Don't Want to Be Ordinary Even Though I'm an Extra Character-Chapter 129: [128] It’s time for the main character to develop

Arkan laid out his plans in detail, every point articulated with the calm precision of someone who had contemplated it long before this meeting ever took place. He left nothing out—from the flow of information and approaches to the Church’s factions, to maintaining public perception amid upheaval.

In situations like this, taking the lead was no easy feat, especially when dealing with an institution as deeply rooted as the Krisihan Church. But that didn’t mean it was impossible—especially for someone who could read the winds and chart them into a clear, strategic roadmap.

The room was filled with a tense yet controlled atmosphere, the only sounds being the soft clink of teacups and rustling papers. Arkan spread out a map of the Church’s sphere of influence over the round table, pointing to key locations that marked monasteries, relay posts, and centers of doctrine.

"If we want change, it has to start from the bottom," Arkan said, pressing his finger on the eastern region dominated by moderates. "They’re the easiest to persuade—if we can show them that change doesn’t mean rebellion, but rather adapting to the times."

Elara, who had been listening intently, leaned forward. "So... you want to start with the outer districts before influencing the center?" she asked, a note of curiosity and concern in her voice.

"Exactly," Arkan replied with a slight nod. "The central Church is too stubborn to confront head-on. We need to first weaken their moral authority—by allowing young priests outside the capital to witness a new direction."

Hongward stroked his chin thoughtfully, his gaze serious. "It’s a clever idea... but do we have enough trustworthy people to spread this message without drawing suspicion?"

Faustus gave a short, sarcastic laugh, his shoulders lifting slightly as he leaned back in his chair. "You’re talking about planting ideas, Pastor? Then we’ll need more than just young priests. We’ll need a symbol—or at least... a tool they can believe in," he said, casting a sharp glance at Arkan and Elara.

Arkan nodded slowly, then turned to Elara with a look of confident trust. "Elara, you can help with that," he said firmly, his tone turning more serious. "I have a design for a portable device—something like a phone, but with broader reach. Not just for communication, but for delivering information—precisely and swiftly."

Elara’s eyes lit up with excitement, her fists clenched on her lap as if restraining an overwhelming surge of enthusiasm. "Really! Then I’d be happy to!" she exclaimed, her voice bright like a child given a long-awaited toy.

Faustus scoffed and turned away slightly, his bored expression failing to mask his envy. "Hah, I’m so jealous... But well, I’ve got a lot of work in my lab," he muttered in resignation, as if denying his own desire to join something that sounded far more thrilling.

Hongward, who had been quietly observing the exchange, finally spoke in a calm but sharp tone. "And what about me?" he asked, leaning forward slightly, eyes fixed on Arkan with hope but without melodrama.

Arkan crossed his arms and stared at the man for a moment before responding. "Your role is vital. You’ll be escorted by my men to infiltrate the capital. That’s the most crucial part of all this," he stated with unwavering tone, making it clear that Hongward’s role was far more than a mere supporting one in this grand plan.

The atmosphere in the room settled gradually, like the air itself was holding its breath. Florence re-entered silently and refilled the empty teacups without saying a word, honoring the serious mood that had taken hold. Arkan stared at the large map laid out before him on the round table. Among the scribbles and symbols representing the Church’s dominion, he tapped his finger at the icon marking the Holy Capital.

"We can’t launch a direct assault—not in a military sense, but ideologically," Arkan said softly, as if formulating a complex chess strategy. He glanced at Faustus, who was chewing on a biscuit listlessly.

"We need to plant something deep in the roots of society. Not just ideas, but needs. Dependency."

Faustus raised an eyebrow and set his biscuit down on the plate. "You talk like a cunning merchant. What do you mean by that?"

"The portable communication device," Arkan answered, pointing to a rolled-up blueprint on the side of the table. "We create a communication network that only works with permission from the Lawrence region. We distribute it through Church channels, as if it were a tool for missions or healing. Pastor Hongward will be our spokesperson there."

Elara quickly turned her head, her long hair nearly brushing the rim of her teacup. "And with that... we make the lower society dependent on a technology only we can provide," she whispered, eyes sparkling with understanding. "Clever... even devious. But effective."

"That’s not all," Arkan continued. "We need a symbol of unity between science and faith. The Church won’t accept ideas from scientists outright, but if they come from a religious figure like Hongward, the resistance will be far less. Elara, you and Faustus will formulate a ’clean’ version of the device—simple-looking, spiritual, and easy for the common folk to grasp."

Faustus nodded slowly, his beard swaying gently as he mulled over the details. "Hmm... We could redesign its exterior to resemble a holy relic. Add a soft voice or scripture during activation."

Elara added, "And I could integrate long-distance magical communication based on rune resonance. That would make it seem more like a miracle than technology."

Hongward listened closely, then let out a breath. "You’re entrusting this role to me, but I have to ask... how far am I allowed to go?" he asked softly, his face now unable to hide the moral burden beginning to weigh on him.

Arkan regarded him calmly, then leaned back in his seat. "You’ll have full authority to shape the narrative on the ground. But don’t forget—our ultimate goal isn’t domination, but stability. This world won’t survive under the weight of old fanaticism."

"In that case," Hongward said, straightening up, "I’ll begin preparing the remaining sympathizers within the Empire. Not everyone in the capital is blind to tradition."

Florence stepped forward, handing over a folder containing a list of potential names. "These are academics and religious practitioners who’ve had disagreements with the Church’s central authority. They might be our bridge."

Arkan took the folder and gave a faint smile. "Good. Then this marks the beginning... of a silent revolution." He looked at the three before him.

###

Several days passed with a hidden tension lurking beneath the seemingly routine life in the Lawrence region. But behind the administrative desks and supply distribution routes, Arkan was preparing something far greater than mere territorial management.

Beyond organizing logistics and the information network, Arkan knew the time had come to push Rainer further. The young man’s natural talent wasn’t just a blessing—it was the cornerstone of the future Arkan was quietly building.

That afternoon, the sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the training grounds where soldiers honed their skills. Amid the dust and the clashing of weapons, Rainer stood out—his spear spinning in increasingly fluid and sharp movements.

Sweat dripped from his brow, a testament to the intensity of his training, while the supervising officers could do little more than observe in silence. His technique was already beyond the standard of most soldiers—he danced through the air, carving deadly arcs with the tip of his weapon.

A servant hurriedly approached, carrying a message directly from the castle’s central office. Rainer paused his training, wiped his forehead with his arm, and accepted the small scroll handed to him.

His eyes sharpened as he read the brief contents, and without hesitation, he made his way toward the main entrance of the castle. His boots left traces of sweat and dust, carrying his sturdy frame toward the room where Arkan awaited him.

Inside, Arkan stood near an open window, letting the spring breeze gently stir the curtains. His eyes remained fixed on the clear sky, as if measuring a horizon that ordinary people couldn’t see. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

When Rainer entered and offered a brief bow, Arkan turned and gave a slight nod. "You’re right on time, as always," he said softly, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable weight.

"You called, so of course I came," Rainer replied succinctly, standing upright in the center of the room. There was a trace of curiosity in his tone, but he held it back, waiting for Arkan to speak.

Arkan stepped slowly toward the round table at the side of the room, where several documents and maps had been spread out. He pointed to a small region circled in red ink, then looked at Rainer with a serious gaze.

"I have a task for you. This isn’t just a military order—it’s part of your true journey," he said, his tone hinting at something much greater than what appeared on the surface.

"Well, are you interested in the empire?" Arkan said with both hands open.