A Villain's Way of Taming Heroines

Chapter 179: No Better Choice - I

"We can... continue mass production?"

In Hendrik's office, Ravenna quickly repeated after a brief pause, "We can proceed with mass production?"

"Indeed, we have identified the issue—it lies within the core circuit's production chain, not your fault."

Although the alchemist representing the Alchemy Association stated this, there was no hint of apology in his demeanor or tone; in fact, he seemed rather impatient.

Compared to the Etheric Academy, the Alchemy Association harbored less animosity towards the Tower of Babel, as the latter's cutting-edge theories were often seen as challenges to the former. Even though the Tower of Babel ventured into the realm of alchemy, no matter how absurd their ideas, alchemists would still applaud their efforts.

The domain of creators requires transcendent talent, fervent passion, and the ability to shatter conventional wisdom.

However, since the Tower of Babel's members often only spoke of impractical ideas with great difficulty in implementation, the Alchemy Association held no particular fondness for them, deeming their abilities inadequate.

"Remember to send someone to our alchemy workshop for coordination. The pressure from the Elder Princess is immense; we must expedite the process." Perhaps because he had already discussed matters with Hendrik, the alchemist coldly uttered these words before turning to leave.

Once he had exited the office, Hendrik, seated at his desk, slowly exhaled.

As the leader of the Tower of Babel and a formidable fifth-stage mage, he lacked the imposing presence one might expect. Under the authority of the Elder Princess, the intimidation of the Etheric Academy, and amidst dealings with various factions, Hendrik's edge had long been worn away.

Although many hoped that academia would remain purely academic, the harsh reality was that it could never be that simple.

"Ravenna, our most pressing issue has been resolved."

The man's heavy thoughts eased considerably. The Alchemy Association's strike and Ravenna's soul-related problem had been major concerns, but now that one had inexplicably resolved itself, it was undoubtedly fantastic news.

He intended to pat Ravenna's shoulder in encouragement but quickly withdrew his hand upon encountering her icy gaze.

Unperturbed, Hendrik knew Ravenna disliked physical contact with others and had merely forgotten in his excitement. After examining her puppet body, he slightly tempered his joy and solemnly inquired, "How severe is the issue?"

"Far more severe than either of us imagined," Ravenna replied expressionlessly. "If not resolved promptly, my soul will be unable to return to my body."

Hendrik's expression shifted subtly. He furrowed his brow in contemplation before speaking, "Soren Canaster is a neutral party among the Etheric Academy's nine highest-ranking members... He is seldom present in the imperial capital and has no reason to oppose us directly."

"He acted to fulfill the young Hydral's punishment for you. Fundamentally speaking, as long as you can obtain that Hydral's forgiveness—"

"That is impossible."

Ravenna interrupted Hendrik, "He will never forgive me."

She knew all too well that for Ansel, there was no such thing as "forgiveness." Since he sought only to subdue her, he would never grant her a chance to catch her breath.

However, the other party in the gamble had also promptly countered.

Ravenna thought to herself.

The Hydrals had forced the Alchemy Association to halt the mass production of the second-generation floating cannons, but a mysterious individual had somehow managed to resume production. At least for now, she and the Tower of Babel no longer needed to worry about this matter. Next was... wait—

Ravenna suddenly murmured this word.

Hendrik looked puzzled, "Ravenna, what did you say?"

The woman merely adjusted her glasses and calmly replied, "Nothing, I just remembered something."

Indeed, the choice.

At this juncture, it is the crossroads leading her to the next square.

The contest between Ansel and another enigmatic individual on the mass production of floating cannon is far from a mere restriction or liberation for her. The mass production of floating cannon itself is a crucial node.

From a higher vantage point, Ravenna, who is observing herself, successfully discerns the path beneath her feet.

The cannon... The mysterious person who can barely be considered on my side needs me to promote the mass production of the floating cannon, for the reason that—

Mechanical armor!

The scene she saw when she woke up from unconsciousness resurfaces, and Ravenna instantly understands.

Indeed, Hydral handed the design of the mechanical armor to the Etheric Academy. Although she doesn't know what he got, the Etheric Academy... also obtained an Etheric weapon of epoch-making significance.

If the Etheric Academy also possesses an Etheric weapon worth investing resources in for Evora, then the few advantages of the Tower of Babel will be significantly weakened.

As a countermeasure against Hydral, the mysterious person let Ravenna promote the mass production of the floating cannon—although the mechanical armor can be said to crush the floating cannon in terms of force, even the Etheric Academy cannot overcome the defect of its being unable to mass-produce.

Yes... The force Evora needs is one that can arm the entire empire, allowing her to feel the violence and power that can completely dominate the continent. She doesn't need any powerful individual force.

Right, as long as the floating cannon can be promoted, no, not just the floating cannon, as long as they can promote the research and development of more powerful mass-produced weapons, the Babel Tower can contain the Etheric Academy!

This is the path that the mysterious person pointed out for her. Although that guy also sees her as a pawn, at least... He is betting that she can succeed.

To successfully usher in a new era.

This idea directly swallowed the moment of hesitation that flashed in her mind for no reason.

Ravenna doesn't like to make weapons, because violence and advancement are not linked. She doesn't reject violence, but she doesn't want to make violence her business. Even so, the vision of the world in her eyes does not have so many brutal weapons.

But just like she had no choice at the beginning, she has no choice now.

—>