170. Serabeol (2)
The birth of the allied nation Serabeol! It was the long-awaited founding of a new country on the Korean Peninsula that the Balhut Cult had anticipated for so long, and the narrative of Serabeol's establishment had already been meticulously crafted by the cabinet's administrative staff, ready for distribution. Of course, it would undoubtedly include plenty of mythical elements ill-suited to the modern era—like being a nation blessed by the Dragon God—but many intellectuals within the Balhut Cult saw no issue with that.
"No, but it really is a nation blessed by the Dragon God... Can you deny that narrative?"
"Uh... no? Why would we deny it? It's a fact."
The problem was that this mythical narrative was entirely true. Choi Yu-na's first encounter with Bahamut might have some exaggerations, but the basic framework wasn't it straight out of a myth? A girl wandering the mountains stumbles into a mysterious cave, meets Bahamut, contracts with him, and becomes the Dragon Priestess—a classic tale!
And the Balhut Cult established afterward had conquered most of the Yeongnam region under the Dragon God Bahamut's blessings, effectively building the new nation of Serabeol.
It's absurd. Somehow, we've created a myth.
As a story straight out of legend unfolded in reality, Bahamut couldn't suppress his bitter smile. The issue was, even if he wanted to blame someone, the Balhut Cult had recreated mythology in this modern age—and Bahamut himself had lent his power because he thought it was cool. No point regretting it now; it was far too late.
"Is something wrong?"
"No. I was just surprised that we succeeded in recapturing Daegu before Ulsan, contrary to expectations. Thanks to that, Serabeol's founding happened in a flash. The road to get here... wasn't all that long, was it?"
Even keeping the Balhut Cult—which had been reviled as a pseudo-religion—intact and elevating it to state religion while founding a nation... Bahamut couldn't read this fool's intentions through his eyes. But then, those eyes had always been decorative, so there was nothing unusual about it. If this guy had thrown his full support into it and still failed to found a nation, the world would have already plunged into end-times despair.
"It's all thanks to your guidance, Lord Bahamut."
After all, the technology, energy resources, and knowledge(?) shortages had all been covered by Bahamut's provisions! As Bahamut muttered to himself, Choi Yu-na—reporting duties from the temple—flashed a bright smile and declared it was all due to his guidance.
Bahamut gazed at her with a somewhat enlightened expression.
No, it feels more like Yu-na's talent made it happen.
Honestly, from Bahamut's perspective, what he'd provided the Balhut Cult was mostly convenience improvements. Strip that away, and it was all Choi Yu-na's charisma leading the provisional government. Sure, he'd laid the foundation, but rolling it out on the ground was purely her doing—and she'd managed brilliantly, birthing the nation of Serabeol. In truth, Serabeol was the work of Bahamut and his first contractor, Choi Yu-na.
"That said, we've solidified the nation's foundation with this, but there's still so much lacking."
"We're far from done. We have to rebuild ruined Daegu, and on the Ulsan front, we need to choose between a ceasefire or occupation."
But founding Serabeol didn't mean it dominated the entire peninsula. The Balhut Cult's effective control was limited to Yeongnam—excluding South Ulsan and Busan. Serabeol hadn't secured the key hub cities of Ulsan and Busan, and inland Daegu was practically the front line...
"Among the cities we actually control, only Gyeongju and Pohang are functioning properly. The rest... they're more frontline fortresses than cities."
In reality, the only areas with smooth urban functions—like economic activity—were Gyeongju and Pohang. Even after recapturing Daegu, Serabeol wasn't much different from the pre-founding Balhut Cult era, proof that its foundations were alarmingly shaky. This forced extreme reliance on overseas trade and demanded careful diplomacy with foreign powers.
"At least the granary regions along the Hyongsan River are recovering."
"A chance to reduce our food dependence on America. We can't rely on them forever. The other areas need more time."
Aware of its weaknesses, Serabeol pursued reconstruction and development to overcome them. Food sovereignty, in particular—where they'd been leashed by America—was a priority. They were rebuilding and developing the immediately usable midstream Hyongsan River granary to reclaim it. It was a long-term play over short-term gains, ill-suited to the apocalypse, but...
"Still, if it succeeds, we can cut back on food imports from America."
In this end-times world, food sovereignty was a vital lifeline. They had to prepare for potential disruptions in US trade. If that happened, Serabeol would starve—so restoring granary regions was essential for the nation's survival.
"The road ahead is long."
"Yes. Every region we govern needs reconstruction and development. We've patched things up hastily for the apocalypse, but it's all on the brink of collapse."
Ultimately, all Balhut Cult territories required rebuilding, demanding resources and time. Fortunately, selling magic items developed by the Cult—technically by Bahamut—to America would cover the funds. Time was the only scarcity, but with Daegu as a buffer zone and barrier...
"At least we can focus development on our core bases: Gyeongju and Pohang."
The reconstruction and development of their home bases, Gyeongju and Pohang, could be completed.
"In the end, founding a nation hasn't changed what we do one bit."
"But it means a new country has emerged to replace Korea, right?"
"That's true, but..."
The tasks remained unchanged. Bahamut might feel that way, but the Balhut Cult and outsiders wouldn't see Serabeol's founding as business as usual.
