The Industrial Act was introduced and immediately sparked a huge debate. Players gathered in groups to discuss, strategize, submit business plans, and prepare to go all in on a big venture.
Doraemon was the fastest out of the gate. The moment he saw the notice, he realized the administration was encouraging players to take over the Tyrion Hive's industrial system.
Without hesitation, he wrote a proposal, applied for a massive loan, and planned to bet the farm. He wants to expand Doraemon Workshop at all costs, building an industrial Cthulhu empire beyond imagination.
Fred and UwU, two highly educated players, are also chomping at the bit. They plan to contract the power plant, effectively killing two birds with one stone by running their business while using the plant's resources to operate a reactor of their own design.
Veteran players like Yuji also gathered to discuss the new bill.
"What do you guys think I should build?" Walt stroked his chin, looking thoughtful.
"What kind of factory were you thinking?" Yuji asked curiously.
"Look at my ID, and you'll know my business plan." Brother Walt chuckled. "Think about it—the Hive City is packed with people, but life is a real grind, with almost no entertainment. If I set up a few entertainment venues, they would sell like hotcakes as people try to relieve the boredom of work and the troubles of life."
Brother Walt grew so energized he was practically dancing a jig. "Once the industry is established, I'll expand the business to capture Tau, Eldar, Necrons, Greenskins, and other xenos. We'll cross-pollinate those genres and make a few films.
Maybe we can even sell them to the Tau or Eldar for some easy cash. We'll go big or go home and create a galactic cinematic empire!"
Yuji and WrongHammer exchanged glances.
Garry looked disgusted. "Even Slaanesh would be blushing at that. Heretics like you should be tied to the stake and roasted over a slow fire for a few days."
Walt looked at Garry and winked. "Maybe we can catch a few tentacle monsters and shoot a few movies?"
Garry's eyes lit up instantly. "Leave it to Walt to have a vision like that; you're going to hit the big time in the galaxy. Oh, and remember to give the tentacle monster a pink dress."
Yuji was done. "I'm outta here. You Chaos fanatics need to cool your jets."
WrongHammer followed closely. "Yuji, what are we going to do now?"
"Let's head to the training grounds," Yuji said. "I'm going to lay off the missions for a few days and focus on getting acclimated to the Astartes' physical and psyker abilities."
WrongHammer thought it over and nodded. "Sounds good. I'll join you."
As they were about to reach the training grounds, Arale suddenly appeared in front of them.
"Saints."
"Little Angel Arale, what's up?" Yuji was slightly surprised the AI had suddenly appeared.
Arale replied: "The Master asks you to report to him at the control console in the strategy room."
"The Guide is calling?" Yuji was momentarily stunned, then nodded repeatedly. "Please tell the Guide I'll be there immediately."
"Remember to hurry," Arale said before the projection disappeared.
"Well, so much for the training grounds," WrongHammer shrugged.
"Why would the Guide call me over?" Yuji was confused.
"Why think so much? Just go see. Come on, I'll go with you."
Inside the Imperial Glory Strategy Room, Daniel stood in front of the console, reviewing various reports as Yuji and WrongHammer entered.
"Sir Guide."
"Sir Guide."
Yuji and WrongHammer saluted in turn.
Daniel turned and looked at Yuji. "You're finally here. I need your expertise for some references."
"Me?" Yuji pointed to himself, looking surprised.
"Yes, it's you," Daniel confirmed.
Yuji's face lit up with excitement. Such a conversation, such a tone—is my big break finally happening?
"I am willing to serve you, respected Guide. For the restoration of mankind's glory and the Empire's honor, I will go through hell and high water for you!" WrongHammer, standing next to him, widened his eyes. This guy's boot-licking has reached nine-star legendary status. Where's your backbone, man?
"I am also willing to serve you, Sir Guide. Even if it means making the entire universe an enemy, I will carry out your orders without hesitation," WrongHammer grumbled his complaint while seizing the moment.
Daniel shifted slightly. They're certainly working hard to kiss up, which is... something. But he really didn't want these guys to get involved in this level of flattery. It was giving him the creeps.
"To promote the industrial development of Planet Atomal, restore its former prosperity, and prepare for future wars, I have introduced the Industrial Act to encourage production," Daniel explained. "But I'm still trying to figure out how to leverage the market to create an effective incentive system."
"While the dogma and ceaseless sermons of the Ecclesiarchy and the Mechanicus can improve productivity, they also leave people burned out and running on empty. I need a system that incentivizes innovation while encouraging people to work hard."
After hearing the Guide's words, Yuji was thoughtful. So, the plan is to use finance to jump-start a market economy.
Yuji paused for a moment before expressing his thoughts.
"Humans are creatures that crave rewards," he began. "If you want people to stay compliant and work hard, you must set up both phased and explosive rewards. The steady workers get periodic rewards. It's tough, but stable—they keep their heads above water, but they're never going to get rich."
"The jackpot comes when someone drops a great idea and executes it successfully. They hit it big, escaping poverty and reaching the top of the food chain. That risk-reward structure drives innovation. At the same time, we must also grease the wheels with a little inflation to devalue the currency held by the masses."
Yuji's insight into human nature was frankly ruthless.
After listening to the analysis, Daniel showed a satisfied look. Once Yuji finished explaining his ideas, Daniel extended an olive branch.
"Would you be interested in serving as an advisor and assisting me in reforming Planet Atomal?"
Yuji was stunned at first, then nodded excitedly. He'd been waiting for this moment; there was no way he'd say no.
While Daniel and Yuji were discussing how to formulate market policies, there was a huge uproar in the Governor's Hall on the top floor of the Tyrion Hive.
Fax had summoned all the nobles, big and small, and publicly announced Daniel's decision. This instantly made these "loyal" Imperial bigwigs absolutely see red.
"Such a decision is a slap in the face to our loyalty!" a man in fancy clothes shouted.
"My family has served Atomal for nearly a thousand years, and now we're expected to be on equal footing with those dirtbags from the lower nests?"
"We demand an explanation!"
"Yes, we want the rule of law!"
"We have given so much to the Imperium. How can we lose our power with just one sentence?"
The powerful people spoke one after another, furiously venting their anger. The factories and high-ranking official positions were supposed to be theirs. The Middle and Lower Nests should, as before, have every last drop of blood and sweat squeezed out of them in the name of the God-Emperor to support the nobility and the Imperium.
Now, the Guide wanted to give two-thirds of the senior official positions to people from the Middle and Lower Nests, and he demanded open bidding for the factories that were supposed to be their guaranteed revenue. This meant many families would lose their shirts as their political clout and wealth disappeared.
At first, all the families thought that by following the Guide, they had won the war and could now redistribute this big pie. Maybe they could even follow him to the stars and take on more important positions.
Who would have thought that before the planet was even truly recovered, the other party would do such a chilling thing? This was a bridge too far. They felt their loyalty and dedication were being trampled into the dirt.
"Let the Guide give us an explanation, otherwise, from today on, we will refuse to carry out any of his orders!" An old noble tried to lay down the law to the planet's governor, Fax.