily resolved.
Amidst gazes of astonishment converging on a single point, Takuto produced countless scroll-like items from seemingly nowhere.
Bundles of what appeared to be parchment, each densely inscribed as if to fill every possible gap. From the glimpses of lavish text ornamentation visible between the writing, it was instantly clear that the information within was crucial.
"Refining, Drama, Fishery & Aquaculture, Fortress Construction, Advanced Hunting—The religious technologies were conceptually too different and impossible to adapt, but we took everything we could make use of, strip-mined clean."
As a stunned silence dominated the room, they realized the scrolls had piled up into a single, substantial mountain.
Every single one was a technical book that the Holy Nation had poured its lifeblood into creating, and every single one was the most important state secret that must never leave the country under any circumstances. With an almost inevitable, foresight-like artistic prescience and strategic brilliance, the move was made. Even Atou, who had witnessed Takuto's true capabilities by his side for so long, could not hide her astonishment at that masterful display.
"Wh-when did you—could it have been during that time!?"
To that question, Takuto gave a slight nod, confirming the correct answer. When Takuto infiltrated the Holy Nation of Renea, he had used the "Complete Mimicry" ability of the "Nameless Evil God" to become a saintess and gather information. In that process, he had maximized the authority granted to the saintess, ruthlessly plundering every piece of intelligence he could.
Within the single action of reclaiming the captured Atou, he had seamlessly inserted various other intentions and results that would ripple outward. This was precisely why Takuto was hailed as the most outstanding player in "Eternal Nations." Incidentally, during that time, Atou had been rather bored with nothing particular to do, but fortunately, no one present could point that out, so her honor could be said to have been preserved.
Regrettably, Atou was ultimately just a follower, and to be honest, her personality tended to fall apart without Takuto around.
"So, the technical problem has been partially solved. It's a pity there's no major progress in the main magical systems, but just this alone significantly increases the number of buildings we can construct. Let's start there."
While his subordinates were filled with awe, astonishment, and an ineffable sense of dread at his exceptional skill, Takuto simply moved on to determine the next policy. To him, this was nothing to boast about or be surprised by. He simply did it because he could. That was all.
"Alright, I'll convey the plan I've already devised. First, we'll emergency-produce a "Feast Hall" and an "Abnormal Zoo" in the Great Cursed Realm and Dragontan respectively. For Dragontan, we'll also build a "Magic Research Institute," "Market," "Training Ground," "Clinic," "Showman's Shack," and "Workshop" in addition."
A torrent of information flooded in. Naturally, each had its intention and meaning; these were not things built merely because they could be. Like the previous technological plunder, this was a choice looking two or three steps ahead—or rather, gazing far into the future.
"Research, yes... Let's shift the policy slightly and focus on "Medicine." Once completed, we'll research "Healing Magic" with the goal of constructing a "Closed Ward." We'll shelve the time required for that for now."
As if completely forgetting whether the others actually understood, the explanation continued without pause. Emuru, Mortar, and the others hurriedly scribbled onto the papers before them. They couldn't miss a single word or phrase; they needed to question him later about the intent and strategy. Right now, they couldn't even spare a moment to think.
"Oh, and let's upgrade the palace by one level. We've gathered enough technology, and we meet the national scale requirements. As for unit production, we'll work out the details later, but for now, a balanced approach seems best. The 'Forsaken' are powerful, but the cost is too heavy, so let's limit it to two total per terrain type for now."
Even more incomprehensible terms emerged. They vaguely understood these were new subordinates, but what kind of operations would they undertake? What did they even look like? They had no idea. Still, the ominous ring of the words Takuto spoke naturally led the Dark Elves to the conviction that a far more powerful existence was about to be created.
"That's the gist of it. If you have any questions, feel free to ask."
Ask questions, they said... That was the first thought that crossed the Dark Elves' minds. So many unknown words had come up; what they honestly wanted was clarification on the explanation itself.
The buildings of Mynoghra were vastly different in appearance from those of ordinary nations. Each structure possessed a unique power, and merely constructing it would bring some effect to the nation or city. Therefore, just the names alone made it impossible to know the intent behind the choices. This meant the decision effectively fell to Atou alone.
"A-As expected, it costs quite a bit. Is that okay?"
The answer Atou gave was, above all else, practical and superficial. But it was the clearest explanation, and also the most important. Takuto seemed satisfied with the question, and began his explanation as if he had been waiting for it.
"Honestly, it's not okay—in fact, it empties the treasury completely. The bonus gold coins we plundered from the Demon Lord's army are all gone. Now, all we can do is rely on tax revenue."
