Act Zero · KINGDOM | [Act Zero · Kingdom]

[Part ① - Unparalleled]

In the cabinet of the Council of Five Kings at the Nine Realms Station, there is a tectonic plate map that spans the Eurasian continent, reaching from Iceland's Arctic Circle and Canada on the other side of the world to the Atlantic coast of Latin America.

This is the area currently covered by the Abyssal Railway.

--It's not just about the traditional dimensions of a region; if you peel it back and divide it into three-dimensional sections based on different geological levels, you'll find countless dust stars illuminated by the railway network, ninety-nine major regions, and over a thousand cities, counties, towns, and settlements. The waiters call these stations [Astral Nodes].

According to the census data from 2005, the total population living in the underground world is as high as 600 million. This number may be exaggerated, considering that the total number of people living on the Earth's surface is only over 7 billion.

However, in the underground world, which has a structure similar to an orange peel honeycomb, the land is vast and expansive. As long as a suitable habitat can be found in the complex and ever-changing strata, the seeds of civilization can be sown immediately. Starting from 200 BC, under the special treatment of the BOSS, a large number of immigrants brought cattle, sheep, cats and dogs from the mortal world to seek refuge in the deep cave.

Most of them were losers eliminated by war in the mortal world, people who nearly went extinct in the selection ceremony of civilization.

After such a long and slow process of colonization, the railway connected remote and desolate underground cities, eventually transforming them into the homeland of psionicists in modern society.

"Since the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Philosopher Foundation and we signed the 'Coup decree'—it's a lock." The BOSS spoke to his cabinet team about the peace and friendship agreement from half a century ago. "I know many of you have dealings with the United Nations."

The underworld has long since become a huge economic entity and political union, but it has never been given the name of a nation or federation.

At this moment, in the relatively spacious room of the Cabinet, more than fifty administrative officials from various transportation departments were gathered. Like the previous Chief of Staff of the Transportation Department, they were all children who had been blessed by the Ming De at birth.

"You might be wondering why I'm bringing up the Crown Elimination Pact at this crucial juncture—has anyone even read this white paper?"

The "Covenant of the Supreme" refers to a wave of return to the surface during the Cold War, when the Soviet Union and the United States were vying for supremacy. Talented individuals from the underground world, including psionicists and military scientists, returned to participate in the largest war of competition in human history.

Against this backdrop, the Philosopher Foundation, representing all humanity on Earth, signed an agreement with the Underground Transportation Agency led by Ming De and the governors, with the aim of peace and friendship, exchanging conditions such as material resources, talent transfer, and technology introduction.

A brief summary of the entire book--

To put it simply, humanity might be doomed by nuclear threats, but the underground city of Ming De is practically a different ecosystem, a completely different social system.

Because Ming De is not human, he lacks humanity and human rights. In order to expand the territory of the Underworld, this beast will use unconventional means, which is an unstable factor for humanity and is very likely to participate in bipolar disputes, provoking hot wars and nuclear wars. Therefore, it was agreed in advance that once the total population of the Underworld exceeds 500 million and the exploitable arable land, urban land, water resources, rare earth resources, oil deposits and precious metals, etc., meet a certain standard, the Philosopher Foundation will gradually withdraw its armed assistance to the Underworld.

The "Crimson Convention" came into effect more than forty years ago, which is the main reason why heavy weaponry and nuclear facilities have gradually ceased operation in the vast and sparsely populated underground world. Currently, the human community on the surface does not want to see the next superpower, especially one with the Calamity Beast as its main brain and one that is not afraid of nuclear deterrence.

The BOSS said unhurriedly, "We've been farming for over fifty years, and we've made a little money. After the harvest season, I want to challenge the Madness Butterfly Sect to a fight. Our young generals will also be ready for battle. However, transportation between the surface and underground is limited because of the <Covenant of the Crown>. We can't rely on guns, ammunition, fuel, tanks, or artillery. Fortunately, we can build them ourselves. But there's a saying that you must first pacify the internal before you can fight external enemies. Besides, the cultists of the Madness Butterfly Sect are nothing but parasites living in human society."

