"But with Nightmare Pills, ordinary people can work in the radiation zones. They can construct more buildings, mine more resources, and support a larger population."
"You could say that without Nightmare Pills, the Imperial of today wouldn't exist."
Murphy was silent for a moment, then he slowly spoke:
"I imagine it's also a way to make people work harder."
Rodrick's expression filled with admiration.
"Sir... you are correct."
"The Imperial's operations require a massive labor force. And Nightmare Pills do indeed allow ordinary people to endure higher-intensity work."
"Working in the radiation zones requires taking Nightmare Pills by default. But the pills' effects are temporary; once they wear off, you have to take them again."
"So, if you want to stay alive, if you want to avoid the torment of radiation sickness, you must work constantly and take Nightmare Pills constantly."
Murphy nodded.
He was all too familiar with this logic.
Take wages, for example.
