I Became a Genius Mechanic at the Academy

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The flow of the world is changing.

Originally, several kingdoms that were supposed to face destruction have all been welcomed under the Empire.

Everyone is lavishly praising the Empire’s humanitarian generosity.

However, this public sentiment arose because diplomats from the various kingdoms integrated into Edgar’s territory started speaking up.

With the testimonies and appeals of the diplomatic alliance led by Carter, the global political situation began to shift favorably towards Ed.

“So far, it’s going smoothly.”

Thus, Ed successfully relocated 17 countries to his territory.

In terms of population, a staggering 93 million entered Ed’s territory.

However, there were certainly physical limitations to accommodate this vast number of people.

No matter how expansive the Empire’s land is, Ed’s territory is only 2.5 times the size of South Korea.

It was impossible to accommodate the world’s population of nearly 1 billion.

Therefore, since a long time ago, Ed has been working hard to persuade the surrounding territories to build an economic community alliance.

As a result, he succeeded in connecting around five territories into one.

Currently, Ed’s defensive line surrounds these five territories.

He has secured a landmass comparable to combining four states of the United States.

“The Orserk Family has settled in a great position.”

The land of the Empire consists of 70% flat terrain.

Thanks to these geographical characteristics, Ed was able to reap immense benefits.

Not only is it very easy to construct large-scale accommodation facilities, but forming agricultural complexes crucial for mass production is also incredibly convenient.

Moreover, the underground water and resources are also abundant, meaning the veins are unlikely to run dry.

Indeed, the Orserk family has firmly established themselves in what could be called a ‘land of limitless potential.’

No matter how one thinks about it, it was a strategic starting point.

“Of course, I need to allocate 50% of this landmass for food production…”

However, at least 50% of such high-quality landmass must be used for food production.

The reason is simple: the population accommodated in humanity’s last fortress is nearing 1 billion.

To feed all these people, there would have to be significant investment in food production.

Thus, Ed began researching somewhat insane methods.

To survive, he resolved to consume anything edible and continued his research tirelessly.

As a result, Ed developed a way to eat ‘Demon Meat.’

Demons, being moving meat that rushes to fortresses in real-time, provided an unmatched food source if they could be used for consumption.

“Mmm. Tasty.”

And so, currently,

Ed was munching on Demon Meat.

Among demons, there are originally monsters that became demon-kind after being tainted by magic, so by removing the magic intertwined in their blood and undergoing special processing, it helps in consuming high-quality proteins.

Depending on the recipe, the flavors and tastes are also quite guaranteed, making it an invaluable resource for supplementing the scarce food supply.

“Let’s see… have I finished research on 13 types now?”

Thus, Ed skimmed through the list of edible demon species.

He had completed research and development on 13 species so far.

In the future, as the number of edible entities increases, it would also boost the training of ‘Demon Hunters.’

This is literally the project to raise human hunters who hunt demons to survive.

“Is it delicious?”

Just then, a refreshing voice pierced Ed’s eardrums.

It was Eve.

Having entered the office without him noticing, she plopped down next to Ed and gazed intently at the Demon Meat.

Ed waved the bone and said, “This one tastes a bit like chicken, right? Could it be a bird monster?”

“Yeah. Originally, it’s an ancient avian monster that inhabits the Calwin Great Forest, but it has been demonized.”

Eve said as she pulled up the monster’s data.

After confirming the appearance, Ed made a disgusted sound and placed the bones back in the bowl.

“That’s quite an unappetizing appearance. We should hide it from people.”

“Right. It’s better not to show demonized monsters if possible… But look here. I analyzed how the addition of the occupation ‘Demon Hunter’ might change the economic structure.”

Eve projected holograms, showing various charts and diagrams of data.

It was an analysis of which businesses would emerge and which would decline with the introduction of the ‘Demon Hunter’ profession.

“First, demand for various equipment will increase. It’s bound to have limits on mass-produced equipment, so to achieve results, we need to seek out companies specializing in equipment production. Fortunately, there are many craftsmen in the Fix Territory.”

“…That’s true.”

“Next in ranking for companies to seek out would be the Dwarf Blacksmith Guild. If your plan goes through and the Dwarf Alliance Kingdom establishes its own defense system, trade will occur via warp gates. However, trade volume through the warp gates will inherently be limited, which will increase prices, and naturally reduce competitiveness. Therefore, the Dwarf Blacksmith Guild will likely choose a strategy of high-end supplies. Additionally, in terms of precision machinery and magical engineering, dwarves will lead the Fix Guild, increasing the chances that top-tier Demon Hunters will prefer dwarf goods. This outlines the general flow of demand.”

Eve elaborated on this new business and its associated emerging sectors.

In summary, it meant that as the Demon Hunters gain popularity, a large supply of meat would flood into humanity’s last fortress.