In reality...
"Lord Bahamut. Lady Yu-na."
"What is it, Hwarang?"
"Special Envoy Steven David requests an audience."
America—Serabeol's formal ally now that it was official—had dispatched its special envoy to congratulate the founding. Upon the temple Hwarang's report of Steven's arrival at Bahamut's temple, Choi Yu-na paused in thought...
"Oh, right. Steven sent us a congratulatory message on the founding narrative too."
"Looks like he's here to deliver those congratulations in person. And maybe float some minor requests."
America had warmly welcomed Serabeol's official announcement. For Steven to come all this way, it was safe to assume he carried America's stance directly to Bahamut himself—and sure enough...
"Heartfelt congratulations on Serabeol's founding. You've finally transitioned from a provisional government to a true one."
"You seem genuinely thrilled."
"Of course! Now we're real friends."
Steven, granted audience, immediately congratulated Serabeol and welcomed it as America's friend. Especially from the perspective of his administration...
"Above all, the White House has been criticized as imperialistic by its opponents. This was a golden opportunity to dodge the opposition's attacks."
Steven celebrated Serabeol's founding with what seemed like sincere relief at escaping the imperialism label.
"Imperialism, huh. What's that about?"
Bahamut was caught off-guard by the sudden mention. Imperialism had been infamous for two centuries, its harms still visible today. Accusing the opposition of it implied the current regime had vulnerabilities too.
"Haha, it's sensitive, so I shouldn't say... but you ought to know, Lord Bahamut. Consider it a personal favor."
"Appreciated."
Steven called it sensitive but framed it as his personal favor—not official US policy—drawing a line. Bahamut recalled times Steven had leaked info this way under the guise of "personal favors" for America's goals, so he listened intently.
"Our alliances are all provisional governments, so they've been attacked as 'trying to swallow other nations under imperialistic logic.' The cabinet can't really counter the 'provisional government' label."
"Fair point."
It was ripe for imperialism accusations. Post-apocalypse, America's allies were all provisional at best; exploiting that could fuel misunderstandings. The opposition had no choice but to cry imperialism—though everyone knew the truth, it was just partisan WWE.
"They even questioned whether they can trust Dragon God Bahamut."
"Oh?"
On the flip side, the opposition doubted Bahamut. He wasn't shocked—it was inevitable—just mildly surprised it had arrived.
The real reaction came from...
"What does that mean, Steven?"
"Simply put, some claim there's no proof you're on humanity's side."
The Dragon Priestess Choi Yu-na. Under her intense gaze, Steven summarized neatly. It was a sensitive topic even for the Balhut Cult: questioning Dragon God Bahamut's trustworthiness could undermine the US-Serabeol alliance.
"Th-th-those..."
More than anything, Yu-na hated it because...
"Irreverent fools! How dare they doubt the Dragon God!"
Of course! This kid's my fanatic!
...anyone daring to doubt Dragon God Bahamut. She usually seemed normal, but on Bahamut-related matters, she lost all reason in rage. Bahamut just sighed in resigned enlightenment—it wasn't her first time; he'd reached acceptance.
"Haha, truly terrifying—the Dragon Priestess's fury."
Steven, aware of it, laughed wryly with feigned fear. But the real surprise was next.
"That's understandable."
"Eh?"
Bahamut admitted he seemed suspicious. Normally, one would deny or bristle, but he accepted it.
"They haven't seen me in person. I've given them no reason to trust me. Demanding it would be unreasonable."
"Hahaha. You are unique, Lord Bahamut."
No real issue anyway. The regime held power; opposition talk was just noise. In end-times, regime changes weren't easy—history showed governments gained strength in crises.
The current regime hasn't erred. A change won't happen easily.
As long as the apocalypse raged officially, Bahamut figured no change. But...
"The problem is it's blown up bigger than expected. We could lose the next election."
Contrary to his assumption, regime change loomed darkly.
Wait, this is serious!
A new regime might not favor Serabeol. Two years until the US election—plenty of time, or perilously little. If the next one pushed America-first policies...
Danger! The nation could collapse economically in two years!
Serabeol's US-fueled growth could stall. Grave for the Balhut Cult—an unavoidable reality.
"So, you're asking me to help your election?"
"Not at all. But even if we lose, I want to secure Serabeol's interests. We're not planning to go down easy, of course. President Arthur is an outstanding leader battling the apocalypse."
Bahamut probed, but Steven firmly denied needing help. He'd shared this to protect Serabeol's stake; they were confident. For now, it was just omens—President Arthur had stacked achievements.
"Don't get complacent, or you might fail."
"Haha, with all these accomplishments? Surely we have supporters."
"True enough."
America warred against the apocalypse, winning ground. They'd maintain close Serabeol ties to handle variables—no need to worry...
But something feels off.
...though apocalypse unpredictability nagged Bahamut—like a butterfly effect brewing unseen. The refugee crisis had erupted from blind spots too.
"You have your own intel sources. Handle the rest yourselves."
What Bahamut could do was...
"Heh, that new contractor's proving helpful, it seems."
"Just mutual respect."
"Ah, as expected. That's fine by us."
...grasp Europe's situation via the contractor arranged by America. Steven smiled brightly, summing it up with "that's good enough."