If this really was the monster’s idea, then this metal bug called Nidhoggur would be a construct not inferior to mechanical armor… no, it would be a greater construct than mechanical armor!

“Ravenna!”

Hendrik’s call interrupted Ravenna’s contemplation, making her previously bright eyes instantly turn extremely gloomy. She raised her head to stare at Hendrik, saying word by word, “You’d better have a good reason to explain your behavior just now.”

“…The Elder Princess has arrived.” Hendrik sighed, “She is here to inspect our results.”

“So soon… no, it’s not soon.”

It had been five days since the meeting ended, which meant that the Etheric Academy had given them seven days after completing the Black Knight.

This was completely unbearable humiliation for Evora. If it weren’t for her determination to defeat Ephesande, she would have burned the Tower of Babel to ashes long ago.

“And the others?”

Ravenna inquired, “Are their weapons ready?”

“No,” Hendrik shook his head, “Even the most efficient Warren will take at least ten days to complete.”

“Then, the only one we can present is Nidhoggur.”

With Ravenna’s thought, the miniature metal bug placed on the workbench quickly flew to her shoulder. The woman looked at her creation, and even in such a perilous situation, her heart remained undisturbed.

“Let’s go, Hendrik.”

Without any hesitation, Ravenna moved forward, “Let’s show that arrogant princess our achievements.”

“…” Hendrik paused for two seconds, then quickly followed Ravenna, his tone somewhat unnatural, “Ravenna, are you confident?”

“It’s not confidence, it’s fact.”

The woman calmly stated, “I’ve figured it out… the true use of Nidhoggur, in this war, we may not necessarily lose.”

Fortunately… it was just a little bit off.

If I thought that producing a finished product was enough, or if I focused on how to upgrade Nidhoggur, I might not have recognized its true value.

You are using the pressure and time shortage this game gives us to make me miss the opportunity to understand and recognize it, leading to defeat in the war. Then, you will tell me its truly powerful effect, let such a painful failure, make me completely defeated and psychologically… suppress me into the dust.

Grace and suppression go back and forth, increasing your love and awe, increasing my denial and confusion, in order to control my will and heart… playing around, it’s still these few tricks.

Hydral, are you at your wit’s end?

Ravenna tugged at the corner of her mouth, her mood was somewhat cheerful, but of course, it quickly subsided.

And Hendrik hesitated for a long time, but still did not make it clear to Ravenna now, after all, she might make a fuss if he said his decision now, but in front of Evora, this girl who always knew how to weigh the pros and cons, would not do something, say something irrational.

They quickly arrived in the conference room, the ferocious Elder Princess sat in the main seat, expressionlessly looking at everyone in the conference room, her silent terrifying pressure, had already made most of the people in the room sweat profusely.

Unlike Ansel, who did not specifically focus on improving his battling strength, Evora is now a real fifth stage – even if she does nothing, as long as she waits for Ephesande to die, she can be promoted to the sixth stage, she has been refining her strength day by day since she was sensible.

However, the span between the fifth and sixth stages, if not filled by inheritance, requires too much time and resources. Therefore, facing the distant sixth stage, Evora, who has a deep desire for power, will increasingly hope that her mother will die as soon as possible.

“The Etheric Academy gave you an extra seven days, and waited for you for an extra seven days.”

Evora’s index finger gently tapped the table, her tone was calm, but the gradually rising temperature in the conference room proved that her mood was completely opposite to her tone.

“So.” She propped her cheek with one hand, expressionlessly said, “What are your results?”

Just as everyone’s hearts were pounding, Ravenna spoke without hesitation: “Your High-”

“Your Highness.”

Hendrik’s voice, overpowered Ravenna’s voice.

He stood out from the crowd and bowed respectfully to Evora, “I have… a proposal.”

“…Hmm?” Evora frowned slightly, “I’m here to see your results, not to hear some bull** proposal.”

Ravenna also gradually felt a bad premonition in her heart, but it was not appropriate to speak now, she could only remain silent.

Hendrik was silent for a moment, then raised his head and said very frankly:

“Your Highness, we… can’t produce results.”

In the silence, he stared at Evora without flinching, “Or to say, we can’t produce results that can compete with the Black Knight.”

“With the foundation of the Etheric Academy, plus the infinite resources tilted by Her Majesty, no matter what we make, there is no possibility of defeating the opponent, this is an unfair contest, Your Highness.”

“So?”

Evora squinted slightly, everyone could feel the temperature in the conference room had at least soared by thirty degrees in an instant, the scorching heat wave was burning everyone’s skin, and the source of the heat wave, issued an extremely cold voice: “So, you want to admit your incompetence, is that it?”

“No, no, Your Highness.”

Hendrik, whose forehead was sweating, bowed deeply again, “We just can’t change this fact, can’t change the weight of Her Majesty in this unfair contest, we… can only commit surrender.”

… Commit surrender.

Ravenna, enduring the scorching sensation, was taken aback.

Surrender? Hendrik, are you suggesting we surrender?

To the Etheric Academy, to those who have shackled this world, to the creations that Ansel and I brought into existence… we should commit surrender?

Even if the Tower of Babel is to be destroyed, we should still surrender?

Everyone was stunned, staring blankly at Hendrik, unable to comprehend his words at this moment.

Defeat signifies destruction, would the outcome of surrender be any better? Impossible! That outrageous princess despises the weak more than anything, their surrender would only result in a fate worse than defeat!

–>