Daegu Provisional Government (1)
In truth, the Ulsan War had been a war of realization not just for the Balhut Cult, but for Bahamut himself.
Of course, when they recaptured Pohang, no one could stop the Balhut Cult's advance, and they even succeeded in summoning Bahamut, forcing Pohang's leader to submit and fall under their influence. But the Ulsan front was the first battlefield where the Balhut Cult truly clashed with another major force. Even after absorbing the resistance army fighting the Immortal Cult, the battle dragged on in stalemate—despite Jeong Dong-gun stepping up, they had only managed to reclaim North Ulsan.
We can't destroy the city—that's a bigger penalty than I thought! The moment the city falls, it ends in a Pyrrhic victory.
Reviewing the war, Bahamut concluded that while land itself wasn't the key, the urban infrastructure was. That's why neither the Balhut Cult nor the Immortal Cult could deploy their high-powered magic or overwhelming might. Both sides fought strictly with conventional forces, neither committing their trump cards—the Dragon God Bahamut or the Dark Lord.
They both knew it. Playing that ace might win the battle, but if the city was destroyed in the process, it'd be a hollow triumph.
Fights alone can't solve everything anymore. Even in this apocalypse, that's the reality.
From now on, the Balhut Cult would need to pursue victories beyond brute force. Military dominance mattered, but diplomatic gains—expanding influence without losses—had become equally vital. Pohang's integration into the cult wasn't through conquest but peaceful negotiation, and their smooth absorption without further casualties stemmed from policies that greatly satisfied Pohang afterward.
Subjugating all of Korea was impossible from the start. If this apocalypse drags on for years, maybe—but in the short term? No time for that.
He deemed pure military unification of the peninsula, like in some game, utterly unfeasible. Even if possible, the unified Korea afterward would be a fragile house of cards, riddled with resentment. The moment the Balhut Cult showed weakness, those subjugated would rebel.
They could handle initial challenges, sure.
"Negotiation, then?"
"Indeed. Subjugating every faction on the peninsula was never viable. Better to gather those ousted from power by refugees, negotiate alliances one by one, and build from there."
But as time passed, the cult couldn't fend off every uprising. Bahamut, who never wanted such challenges in the first place, was shifting toward expansion through diplomacy over force.
"The timing's perfect. There's the Daegu Provisional Government, just stripped of power by refugees."
"Ah, those people?"
"Yes—the ones most desperate for outside help. Strike now with negotiations, and we'll reap major gains."
The refugee-induced warlord chaos was ideal for diplomatically absorbing minor factions. For Bahamut, the Daegu Provisional Government—recently usurped—was a prime target. They'd already notched diplomatic wins at the international reconstruction council: contracting Queen Alicia of the UK, forging ties with Japan, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
This time, too, he expected big results from negotiating with Daegu's remnants. And for them, aid from an external power like the Balhut Cult would be a godsend.
Plus, it wasn't internal forces that took Daegu—outsiders did. They'll be burning with rage.
Bahamut noted that Daegu's government hadn't fallen to insiders but to invaders. An internal coup might smack of impeachment or their own failures, but this was an reforming administration blindsided by alien usurpers.
Right now, they'd be seething with hatred toward the refugee warlords who'd suddenly seized Daegu—eyes bloodshot, desperate to reclaim their seats.
"So... the strategy you're envisioning—is it some kind of union? Like the early Balhut Cult?"
"Precisely. The original Balhut Cult emerged from survivor camps reaching consensus. We're circling back to that."
Yu-na referenced the cult's origins, and Bahamut agreed it was similar. The early cult formed from scattered camps uniting; his new vision was a federation centered on the Balhut Cult, drawing in other factions.
The advantages of such a structure...
"Above all, low risk. The returns? If luck holds, far beyond expectations."
Absorb existing forces without heavy losses—low risk, high reward.
But...
"That sword could turn on us."
Risks existed: entrenched factions could burrow in like cancer, resisting the cult. They'd already felt this post-cabinet formation, and as opposition grew, the burden fell on the Balhut Cult—Yu-na's concern was natural.
"Isn't that happening already?"
"Ah... true."
In their democratic state, opposition proved their legitimacy across the peninsula. Sure, the third party grilled Yongsinhoe and Heonmin Democratic Party policies, bound by tacit pacts. But they brushed it off with democratic procedure and voter backing. A future federation wouldn't differ.
"If they're dissatisfied, let them compete at the polls."
"Right. If they're that unhappy, they should prove it through the democratic elections they champion."
Bahamut smiled faintly; Yu-na mirrored it. Ah, yes—the Balhut Cult upholds power democratically! Vent grievances at the ballot box; crush illegal coups, riots, or terror decisively.
"Just in case, we'll slip on a collar they won't notice. One they can't easily shake."
"Naturally."
Preempting betrayal was prudent. No blind trust—they'd enforce control with ironclad safeguards.
"How fares the Ulsan front, by the way?"
"After the big win, just skirmishes—no major moves."
Shifting from Daegu plans, Bahamut inquired about Ulsan; Yu-na reported the deadlock. That's why they could assign Han Seong-geun and Jin A-yeon to police duties—yielding results.
The defeated Immortal Cult seemed likeliest to stir, though.
"Any Immortal Cult activity?"
"Nothing notable. They're probably hunkering down."
The cult, stung by the Myeongchon Bridge defeat, focused on recovery beyond minor clashes. Their living leaders couldn't ignore Korea's hellish weather for endless fighting either.
"If the Immortal Cult's quiet, we can focus on Daegu without issue. Scout the provisional government's remnants. Let's forge an alliance."
"Understood, Lord Bahamut."
Bahamut prioritized Daegu over Ulsan; Yu-na nodded, setting to work. First stop: her fellow Dragon Priestess, Baek Seol-hwa.
"You've come, Sister Yu-na!"
"Yeah. How's Pohang's internal security, Seol-hwa?"
"The new Police Agency's handled most of it."
Seol-hwa welcomed Yu-na warmly into her office, answering earnestly with expectant eyes.
"Not fully resolved at the root, though."
"Need anything?"
"Can you track down Heo Jin-ho, the old Daegu leader? Full support—it's a divine edict from the Dragon God."
As hoped, a direct order from Bahamut. Seol-hwa bowed in honor, vowing success—but...
"Yes, leave it to me. Issue is, that leaves the East Sea front short..."
Her zone—key cult interests—might suffer.
"The Immortal Cult's tied up recovering. Kim Tae-sik alone should suffice for now."
Post-loss, the cult wasn't poised for immediate threats.
"That's a relief. I'll hand command to the admiral."
With a naval stand-in, the East Sea stayed secure sans priestess. Marines' morale might dip without her, but she couldn't frontline forever—this timing honed victory without her.
"Oh—and use the Police Agency where possible. Other departments too, but give the new agency a shot at merits."
"Affirming their purpose, right? Got it, Sis."
Yu-na urged police involvement to build prestige amid skepticism. For the cult wanting internal stability, this mission was perfect.
"I swear, by my life, to fulfill Lord Bahamut's divine edict."
Seol-hwa pledged solemnly; Yu-na smiled back.
"Yes. All unfolds as the Dragon God Bahamut wills."