But it was precisely because of these armies that Gene didn't encounter any bandits along the way.
Also, with these armies, he was able to secure such low prices from the farm owners. Some wanted to curry favor with Michelle, but more feared the soldiers' military prowess.
Some farm owners once argued that the prices were too low, preferring to sell their goods to other conglomerates. Others claimed they had no more grain, only supplies for personal use, citing various excuses.
Yet upon seeing the army, they immediately changed their tune, showing enough compliance to him.
To some extent, Gene also enjoyed the power brought by the army, even if it was just bluffing with borrowed strength.
However, during his discussions with the farm owners, Gene sensed something was amiss: the Walter Conglomerate had started hoarding grain recently.
Regardless of the price issue, what about the grain?
He's manipulating the market, yet there's no sign of this grain flowing into Ovando.
