"If justice doesn't come to us, then we go to justice…"
They exchanged glances, sensing Orion's sincerity and conviction—a rare commodity in Kazdel.
Their gazes solidified, finally meeting in a shared smile.
Orion's trust deeply moved them. When someone willingly shoulders all the responsibility, it shows unwavering faith.
And that was precisely Orion's intention. He was going all in.
Through their time together, Orion had learned what Sarkaz needed most.
Betrayal and conflict were constant among the Sarkaz. Without someone willing to open their heart, no one else would, because no one wanted to be hurt.
To gain, one must not fear loss.
This was Orion's guiding principle.
Ursula's hands clasped together, her golden eyes flickering slightly. She chuckled, teasingly saying,
"We seem to have followed a leader who doesn't know the meaning of retreat."
Orion shrugged, playfully replying,
"That's because I trust that even if we hit a wall, our incredibly capable Ursula will use her unparalleled ability to overcome it."
The previously heavy atmosphere instantly dissipated.
Orion sensed Ursula's affection had grown even stronger.
"Before that, let me explain my plan."
Turning to the matter at hand, everyone's expressions turned serious as they waited for Orion to speak.
"Our months of travel and observation weren't in vain. We've learned much about the situation of the Kazdel people."
"The resentment between the Sarkaz and the Imperials has festered for too long. It's reached a breaking point; this is our opportunity."
Ursula, her golden eyes fixed on the man's serious face, silently nodded in agreement.
Years of experience as a mercenary had exposed her to various dangerous missions and situations. She knew the man was right.
Many Sarkaz despised, even hated, the Imperials. Kazdel's current state and their miserable lives were entirely due to the Imperials.
As Orion said, it was an opportunity.
But… recognizing an opportunity was one thing; seizing it was another.
Ursula awaited his plan.
"Confronting the Imperials with only our strength is futile. We need to outsmart them."
Orion tapped his head, observing the still-serious faces around him.
"I will organize a free concert. During this concert, I will expose the Imperials' misdeeds and the plight of the Sarkaz workers, mobilizing the Sarkaz people."
"We need to harness the winds of change, escalating the conflict between workers and entrepreneurs into a national conflict—or perhaps, for the Sarkaz, the national conflict."
"This is my plan: I will create a visual representation of the Imperials' oppression of the Sarkaz people, using it to inspire the Sarkaz to resist and unite."
Ursula's chin lifted, her narrow eyes gleaming as she instantly grasped Orion's intentions.
"So, Orion, you intend to use public opinion among the Sarkaz to pressure the Imperials and the Tower of Babel, forcing them to concede?"
Orion was surprised by Ursula's quick deduction. He nodded slightly.
"Ursula, your insight is remarkable."
"Yes, that is one part of my plan."
Upon Orion's confirmation, the group fell silent.
"Isn't this too passive? Public opinion won't cause them tangible harm; instead, it puts you in a very dangerous position."
"What if…"
One follower hesitated before speaking, voicing the concerns of many others. All eyes fell upon Orion.
"In our investigations, many of the factory workers were previously scavengers. In a conflict, their strength is negligible."
Ursula's delicate brows furrowed in disappointment, feeling Orion's plan lacked foresight.
"If a conflict erupts, our current strength would struggle against a single mercenary company; two or more, and casualties are inevitable."
"Those mercenaries aren't benevolent; they won't show mercy just because we're Sarkaz."
"I hope you'll reconsider, Orion."
Orion listened calmly, then gestured for them to gather closer.
They exchanged glances, curious as Orion lowered his voice and revealed his complete plan.
Upon hearing it, they gasped.
Even Ursula's golden eyes widened in disbelief.
She exclaimed,
"My apologies. I retract my previous statements…"
"Orion, you're literally dancing on a razor's edge."
Ursula had initially viewed Orion as an impractical idealist, blinded by hope. She'd intended to correct his impractical ideas.
However, she was now utterly convinced by his plan.
Pleased with their reaction, a slight smile curved Orion's lips.
"In the past, our fate was in the hands of those high-ranking officials in their negotiations. This time, I intend to reclaim control over our destiny."
"History isn't dictated by those so-called rational observers, elegantly seated at round tables, making decisions after polite discussions."
"Objective analysis of the current situation, blindly adhering to neutrality, only serves to complicate matters."
"If we cannot win on the battlefield, we won't win at the negotiating table."
"Therefore, struggle is our only recourse. Without it, we're no different from animals awaiting slaughter, but we won't wait passively for the blade to fall."
"If they refuse mutually beneficial cooperation, then mutual destruction is our only option."
"We will bring progress to Kazdel, a progress in accordance with the objective laws of development!"