“You need me to do what?!”

Johann’s eyebrows rose whereas his eyes widened as he subconsciously shouted in disbelief.

“I do not actually have a phrase to explain how I really feel about what you need me to do!”

“Oh please. You are being fairly overdramatic do not you suppose?”

Sicila appeared to have ignored Johann’s apparent shows of concern as she spoke in a fairly unperturbed tone.

“In addition to it could not presumably be that onerous may it? If you need to use arcane magic to carry out reminiscence deletion and emotional lockdown on a human mind, absolutely you are able to do the identical for the switch of the consciousness of the mind of 1 human physique into the mind of one other? Ideally right into a mind that was already wiped after all.”

“Whereas once you simply say it out loud it could appear possible however in actuality, I need to inform you that what you are asking for is on a very complete different stage.”

Johann sighed solemnly earlier than he began to clarify himself to Sicilia.

“What we’ve beforehand been doing for the emotional lockdown and reminiscence elimination was merely ‘barely tampering’ with the present components of a human mind. That may’t even examine with one thing just like the switch of consciousness between our bodies. And look how laborious it was to even obtain the previous duties.”

As Johann mentioned this, he slid a report detailing an inventory of all of the profitable operations prior to now few months. Out of the five hundred ‘voluntary’ contributors, solely lower than 200 survived and solely lower than 100 have been left with out psychological or bodily harm. Such an instance was all Johann actually wanted to show himself.

“It took us greater than a yr for a profitable take a look at and greater than half a yr to breed those self same outcomes. On high of this, the inherent qualities of the topic itself affect the ultimate consequence of the operation.”

Johann paused for a brief second earlier than he proceed in a slower, clearer voice.

“There’s a motive why 0 is the one profitable wraith that we’ve ever produced and even then she nonetheless requires checkups on common intervals to make sure that the whole lot is so as.”

Nevertheless, Sicilia appeared unfazed by what Johann mentioned and continued arguing her level.

“However it’s nonetheless an intriguing prospect is not it? Simply think about it. Pseudo immortality by transferring your consciousness and by extension your soul right into a youthful, extra highly effective physique. I for one am lacking the sweetness of youth. Alas my ageing physique cannot permit for such a factor.”

Johann tried his finest to disregard the inappropriateness of a 20 yr previous lacking ‘youth’ resembling Sicilia, whereas alternatively, Sicilia herself paused for a brief second to let what she mentioned sink in earlier than she continued.

“Aren’t you afraid Johann? Afraid that you’ll go on peacefully earlier than your desires are totally realised? Come on, you possibly can no less than strive. I’ll double… no quadruple your funding if I’ve to.”

There was nothing that Sicilia mentioned that Johann may presumably refute. As such, he remained silent for a very long time earlier than he lastly responded.

“I’ll convey you fascinating outcomes as rapidly as humanly doable.”

…

Though town of Maximinus was nonetheless the capital metropolis of Drussia and primarily the core coronary heart of the nation, that didn’t imply that everybody there lived a completely realised and affluent life. Whereas it was nonetheless in a smaller margin compared to the cities of different nations, there was nonetheless a large divide between the individuals of various courses.

Even after the large reforms taken to town and the nation which aimed to decrease the extent of poverty by introducing the bottom rungs of society in low ability jobs which included governmental labour in weapon manufactories or voluntary service within the military, rats and beggars nonetheless plagued the corners of Maximinus’ streets.

Nevertheless, this was none of Erika’s concern.

She was the commander-in-chief of the Imperial Military. Solely army and… private issues involved her.

She may merely depart issues resembling this to extra succesful people who find themselves fitted to the job.

Regardless of all of this, this didn’t imply that Erika could not benefit from the sight of nighttime Maximinus underneath the glimmer of the celebs. On the terrace of Maximinus palace, Erika for as soon as let herself genuinely get pleasure from one thing aside from conflict as she seemed over town.

Whereas she nonetheless stored her skilled disposition, her mouth curved right into a uncommon real smile as she loved the view.

In distinction to most nobles, the sight that Erika loved most was not the full of life nightlife of the commerce or leisure districts however fairly it was the commercial districts as an alternative.

The reply why was easy.

There was the place a big majority of the Imperium’s weapons and conflict provides have been produced and manufactured.

Whether or not it was one thing so simple as a mere V-17 widowmaker musket or one thing as sophisticated because the M-1 Gatling Weapons, the path of black clouds from the manufactories of the commercial districts by no means ceased as completely different units of staff cycled out and in to make sure that the fixed streamlined manufacturing continued.

All of this labored as a incredible reminder of the Imperium’s conflict machine.

A literal and metaphorical metal beast that by no means rests because it continues to function the spine of the Imperium’s army endeavours.

And it was additionally certainly one of Maxwell’s biggest achievements.

If one did not depend the institution of the Imperium of Drussia or the conquest of Porrand as the top of Maxwell’s feats, then the way in which he revolutionised the conflict economic system of Drussia would positively be the highest contender.

“Effectively, you positively selected a fairly… fascinating spot for an appointment.”

Quickly, the topic of Erika’s ideas, Maxwell quickly got here into view as he made his method in the direction of her. His appeared simply as he usually did, his silver hair couldn’t be described as too lengthy nor too brief nor was it notably groomed in any method.