The Black Cat brandished its pointer, tapped the map, and emphasized loudly to its cabinet team.

"The Soviet Union's defeat taught us a lesson: the strongest fortresses are often breached from within. I want to remind my fellow cabinet members that you may have heard about the Van Persie family tragedy. The administrators of a large city of over 1.6 million people were gone just like that."

When the boss brought up this matter, many scholars who had been whispering immediately fell silent.

"Here's what I think: you also have families, clans, and perhaps even connections with the Madness Butterfly Sect. But to err is human."

The Black Cat's whiskers twitched as it spoke, and a strange smile suddenly appeared on its face.

"For the past thirty years, I have regarded your family as a backbone member of regional development, an outstanding leader in the city's rapid development, and a navigator who ignited the torch of civilization—a true hero."

"Now I want to send a signal, to put it simply, I've recently pulled a lot of good stuff from the card pool. And the Harvest Season's promotion ceremony produced five Kings, so I feel like I'm ready again—unlike half a century ago, when this simulation management game barely had any good cards to use. Now I want to go all out, so I'm giving the traitor in my team a heads-up."

"If you"

The BOSS's eyes gleamed slyly as he swept over the cabinet members and spoke slowly and deliberately.

"If you still harbor any illusions, you can use mind control and hypnosis combined with drugs to fool Victor's investigation. If you still have any selfish motives, wanting to cooperate with Blood Butterfly's Zero Platform to make money while also wanting to receive a salary and a half from me—I have something very simple to say at this critical juncture."

"Even if we continue to uphold the 'Crowning Convention,' without the need for heavy surface weaponry, your boss now has enough confidence to slowly eradicate the rotten cancer parasitizing the Transportation Department and various districts."

After saying all this, the Black Cat, as if afraid that the cabinet team wouldn't understand, emphasized and explained again.

Don't misunderstand me.

"Don't even think about going back to your local warlord territories and continuing to be your local tyrants. You think I can't control you from so far away? Don't think like that. Forty-Eight District is just the first stop—it has 11,421 positions, and they've already been filled by different people."

Within six months, all old debts concerning the area surrounding Clearwater Bay were settled one by one.

Its drug manufacturing workshops have been transformed into sixteen pharmaceutical companies of varying sizes. After the Red Stone People entered the scene, they laid the foundations for three steel mills, which were expected to be completed and put into operation eight months later.

After finishing his scathing remarks, the boss began to speak favorably of his confidants, discussing his vision for the future, the steady improvement in people's livelihoods and scientific research, and the progress in exploring unknown territories.

After finishing his business, the Hunter King saw the energetic cat munching on Fries, and the lady, in a cheerful mood, hummed a folk tune as she approached the BOSS.

What's been happening with the Yellowstone People lately?

The Hunter King immediately replied, "Are you worried about the Van Persie family's retaliation against the nameless man?"

BOSS: "Yes, Jiang Xueming should get back to work. I've assigned him so many tasks. He rested in Galahad for more than half a year, and after marrying 9527, his next destination is Area 51."

"Excuse me, Boss." The Hunter King looked embarrassed. "Zero Platform in Eureka Volcano City, Area 51, is gone."

The boss looked utterly bewildered. "Why?!"

Hunter King: "Perhaps someone leaked the news."

Eureka Volcano City in Area 51 is a major city with a crime rate comparable to Clearwater Bay in Forty-Eight District. It is a sinister metropolis that started with Blood Butterfly Loan Shark and engaged in organ trafficking to obtain White Lady products. A large number of scavengers gather here, and human trafficking and other illegal crimes are rampant.

Six months ago, Xueming Torresley went to District 51 to scout and gather intelligence. Informants from the Gate of Mysteries and Quickblade were also active in this area.

BOSS: "It seems the sentry who was gathering information gave himself away and got caught."

Hunter King: "According to Jiang Xueming's informant Leslie, a connection was made with a newsboy in Silver Bay. Two months later, the local Blood Butterfly gang and Zero Platform seemed to have vanished into thin air."

