Chapter 325: Forgery

King Shupuayin is a legend in Nagaryll — a story that’s not very interesting but quite captivating.

Many historical records and myths from Nagaryll mention this king, often portraying him negatively. For example, the local religion’s Boguya Scripture describes him as with square pupils and long horns; each time he kills someone, his horns grow a tiny bit longer.

In many sources, King Shupuayin is depicted as a dictator, tyrant, demon reincarnate, or even an agent of apocalypse—symbolizing cruelty and destruction.

Many, including some international historians, believe he might never have truly existed. No royal palace or concrete historical relics tied to him have been found, only some notes and religious accounts. He was likely fabricated by ruling classes for certain purposes.

Others argue he did exist, pointing to the abundance of records as evidence.

This debate persists, even among Nagaryll’s rulers, who continue searching for proof of his existence—all driven by one legend.

According to the legend, Shupuayin ruled far beyond present-day Nagaryll, conquering surrounding nations and establishing the largest dynasty in the region.

Some accounts say, King Shupuayin loved gold and jewels. To display his divine authority, he ordered roads to be paved in gold, adorned them with gems and fire at night, so even darkness dared not fall upon the capital—it was always daylight there.

Besides cruelty, the king’s wealth is a key trait in many tales.

Unofficial histories claim he controlled a special river where gold bricks floated like fish, making him the richest man in the world.

Every year, Nagaryll’s governors, high priests, and central government keep watch over the search for his relics, hoping to find piles of gold and jewels first to strengthen their power and pave the way for unifying Nagaryll.

Such mythic legends captivate people. A small group in the Baylor Federation also knows of this brutal king. When Lynch displayed the parchment, some couldn’t help but exclaim.

Their reactions sparked curiosity among the confused crowd, and through patient and detailed explanations, even reporters understood what King Shupuayin represented.

These knowledgeable onlookers had no direct relation or dealings with Lynch.

The excitement grew when Lynch claimed the parchment might help pinpoint Shupuayin’s dynasty location.

He invited geologists and archaeologists to explain.

They noted that Nagaryll should have mountains based on historical and mythological descriptions, but none exist now—one reason many believe the stories are fictional, as no reliable landmarks remain.

The experts explained this via tectonic shifts and inferred that if Shupuayin truly existed, his capital would be deep within Nagaryll’s untouched forests.

Anyone calm and rational would see how thoroughly prepared these experts were—they even accounted for crustal movements and tsunamis wiping out landmarks, confidently pinpointing a rough location.

This was something neither Nagaryll’s government nor international scholars had achieved, yet they claimed it so confidently it seemed digging a shovel there would uncover gold.

That night, nearly all TV stations broadcast the exhibition. Besides the massive ivory and the rarely seen leopard-lion, plus the leopard-lion fur coat Lynch gave Severella, the biggest focus was the legend of King Shupuayin.

People were captivated by the legend. The open borders and increased exchanges brought many unexpected things. Unable to tell truth from fiction, they chose to discuss it as if true.

Some individuals and groups began studying Nagaryll’s history and past, sparking a social trend—an excitement for exploration and quick wealth.

“I heard you bought 600,000 worth of gold bricks from Golden Exchange Bank…” Mr. Truman revealed what he’d heard, “Looks like you have a big plan!”

Small actions often go unnoticed or are subconsciously ignored, but bigger ones attract attention.

Enjoying afternoon tea, Lynch nodded without hesitation. His plan was nearly complete. Mr. Wadrick’s influence was huge; he’d convinced some to remain neutral and uninvolved—enough for now.

Next was Mr. Truman’s job: to persuade the president to establish diplomatic relations with Nagaryll, allowing free civilian travel—meaning ordinary people and explorers, not just investors, could enter.

Establishing diplomatic ties wasn’t easy; it affected Baylor Federation’s international relations. Truman needed to confirm if this was beneficial.

They agreed to discuss this one afternoon. Truman began by mentioning Lynch’s recent large purchase of gold bricks, which seemed unusual.

Lynch answered precisely, “It is.” He pulled an old coin from his pocket and placed it on the table.

Truman stared at Lynch, then at the coin. It felt heavy and solid gold despite its worn appearance.

The coin was roughly made and very old-looking. Its uneven imprint was faded, stained with grease and rust-like marks, but it truly resembled an ancient coin.

“This is a sample designed by some historians based on records from the Shupuayin dynasty. What do you think?”

Truman raised an eyebrow. “It’s fake?”

Lynch nodded. “It’s a sample.”

Truman shook his head, returning his focus to the coin and weighing it. “Isn’t it pure gold?”

Lynch, savoring a salty pastry, explained, “They didn’t have pure gold refining tech back then. These are gold alloys mixed with silver and other metals, which also lowers our cost.”

He shamelessly admitted the forgery and didn’t hide his purpose.

Truman flipped the coin again, amazed by Lynch’s speed—he expected Lynch to wait for results before preparing. Lynch was bold and willing to take risks.

“I can present this to the president, but why would the federation do this?” Truman returned the coin, his expression serious.

“A nation isn’t a capitalist or tool of a few. Everything we do is for the country and its people. We can be selfish as individuals, but not now. We must be responsible for everyone.”

“Convince me, Lynch.”

Lynch finished the pastry, sipped tea, making Truman smile wryly. They were discussing the future of one or more countries, yet Lynch seemed unbothered.

After relaxing, Lynch asked bluntly, “Mr. Truman, do you think there will be another world war, like the last one?”

Truman nodded without hesitation, “Yes, definitely.”

“Why?” Lynch asked immediately.

Truman hesitated to answer such a serious question, but Lynch answered himself.

“This last world war was more like a street fight between gangs. They didn’t even use knives. Injuries were mild and didn’t cause fear.”

“They lost and got beaten badly, but they’re not afraid. They’ll regroup and build strength. When they think they can win, the war will break out again.”

“A second world war is inevitable, and it won’t be long—ten, fifteen, at most twenty years!”

“Mr. Truman, have we…the Federation…already prepared for the upcoming second world war?”