This time, as an alternative of his typical violet normal outfit, he wore a extra minimalistic black noble outfit with purple outlines on the trims. It was easy but elegant. The kind of it outfit, in Erika’s trustworthy opinion suited him the very best.

Inside moments Maxwell was solely a pair ft away from Erika as he proceeded to lean over the terrace’s railing in a leisurely method. As his silver hair flowed gently with the wind, Maxwell spoke up.

“Earlier than we begin I want to congratulate you in your profitable marketing campaign of repelling these crusaders.”

“Thanks very a lot your majesty.”

Erika’s thanks was adopted by a second of silence with the 2 of them saying nothing in any respect. Maxwell continued casually leaning over the railing whereas Erika continued standing her again straight. Erika did not understand how a lot time handed earlier than Maxwell spoke up once more, albeit in a barely hesitant voice.

“So… Good climate proper?”

To Erika’s shock, she herself could not do in any higher than Maxwell did when she tried to answer.

“Sure… um… that is some… good climate…”

“Ahahahaha, evidently we’re not good at small speak so why do not we lower the meat of the topic?”

Nevertheless, Maxwell broke into what Erika felt to be real laughter earlier than he commandeered management of the dialog. Ultimately, even when that wasn’t the case, Maxwell was nonetheless her superior and as such, she should adjust to due haste.

After regaining her composure Erika made her reply.

“However after all your majesty.”

Quickly, Erika turned her consideration away from town of lights and confronted Maxwell as she spoke. Alternatively, Maxwell remained at his relaxed present posture whereas solely turning his head to face Erika as he listened to Erika’s ideas.

“This pertains to the latest defensive marketing campaign towards the crusaders. It has come to my consideration that our typical previous methods of dealing with battle operations might not be viable in the long term, all one wants for an instance is a fast look on the checklist of casualties of the Gamma Corps.”

Seeing that Maxwell confirmed no indicators of wanting to reply but, Erika determined to proceed explaining herself.

“As a result of weaknesses of our logistics system we’ve relied on forcing the Porrish into the engagement whereas we ourselves have barely stretched the Drussian provide strains. Whereas it labored, we should understand that this solely labored towards an inferior foe. In opposition to future adversaries this will not be the case.”

With a small trace of satisfaction in her voice, Erika went to conclude her ideas.

“As such, I’m requesting the authorisation so as to-“

“Authorised.”

Maxwell’s sudden interruption stopped Erika lifeless in her tracks. She simply didn’t count on this type of response instantly from him.

“Ap-approved?”

When Maxwell noticed Erika’s response, he chuckled to himself for a brief second earlier than he replied.

“Let me guess what you are pondering. You wish to create a specialised detachment for the military corps which focuses on quick actions and harassing the enemies whereas on the similar time solely requiring minimal provides? Once I acquired the battle experiences I began pondering the identical factor too.”

“Oh, I see…”

When Erika heard what Maxwell needed to say she could not assist however really feel just a little bit dissatisfied though she did not even know why. Alternatively, Maxwell continued to gaze out into town as he casually shrugged earlier than he responded.

“Anyhow, that is mainly it. However… it might appear that you simply nonetheless have one thing else that you simply wish to say.”

“Oh I… I do?”

Regardless of Erika’s finest makes an attempt, she nonetheless misplaced her composure, albeit solely barely when she heard what Maxwell mentioned.

Maybe, it was as a result of deep down inside, Erika knew that he was proper.

However, Maxwell did not appear to have seen this as he casually responded to Erika.

“I do not know. That is what I am asking you. Do you’ve got one thing else that you simply wish to say?”

Though Maxwell nonetheless spoke in his informal, nonchalant tone, Erika felt that he was a performing much more real than he usually does. Emphasis on the phrase ‘felt,’ for all Erika knew, she is perhaps simply exaggerating issues in her thoughts once more.

“Like I at all times say, there’s nothing you possibly can say that might presumably offend me. You are free to talk your thoughts.”

Erika felt the passage of time decelerate as she quickly thought to herself the second she heard Maxwell’s carefree comment.

This might be it.

This might be her second.

This must be the proper sort of ambiance… proper?

And Maxwell mentioned it himself, there’s nothing that Erika may say that might presumably offend him.

Erika knew what she needed say.

All she needed to do was open her mouth and say it.

Erika simply needed to say a single, solitary sentence, and if she does, maybe by a comparatively small margin, her deepest desires and needs will turn into a actuality.

Even when issues weren’t to work out the way in which she hoped ultimately, she knew that penalties shouldn’t be horrible in any form or kind nor ought to she fear herself about such penalties.

However for some motive, she simply could not convey herself to do it.

Whereas it could appear fairly easy and even comical, for some motive, Erika discovered it tough to return to a last conclusion.

This was a uncommon alternative.

Might Erika afford to surrender an opportunity resembling this?

Who is aware of when or even when one other alternative like this can come up once more?

After completely pondering by her response and mentally strengthening her resolve, Erika felt the passage of time return to its regular tempo earlier than she gave her reply.

“No, your majesty… I’ve nothing to say in any respect.”