Boss: "Is that so?"

Hunter King: "Upon receiving news of the Nameless One's expedition, I fled overnight carrying a zombie train."

BOSS: "Damn, that's a real freak."

"After all," the Hunter King thought for a moment, "After all, the torture of Lawrence Madison by burning him alive was broadcast live across the entire region and all channels, lasting for three hours with a slow, gentle roasting— the Madness Butterfly Sect may not be afraid of death, but this kind of punishment that can't be broadcast on all-ages channels has an astonishing deterrent effect."

The boss covered his face, looking troubled.

Hunter King: "Should we change the gunsmith's mission objective?"

The boss shook his head, sensing that things were not simple.

"No, the enemies lurking in Eureka Volcano are definitely not far away—these wolves, used to feasting on meat and fish, would never turn into dogs scavenging for excrement in the wilderness. Fleeing with a zombie train overnight? I don't believe it. It sounds more like they're just laying low and will be back soon."

So it is said--

--The BOSS jumped onto the Hunter King's shoulder and whispered in the waiter's ear.

"What requests did my dear War King make to you?"

The Hunter King immediately replied, "Jiang Xueming has been teaching since he went to Balason. He doesn't have any special requirements, and he doesn't lack money."

Boss: "Nothing else?"

The Hunter King thought for a moment, carefully recalling what Xue Ming had said.

"Oh, there's something. During the street fighting in Clearwater Bay last time, he was short on firepower and had too little ammunition, so he had to capture enemy weapons for the final battle. The Flash Butterfly Armor Suit is heavy armor and can't increase ammunition capacity. He hopes we can solve this problem."

BOSS: "Would it be alright to make him an exoskeleton?"

The Hunter King has more knowledge in this area than the BOSS.

"No, adding attachments and configuring exoskeletons would be putting the cart before the horse. Both the Gunsmith and Glory are elite units specializing in stealth, sabotage, assassination, and attacks. This is not what he wants. They will only wear the Flash Butterfly Armor Suit in a direct confrontation."

Boss: "Then tell me, what's your solution?"

The Hunter King leaned close to the BOSS's ear and whispered, "You also need to personally inform the Wolf Mother that the Nameless One needs military dogs."

The BOSS suddenly realized. "Oh! Oh, oh, oh!"

"This little darling must be raised by the gunsmith himself," said the Hunter King. "It can disguise itself as a pet to evade enemy searches, and it can also carry ammunition and equipment; it's a trustworthy comrade-in-arms."

The boss leaned close to the waiter's ear, revealing an evil and ferocious expression, and threw the Fries aside.

Tell Jiang Xueming that the Fries are not good, and I want to eat fish.

Hunter King: "Is this never going to end? You've started watching TV dramas lately?"

[Part ②·The King's Land]

At this moment, after six rounds of competition, students from all grade levels have been sent to the field in the suburban area of Magic City · Balasong to participate in the final competition.

On the long street of Fools' Workshop, in an inconspicuous Magic Wand workshop, you can see two distinguished guests just going up to a private room on the second floor as they enter a secluded VIP room.

The fat boss just finished making a set of jewelry, all of which are relatively inexpensive. The quality of the jewelry is two levels lower than that of the Spirit Elder's Radiant Jewelry. It is sold to passengers as spare spiritual objects, and some passengers who have lost their Radiant Jewels also use it as a pass to buy train tickets.

He wiped his hands clean on his apron, took it off, and, afraid of neglecting his distinguished guest, rushed to the front door. He flipped the sign outside, changing "Open for Business" to "Closed," meaning he was turning away customers.

The portly shopkeeper retrieved two teas he had collected over many years from the inner room, then staggered up the stairs, just about to knock on the door—

--The guest inside seemed to have foreseen this, pushing open the door and placing his palm on the fat boss's gift box.

The guest appeared to be around thirty years old, with the typical build and features of a Japanese man. He had a neat hairstyle and simple clothing, with nasolabial folds, and was thin and clean-cut. He had been holding a sword, but put it down once he entered the VIP room on the second floor.

