As time passed, the dictatorship of Friedrich Engels grew increasingly terrifying.
Even as communism declined in Europe, the southern American continent moved entirely according to his will.
Engels devised a new plan.
He would abandon Europe and spread communism across South America.
If the nations of South America were unified under communism, then his ideological vision would be complete regardless of Europe.
Fortunately for him, many South American nations held deep resentment toward Europe.
After suffering under colonial exploitation and barely achieving independence, it would have been stranger if they held favorable views.
They also saw Canada and the United States as extensions of European influence.
Events in Panama had only reinforced that perception.
This gave Engels a significant advantage.
He presented himself as a revolutionary who opposed European dominance and as a barrier preventing the expansion of the United States into South America.
The fact that he was a dictator mattered little.
Many leaders in South America did not oppose dictatorship at all.
Engels approached them carefully.
He spread his ideology in a calculated manner.
If they adopted communism, they could strengthen their rule.
Opponents could be labeled enemies of the people and removed easily.
Some nations were persuaded.
Power proved irresistible.
Even those who once spoke of independence found themselves drawn to authority.
Engels watched their transformation with contempt.
"Look at them. They claim to free their people, yet they crave power more than anyone."
"They do not even realize they are puppets in your hands."
It was ironic.
He promised protection from European and American interference.
Once their regimes were secure, they all sought ways to strengthen their power further.
Engels had become their model.
To counter the British led United Nations, he sought to build a communist bloc centered on the South.
He intended to portray the UN as a capitalist institution and elevate his alliance as its rival.
But the British Empire was not so easily challenged.
"Four South American nations have expressed their intent to join the UN."
"What?"
"They believe the UN will not interfere in domestic affairs."
"…I see."
"Shall we pressure them?"
"No. Respect their decision."
If he forced them, he would appear no different from the powers he opposed.
It was better to gain their trust and bind them economically first.
"Those who taste power will eventually align with us."
He chose patience.
But time was not infinite.
His body weakened.
Fatigue lingered.
His hair had turned white.
Since his defeat in debate and consolidation of power, his condition had worsened.
He considered returning to Europe.
But it was impossible.
Once on this path, stopping meant destruction.
He knew his enemies would destroy him.
So he continued.
Politics, for him, meant eliminating opposition.
Governance meant concentrating power.
Opponents were crushed.
Sometimes he confronted the North.
Sometimes he negotiated.
"…It is time to expand into South America."
He had sown the seeds.
Now he would harvest.
Brazil was his next target.
Rebellion already spread there.
If he could establish a communist regime, it would become a loyal ally.
"Do not disturb me. I need time to think."
He returned to his room and opened a newspaper.
[The British Emperor tours the Bahamas. The Crown Prince receives praise.]
"…So he is stepping down."
He felt envy.
Killian rested while entrusting power to his son.
"…Perhaps it is different when it is your own child."
He shook his head.
To him, such trust was incomprehensible.
What if power was lost?
Killian had always been different.
He possessed immense power but never ruled as a dictator.
"…No. He was afraid."
Memories surfaced.
Once, he had believed Killian could lead a communist utopia.
Now he questioned everything.
"Was he afraid of responsibility, or did he see something I did not?"
Karl Marx and Killian.
Old connections now turned to resentment.
He drank heavily.
The taste lingered.
Finishing nearly an entire bottle, he collapsed onto his desk.
"…Marx… I was not wrong…"
His voice faded.
He closed his eyes.
The final letter he had begun writing remained unfinished.
From revolutionary hero to corrupted ruler.
The man who had shaken the world died quietly and alone.
[To the one I once admired.]
Long ago, I believed the world would collapse unless it was consumed by revolution.
Marx shared this belief.
Together, we refined our ideals.
You knew this.
When I first met you in London, I believed you were the one who could bring about a new world.
But you abandoned that ideal.
So I chose to act alone.
The revolution succeeded.
The first communist state was born.
I believed it would spread.
It did not.
Perhaps now I understand your arguments.
But I do not accept them.
You claim capitalism will lead to communism.
I see only growing inequality.
I cannot share your optimism.
The world must be reset.
Power must be concentrated.
We must rebuild from nothing.
I will do this.
From the South to Brazil and all of South America.
If I leave no successor, perhaps that will be true equality.
You believe you defeated me.
You did not.
In debate, yes.
But I strengthened my state through your challenge.
You were always greater than us.
Without you, none of this would exist.
In that sense, you are the father of communism.
And a father must take responsibility.
If you still hold even a fragment of your ideals,
…
The letter ended abruptly.
It had been written while drunk.
It was never meant to be seen.
But with his death, it was revealed.
"…What kind of nonsense is this?"
Killian could not help but curse.
Even in death, Engels left behind chaos.