When the plot-skips players into the game world

Under the pressure of survival, they quickly "adapted" and mastered night vision, night fight, environmental combat, Silent Skill, Stealth, and the most crucial skill— the ability to escape by any means possible.

At a time when the Hawkeye Assassins were becoming feverishly fanatical, this place seemed remarkably tranquil and deserted instead.

A man dressed in a navy blue suit, who appeared gentle and respectable, walked alone into the depths of the underground catacombs amid an endless procession of Undead.

Candlelight illuminated the area, making everything emit a golden Radiance.

"——I am here, Cherioux."

As soon as the man entered, he sternly spoke to a shadow: "You should know... only contact me if necessary, Master Ciliere?"

The shadow slowly coalesced into a human form in the direction he was staring.

It was an elderly man with messy, grizzled curly hair who appeared a bit solitary and hard to approach. Dressed in a robe and wearing glasses, he looked more like an old teacher or a scientist than an assassin.

——His name was Thomas Treina Debussy Marco de Ciliere.

The presence of "De" in his name indicated that he was once a noble.

In fact, Thomas was born into an Assassin Family and was a rare Assassin Master. He was unaware of when exactly his family joined the Hawkeye Organization... Fearful that only the man before him knew.

"...Leader."

The old man spoke slowly: "Or should I say... Chairman Pierre. I have something to tell you."

Upon hearing this, the middle-aged man squinted slightly.

The man referred to as Pierre was indeed the real behind-the-scenes leader of the Hawkeye Organization.

He was also the true ruler of Irisflower People, elected as the Prime Minister of the Giant Tree Party and head of Irisflower People's cabinet, which technically didn't have a surviving Royal Family, thus he could not be considered the "Prime Minister."

More accurately, he should have been the leader or president of Irisflower People.

After putting an end to the King's and nobles' "Third Rebellion," the leader elected by the parliament was indeed referred to as the head. During subsequent rebellions, the name of the Iris People's national leader changed many times and finally stabilized with this title.

——The Irisflower People shrank back.

Beheading the King, hanging the nobles... The excessive fanaticism of the Third Rebellion sparked chaos, prompting resentment among the people. They believed chaos erupted due to the absence of the King. Yet, they didn't want another King ruling them... Hence, they ultimately set the tone:

Even though all the Royal Family died, they were still responsible for "the history and Glory Irisflower People had inherited until today," except "they were continuing to search for the lineage of the former King among the people and managing the country for the new King before that happened."

Of course, such a new King would never appear.

A key motivation here was the drive from the Stibnite, for if the Royal Family were completely removed from the political system, it would mean they truly had no ties with Helasal Empire. The past Land Partition War would be a joke, and without Helasal Empire's claims, Stibnite would have a valid excuse to attack them.

——In the generally Balanced international confrontation, the pretext for war is very important. Although it seems ridiculous sometimes, having it or not actually makes a big difference.

While it won't suddenly eliminate a legion or cause a misfire, it does severely impact some intangible aspects. Like morale, recruiting efficiency, international opinion, wartime endurance, the cost of post-victory rule, the opponent's expenses, and the home front's war-weariness.

Thus, a "King" must exist, even if the King is merely a solitary Crown, a scepter, or a symbol.

Meanwhile, Stibnite breathed a sigh of relief.

Because if Irisflower People truly ceased respecting a King, this trend might spill into Stibnite, potentially threatening the civilian King's rule by Valentine Family—A sentiment where Irisflower People held claims during the Land Partition War, driving out the Royal Family, why couldn't Stibnite do the same?

Irisflower People's social environment was not as bleak as it seemed. At least people were getting by, living well without ceding territory, experiencing economic health, avoiding large-scale famine, with decent job prospects. Although crime rates were high, the daytime remained safe.

The continuous rebellions were actually stirred by various factions, representing high-level internal conflict...

But Stibnite's economy was genuinely wrecked.

They truly didn't dare let Irisflower People speak.

If Stibnite people really awakened, what would happen?

"What do you want to do... Master Ciliere?"

Pierre asked solemnly: "The good days are here; there's no need to fight anymore... Can't you wait, even if you genuinely wish to do something?"

His words bordered on pleading.

Because Pierre had somewhat guessed Master Ciliere's idea.

If there were an important matter requiring him to be talked face-to-face at the headquarters… Pierre would only think of one thing.

Master Ciliere's beloved granddaughter, the Hawkeye Organization's genius—Croix de Ciliere, was once killed by Aiwass Moriarty.

Previously, considering international impacts and to safeguard the Hawkeye Organization, Chairman Pierre bent his knee and apologized twice to Avalon. Afterwards, with Aiwass as Pope, they entirely abandoned plans to assassinate him.

And now...

"That's why I'm quitting the Hawkeye Organization."

The old man slowly said: "In a few days, it will be too late. If the Hawkeye completely controlled the country, every move would be interpreted by others. But now... Hawkeye is just an underground organization."

"You are too naïve, professor!"

Chairman Pierre frowned: "Once you open this can of worms, the stain on reputation won't be cleansed! Whether you quit the Hawkeye Organization or not, outsiders will always see it as Hawkeye Organization assassinated the former Pope—he's still the brother of the new Helasal Empire's Empress, your actions might bring war and devastation upon Irisflower People!"

"You're looking from the wrong angle, Pierre."

The elder's amber pupils gazed at Chairman Pierre: "I've taught you before—don't view matters from an overly high perspective. Many people don't know what you know, most are ignorant.

"Few people know you are the leader of the organization… Those who know either stay silent or were killed by me. Regardless of my assassination's success, you could use this opportunity to launch a purge within Hawkeye Organization, clearing out those societal scum.

"Now the Son of the Moon has been purged, they are no longer valuable. But internal purging will cause rebellion and chaos, this must be done officially.

"If an organization wants long-term operation, it must have sufficiently high quality personnel. Clearly, Hawkeye lacks such quality. If those people continue to stay within the organization, it will collapse."

Upon hearing this, Chairman Pierre furrowed his brow slightly.

He seemed to understand Master Ciliere's meaning.

"Professor, you mean…?"

"You are too cautious, Pierre. You've lived in a world of Light for too long, you're no longer used to the rules of the world of Darkness."

The elder's amber icy pupils stared at him, questioning: "Do you really intend to let those people revolt? Not many people know you are our leader—which implies those sewer scums also don't know. If Hawkeye wants to seize power, you'd be their first target for assassination."

"…But then, professor," Chairman Pierre hesitated, "No matter what, you would die."

"I've lived long enough."

The elder sighed: "I wasn't even planning to succeed in assassinating Aiwass… Blood Celestial Marshal was probably killed by him.

"But can I let someone who killed Croix slip away before my eyes, remaining Silent while I continue to survive? I cannot, Pierre.

"There must be an end between us, I no longer have descendants. Do you want me to languish in a sickbed, watching the last of the Ciliere bloodline slowly wither?

"I would rather become a flame that ignites Irisflower People."