The distinguished guest spoke Croatian with the owner.

"--Thank you, I like tea. But this gift is too expensive, no need."

The portly boss seemed somewhat dazed when he heard the language of his hometown.

The Japanese customer pointed to the fabrics in the Magic Wand store and talked about the intricacies of the lace.

"Aloe vera with white lace trim, I recognize this stuff, and I can speak a little of your language."

The chubby boss suddenly realized. "Oh! Oh, oh, oh!"

But the owner was reluctant to leave. He knew that these two guests were no ordinary people. They had brought out their treasured truffles and tea to ask for a favor.

Besides the Japanese guest, another important figure was from the Van Persie family in Yellowstone, whose tie and cuffs bore the family crest.

Another clear, hoarse voice came from inside the house, asking in Japanese—

"--Ishimura, what's the matter?"

Mr. Ishimura immediately replied, "It's the store manager delivering a gift."

"Take it, and tell him to wait on the first floor."

The store manager watched eagerly as the gifts were delivered inside, and finally left, completely satisfied.

Mr. Ishimura returned inside and gathered with his friends at the tea table for a chat.

On the other side of the tea table was Luo Ben Van Persie's brother-in-law, Linden Van Persie.

This prosecutor's glory days are over; he has joined the Immortals Alliance and now mingles with the Madness Butterfly Sect and various intermediaries.

He fiddled with the battle insignia of the Transportation Department, then took out another badge, also a token of the Madness Butterfly Sect.

The relief on the red terracotta seal depicts Cupid in the shape of a skull.

--It's called [The Mercy of Eros].

Linden and Mr. Ishimura said.

"Since I joined the Mercy Society, the president has told me not to cause trouble, that the fusion of the flesh and the holy blood has been too short, and not to take risks."

Mr. Ishimura: "Why did Mr. Linden risk his life to come to Balason?"

Linden gritted his teeth and said, "I'm going to find someone to deal with the gunsmith— the Big Sister killed my sister's whole family. I think that gunsmith, and a girl named Jiang Bailu, who looks so much like Glory, must be siblings. I want revenge."

Mr. Ishimura's expression turned melancholy and sorrowful, as if he had mentioned Linden's painful past.

"I was being impolite."

Linden looked up and saw the lights in the VIP room illuminating his red and blue eyes, which seemed to indicate that his compatibility with the Blessed Holy Blood was not very good and that he needed time to adjust his physical body.

"It doesn't matter"

Mr. Ishimura then asked, "I remember Mr. Linden contacted someone at the school, right?"

"That useless piece of trash Simmons," Linden cursed. "He was promoted by my great-grandfather and owes me a debt of gratitude, yet he refuses to do anything for me."

"Leaving aside the fact that this debt of gratitude spans so many generations, it's inappropriate for a teacher to commit murder in front of children," Mr. Ishimura said with a smile.

Linden roared, "He's ungrateful! Mr. Ishimura! Are you going to speak up for such a person?"

"Hehe." Mr. Ishimura chuckled, deciding not to provoke Linden any further.

"Regardless," Linden suppressed his anger and pleaded with his friend, "I'm entrusting this to you since Simmons can't handle it. You're a key member of the Mercy of Eros, and you possess great influence."

"You asked me to assassinate the gunsmith?" Mr. Ishimura's expression changed, and his smile vanished.

Linden immediately changed his question, "How much?"

Ishimura: "Sixteen billion, and I can't guarantee I can accomplish this."

This price gave Linden a headache.

--He doesn't have that much money, and besides, according to Ishimura, he might end up losing everything.

"Then kill his students, kill his relatives and friends, kill the few children that the Nameless One is focusing on training, and kill Jiang Bailu too."

Ishimura took out a calculator from his pocket and asked.

"Which ones exactly? I need to figure it out."

Linden's face twitched, barely suppressing his anger. "Mr. Ishimura, is our friendship really going to be settled with money like this?"

