Chapter 65：Dreams and Aspirations

"You want me to do what?!"

Johann's eyebrows rose while his eyes widened as he subconsciously shouted in disbelief.

"I don't even have a word to describe how I feel about what you want me to do!"

"Oh please. You're being rather overdramatic don't you think?"

Sicila seemed to have ignored Johann's obvious displays of concern as she spoke in a rather unperturbed tone.

"Besides it couldn't possibly be that hard could it? If you can use arcane magic to perform memory deletion and emotional lockdown on a human brain, surely you can do the same for the transfer of the consciousness of the brain of one human body into the brain of another? Preferably into a brain that was already wiped of course."

"While when you just say it out loud it may seem feasible but in reality, I must inform you that what you're asking for is on a completely whole other level."

Johann sighed solemnly before he started to explain himself to Sicilia.

"What we have previously been doing for the emotional lockdown and memory elimination was simply 'slightly tampering' with the existing parts of a human brain. That can't even compare with something like the transfer of consciousness between bodies. And look how hard it was to even achieve the former tasks."

As Johann said this, he slid a report detailing a list of all the successful operations in the past few months. Out of the 500 'voluntary' participants, only less than 200 survived and only less than 100 were left without mental or physical injury. Such an example was all Johann really needed to prove himself.

"It took us more than a year for a successful test and more than half a year to reproduce those same results. On top of this, the inherent qualities of the subject itself influence the final outcome of the operation."

Johann paused for a short moment before he continue in a slower, clearer voice.

"There is a reason why 0 is the only successful wraith that we have ever produced and even then she still requires checkups on regular intervals to ensure that everything is in order."

However, Sicilia seemed unfazed by what Johann said and continued arguing her point.

"But it is still an intriguing prospect isn't it? Just imagine it. Pseudo immortality through transferring your consciousness and by extension your soul into a younger, more powerful body. I for one am missing the sweetness of youth. Alas my ageing body can't allow for such a thing."

Johann tried his best to ignore the inappropriateness of a 20 year old missing 'youth' such as Sicilia, while on the other hand, Sicilia herself paused for a short moment to let what she said sink in before she continued.

"Aren't you afraid Johann? Afraid that you will pass on peacefully before your dreams are fully realised? Come on, you can at least try. I will double... no quadruple your funding if I have to."

There was nothing that Sicilia said that Johann could possibly refute. As such, he remained silent for a long time before he finally responded.

"I will bring you desirable results as quickly as humanly possible."

...

Although the city of Maximinus was still the capital city of Drussia and essentially the core heart of the nation, that did not mean that everyone there lived a fully realised and prosperous life. While it was still in a smaller margin in comparison to the cities of other nations, there was still a wide divide between the people of different classes.

Even after the massive reforms taken to the city and the nation which aimed to lower the level of poverty by introducing the lowest rungs of society in low skill jobs which included governmental labour in weapon manufactories or voluntary service in the army, rats and beggars still plagued the corners of Maximinus' streets.

However, this was none of Erika's concern.

She was the commander-in-chief of the Imperial Army. Only military and... personal matters concerned her.

She could simply leave things such as this to more capable people who are suited for the job.

Despite all of this, this did not mean that Erika couldn't enjoy the sight of nighttime Maximinus under the glimmer of the stars. On the terrace of Maximinus palace, Erika for once let herself genuinely enjoy something other than war as she looked over the city.

While she still kept her professional disposition, her mouth curved into a rare genuine smile as she enjoyed the view.

In contrast to most nobles, the sight that Erika enjoyed most was not the lively nightlife of the commerce or entertainment districts but rather it was the industrial districts instead.

The answer why was simple.

There was where a large majority of the Imperium's weapons and war supplies were produced and manufactured.

Whether it was something as simple as a mere V-17 widowmaker musket or something as complicated as the M-1 Gatling Guns, the trail of black clouds from the manufactories of the industrial districts never ceased as different sets of workers cycled in and out to ensure that the constant streamlined production continued.

All of this worked as a fantastic reminder of the Imperium's war machine.

A literal and metaphorical steel beast that never rests as it continues to serve as the backbone of the Imperium's military endeavours.

And it was also one of Maxwell's greatest achievements.

If one didn't count the establishment of the Imperium of Drussia or the conquest of Porrand as the pinnacle of Maxwell's feats, then the way he revolutionised the war economy of Drussia would definitely be the top contender.

"Well, you definitely chose a rather... interesting spot for an appointment."

Soon, the subject of Erika's thoughts, Maxwell soon came into view as he made his way towards her. His appeared just as he typically did, his silver hair could not be described as too long nor too short nor was it particularly groomed in any way.

