The room instantly erupted into chaos.
“You seek to condemn us? When you yourself stand accused?!”
“Do you understand the situation you are in?!”
“Regardless of your extraordinary circumstances, you are still an institute student! How dare you make such a demand before the continent’s heads of state?!”
The Assembly participants spoke over one another, some red-faced from anger and others too perplexed to speak.
“Order!!!” Kratio’s voice, normally soft and kind, swelled with anger as it boomed across the room. “Raid Freeden... Do you understand what you just said?”
“I understand fully, Your Majesty. However, as you can see, it seems to have incurred the wrath of the participants. May I continue my explanation?”
Kratio sighed. “I permit it. However, I cannot simply overlook your initial statement. You had best explain yourself well, lest we proceed to discuss your punishment.”
“Understood. Then allow me to explain.” Raid nodded to Kratio, then turned back to face the rest of the room. “There once existed an empire called Altane in the First World, ruled by one Viteos Altane. He had devised the plan to invade and colonize our world. It was under his orders that Dian and his subordinates came to our world and summoned a Calamity off the coast of Palmare. However, at present, Viteos Altane is dead and the empire has been dismantled.”
“You say he’s...dead?”
“I killed him with my own hands,” Raid said bluntly, eliciting a new wave of murmurs from the room. “I served Viteos in my past life. However, he was a tyrant who cared not for his people, and this did not change even after he crossed over to the First World. There, he sacrificed many lives and caused far too many tragedies. As his former vassal, I took it upon myself to right his wrongs.”
Despite his impassive tone of voice, Raid’s words carried much weight. Even the look in his eyes and the air about him seemed to suffocate those watching and listening.
“I may have murdered my own lord, but I stand before you now with the desire to save every life within my reach so that one day our worlds can be at peace. I am fully aware that the power I hold is to be used for the greater good. In this, you have my word.”
Raid took a moment to sweep his gaze across the room before continuing. “And that is why...I am terribly enraged,” he said, his voice low and rumbling. “While the people of the First World live every day fearing it will be their last, we are here wasting our time on such buffoonery.”
His sharp glare pierced through each and every person who had raised their voice earlier. “I have returned to this world for one simple reason. Now that the empire has been dismantled and a new leader sits upon the First World’s throne, our timelines can now enter an era of cordial relations. To begin with, we have the opportunity to aid them in their fight for survival. And yet...you welcome me home with a set of accusations and an entire circus with which I must now waste my time, all while the people on the other side are drowning in despair amid a future of promised ruin. This is no better than murdering them with your own hands, is it not?”
His harsh words rained down on every person who cast suspicion upon him. “I have brought with me Norn Lambut, the new leader of the First World, and two people as strong as Dian as her escorts. They have come here seeking our help, yet now they are detained and forced to wait...instead of taking action to save as many lives as they can. Who knows how many have been lost while we bicker here?”
Faced with Raid’s wrath, not a single soul in the room could utter a word.
“Allow me to repeat myself,” Raid growled. “I may have murdered my own lord, but I desire to save every life that is within my reach so that our worlds can be at peace. And for that...” Raid narrowed his eyes into a piercing glare. “I will not hesitate to seek justice by dirtying my own hands.”
Pressure emanated from Raid like a silent killer, slowly coiling around everyone’s necks. Silence reigned in the throne room as Raid’s cold glare swept through the frozen participants...until it was shattered by his own heavy sigh.
“I suppose I sound like I am threatening everyone here, but I have one goal today and one goal only: to recruit aid for the First World. If we can give this top priority, then I shall not pursue recompense for these absurd accusations.”
Kratio hummed. “You mean to say, you wish to proceed with discussing the provision of aid to the First World?”
“Correct, Your Majesty,” Raid replied. “Moreover, I am not so brazen as to request your assistance for free, especially after my threatening tone earlier. People take action when there is appropriate reward... Is that not why so many of you have gathered here to accuse me today?”
“Then, are you saying that the First World will reward us for our aid?”
“Yes. This matter has already been approved by Norn Lambut, the new leader of the First World. I am simply speaking in her stead as she is still young.” Raid paused to take in a breath, then declared, “States that provide aid for the First World shall be rewarded with land.”
Immediately, the deathly silent throne room once again erupted into whispers and murmurs.
“Land matters little if the world is ruined and everybody is dead,” Raid continued. “Then it is only right that it be given as a reward, no?”
“A question, if I may,” said one of the participants. “Specifically, what kind of aid is the First World seeking from us?”
“Combat forces, construction materials, foodstuffs, and technicians,” Raid answered. “Combat forces and technicians must meet a certain standard and are more desired than ordinary workers. Once each nation’s aid is finalized, we will assess the quality of your aid and distribute the rewards accordingly.”
“May I ask a question as well?” asked another participant. “Is there a limit to the amount of aid you are seeking?”
“None,” Raid replied. “The First World is lacking in everything.”
“Sir Freeden, would you happen to have a catalog of what is needed?”
“Yes. It will be distributed later. That being said, the majority of the First World—outside of what little habitable land remains—is no more than a barren wasteland. Should you provide materials excluded from the catalog, which can still be used for land reclamation efforts after the operation, then rest assured that it will still contribute to your assessment. Incidentally, earlier provision of aid will also significantly increase your standing.”