Chapter 216: Future Markets 『 Part Five 』
「 Topaz revealed that somewhere within the Underworld, a colossal arsenal lies dormant. There are enough weapons to crush the vanguard of an entire legion.
This arsenal is the bargaining chip Topaz intends to use in her negotiations with the higher-ups. However, for the moment, she requires a guide to pinpoint its exact coordinates.
Svarog acknowledged the long-term benefits Topaz spoke of, yet he remained curious: what calculations did she harbor for the humans currently inhabiting this zone?
To this, Topaz remained blunt: "Their future has already been leveraged—bought out completely. I can only do my best to make them accept this reality… with a relatively peaceful attitude."
"..."
After a brief silence, Svarog actually endorsed Topaz's logic and stated he would assist her.
"…Oh? Are you actually that easy to talk to? I thought you'd be as stubborn and opinionated as the rumors say?" Topaz was quite surprised.
"The future you articulate exceeds the parameters of my calculations. However, effective data analysis indicates that you are indeed earnestly considering a method for this world's preservation."
Svarog paused, then continued, "Additionally, probability calculations suggest that if I refuse cooperation, there is a 96.4% chance you will compel my obedience by force." 」
「 .....」
〜Dragon Raja World〜
"Wait, what does she mean by 'future being bought out'?"
Caesar froze for a moment, his mind suddenly drifting to that less-than-glamorous chapter of early American history.
"...It is likely exactly what you are thinking,"
Chu Zihang said, his expression unreadable.
"Topaz isn't planning to transport the people of Belobog via the Corporation to some remote frontier planet as slave labor, is she? The kind where you get fifty free Warps just for making landfall?"
"You're thinking is too extreme; it wouldn't be that cruel,"
Chu Zihang recalled the events of March 7th, and the others witnessed in the Great Mine.
"They probably intend to buy out all the mineral deposits on the planet with credits. When that happens, everyone on the planet becomes a miner."
"That's not bad either. The weak surrender their future in exchange for survival, and the strong use capital to assist the Star God in their 『 Preservation 』. In a way, isn't that a mutually beneficial symbiosis?"
Caesar nodded.
"It is not. The Interastral Peace Corporation has merely held the civilization of Belobog's right to choose hostage with a contract, forcing the people to jump from a cage of snow and ice into a cage of corporate capital."
Chu Zihang shrugged.
"The former certainly possesses a harsh environment, but at least they retain the right to choose. The latter will likely be more comfortable… but as part of the Corporation's assets, there will inevitably come a day when their value is squeezed dry and they are discarded."
"From your tone, you seem to understand capitalists very well?"
Caesar smiled.
"For thousands of years, human nature has never changed. I do not need to understand capitalists,"
Chu Zihang switched to a more relaxed expression.
"I just need to understand your history."
—
「 Inside the mine, Stelle spotted Topaz's pet, Numby—that small, platinum-blonde Warp Trotter.
Hearing the word "pet," Seele's eyes snapped wide open. "Huh? That thing… isn't that a creature from the Fragmentum? You can actually keep it as a pet?!"
March 7th wasn't surprised in the slightest. Seeing Numby intending to leave, the group decided to follow the little guy; perhaps they could find a clue to Topaz's whereabouts.
Along the way, Numby seemed to intentionally lead the group through paths with sparse Corporation guards, successfully arriving at the center of the Great Mine. There stood a burly, colossal mech, currently arranging for personnel to conduct calculations.
By the time Stelle came back to her senses, she realized Numby had already vanished.
"Forget about it. Let's deal with this big guy first." Seele walked straight up to it, greeting the mech with a barrage of 'Underworld hospitality.' Her arrogant manner of speaking actually startled the machine, causing it to brandish the massive cannon on its arm.
"Have you not witnessed the might of the Corporation's weaponry?"
"I want to see your director!" Stelle demanded, hands on hips.
"You actually know Director Topaz? It seems your status is indeed not simple… Wait, I don't care who you are. Employees of the Strategic Investment Department have no obligation to explain project details to irrelevant personnel."
"In the event that the debtor fails to repay within the execution period, the Corporation has the right to skip the negotiation phase and directly liquidate their assets. We are just following protocol. Do you have a problem with that?" 」
「 .....」
〜Frieren: Beyond Journey's End World〜
"Aren't these guys from the Corporation a bit too presumptuous?"
Stark clenched his fist in anger. "
The Corporation sets the rules themselves and then forces others to comply. What kind of logic is that? And acting as if it's completely natural?!"
"Along this journey, Stelle has crushed the Doomsday Beast, thrashed Cocolia, and even fought Phantylia the Undying… Who are these mechs trying to scare?"
"...I don't get it. They're all IPC personnel, but the disparity in quality between the leadership and the employees is just too massive!"
That Scott from earlier was the same—aggressive and barking madly. Compared to Director Topaz, it was like heaven and earth. Everyone is backed by the Corporation, and clearly, Topaz holds even more authority, yet her way of treating people puts one at ease.
"It is likely a matter of respect,"
Frieren said faintly.
"In the eyes of the Corporation, Jarilo-VI is just a remote, barren, and harsh little planet. The people living on this world are also very backward… It is inevitable that some would look down on the indigenous people here, thinking they can suppress and intimidate them with brute force alone."
"Topaz's attitude is the complete opposite—I feel she seems to understand the mentality of the indigenous people on these backward planets very well. She can not only put herself in their shoes but also precisely manipulate the situation from the perspective of a corporate executive. Granting the other party dignity while simultaneously applying pressure… tsk tsk."
"Does that mean you like her, Frieren-sama?"
"If Topaz were our companion, of course I would like her. But if she is an opponent… that kind of person is the most troublesome! Countless times more troublesome than monsters! They don't fight you with swords and slaughter; they battle using 'language.' In the past, whenever I met someone like that, I would just leave it to Himmel to handle."
"If I had to deal with Topaz, I'd probably be sold to the Corporation and still be counting the money for her…"
"Frieren-sama, Miss Topaz wouldn't do something like that!"
—
「 "Sounds like you've got it all figured out, but aren't all these messy rules set by you guys in the first place? This world has only just managed to survive; it can't handle you messing it up like this!" March 7th retorted on the spot.
"Uh, this is… this is a decision from the leadership! We are merely responsible for execution. Lecturing us is futile." Seeing he couldn't win the argument, the hulk immediately used the leadership as a shield.
Seele had long lost patience with him. Seeing he was still this stubborn, she had already unsheathed her scythe, the blade gleaming cold.
"I didn't expect we'd really have to tear off the mask. If I'd known, I would have applied for early overtime… Ahem, never mind, you heard nothing! Since you insist on fighting, then prepare to face the full force of my high-yield laser artillery!" 」
「 .....」