[FMMIKA] Chapter 304: The Future of Earth

"Ahh~ this really has a touch of ancient charm."

While Mash and Ritsuka were establishing contact with Chaldea on Mount Olympus, Artorius found himself in the famous Roman baths, soaking in hot water and letting out contented sighs.

Even though it was a far cry from what he was used to, considering he was two thousand years behind the modern world, Artorius viewed the Roman baths as something rather quaint.

No tiles, no sauna, and certainly no special baths like mud baths or milk baths. So, when it came to bathing, he couldn't help but think about the super luxurious bathhouses in his previous life. They had everything—full-service treatment and the only downside was their strict policy on keeping things clean.

Sitting in the hot water, Artorius, with half-closed eyes, felt a bit lightheaded and started to wander into various thoughts.

'The alliance with the Roman Empire has been successful. Now, we can focus on the Eastern offensive, internal affairs, the tech tree, and the handling of history.'

'But no, the Roman Empire's strength is really lacking. If I leave it unattended, it's like swallowing a bitter pill.'

'I need to figure out a way to help her.'

Artorius pondered on this issue.

Unlike Nero who worried about conquering territories, Artorius had no interest in that. This Singularity and its conquest held no desire for him.

For him, only two things had meaning.

First, the compilation of a new human history through the Singularity, and second, ensuring the repair of 'previous human history'.

Secondly, Artorius appeared in the 5th century AD. He needed to maintain and repair human history before that, ensuring no actions were taken—obviously, for a clear reason.

Until his power was strong enough to reverse cause and effect, all the way back to the point of everything's origin. That is, maintaining a normal timeline before the chaos, the creation of the universe, and the Big Bang, all before his birth.

This way, his actions in this Singularity were, in a way, no different from Chaldea.

He had to ensure Nero's survival and correct history.

However, on the other hand, Artorius also needed to leave some room for maneuvering. With enough power and a perfect degree of reversing cause and effect, he could completely occupy the history 'before his birth.'

'Writing a new human history is not a problem.'

Artorius continued in his thoughts.

'In Greece and Anatolia, electrification is steadily spreading.'

Yes, after the Age of Steam, it was only natural for electrification to follow.

The application of electricity, the widespread use of electrical appliances, numerous power stations, lights, telephones, and radios.

Not to mention the invention and application of the internal combustion engine, along with a plethora of associated technologies, especially progress in metallurgy and materials science, advancements in physics, chemistry, whether in theory or application, biotechnology, medicine, mechanical engineering, and so on—of course, not forgetting the most crucial electronic technology.

Electron tube computers happily replaced steam differential engines. With the application of magecraft, the world was taking giant strides into the 3G era.

All of this happened in the 'New Human History' after Artorius's 'Age of Steam'.

Giant airplanes, flying machines, massive land cruisers, and mechanized forces—after experiencing the magical steampunk world, the world took a turn towards a more 'normal' direction.

Skyscrapers with steel structures joyfully rose, and enormous dams were poured with countless reinforced concrete.

Highways and internal combustion engine railways made the world more connected, and ships using gas turbines became larger and larger. One hundred thousand tons, five hundred thousand tons, and even one million tons.

The evolution of the entire world suddenly accelerated. Human manipulation of nature, even the conquest of natural forces, became more potent than in the 'Proper Human History'. It was deeper, more intense, more direct—because in this 'New Human History', the world at this time was fully unified under the Pendragonius Empire's leadership.

As a result, under the empire's planning, guidance, and leadership, there were no crises in capitalist production capacity, let alone the first or second world wars.

Instead, there was the empire's unified culture, unified language, market, and financial economy, which became smoother.

Naturally, this made a certain Gaia feel very uncomfortable, constantly complaining to Artorius. She hoped he could go easy on her because she was afraid of pain.

But Artorius would never give up on this. So, he could only continue to gently comfort her, saying that it's tough at first, but once they get through the initial difficulties, humanity can happily pursue the harmonious development of technology with nature.

At that time, all the talk about green and ecological preservation would finally ease Gaia's concerns.

When humanity's technological level is fully elevated, they can even discuss planet transformation technology. They could tidy up Gaia's leylines, whether it's the Earth's plates or the internal lava, both the surface and the inner sea of the planet can be properly adjusted.

Artorius guaranteed that Gaia would be delighted.

"Really?!"

Listening to Artorius's plans, Gaia felt a bit puzzled and skeptical but was eager to give it a try.

"Of course, it's true. When have I ever lied to you?" Artorius smiled gently. "By then, I'll transform you into a planet with one hundred percent livability. Modify your near-solar orbit, clear your underground leylines, making your climate more pleasant..."

At that time, Gaia was overwhelmed by the future Artorius described and showed a joyful smile.

'Honestly, that sounds too good to be true... but no, it's not a lie.' Artorius thought to himself. 'After all, I genuinely want to do that.'

By the time humanity's technological level is high enough, the demand for living environments and quality of life will naturally increase. Then, they can move industries to lifeless terrestrial planets, like Mars, or directly construct giant space factories in space and directly extract resources from asteroids.

Earth would be preserved for living, tourism, and as a garden planet.

'This is good for Gaia and not bad for humanity. It also adds a touch of sentiment, truly satisfying. I'm a genius.'

Artorius thought proudly. However, he also felt a bit lonely. If he were in the empire, someone would definitely accompany him during his bath.

Sipping wine, gazing at the moon, and kneading soft breasts while enjoying a bath together. It wasn't like the current situation, being alone.

'This doesn't seem right.'

Artorius felt uncomfortable and felt something was off.

'Bathing alone doesn't fit Roman customs, it's not in line with hospitality—what about female slaves? Those inhumane tools from the slave era, specifically for accompanying guests during baths? Ah, of course, I won't do anything to them, I'm just curious.'

Just as Artorius was thinking like that, not far away, the door to the bathhouse was pushed open with a bang.

A lively and overly confident voice then came.

"Excuse me!"