In turn, businesses for distributing and managing Demon Meat would emerge, along with management companies supporting Demon Hunters.

“However, if left unchecked, a monopoly could form. The management company would likely have corrupt ties with the Fix Merchant Association, and if it proceeds as is, it would grow into a structure that exploits the Demon Hunters. Due to the detrimental effects, the management firms would coerce the Demon Hunters into purchasing weapons from the Fix Merchant Association, thereby inevitably leading to trade disputes with the Dwarf Merchant Association.”

“…Did you foresee that much? Impressive. So, can’t we just impose some regulations?”

“…That’s not easy. The person pushing for the management business is none other than one of your loyal subordinates. Gric.”

…Gric.

Gric is one of Edgar’s trusted subordinates who has been with him through the territory’s revival and development.

He is recognized for his capabilities and loyalty, managing multiple businesses and is one of the people Ed trusts the most.

Yet, for someone like Gric to become the head of a black corporate entity is shocking.

“Gric… would do such a thing? That’s quite unexpected.”

“That would be true from your standpoint. That person genuinely respects and follows you. But he doesn’t think on a larger scale. His focus lies solely in protecting and expanding the legacy you leave behind. In other words, his sole concern is the revival of the Fix Territory. He likely sees himself as righteous. He’s a person who would be satisfied if the inhabitants of the territory could eat their fill and sleep warmly.”

Ed rubbed his forehead.

It was indeed possible, considering that Gric is loyal and takes good care of his own.

“Can’t you keep him in check? When I’m gone, you’re the second-in-command, after all.”

“…That’s not as easy as it sounds. Even if you were to transfer a lot of authority to me, it would still fall far short of your influence. Moreover, I have been supporting you without stepping into the spotlight. In contrast, Gric has supported you from the beginning, leading many people in obedience to your commands. In terms of recognition and influence, Gric wins decisively.”

Ed gazed into the distance for a moment.

It seems that problems could arise if he were to disappear.

After all, it appears inevitable that discord would arise even in the solid structure he thought he had established.

“…What about preemptively educating Gric?”

“That would be difficult too. Ultimately, people tend to follow their nature. If it were Gric, he would view the reduction of the Fix Territory’s influence as a betrayal against the deceased you.”

“…That’s a tough pill to swallow. The very loyalty could backfire.”

With a vast array of data, Eve simulated the scenario of Gric becoming the head of a black corporation.

Ed inquired about the probability of such an event occurring.

To which Eve responded it was 97%.

Ed let out a hollow laugh and said, “That’s quite certain. But I can’t exile Gric either. Just look at all he’s done.”

“Exactly. Gric is already your right-hand man. If you were to cast him aside over something that hasn’t even happened yet, it’s likely to lead to an even worse future.”

Suddenly, Ed recalled the history he learned during his student years.

He thought of a history where military upheavals arose once a king died.

No matter how benevolent a king might be, bloodshed has always followed death.

In the early Goryeo period with King Gwangjong and in the early Joseon period with Taeyong and Sejo.

“It’s not just that. Everyone here is gathered solely for you. So, of course, disputes will arise if you disappear. Even David and Anthony, who you often playfully bullied, will wield significant influence. They will certainly become substantial forces too.”

Eve said, projecting the organizational chart for after Ed’s disappearance.

Everything that was once his would be split among various loyal subordinates.

“I won’t be able to control them. Sure, on the surface, it seems like I could govern them, but they won’t genuinely follow me.”

Ed smiled to himself.

Ah, so that’s why kings often die young.

The notion that everything would be resolved simply by entrusting everything to Eve was exceptionally naive.

“…So, what’s the solution you’ve thought of? Surely you have something in mind?”

Yet, Eve wouldn’t bring up such a thorny topic without a resolution.

As expected, Eve nodded and began to present Ed with a solution.

“There’s indeed one way. There’s someone who can legitimately inherit all your authority and power. That person would naturally be revered for controlling your loyal subordinates.”

…Someone who could legitimately inherit his authority.

The only person who came to mind was his father, James.

However, James was merely an ordinary blacksmith, unfit to handle such a significant role.

Ed tilted his head and asked Eve.

“Someone who can legitimately inherit my authority? Who else could there be? I have no family.”

Eve nodded.

Indeed, there really isn’t any family to inherit Ed’s power and wealth ‘for now.’

“…Family can be made. You can get married.”

The easiest way to create a family is through marriage.

“…Marriage? Eve, you’re not implying…”

And the moment Ed got the hint of ‘marriage,’ he could decipher what Eve was hinting at.

“Yeah. That’s right. The Emperor’s only daughter, Sephilia Yulius Kaindell von Orserk. With her name and authority, it would be sufficient to control the Fix Group. Not to mention, she possesses magical eyes.”

“Ah…”

The faces of enraged heroines flashed through his mind.