This time, instead of his typical violet general outfit, he wore a more minimalistic black noble outfit with purple outlines on the trims. It was simple yet elegant. The type of it outfit, in Erika's honest opinion suited him the best.

Within moments Maxwell was only a couple feet away from Erika as he proceeded to lean over the terrace's railing in a leisurely manner. As his silver hair flowed gently with the wind, Maxwell spoke up.

"Before we start I would like to congratulate you on your successful campaign of repelling those crusaders."

"Thank you very much your majesty."

Erika's thanks was followed by a moment of silence with the two of them saying nothing at all. Maxwell continued casually leaning over the railing while Erika continued standing her back straight. Erika didn't know how much time passed before Maxwell spoke up again, albeit in a slightly hesitant voice.

"So... Nice weather right?"

To Erika's surprise, she herself couldn't do in any better than Maxwell did when she tried to reply.

"Yes... um... that's some... good weather..."

"Ahahahaha, evidently we're not good at small talk so why don't we cut the meat of the subject?"

However, Maxwell broke into what Erika felt to be genuine laughter before he commandeered control of the conversation. In the end, even if that wasn't the case, Maxwell was still her superior and as such, she must comply with due haste.

After regaining her composure Erika made her reply.

"But of course your majesty."

Soon, Erika turned her attention away from the city of lights and faced Maxwell as she spoke. On the other hand, Maxwell remained at his relaxed current posture while only turning his head to face Erika as he listened to Erika's thoughts.

"This relates to the most recent defensive campaign against the crusaders. It has come to my attention that our typical old ways of handling battle operations may no longer be viable in the long run, all one needs for an example is a quick glance at the list of casualties of the Gamma Corps."

Seeing that Maxwell showed no signs of wanting to respond yet, Erika decided to continue explaining herself.

"Due to the weaknesses of our logistics system we have relied on forcing the Porrish into the engagement while we ourselves have barely stretched the Drussian supply lines. While it worked, we must keep in mind that this only worked against an inferior foe. Against future adversaries this may no longer be the case."

With a small hint of pride in her voice, Erika went to conclude her thoughts.

"As such, I am requesting the authorisation in order to-"

"Approved."

Maxwell's sudden interruption stopped Erika dead in her tracks. She just did not expect this kind of response immediately from him.

"Ap-approved?"

When Maxwell saw Erika's reaction, he chuckled to himself for a short moment before he replied.

"Let me guess what you're thinking. You want to create a specialised detachment for the army corps which focuses on fast movements and harassing the enemies while at the same time only requiring minimal supplies? When I received the battle reports I started thinking the same thing too."

"Oh, I see..."

When Erika heard what Maxwell had to say she couldn't help but feel a little bit disappointed although she didn't even know why. On the other hand, Maxwell continued to gaze out into the city as he casually shrugged before he responded.

"Anyhow, that's basically it. But... it would seem that you still have something else that you want to say."

"Oh I... I do?"

Despite Erika's best attempts, she still lost her composure, albeit only slightly when she heard what Maxwell said.

Perhaps, it was because deep down inside, Erika knew that he was right.

Nevertheless, Maxwell didn't seem to have noticed this as he casually responded to Erika.

"I don't know. That's what I'm asking you. Do you have something else that you want to say?"

Although Maxwell still spoke in his casual, nonchalant tone, Erika felt that he was a acting a lot more genuine than he normally does. Emphasis on the word 'felt,' for all Erika knew, she might be just exaggerating things in her mind again.

"Like I always say, there's nothing you could say that could possibly offend me. You're free to speak your mind."

Erika felt the passage of time slow down as she rapidly thought to herself the moment she heard Maxwell's carefree remark.

This could be it.

This could be her moment.

This should be the perfect kind of atmosphere... right?

And Maxwell said it himself, there's nothing that Erika could say that could possibly offend him.

Erika knew what she wanted say.

All she had to do was open her mouth and say it.

Erika just had to say a single, solitary sentence, and if she does, perhaps by a relatively small margin, her deepest dreams and desires will become a reality.

Even if things weren't to work out the way she hoped in the end, she knew that consequences should not be terrible in any shape or form nor should she worry herself about such consequences.

But for some reason, she just couldn't bring herself to do it.

While it may seem rather simple and even comical, for some reason, Erika found it difficult to come to a final conclusion.

This was a rare opportunity.

Could Erika afford to give up a chance such as this?

Who knows when or even if another opportunity like this will arise again?

After thoroughly thinking through her response and mentally strengthening her resolve, Erika felt the passage of time return to its normal pace before she gave her answer.

"No, your majesty... I have nothing to say at all."