Settling the Plan, Terrorist Attack

"That's why I said it before."

Sitting at his desk, Li Lin looked helplessly at Angela and shrugged.

"It's best not to say such provocative things in front of her."

"... That woman's reaction was way too extreme. What was that? That kind of twisted delusion."

"Don't let Yi Aier's appearance fool you, she's a pure and innocent girl."

Suoxiate quietly refilled Angela's teacup, explaining with a smile.

"It's just that I don't really understand things between men and women, so I'm just making assumptions."

"For me, that's beyond the realm of imagination."

Angela pouted, staring boredly at the teacup in front of her.

After that, Yi Aier seemed to realize her lapse in composure and locked herself in her room, refusing to step out. Everyone was already used to this. According to Suoxiate, Yi Aier possessed an extraordinary sensitivity in this regard; sometimes even unintentional remarks could trigger her delusions. Not to mention Angela's blunt and malicious mockery, which was the most powerful attack Yi Aier could withstand.

Of course, if it were merely excessive delusion, it would only cause some embarrassment and annoyance to those around her. However, Yi Aier's delusions were unusual. Once she fell into her own delusions, she would lose control of her power, leading to indiscriminate outbursts like what happened in the hall today. That's why Li Lin specifically reminded Angela to be careful before the two met, but unexpectedly, it backfired and triggered Yi Aier's "special ability."

"However, it's fortunate that only a corner of the hall was damaged."

Nia also looked up from her book.

"If the entire tower were affected, repairs would be extremely difficult."

"No matter what, that delusional maniac hasn't changed at all after a thousand years."

Kalin slapped her feet onto the windowsill and waved her hand idly.

"I thought spending some time at the Mages' Association would change her, but it seems like nothing has changed. Oh well, that's not our concern right now."

"That's right."

Li Lin tapped the table, and everyone in the room watched him, waiting for his next move.

"It's impossible for the Mages' Association to keep my presence there a secret. According to Angela's report, there are still Templar Knights guarding the area. Without being informed, the Temple wouldn't remain silent. They should also know very well what's sealed there. Therefore, the Mages' Association cannot possibly conceal this fact."

As he spoke, Li Lin changed his posture.

"Leaving aside what those dogs in the Mages' Association might think, the Temple can't possibly remain silent about this, especially since it concerns us... So, the Five-Nation Alliance won't stay silent either, will it?"

You mean...?

Suoxiate raised an eyebrow slightly. Even the head maid, who usually wore a smile, reacted differently when she heard the words "Five-Nation Alliance."

"Whether they believe it or not, the Five-Nation Alliance certainly won't remain indifferent to this..."

As he spoke, Li Lin looked at Angela.

"Angela, how's our 'bait' coming along?"

"Very hardworking, huh? Don't underestimate a woman's thirst for revenge. According to the information I've gathered, that naive young lady/princess seems to have been molded into a woman inseparable from her father. The pleasure brought by the forbidden is indeed as addictive as a century-old vintage wine."

"Occasionally, he should also do what a king should do."

Li Lin gave a cold laugh.

"Note that if the Five-Nation Alliance does not respond, then he should convene an alliance meeting to discuss everything that has happened during this period."

"Then?"

"We will also attend that meeting."

"... Why?"

Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned. Angela's eyes widened in excitement, and the bright red within them began to shimmer slightly.

"If there is war, there must be a declaration; this is our declaration of war."

Now?

Nia clearly had a different opinion.

"Li Lin, our strength is still very weak. Even if the Five-Nation Alliance doesn't have the Five Heroes now, declaring war is not a good idea."

"I agree, Master."

Suoxiate holds the same opinion.

"We lack troops, we lack the strength to attract attention, and the Seven Ring Spirit Envoys are not fully assembled. I personally believe this is not the right time."

"And, Your Excellency..."

Kalin helplessly spread her hands.

"Those guys might just think we're dreaming idiots and won't take what we say seriously at all."

However, Li Lin's subsequent question left everyone speechless.

Why do we absolutely need their attention?

"You all understand, we're not children anymore. Do you think we can get our parents' attention by yelling and shouting? Yes, we have our weaknesses, we're not strong. But these Five-Nation Alliance don't know that. Unless one of you is bored enough to go and inform on us, who would know that we haven't even gathered all Seven Ring Spirit Envoys? And who would know that we don't have any troops at all?"

"However, it might arouse their suspicion and cause unnecessary trouble."

"Even if they're well-prepared, it doesn't matter. No matter how thick their defenses are, we'll crush them." Li Lin drew a circle in the air with his outstretched finger, then brought it down heavily. "Besides, who says our declaration of war has to be spoken? Sometimes, actions speak louder than words, don't they?"

"So, Master, what do you mean...?"

