Reincarnated with a Country Creation System

Chapter 181 The Reporter

November 20th, 1939 – St. Petersburg, Ruthenia.

The air was heavy with the biting cold of late November as Johannes Krieg stepped off the train at St. Petersburg's main station. His dark coat and scarf blended seamlessly with the sea of commuters, most of whom wore similarly muted colors. The Valorian agent moved with practiced ease, his leather briefcase firmly in hand. To anyone observing, he was nothing more than a foreign journalist, his expression calm, almost detached.

The reality, however, was far more calculated. Johannes was one of Valoria's most experienced operatives, and his mission was clear: infiltrate Ruthenia's revolutionary movement, establish contact with its leaders, and lay the groundwork for Alexander's grand strategy.

Navigating the web of revolutionary cells in St. Petersburg was no simple task. Ruthenia's underground was a fragmented coalition of workers, intellectuals, and defected soldiers, each faction suspicious of outsiders. Johannes had spent days preparing for this moment, studying the city's shifting allegiances and the habits of key figures.

How?

First, Johannes began by attending public demonstrations, carefully noting individuals who seemed to command attention. His eyes were drawn to a young man distributing leaflets near Nevsky Prospekt—Petya Solokov, a known courier for the Workers' Alliance.

And second, supply chains. Revolutionary movements relied on supply lines for food, weapons, and communication. By tracking shipments of illegal pamphlets and confiscated weapons, Johannes identified patterns that led him to a small printing press disguised as a bakery.

That way, he was able to find them.

December 10th, 1939.

Johannes arrived at the warehouse just after sunset, his steps deliberate but not rushed. The entrance was guarded by two men holding rifles, their eyes wary. He approached with his hands visible, his voice calm but firm.

"I'm Johannes Krieg, a journalist from Volkshalle Heute. I've come to document the truth of your struggle."

The guards exchanged glances, their suspicion palpable. One of them raised his rifle slightly.

"How did you find us?"

Johannes allowed a faint smile to touch his lips. "A reporter has his methods. Let's just say your cause speaks louder than you realize."

Johannes nodded, his pen moving swiftly across the page. "And what of external support? Have any nations expressed interest in aiding your cause?"

Volkov's expression darkened. "None openly. Francois offers hollow words of sympathy, but no action. Britannia, Triesenberg—they fear revolution as much as the Tsar does."

"Then you're fighting alone," Johannes said, his tone neutral.

"For now," Volkov admitted. "But revolutions are contagious. If we succeed, others will follow. The Tsar's fall will inspire the oppressed across Europe."

Johannes leaned back slightly, his gaze steady. "And what about the risks? Civil war, foreign intervention—how do you address those possibilities?"

Volkov's jaw tightened. "There are no revolutions without sacrifice. Yes, there will be risks, but the alternative is to live as slaves under a broken system. We choose freedom, no matter the cost."

As Johannes prepared to leave, he observed the revolutionaries around him—young, determined faces etched with both fear and hope. They were under-resourced and inexperienced, but their resolve was undeniable.

Volkov escorted him to the exit. "You've asked your questions, journalist. Now let's see if your pen is as sharp as your tongue."

Johannes offered a faint smile. "You'll find I report what I see. Nothing more, nothing less."

As he stepped back into the cold night, Johannes felt the weight of his task pressing against him. The revolutionaries had the will, but without external support, their chances of success were slim. It was up to him—and by extension, Valoria—to ensure they had the tools needed to ignite the spark that would engulf Europe in flames.

Days later, Johannes' detailed report was in Alexander's hands. The Supreme Leader read it in silence, his masked visage betraying no emotion. Finally, he looked up at Julieanne, who stood by his side.

"They are raw," Alexander said. "But their spirit is undeniable. With the right support, they will not only topple the Tsar but pave the way for a new era."

Julieanne nodded. "And the risks?"

Alexander's tone was firm. "Risks are the currency of change, Julieanne. If we do not act, the old world will endure. If we do, Valoria will shape the future."

He handed the report back to her. "Begin coordinating the next phase. Discreetly. The revolution must remain theirs, but its success will be ours."