Chapter Forty-Seven: Everything Has Gone Awry!

Audun paused for a moment, then continued, “North Sands is doing well!”

North Sands.

From the moment North Sands learned of the news from the Nine Provinces, preparations began in earnest.

“How did things go today? I hear that Eurostrong has also been moving lately!” Churchill pressed his hands against the desk, his sharp eagle eyes sweeping over everyone present.

“Yes, Eurostrong isn’t just making moves—they’re experiencing internal turmoil. Many citizens have taken to the streets in protest,” Owen replied from the side.

Churchill nodded. “Hm! Eurostrong is too impatient.”

“Indeed.”

“But now we can no longer keep pace with the Nine Provinces.”

“We mustn’t rush. If that’s the case, we’ll have to abandon some people,” a fierce glint flashed in Churchill’s eyes.

“As you command.”

“Those who willingly sabotage AI and join the national ranks are to be received. As for the others, ignore them.” Under these circumstances, North Sands’ choice is undoubtedly the best possible.

And as events unfolded, it became clear that North Sands’ decision was the right one.

With no coercion, the populace became anxious and voluntarily joined the nation’s cause, making North Sands’ preparations relatively smooth.

Mucus heard this and let out a cold laugh. “Heh!”

“A herd of followers! We don’t need to! The Underworld King is ours—are you telling me we can’t control him?” Mucus firmly believed he could handle what belonged to him.

Audun said nothing, feeling that something truly was amiss with the Underworld King.

Recently, Louis had been refusing to let Audun see the Underworld King—perhaps there was something fishy going on.

After pondering for a long time, Audun finally spoke. “Perhaps we should halt research on the Underworld King for now? If those three major nations join forces against us, it’ll be very disadvantageous.”

Mucus chuckled lightly, his gaze full of disdain.

“Would they dare make a move against us? Are you out of your mind, doubting our strength? Stand down! Don’t bring up such matters again!”

“Alright,” Audun replied, saying no more. He knew that if he pressed further, Mucus might just shoot him on the spot.

Once Audun left, his first action was to seek out Louis.

He needed to find out whether Louis was hiding something from him.

“Louis! Come out here!” Audun was furious.

Louis heard Audun’s voice and his body stiffened.

Though he spent his days holed up in the laboratory, he was well aware of the outside world’s happenings.

The recent news had left him restless, and glancing at the Underworld King beside him, Louis steeled his resolve.

Even if you could destroy the world, I would never let anyone else harm you!

“What's the matter, Audun?” Louis greeted him, emerging from the lab with a smile.

Audun made as if to storm into the laboratory. “Let me in! I need to see if the Underworld King truly has the issues that rumors claim!”

Louis would never give Audun such an opportunity; he darted out and slammed the lab door shut.

“What are you doing? The First Speaker already said if there’s nothing urgent, don’t barge in! What are you trying to pull?” Louis refused to give Audun even a sliver of a chance.

Audun sneered, “Feeling guilty, are you? If something really has happened to the Underworld King, are you ready to take responsibility?”

Louis shuddered inside at these words.

Indeed, if something was wrong with the Underworld King, the first one to pay would be himself, defenseless and unarmed.

But if the Underworld King could truly be used as he wished, wouldn’t he stand at the pinnacle of life? He could even rule the world!

The thought filled Louis with a feverish excitement, tightening his grip.

Louis shoved Audun aside, his eyes bloodshot.

“You’re not allowed in!” Louis growled.

Audun found this version of Louis unfamiliar. The old Louis was a talented scoundrel—cowardly and shameless.

Now he seemed frenzied, with an indescribable aura.

It was unsettling.

Audun studied Louis. “Louis, you’d better let me in. It’s for everyone’s good! Otherwise, I’ll risk everything to send someone to blow this place sky-high!”

Those words snapped Louis back to reality. His eyes cleared.

“No! Come in, then! Just don’t blow it up!” Louis felt as if he wasn’t speaking of his own volition, as if something else compelled him. Even his actions seemed beyond his control.

Audun sidestepped the dazed Louis and entered the laboratory.

After a thorough inspection, he found no major issues.

Everything was functioning perfectly—every action matched the commands, with not a hint of deviation.

Audun checked for two whole hours.

He found not a single problem.

Louis watched from the side, outwardly calm but inwardly tense. He feared the Underworld King would suddenly make a move.

If that happened, the Underworld King would be finished.

“Any issues? If there aren’t any, hurry up and leave!” Louis urged impatiently.

Audun scrutinized Louis. “Louis, you’ve watched him all these days—are you sure there’s nothing wrong?”

Under Audun’s gaze, Louis felt uneasy, but forced himself to reply, “None!”

“Really? Look me in the eye and say it again!” Louis’ golden eyes locked onto Audun’s.

Audun hesitated, then met Louis’ gaze. “None! Absolutely none!”

After a long pause, Audun turned away.

“Alright.”

Louis let out a cold chuckle. “You forced your way into the lab—I’ll report you to the First Speaker. Prepare to be punished!”

Audun said nothing, simply turning to leave.

“Do as you please!” Audun’s voice drifted back.

After Audun left, Louis exhaled deeply.

“Thank goodness! Thank goodness!”

Within the Nine Provinces—

The army had gathered.

Everyone trained hard.

All in preparation for war.

“One, two, one.”

“One, two, one.”

“One, two, one.”

…

“Draw your weapon, raise it, aim, fire!” Ji Kaicheng drilled his soldiers with precision.

If not today, then when?

“Bang!” The gunshot rang out!

In the artillery field—

“Load!”

“Aim!”

“Fire!”

“Bang!” Dirt exploded, leaving a deep crater in the ground—over a hundred feet deep!

From high above, the view was a sea of soldiers drilling shoulder to shoulder.

There was no time left!

Prepare for war! Prepare for war! Prepare for war!

Sweat poured like rain; though it was spring, the heat was as intense as summer.

The sun hung high in the sky, bearing witness to their burning passion and indomitable spirit!

February 18—twelve days remain until the Underworld King awakens!

Every dawn, the broadcast announces how many days remain until the Underworld King’s awakening, constantly creating a tense atmosphere.