The Mafia Empire

"But een so, you still have to be wary, because the wolves aren't your biggest worry. If someone wants to destroy it from the inside, tampering with just a few critical points will cause the entire structure to collapse at an unimaginable speed."

For a long time, Julian's lasting impression of the professor's words was tied to a desire for destruction. He wanted to test whether, as the professor claimed, merely targeting a few key points could bring down a solid structure. But in this moment, what he thought of was something else—power.

The building the professor had described seemed eerily similar to the present-day society of the Star Empire. The Empire's framework and rules had been in place for many years, with annual revisions and reinforcements. Even the recently concluded War of the Nations showcased this resilience. It was difficult to destroy this colossal "building" from the outside. So, what about from the inside?

Of course, as Julian had promised, he didn't seek regime change. He knew he lacked the power to achieve such a feat. What he needed was to build his own set of rules, his own inner structure within the existing framework. His identity and bloodline were his building materials.

Anyone aiming for greater heights must be fully prepared. The Guar were a minority in Ternell city, few in number and poor, but they had something others lacked—they had been pushed to the brink, and that was precisely what Julian needed.

He hadn't lied. He would lead everyone toward happiness, but only under the condition that these people were his "followers"—his "own people."

It was at this moment that Julian suddenly realized why Heidler had supported his creation of the guild and was willing to fund it. Heidler needed this force too. In ancient Guar mythology, there was a parable called "The Sea of Sparks." It wasn't about another world or some celestial body floating in space, but rather about a single spark that ignited a catastrophic fire.

The parable described a thriving city that was destroyed by a single spark from an oil mill.

Ternell city was the oil mill, and the Guar were the spark.

Julian's eyes lit up. He closed his eyes, and Dave immediately instructed the driver to slow down, sensing that Julian had likely thought of something important.

What had Julian thought of?

He had thought of something deeper, thanks to what he had seen and experienced in his dreams, which were now gradually coming into use.

At this time, the Empire had not yet recovered from its pyrrhic victory in the War of the Nations. Rumor had it that anti-government armed forces were emerging across various regions, actively seeking either restoration or independence, further exhausting the already weary Empire.

On the political stage, the New Faction was loudly advocating for constitutional monarchy, overthrowing one noble after another. Even His Majesty the Emperor had no choice but to make concessions in the face of this sudden political storm.

In such an internally and externally troubled environment, what was most important?

Stability.

Whether it was the nobles labeled as the Old Faction or the reformists known as the New Faction, they both sought stability. The essence of their conflict lay in their desire to resolve the current chaos and eliminate corruption.

Although the Guar were a small and seemingly insignificant part of the Empire, in Ternell city, though a minority, they were a force that could not be ignored. Previously, no one had united them. Firstly, the feudal system was inherently more cautious and harsh toward outsiders, making it too dangerous for anyone to try uniting them.

Even those who had the thought didn't dare act on it, and no one else dared respond.

Secondly, there was no suitable leader. While Heidler was wealthy and held significant influence in the Empire's upper circles, he was "unreliable." As the descendant of traitors and with the stark class disparity, he lacked the foundation to unify the Guar. Among the Guar, there was no one who could lead them out of the shadows.

Dreamers might exist, but dreamers never become the mainstream, nor could they lead the charge, like a cannon in a dream.

But Julian—he was an exception.

He was the son of a farmer, or rather, a commoner, not much different from the countless ordinary Guar. He had improved his own circumstances through his own efforts and changed his fate. Naturally, he became a symbol, a guide, and ultimately the one who could lead the way. Heidler had seen this in him, which is why he was willing to support him.

With this realization, Julian's previously uncertain thoughts about the future suddenly became clear. Ternell city would be his starting point, radiating out to the whole of Kanus, and eventually, the entire Empire!

The car quickly disappeared at the end of the street, and the crowd slowly dispersed, though many of their eyes were still gleaming with excitement.

Early the next morning, Dave knocked on Julian's door.

Although Gador might no longer pose an immediate threat, caution was still necessary. Julian was staying in a residential home.

He rubbed his face, got out of bed, and put on a clean, freshly ironed shirt—pressed by the landlady, for which he had paid twenty-five cents. He opened the door and looked at Dave.

"This morning, at least fifty people have expressed interest in joining the Fellowship guild. So many people showed up that I didn't dare make a decision. What do you think we should do?" Dave's face was filled with excitement. Everyone wants to have power, for only by becoming strong can one resist the whims of fate!

"Having people want to join is definitely a good thing. It means that, to some extent, we now have the strength to represent the majority. Let them join. I'll meet with everyone tonight," Julian said. Dave nodded and turned to leave, but when he was halfway down the stairs, Julian called him back. "Wait a minute.

Don't let them join the Fellowship guild right now. Instead, hire them as employees under the company's name and have them start by delivering goods."