Angela grew increasingly excited; clearly, she had guessed Li Lin's thoughts and intentions.

"That's right."

Noticing Angela's excitement, Li Lin nodded in agreement.

"At the start of the meeting, we will carry out a massive terrorist attack, and this time... no organization will claim responsibility."

"A terrorist attack... is that so?"

It's no wonder Nia and the others were puzzled. In their world, while similar things existed, they were all tactical harassment and sabotage; terrorist attacks like those on Earth were extremely rare. After all, things were different here. Royal families were always surrounded by highly skilled guards. And unlike on Earth, no one could assassinate a president with a gun. Not to mention, cultivating magic and swordsmanship required immense effort, and there were no cheap tools like suicide bombers. On the Morning Wind Continent, in almost all known eras, there had only been a few attacks targeting high-ranking officials, and without exception, they all failed. And these attacks were merely classified as assassinations, not terrorist attacks.

"However, assassination and terrorist attacks are different."

Clearly, Li Lin did not intend to reveal his hand to everyone right now.

"As for the specific action plan, I will discuss it with Angela and then inform you. In the meantime, you should prepare accordingly. This time, I require all of you to participate..." Li Lin paused for a moment. "By the way, Yi Aier will also be participating this time, so I hope you can stay as far away from her as possible."

"Okay, Li Lin."

Nia didn't object to Li Lin's statement. Although, in terms of status, Li Lin should have consulted with these weapons who had followed him for many years, Nia understood that since Li Lin had said so, he must have his reasons. Therefore, she didn't raise any objections. Instead, she smiled and nodded, then closed her book, stood up, and left the room.

Since even Nia, the leader of the Seven Ring Spirit Envoys, had made her decision, the remaining two also withdrew. Soon, only Angela and Li Lin remained in the study.

"I know you've been waiting for this day for a long time, little one."

Looking at the little guy's face, which was propped up with his hands and looked as excited as if he were asking his parents for a gift, Li Lin couldn't help but smile bitterly.

"However, I need to make it clear to you first that this time we're not planning to massacre the entire city. Going too far would be outside my plans."

"Please rest assured, Master."

Angela nodded very "obediently".

"I will certainly follow your orders completely—of course, you wouldn't mind if I took the opportunity to find some enjoyment within permissible limits, would you?"

"Of course not, but this time I don't want you to create an army of Ghoul. That's our hidden trump card, at least for now; it's not something we can show off."

"But, Master, you wouldn't just want to stage a simple terrorist attack, would you?"

However, Angela did not answer Li Lin's question. Instead, she quietly watched him, her bright red eyes seeming to see through Li Lin thoughts.

"That's right."

Facing Angela's piercing gaze, Li Lin seemed to have no reason to hide anything. But then, he suddenly asked a strange question.

Angela, do you think this world is fair?

"Why?"

Hearing the unexpected question, Angela was slightly taken aback, but Li Lin did not wait for her answer and continued speaking.

"It's unfair, isn't it? Even in this world, all sorts of injustices still exist. Because there isn't a comprehensive legal system like on Earth, the nobles act with even more impunity. They can plunder the lives and bodies of the poor without caring about anything. And the poor in this world can't buy guns or anything like that to take down the powerful. Don't you think there must be some among them who are resentful because of this?"

"The weak should be trampled underfoot; this is the law of the world. Those with power dominate everything, while those without power become the ones to be dominated."

Angela replied dismissively.

"That's right, so I can give them strength."

As he spoke, Li Lin pulled a beautiful bottle of potion from his pocket. Bathed in sunlight, it shimmered with a beautiful glow.

"This is a new potion I recently developed, created by utilizing the properties of drugs on Earth and magical potions... After taking it, even the weakest person will possess the strength of a high-ranking warrior. To put it in simpler terms, while it's not as good as your two pets, it won't be much worse."

"So, what exactly are you planning to do? Are you planning to create a bunch of Batman and Spider-Man to fight for justice for the weak?"

"I said... the properties of this drug are based on the effects of drugs on Earth."

At this point, Li Lin was clearly somewhat proud.

"In other words, it's highly addictive. Of course, I don't intend to mass-produce anything like drugs. It's just that after taking this drug, they'll become more subservient to their desires. Moreover, the drug works by draining the user's life force to enhance their strength. So even if they're invincible, they'll eventually die by their own hand. And for us, that's all that matters. After this operation, I'll find some people to test it on, and then spread the drug."

Then, Li Lin casually tossed the bottle in his hand to Angela.

"You can use this bottle. You should have a good test subject, shouldn't you? That prince locked in the cage certainly won't be content to spend his whole life in darkness."

"Please rest assured and leave it to me, Master."

Angela took the medicine and held it tightly in her hand.

"I will prepare a magnificent drama for you."