The kingdom that once had occupied the southern corner of the continent was expanding rapidly transforming into an empire. The territories that were not unified among humans were now merged under the rule of the emperor, surpassing the combined lands of all the other species.1

"You can only gain as much as you plan."0

"Are you talking about making plans?"0

"Yes. You cannot truly lay claim to what you have obtained by luck."0

Cainz looked at the map of the continent as he reminisced about the past. He had succeeded in killing the legendary orc instructor Lenox by borrowing the military strength of a human earl. On top of that, through him, Cainz got to build connections with nobles.0

His plans gained further momentum when he joined forces with Rommel, whose capabilities were widely acknowledged by nobles.0

That's how he met the king—a young king who, at that time, was merely a symbolic figure connecting humans under the banner of the kingdom. However, Cainz could see ambition in the king's eyes.0

'Eureka!' he exclaimed inwardly when he met the king. 'If there's a will, there's always a way.'1

He manipulated everyone around him. However, he wasn't the type of coach who helped those in need to get back on their feet and keep running. He was the opposite. He whispered into the ears of those already running and lured them downward toward a cliff.0

"So, did you plan to make the king into an emperor from the beginning?"0

"Akantore was well on the path, and I supported him. It was also a stroke of luck. I wouldn't say I fully planned...0