Max and the saintess confirmed that the seals created to suppress the corruption energy spikes were ineffective. Despite the seal's failure, they decided to move to the next spike, leaving a group behind for surveillance. Upon reaching the second and third spikes, Max reiterated that their efforts were futile. The protagonist, however, insisted on setting up the seal again and ordered a subordinate to use a magic tool to take photos of the spike, a plan met with confusion and resistance from the group.
"Extra! Extra! Get your news here!"
"Those signs look truly frightening..."
"It's fortunate that the racial alliance is already mobilizing to contain them."
"Otherwise, who knows what dreadful events might unfold."
This scene was unfolding across every nation within the racial alliance.
Featured prominently on the front page of every newspaper was a report detailing recent occurrences. At the very top, a striking image depicted the surge of corruption energy.
For the leaders of the racial alliance, one might assume such information warranted strict secrecy.
However, these publications were reputable sources, operating under the direct control of their respective countries' rulers. This meant the dissemination of this news was, in fact, a deliberate action by the racial alliance itself.
Observing the citizens engrossed in the newspapers before me, I couldn't suppress a quiet sigh.
After all, I was the sole architect of the order that led to this unfolding situation.
"This is utter madness."
That was the initial reaction from the racial alliance upon hearing my proposed plan. Though, this sentiment was voiced only by those outside the inner circle I had established.
Members of this inner circle were already privy to my strategy, having been personally informed and persuaded by me.
This is precisely why I employed the same reasoning during this critical meeting.
"What we are most desperately lacking right now is hope. The populace is at their lowest ebb following the recent events, which is why we must provide them with some form of optimism. Even if it's a fabrication, it will serve as a necessary sustenance for their spirits."
No one could find fault with this logic, as they all recognized its inherent truth.
Everything that had transpired with the forces of Destruction had left everyone consumed by fear of what might come next.
Therefore, they all desperately needed something to cling to, something to keep them going.
With this assertion, they were left with no viable counterarguments, ultimately agreeing to my proposal in the end. Nevertheless, it was evident that some individuals harbored lingering doubts about the plan.
However, this is precisely why articles were being circulated about the racial alliance's efforts to seal the corruption energy spikes manifesting across various nations.
It wasn't merely the three initially discovered spikes that the public was made aware of.
Ultimately, reports surfaced concerning over ten distinct spikes, and we disclosed every single one. We concealed nothing regarding these corruption energy surges, as such secrecy would inevitably prove detrimental.
In this endeavor, absolute thoroughness was paramount; any lapse would invite grave peril.
"I never envisioned myself orchestrating a propaganda campaign in another world."
Yet, a part of me marveled at having attained such a level of influence that I could orchestrate a propaganda campaign reaching the entire continent.
It was truly astounding, the sheer magnitude of power I had amassed in this world.
With another sigh, I ceased observing the bustling street scene and turned my attention to the individual seated opposite me.
In a voice that was both calm and unadorned, I inquired, "How is the investigation progressing?"
"It's not yielding positive results," the other person responded with a weary sigh.
I was not taken aback by this news, as it was the very reason we were conducting this meeting in this secluded location rather than within the confines of the castle.
Our presence in this café was solely to provide a much-needed respite from the overwhelming stress. While it necessitated the deployment of protective spells due to the sensitive nature of our discussion, it was still preferable to being confined within the castle walls.
The prime minister proceeded to elaborate on their lack of progress, stating they hadn't uncovered a single tangible clue.
He refrained from excessive detail, mindful of our public setting, but he did present me with all the reports he had received. These documents detailed the ongoing search for additional corruption energy spikes and the findings derived from them.
To put it plainly, absolutely nothing of value was discovered.
What we did ascertain was that the existing seals remained utterly ineffective against all the corruption energy spikes encountered. Regardless of the modifications attempted, even Max found himself powerless against this phenomenon.
Furthermore, their investigation revealed that these corruption energy spikes exhibited no discernible pattern whatsoever.
Just as the daggers I forged using my divine energy formed the foundation for the seals we placed around the corruption energy spikes, we had theorized these spikes might be precursors to something larger.
However, despite our every effort to map them and identify connections, no discernible link existed between them. It became abundantly clear that they had been positioned randomly across the continent, devoid of any mutual relationship.
No matter from what perspective the most astute minds attempted to establish a connection, none could be found.
Consequently, the final report submitted was, regrettably, one of profound disappointment.
"We absolutely must continue to probe into these matters; preventing their activation is paramount," declared the prime minister with unwavering resolve.
His words weren't merely a report; they conveyed a personal commitment to resolving the issue.
I offered a brief nod, acknowledging that this was indeed the extent of our current capabilities.
This outcome was precisely what I had anticipated, rendering it no longer a source of surprise.
It was also the reason I dismissed the published articles as mere propaganda, accurately reflecting their true nature.
"As long as a sliver of hope remains, I believe they can endure a while longer. However, the instant the forces of Destruction make their move, everything will be..."
For the time being, our primary objective was to create diversions...
