[Topaz stated that somewhere in the lower districts, there is still a massive armory. Countless weapons lie dormant there—enough to crush an entire advance legion.]
[And this armory is the bargaining chip Topaz is using in negotiations with the higher-ups. Right now, she just needs a guide to tell her the exact location of the armory.]
[Svarog acknowledged the long-term benefits Topaz spoke of, but he was also curious about what plans she had for the humans currently living here.]
[To this, Topaz remained frank: "Their future has already been bought out. I can only do my best to make them accept this reality… in a relatively peaceful manner."]
["..."]
[After a brief silence, Svarog surprisingly approved of Topaz's idea and stated he would assist her.]
["…Oh? You're actually this easy to talk to? I thought you'd be as stubborn as the rumors say." Topaz was genuinely surprised.]
["The future you speak of exceeds my calculation parameters. But emotional readings tell me you are indeed trying to consider ways to allow this world to continue existing." Svarog paused, then continued: "Additionally, calculations show: if I refuse to cooperate, there is a 96.4% probability you will force me to comply."]
——
Dragon Raja.
"Wait, what does 'future bought out' mean?" Caesar was stunned for a moment; he suddenly thought of that not-so-glorious early history on the American continent.
"…Probably exactly what you're thinking." Chu Zihang said expressionlessly.
"Topaz isn't planning to have the Company transport Belobog's people to some remote planet as slaves or something, right? Like the kind where you get fifty pulls just for landing?"
"Your thinking is too extreme; it wouldn't be that cruel." Chu Zihang recalled what happened to March 7th and the others at the large mining area. "Probably planning to use credits to buy out all the mineral resources on the entire planet. Then everyone on this planet becomes a miner."
"That doesn't sound too bad either. The weak hand over their future in exchange for survival, the strong use capital to assist the Aeon of Preservation— in a way, it's a win-win, right?" Caesar nodded.
"No. The Interastral Peace Corporation has simply hijacked Belobog civilization's right to choose through contracts, forcing the people to jump from the cage of wind and snow into the cage of corporate capital."
Chu Zihang shrugged: "The former is certainly harsh in environment, but at least they had the right to choose. The latter will probably be more comfortable… but as part of corporate assets, there will definitely come a day when their value is squeezed dry and then discarded."
"From the way you talk, you seem very familiar with capitalists?" Caesar laughed.
"For thousands of years, human nature has never changed. I don't need to understand capitalists." Chu Zihang switched to a more relaxed expression. "I just need to understand your history."
——
[In the mining area, Stelle spotted Topaz's pet Numby—that platinum-colored little piggy bank-like creature.]
[Hearing the word "pet," Seele's eyes widened with a "whoosh": "What? That thing… isn't it a creature from the Rift? And you can actually keep it as a pet?!"]
[March 7th wasn't surprised at all. Seeing Numby about to leave, the group decided to follow the little guy first—maybe they could find clues about Topaz.]
[Along the way, Numby seemed to deliberately lead them through paths with few Company guards, smoothly arriving at the center of the large mining area. There, a burly giant mech stood, directing people to perform calculations.]
[By the time Stelle came back to her senses, Numby had already vanished.]
["Forget about it. Let's deal with this big guy first." Seele strode straight forward and unleashed a barrage of Underworld-style greetings at the mech. Her arrogant way of speaking actually startled him; he shook the massive cannon on his arm.]
["Haven't you experienced the power of Company weapons yet?"]
["I want to see your director!" Stelle said with hands on hips.]
["You actually know Director Topaz? Looks like your identities really aren't simple… No, wait—I don't care who you are. Strategic Investment Department employees have no obligation to explain project details to unrelated parties."]
["In cases where the debtor fails to repay within the execution period, the Company has the right to skip the negotiation phase and directly take over their assets. Everything is done according to the rules—what do you have to complain about?"]
——
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End.
"Aren't these Company guys way too arrogant?" Stark angrily clenched his fist. "The Company sets the rules themselves, then forces others to follow them—what kind of logic is that? And they act like it's completely natural?!"
"All along the way, Stelle has fought the Doomsday Beast, beaten Cocolia, and even fought Phantylia… Who exactly are these Company mechs trying to intimidate?"
"…I don't get it. They're all Company people, but the difference in quality between leadership and employees is huge!"
That Scott from before was the same—aggressive, barking madly. Compared to Director Topaz, it was like night and day. Both backed by the Company, and Topaz clearly has even greater authority, yet the way she treats people is incredibly comfortable.
"Probably respect?" Frieren said calmly. "In the Company's eyes, Jarilo-VI is just a remote, barren, harsh little planet. The people living here are also very backward… It's inevitable that some would look down on the natives here, thinking pure force alone can suppress and intimidate them."
"Topaz's attitude is the complete opposite—I feel like she really understands the mentality of natives on these backward planets. She can not only empathize personally but also precisely grasp things from the perspective of a high-level Company executive. She gives the other side dignity while also applying pressure… tsk tsk."
"Does Lady Frieren really like her?"
"If Topaz were our ally, of course I'd like her. But if she's the enemy… this kind of person is the most troublesome! Way more troublesome than monsters by countless times! They don't fight you with swords and spells—they fight with 'words.' In the past, when I encountered people like this, I always just left them to Himmel to handle."
"Dealing with Topaz, I'd probably still be counting money for her even after she sold me to the Company…"
"Lady Frieren, Miss Topaz would never do something like that!"
——
["It sounds reasonable, but aren't all these miscellaneous rules set by you people yourselves? This world has finally come back to life—it can't withstand you messing around like this!" March 7th immediately shot back.]
["Uh, this… this is a decision from upper management! We're just carrying out orders. Talking to us about it is useless." Seeing he couldn't argue, the big guy immediately dragged leadership out as a shield.]
[Seele had long lost patience with him. Seeing he was still so stubborn, she had already drawn her scythe early.]
["Didn't expect we'd really have to tear off the facade. If I'd known, I would've applied for overtime in advance… Cough, never mind—you didn't hear anything! Since you're determined to fight, get ready to take this laser heavy cannon to the face!"]