Chapter 776: -765- The opportunity to rule the world
Liverpool, St. George's Square.
This is the square in front of the train station, and at this moment, it is one of the liveliest places in Liverpool.
Why? Because this is one of the venues for the Automaton Expo, showcasing various excellent automatons from various European countries. They are arranged orderly, attracting crowds of people who admire these automatons.
These automatons come in various shapes and forms, some humanoid, some animal-like, some exotic, and even some resembling mythical creatures – a diverse array.
However, among the numerous exhibited automatons, the most unique and eye-catching one is a massive steel object situated in the center of the square.
It's a battleship.
Yes, a battleship.
In terms of classification, it should be a land battleship. However, this land battleship moves by floating, allowing it to navigate on the sea. It has buoyancy-providing gasbags and propulsion relies on propellers. Not only can it submerge in water, but it can also ascend into the sky. It is a battleship suitable for land, sea, and air, equipped with various formidable cannons, unmistakably a highly destructive weapon.
Interestingly, this land battleship is also an automaton.
The interior of the battleship not only houses magical circuits but also has the core component controlling the ship's mechanisms—the "Eve's heart." Despite its battleship appearance, it is a genuine automaton. Once awakened, it can be controlled by a puppeteer.
Its designer and creator are an extremely famous machinist from England, yet the owner is from France.
Perhaps to showcase national pride or to restrain the archenemy England, this land battleship has been brought to Liverpool and is being exhibited at this expo, making it the most famous exhibit.
Its name is Daedalus.
However, around the square where Daedalus is located, it is currently surrounded by a British military force.
The soldiers are adorned with weapons, their faces solemn, accompanied by mechanical dogs made entirely of inorganic materials – unmistakably automatons.
This is, without a doubt, a mechanized legion formed by puppeteers.
Within this mechanized legion, three figures stand in front of Daedalus.
Standing in the center is a young man dressed entirely in black, from his hair and clothes to his accessories. The young man's facial features are exceptionally refined, exuding an astonishing arrogance and charisma. His face carries a cold and mocking yet proud expression, indicating his extraordinary background.
Next to the young man is an elderly general, wearing military attire and carrying weapons. Despite his advanced age, he emanates a formidable magical power.
The third figure is a girl with an expressionless face, donned in a gown with emerald-green hair. She gazes into the distance without blinking, appearing like a soulless husk.
If Rozen were here, he would surely be astonished, wouldn't he?
Setting aside the others, the girl with emerald-green hair looks exactly like Ionela Iliad.
The unnamed young man, leading this mechanized legion, gazes at the land battleship in front of him and sarcastically remarks, "Look, General, this is the weapon specially transported from France. It's an open invasion. If we don't send it back properly, it's a disgrace to England, isn't it?"
The black-clad young man daringly utters such words, freezing the atmosphere in the surroundings. Even the general can't help but furrow his brows, looking towards the young man.
"Please refrain from joking, Your Highness," the general addresses the young man.
"This is not something to be said lightly. If heard by others, it could become the spark for war between England and France, and Your Highness would become a criminal."
The general advises, but in return, he receives a disdainful snort from the young man.
"France doesn't have the guts to start a war, and England is no different. In the current world situation, any major power that initiates a war will become the catalyst for a global conflict. Yet those foolish fellows are trying every means to avoid war, attempting to appease situations. So, no matter who, they're all a bunch of cowards."
The young man glances at the general fearlessly and breaks into a mocking smile.
"That's precisely why this country needs reform, and this world needs change. Sooner or later, I'll kick my useless old man off the throne openly and take my place rightfully. Then, I'll bring intense firepower to this world. In doing so, the world will be ours, and I will be the true king of the world."
The young man, addressed as Your Highness, shamelessly utters such blasphemous words.
"Please choose your words carefully, Your Highness," the general tightens his expression.
"You're quite lacking in courage too, General Guretan," the prince disregarded the other's feelings and said unabashedly, "Since I plan to seize the throne, there's no need for pretense. Sooner or later, we'll have to tear off the facade. This country is destined to be mine. Even if I make such a declaration in front of everyone, what difference does it make?"
With these words, the prince turned his head, provocatively smiling at the general named Guretan.
"Or perhaps, as someone who is hailed as comparable to the strongest magus of the 19th century, Edward Rutherford, are you afraid?"
The prince provocatively taunts General Guretan in this manner.
The general remains silent, not uttering a word.
The prince suddenly feels bored, turning his gaze back to Daedalus in front of him.
"I find this Machinart city quite displeasing," the prince speaks with extreme arrogance and audacity.
"Despite being the most advanced city in Machinart technology, it has failed to contribute to the homeland. Even though it's our territory, we can't control even a mere academy properly. Edward Rutherford uses autonomy as a shield, doing as he pleases. Not only does he use national funds for research, but he also claims the research results for himself. Even this expo is the same. Every year, the latest technologies from various countries gather here, and yet we just watch them passively. Why not just seize them all? It would not only weaken other nations but also enhance our military strength, wouldn't it?"
The prince continues his grandiloquent speech.
"And you, General, as the only one praised as comparable to Edward Rutherford, do you willingly accept growing old alone like this?"
The prince declares boldly and arrogantly to General Guretan.
"Follow me, and I will take you to the pinnacle of the world."
"Make it clear first; you can't hesitate."
"Because I am right."
The prince speaks these words without hesitation or uncertainty, exuding absolute confidence.
In the face of such a prince, the general holds his breath.
However, it's undeniable that the general's blood is boiling, and even his heartbeat has accelerated.
In this situation...
"Alright, the goddess who gives me the opportunity to rule the world has arrived."
The prince suddenly turns his head, looking behind.
There, two people have entered the venue.
"Your Highness."
Radcliffe bows respectfully to the prince.
"Sorry, Your Highness, for being late."
Io also lowers her head.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone