Chapter 215
Semi-Coercive Imperialist (Korean: 반강제적 제국주의자) is an ongoing Korean web novel written by Jee Gab Song (지갑송), the famous author behind hit titles like The Novel’s Extra and The Villain Wants to Live.
The story is a dark, politically-driven dark fantasy thriller with elements of sci-fi and a “misunderstanding” trope (착각계).
The Plot
The main character (Maximilian), a knight of a massive Empire, travels back in time after experiencing a tragic future. He knows an absolute truth: the Empire is destined to collapse from internal rot (corruption, technological stagnation, and intense racial purism), which will ultimately leave humanity entirely defenseless against a catastrophic alien/extradimensional invasion.
To prevent the extinction of mankind, Maximilian takes matters into his own hands. His strategy is simple yet brutal: the ends justify the means. If the world must be united and hyper-militarized to survive the cosmic horror, he will force that reality into existence by ruthlessly building an empire himself.
Prologue
────Tick-tock.
In the underground prison where not even a sliver of sunlight enters, I lie in the coldest and deepest cell. The passage of time is imperceptible. I cannot tell whether it is day or night, yesterday or today.
Thud.
Heavy footsteps approach, accompanied by a dull noise. Familiar yet unfamiliar, the rhythmic sound of military boots.
A voice as sharp as a blade.
“It’s already been a year.”
His silhouette beyond the iron bars remained firm.
Edmon Bruindol. Once a fellow member of the knight order, he had become one of the Empire’s strongest enemies at some point, and now, as a member of the new Cabinet, stood before me.
I asked him.
“Of course. Every day shines golden.”
His voice overflowed with confidence. Edmon had always been like that, but today he was especially full of it.
“Oh. Are you married too?”
“I’ve been too busy with public and private affairs. I think I will soon.”
When Edmon spoke to me, there was still a hint of his old tone. A distinctive manner of speaking, somewhat uncomfortable with the difference in status, yet slightly pitying.
I gave him a smile with my eyes.
“Congratulations.”
“……No need for congratulations.”
Thirty-five. At such a young age, he succeeded in toppling the Empire.
My father, once a high-ranking figure of the Empire, was ‘justly’ executed and his head displayed at the center, and I was caught after years of fleeing.
No matter how twisted one’s beliefs, those who dedicate their lives to loyalty are respected. But losers like me, captured after endlessly running, are covered only in disgrace and filth.
The only reason I’m still alive is purely thanks to Edmon’s lingering affection.
“Maximilian. Keep watching from down here. Watch how we, who brought down the Empire, rise.”
His voice was full of hope.
“Oh? Watch? I thought it was my execution.”
“Better to keep you alive. Your father was a pillar of the Empire, so he had to be destroyed, but you’re just a scratched piece of precious metal. Suitable as a trophy.”
Trophy. I chewed over that word. A living trophy of war. Somehow, it sounded cool.
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