Benzedrine stood in a forest, drawing his bow and shooting arrows. The arrows soared into the air, making sharp, piercing noises.

Then, the whistling sound of arrows echoed from not far away. About a dozen people were converging on his location, standing beside Benzedrine.

ƥαṇdαs ηθνε| Among the arrivals was a man named Kawada Kazuo, from the Sixth Imperial Squad of the 498 Regular Forces. He scrutinized the man before him and began the identity verification process as per protocol. "May I know who you are?"

"I am the commander of the Seventh District of the 498th, Benzedrine."

After saying this, Benzedrine took out a small fine gold plate embedded with an earth elemental stone. It was the size of a palm and read:

"498*Seven*Benzedrine*"

"You... You are General Benzedrine, hailed as the Guardian Deity?"

After seeing the badge, Kawada Kazuo immediately stood at attention, legs together, arms tightly pressed to his sides. "I am Kawada Kazuo, leader of Group 2, Hanada Squad, 13th Unit of the Sixth District. I am now leading my team, ready to follow your command!"

"Relax a bit, don't be so tense~ You're making me nervous too~ As for the title 'Guardian Deity,' let's not use it anymore, it makes me quite shy."

"..."

Shy?

You're the one who faced death without flinching, the one who vanquished three Emperor-level zombies without batting an eyelash.

Why would the word 'shy' apply to you?

Is the rumor that you like men true?

Benzedrine put away his identity card, glanced at the surrounding environment, and said with an expression of disgust, "Honestly, I really dislike this identity verification process. But, who can help it since the rules are always changed~ right? Of course, you guys probably haven't seen me before, but I promise, I'll make you like me in the shortest time possible."

"..."

Everyone nodded, their feelings mixed.

Benzedrine continued, "Honestly, I also find this world quite bothersome. But we have a great goal, don't we? To enslave the world! Right?"

"Yes!"Everyone shouted in unison.

"Open your light screen map," Benzedrine ordered, pointing at Kawada Kazuo.

"Reporting, sir. The map's blank upon entering this designated area. To gain access, we'll have to pay a fee."

"I know that~ No need for you to remind me~"

Benzedrine responded lightly, clapping a hand on the man's shoulder. "Let's get started then. Shall we?"

"..."

Kawada Kazuo paused, looking up. "You mean, you want me to pay for it, right?"

Benzedrine shrugged. "Wasn't I clear enough?"

…

Elsewhere, a farmhouse.

A man sat on the porch steps, two frogs basking in the sun by his side. Ming, looking at the vast field of growing corn before him, was a bit annoyed. He wanted to set up some wooden signs to let others know this place already had an owner.

"So annoying~"

Ming had done a small test. The moment he stepped off the porch of the farmhouse, the occupation timer immediately stopped. Puppet occupation didn't count towards the settlement time, so his plan to set up wooden signs could not be executed, which was frustrating.

Now, If only a reliable individual would show up, things would be so much simpler.

Sniff sniff~

It smells good~

"Alice, come here, I've missed you."

Ming stood up, calling out to the woman walking not far away.

Alice stopped in her tracks, smiling at the man. Miss me?

Hmph~ You might as well say you want to use me as a tool. Although we haven't spent a lot of time together, I know what you're thinking after our few encounters.

[Your Foodie looks at the woman dressed in tight jeans, a pink sun-protective outfit, and a sun hat, excitedly nudging Da Vinci... Da Vinci lazily opens his eyes to look, then closes them again to continue sunbathing. This woman, no chance~]

[Foodie is perplexed. The woman's curves, her smooth... Da Vinci sticks out his tongue in disdain. If there were a chance, Ming would've made an action during their previous encounters... ]

"Nice to see you again~"

Ming beckoned Alice over, inviting her to sit on the adjacent step. "Ever feel like there's some kind of destiny between us?"

A light laugh escaped Alice. "If anyone else said that, I'd suspect he was flirting. But coming from you... Why don't you just say what you want from me?"

"Hehe~"

Ming scratched the back of his head, grinning. "You really get me. Well, here's the thing..."

[Your Foodie watches as you engage in hushed conversation with the woman, a lengthy exchange that incites its curiosity. It nudges Da Vinci. There could be something brewing... Da Vinci remains dismissive. He's never seen potential lovers act quite so furtively.]

[Foodie looks at you and the woman stands up together and walks into the house. It looks at Da Vinci. You were wrong this time; they've already gone inside~ Da Vinci remains indifferent. Isn't it normal for thieves to go into houses~?]

[Foodie follows its gut feeling, convinced you're on a romantic rendezvous. Moments later, the frogs hear the creaking sound of floorboards from inside the house... Eyes wide, they hop eagerly to the door's crevice to sneak a peek, only to slink back, disappointed, to the porch steps to continue their sunbathing. They'd anticipated sparks of romance, you two were strenuously removing floorboards~]

[Da Vinci believes that no normal adults would do what you two are doing~]

Shortly thereafter, Ming and Alice emerged, their arms laden with numerous planks of wood.

[Gutmann Agricultural Ltd. exclusive property, keep out or suffer the consequences.]

[…]

While inscribing the planks, Alice commented, "I thought you'd use your real name. After all, it would be somewhat more intimidating."

Ming responded, "It appears you still have much to learn about me. No worries, you'll get the full picture soon enough. Keep the chat going, but don't slow your pace. We need to pick up the speed..."

"Heh~"

Alice quickened her writing, retorting, "Heh~ Remember the terms we agreed upon. Just so you know, this is the first time I've put this much trust in a man."

"Don't sweat it. Do you really think I'd be so petty over a few acres of land?"

Patting his chest, Ming asked, "By the way, do you know any geographical whizzes? Like a cartographer, someone adept at mapping?"

"Are you about to start looking for your next target to exploit?"

The woman moved her hands swiftly, writing on the wooden boards.

"Don't speak ill of me,"

Ming chuckled, "The Adrive you introduced me to is proving quite efficient. He's steering a team of nearly a hundred and says he's never felt more fulfilled. You can check with him if you don't believe me."

Alice laughed in return, "You're not paying him a dime, are you? Merely offering food and shelter?"

The man was stunned, "Wait, is he complaining about having it too good?"