19: Revenge (Part 2)

Although Gin's hometown was also located on the southwestern border of the Empire, it was still several hundred kilometers away from where Haruki and the others were. In an era with such poor transportation, that was a distance most ordinary people couldn't hope to cross in a lifetime. The southwestern border was covered in dense forests, and traveling on foot would take several months. Haruki clearly had no intention of wasting his time on something so tedious. So, he summoned Vimana, a flying treasure, from his Gate of Babylon.

Vimana was the throne of the Hero King Gilgamesh from Fate/stay night—a radiant vessel of light forged entirely from gold and emeralds, capable of flight. It was powered by solar energy drawn from a sun crystal fueled by mercury, allowing it to soar through the skies at incredible speeds, day or night, defying the laws of physics. Armed with numerous treasures and even ancient nuclear warheads, it was an exceptional weapon.

As Vimana emerged from the golden vortex behind Haruki, the three girls couldn't hide their awe. Though they'd seen countless weapons appear from behind him before and had grown somewhat used to it, Vimana's beauty still captivated them. After all, women are drawn to beauty—something that holds true across time and place—and a vessel made entirely of gold and emeralds was no exception.

"Alright, enough staring. Get on."

Seeing the three of them frozen in place, just gazing at Vimana, Haruki spoke with a touch of helplessness. Still, there was a faint sense of pride in his voice. After all, what man doesn't like to show off in front of women—especially someone like Haruki, a thousand-year-old virgin who hadn't known romance in over a millennium?

Once the three girls were aboard and the direction confirmed, Haruki guided Vimana as it turned into a streak of light and sped toward Gin's hometown...

Along the way, Gin remained composed. Her long-held wish was about to be fulfilled, and excitement left her with no mind for the passing scenery. Nina and Kurome, on the other hand, were chattering away non-stop, clearly thrilled. It was understandable—this world had no airplanes, so aside from flying Danger Beasts and a few rare Teigu, soaring through the sky was practically a fantasy. Watching the figure standing tall at the front, robes fluttering and long hair streaming in the wind, all three girls found themselves momentarily entranced.

To them, Haruki now embodied the perfect man—powerful, handsome, shrouded in mystery, and irresistibly appealing.

Vimana's speed was tremendous. Even though Haruki had deliberately slowed it down to make the flight more comfortable, they still reached their destination in less than half an hour.

He brought Vimana down in a quiet, uninhabited spot not far from the governor's mansion. Once on the ground, Haruki put it away—after all, something made entirely of gold and emeralds was bound to draw attention from fools seeking death. Though he feared no one, Haruki preferred to avoid unnecessary trouble.

"Looks like the Empire really has rotted."

Gazing at the luxurious governor's mansion before him, Haruki couldn't help but sigh. While a governor did hold the highest regional authority and some level of autonomy, in such a poor southwestern border region, a mansion like this was clearly out of place. It was a sign that the local people had long suffered under oppression.

Haruki walked toward the governor's residence, with Gin, Nina, and Kurome following behind.

"When the time comes, I'll open the path for you. Gin, you'll be the one to take down the governor—do it with your own hands. Don't bother with the others. Nina, Kurome, back Gin up. Kill anyone who tries to stop her. I'll take care of the people outside. Remember—never hesitate. Mercy to your enemies is cruelty to yourself. Just protect the ones who matter to you. The rest doesn't matter."

He spoke calmly as they walked.

...

(40 Chapters Ahead)

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