Reincarnated with a Country Creation System

Chapter 189 Holding Out Good on His Own

The morning light filtered dimly through the high, narrow windows of the Ruthenian State Police facility. Johannes Krieg sat upright on the small cot in his cell, his eyes fixed on the faint sliver of brightness. It wasn't much, but it was enough to remind him that time was still moving forward, and with it, the machinery of Valoria's response.

The door to his cell opened abruptly, interrupting his thoughts. A guard entered, followed by Inspector Damien, who carried the same folder as before. The inspector's expression was less jovial today, his fox-like grin replaced by a grim determination.

"Mr. Krieg," Damien began as he pulled a chair into the center of the room, "you've had a full day to consider your situation. Surely, by now, you realize the futility of your silence."

Johannes tilted his head slightly, his expression calm. "I've realized only that you enjoy the sound of your own voice, Inspector."

The guard behind Damien stiffened, but the inspector raised a hand to keep him in check. "Clever," Damien said, his voice tight with irritation. "But wit will not save you here."

He placed the folder on the small table in the corner, opening it with deliberate care. "Let us try a different approach today," he continued. "Perhaps you would prefer to discuss your involvement with Sergei Volkov and the Workers' Alliance. Or should we start with your curious interest in Ruthenia's supply chains?"

Johannes said nothing, his gaze steady and unreadable.

Damien sighed, leaning back in his chair. "You Valorians pride yourselves on discipline, don't you? Always so composed, so unyielding. But everyone has a breaking point, Mr. Krieg. And rest assured, we will find yours."

He gestured to the guard, who stepped forward with a small leather bag. From it, the guard produced a syringe filled with a clear liquid. Damien picked it up, holding it to the light.

"This," he said, his tone almost conversational, "is a particularly potent serum. It lowers inhibitions, loosens the tongue, and makes even the most disciplined minds vulnerable to suggestion. We used it on one of Volkov's lieutenants last week. Quite effective."

Johannes's expression remained impassive, but his mind raced. He had been trained for this, conditioned to resist such tactics, but even the most rigorous preparation had its limits.

Damien approached him with the syringe, his steps slow and deliberate. "I'll give you one last chance to cooperate voluntarily. Tell me what you know about the revolutionaries, about Valoria's involvement, and this will all end much more pleasantly for you."

Johannes met his gaze, his voice calm. "I've already told you, Inspector. I'm a journalist. My work is my own."

Damien's lips thinned, and without another word, he plunged the syringe into Johannes's arm. The sting was sharp but brief, and a warm sensation spread through his veins. Johannes closed his eyes, focusing on the techniques he had been taught to compartmentalize his thoughts, to create layers of falsehoods that would protect the truth.

Damien smirked. "Do you fear the Supreme Leader, General?"

Zavoyko shot him a sharp look. "I fear nothing, Inspector. But I respect Valoria's ability to turn even the smallest grievance into a weapon. If we mishandle this, we risk more than their condemnation. Alexander does not make idle threats."

Damien considered this, then nodded. "I'll escalate the interrogation. We have other methods at our disposal."

"Be cautious," Zavoyko warned. "The Tsar has made it clear that Krieg is to be kept unharmed. If you push too far..."

"I understand," Damien said, though his tone suggested impatience. "We'll proceed with care."

Back in Valoria, Supreme Leader Alexander sat in his private study, reviewing the latest intelligence reports. His masked visage betrayed nothing as Julieanne Kyle entered, holding a fresh dispatch from their agents in Ruthenia.

"Your Excellency," Julieanne began, "we've received confirmation that Johannes Krieg is being subjected to enhanced interrogation. They've used truth serums and are likely escalating their methods."

Alexander's gloved hand tightened on the armrest of his chair. "And his condition?"

"So far, he has resisted," Julieanne said. "But we don't know how long he can hold out."

Alexander stood, his presence imposing even in stillness. "Prepare a response for the Ruthenian embassy. Make it clear that any harm to Krieg will be met with consequences."

"Understood," Julieanne said. "Shall I coordinate with our covert operatives in St. Petersburg?"

"Yes," Alexander replied. "Begin contingency planning. If Ruthenia will not release him, we may have to extract him ourselves."

Julieanne nodded and left the room, her mind already racing with the details of the operation.

As Alexander turned back to the map on his desk, his eyes lingered on Ruthenia. The stakes were high, but he knew one thing with certainty: Valoria did not abandon its own. Johannes Krieg would be brought back, no matter the cost.