In other words, the fact that it was worth this choice, even after consuming all the gold coins of Brave Questus, spoke for itself.
The act of converting gold coins to mana at Mynoghra's [Market]—a move akin to a hidden trick—was clearly a card worth keeping in hand, one that would prove useful in various situations down the line.
And here, he was playing that card.
Takuto, and the Dark Elves with him, understood on their own the gravity of his resolve and the importance of his decision.
The room fell hushed.
That silence was a full-throated assent to the king's will.
"Then we'll begin construction immediately. As for Dragontan—I need to go there to oversee the urgent production myself, but that too requires haste."
"Mm. I'm counting on you."
Takuto answered curtly and stretched mightily.
His body must have grown stiff, as an unpleasant creaking sound made everyone jump, but he gestured for them to calm down and continued, as if remembering something.
"Right, right. We'll also send a letter of explanation and request for cooperation to Fonkavun, to buy some time. Either way, that country can't pacify the region without the military strength our firearms provide. It's unfair to them, but let's take advantage of their weak position for now."
No voice of dissent arose.
Only Emuru briefly worried about Anterize, but she nodded to herself, figuring Takuto would surely follow up with her, as was his way.
"The foreign nations. ...As for the Renea Shinkoukoku, I'm concerned about the Saint's movements, but... it seems she's managed to flee somewhere for now. Probably somewhere on the southern continent. Well, there's no need to worry too much. The end of a religious figure abandoned by their own nation is a miserable one."
Atou showed a slight hint of concern.
Was it worry that a discarded enemy might turn into an unexpected blade, or was it a sliver of pity for the one with whom she had spent intense, if brief, time as an ally?
"As for the Renea Shinkoukoku, you can rest easy. The preparations are in place. They have no room to make a move now. And Quolia won't extend their reach over here while preoccupied with Renea's situation either."
The Elful sisters silently mouthed, "Ah, well."
They, as witches, had carried out Takuto's orders. That place must be in a terrible state by now.
But for the two of them, it was of no consequence. Truly, from the bottom of their hearts, it didn't matter.
"The only remaining concern is the El-Nahr Spirit Contract Union... but Fonkavun will serve as a breakwater against that."
Old Mortar's eyes widened.
He marveled at the thought that assigning the land connecting them to the northern continent had been part of that intention.
Of course, Fonkavun probably understood that much already.
It was both terrifying and exciting to wonder what that personable leader would demand of Mynoghra in return.
"In the end, we still have a little leeway. There's plenty we can do in that time. Going forward, we'll continue as before, but with even more vigilance."
With those words, the meeting concluded.
There were no problems. It was an ordinary meeting.
Though threats were numerous, Takuto would command with his wisdom, and the army of ruin would crush them.
Without letting their guard down, without growing arrogant.
The mind ranked first in the 'Eternal Nations' world rankings would continue to conquer the world.
That was how it should be... but.
"Alright!"
Takuto clapped his hands together with a clap.
"Then, shall we discuss Vittorio?"
Pfft—a sound like air freezing seemed to echo in everyone's ears.
"Domestic affairs. Diplomacy. The state of hostile nations. The truths of this world—. There are certainly many issues requiring attention. But what we must deal with most urgently right now is Vittorio. Anyone, anything—even the smallest piece of information, tell me."
His face was serious. But an obvious, unpleasant atmosphere seeped out.
The enjoyable time of domestic management was over; the time for resolve had come.
It was time to talk about the worst and most terrible hero in Mynoghra's history...
Everyone exchanged glances. After a moment—
"Please, hear us out first, my King!"
As if a dam had broken, a flood of petitions arose. They were more like screams than reports, more complaints than anything else.
Takuto listened seriously to each one, cold sweat trickling down as he considered how to address them.
=Message===
Construction of facilities has been executed.
**Great Cursed Realm**
[Vineyard of Flesh]
[Abnormality Zoo]
[Mynoghra Palace: Lv.2]
**Dragontan**
[Magic Research Institute]
[Vineyard of Flesh]
[Market]
[Workshop]
[Abnormality Zoo]
[Sideshow]
[Barracks]
[Living Reeds]
―――
=Message===
Research complete.
Research completed! [Six Great Elements]
A research project has been selected.
Researching! [Medicine]
―――
=Message===
The following units have been produced.
Long-legged Worm ×30
Neck Reaver ×10
Brain Eater ×22
Giant Flytrap ×30
Spirit of Ruin ×4
Aberration ×2
―――