Ishimura smiled and said, "Why don't you go by yourself? I'll help Mr. Linden design an escape route."

"No, no, no, no." Linden immediately changed his mind. "Only you can do it. Your Soul Might [KINGDOM] is best suited for ambush and assassination. I have to go back to the Mercy Society tonight. There is a lot of legal work waiting for me. I can't die here."

Mr. Ishimura stood up, took his sword, and escorted Linden to the door.

"Then let's wait for Mr. Linden's message. PayPal, Visa, Alipay, and WeChat are all fine, any of them will do."

When Linden heard this, he almost fell to his death while going downstairs.

He turned around and glared fiercely at his old friend. When he first joined the Mercy Society, Mr. Ishimura was described by the members as a cruel, cunning, and sadistic pervert who enjoyed torturing his enemies. He thought that he had found a kindred spirit the moment he embarked on the dark path.

Amidst the obsequious farewell from the portly boss, Linden hurriedly put on a mask and left, fearing that his true identity would be exposed in the Lapis Lazuli Guards' lair.

Mr. Ishimura carried the gift box and walked down unhurriedly. He returned the truffles and tea untouched to the owner and pushed them to the counter.

"Don't you want it? Don't the adults in Van Persie's family want this gift?" The portly shopkeeper was quite surprised.

Mr. Ishimura said with a smile, "Perhaps it's not to my taste."

The portly shopkeeper watched the departing figure outside, too embarrassed to chase after them, and said to Mr. Ishimura, "Why don't you accept it, sir?"

Before the words had even finished --

--A flash of light appeared on Shi Cun's body, and a thick, sticky, fleshy tendril emerged from the misty fog. Unlike cephalopods, it had no suckers and was as thick as an adult man's thigh. In an instant, it pulled the fat boss into the thick fog and made him disappear.

"They have absolutely no manners!"

Mr. Ishimura's smile vanished, and his eyes, which had been narrowed to slits, widened in shock.

"Why is this guy so brazen! Giving me things that other people don't want as if they're treasures!?"

His mouthful of sharp, yellow teeth was exposed, and patches of salt stains appeared on his forehead, as if his anger had reached its limit, stimulating the sweat secreted by his body, which was instantly evaporated by the high temperature of his blood-consecrated body.

"Linden! If the guild master hadn't ordered me to take good care of you—where did you get the nerve to yell at me?! You actually ordered me to kill the gunsmith!?"

Mr. Ishimura was so distressed that he scratched his neck raw with his fingers, causing blood to gush from the lymph nodes and veins, and his fingernails were full of flesh.

"Don't you know?! I've never been good at dealing with strong opponents! I'm so scared! I'm so scared! Before, when we were reviewing the Nameless One's combat records and watching the video footage in the conference room, I almost peed my pants! But..."

Having finished his rant, Mr. Ishimura retrieved a broom and mop from the store and meticulously cleaned up the bloodstains and skin flakes on the floor. The wound on his neck had healed completely; his powerful healing ability was his lifesaver.

"However, the fact that you asked me to kill his student suits me perfectly—my favorite thing to do is bully the weak! Hehehehe."

After half an hour of cleaning, Mr. Ishimura helped the portly shopkeeper wipe the dust off the counter, polish all the Magic Wand on the display stand, wax the wooden table, and tidy up the originally dirty and messy shop to a spotless state.

Mr. Ishimura left the Magic Wand workshop satisfied.

He went into the alley, looked around to make sure there were no surveillance cameras nearby, and finally called out Hunwei's real name.

"[KINGDOM]!"

The pinkish mist reappeared, revealing a round shadow about two meters in size from the thick fog. It gradually took shape, resembling a snail's shell.

The fat boss's corpse fell from the shell.

The corpse had been skinned; most of its skin, brain, liver, and hair had been removed, making for a very gruesome death. There were six bullet holes in its chest, indicating it had been shot.

Mr. Ishimura retrieved the spirit, leaving the corpse to rot and stink in the alley's drain before hastily leaving the long street of Fools' Workshop.