"Amber Lord has given Belobog a Mission, requiring us to first invest geomarrow into the construction of those walls."
Bronya said.
Facing Bronya's approach really left Jade a bit stumped; mainly because Jade couldn't make the call alone on a major decision of this level.
With a task personally assigned by the Amber Lord, who in IPC would dare to snatch it?
"I understand." She nodded, not continuing to press the issue. "Since it is the Amber Lord's will, the IPC naturally won't force the matter. However..."
Her gaze fixed on Bronya.
"The decree of Preservation is to prioritize building the walls, but that doesn't mean Belobog can never mine geomarrow for other industrial purposes, right? Once the task is complete, your side will still need to consider long-term development. At that time, the IPC is always willing to provide assistance."
"I will seriously consider the IPC's proposal when that time comes."
Bronya responded.
"The IPC can provide Belobog with a set of basic energy conversion technical data and some supporting maintenance equipment without any additional resource extraction conditions. Consider this a small token of the IPC's sincerity as you rebuild your home."
Bronya remained seated upright, her gaze not wavering in the slightest.
Unconditional aid...?
"Thank you for the IPC's sincerity; Belobog is willing to accept this technical data and equipment," Bronya replied. "I will arrange for the Silvermane Guards' technical department to coordinate this aid with your team. As for the matter of the permanent branch..."
"There's no rush to establish the branch." Jade straightened up, interrupting Bronya. "The IPC team will remain on the spaceship in the outer orbit for a while, waiting for further news from the Supreme Guardian at any time. Once Belobog's walls are finished, we will discuss deeper cooperation."
Jade turned and walked toward the office door, her high heels making a crisp sound against the floor.
Reaching the door, she stopped and looked back at Bronya.
"Belobog is a city full of potential, Lady Supreme Guardian. The gaze of Preservation will not stay in one place forever. Once reconstruction is complete, this city must eventually face the storms of the galaxy alone. I look forward to the time when we can sit down and negotiate a real deal."
After Jade left, Bronya let out a long breath.
"..."
Mother...
This pressure really is no ordinary burden...
Negotiating with Jade made Bronya feel like she was about to turn into a pressure cooker.
Gepard entered, saluted, and then told Bronya that Aidan and the others had matters to discuss with her.
Though she didn't know why they chose this moment to come in, Bronya still received Aidan, March 7th, and Stelle.
"—Is it true? Is there really a way... to restore our planet's ecology in a short time?"
Bronya was excited.
"Yes."
Aidan nodded.
"Although usually, if we Nameless don't plan on getting off the train, we generally don't get too deeply involved in political matters..."
"But, rules are meant to be broken!"
"Right, right."
"So, we plan to help you terraform the entire planet back into a habitable one!"
Before the Everfrost, Jarilo-VI once possessed an enviably lush environment.
"Are you serious? You're not joking?"
"Do I look like the kind of person who would joke about something like this?"
Aidan spread his hands.
Bronya stared at him for two seconds, then nodded vigorously.
"You don't."
"Exactly, just consider this a meeting gift since we've met." Aidan reached out and patted Bronya's shoulder, "However, I also have conditions."
"Conditions... Well, let's hear them."
Bronya calmed down.
"First, if any black-hearted capitalists, parasites, or oppressors appear, you must hang them all on the lamp posts."
Bronya:?
"Perhaps they will hold the economic lifeblood of this place in their hands, but this is a necessary condition. You must take those fellows, who from head to toe, every pore dripping with blood and filth, and hang them all up as decorations without leaving a single one—I think many people would agree, right? Oh, and if they're to be decorations, the rope must be around their necks."
"Isn't that just called hanging?"
"Oh boy, why didn't you say so earlier."
"I understand what you mean." Bronya promised seriously, "Rest assured, Belobog will not become a place controlled by parasites, capitalists, and oppressors—I guarantee it in the name of the Supreme Guardian."
"Good, your word is enough." Aidan nodded, "As for how specifically to restore the ecology... I have a plan, but I might need your cooperation."
"What plan?"
"Pack up the whole planet and take it away."
Bronya:?
"Wait a moment." She raised her hand, "Could you say that again?"
"Pack up the whole planet and take it away." Aidan repeated, his expression so serious it didn't look like he was joking, "That is, temporarily miniaturize Jarilo-VI, including the outer barrier, and place it in a safe space for ecological restoration. Once the environment has mostly recovered, we'll put it back in its original place."
Bronya opened her mouth, for a moment not knowing what to say.
March 7th added in a low voice beside her: "He told us about this idea before. It sounds outrageous, but he seems to actually have the technology."
"I do indeed." Aidan pulled a silver cube out of his pocket, "This is a simplified version of a space compression device, capable of temporarily compressing something the size of a city. The full version can compress an entire planet. If you're still worried, we can try compressing a small town first."
...
Just like that, the Lower District was brought up to the surface with ease.
The people basically just felt their vision go dark for a moment, and before long, it was daylight. Then, everyone returned to the surface to breathe the long-awaited fresh air, rather than the underground air full of ore dust.
Aidan called it efficiency.
"Now, do you agree to let me temporarily compress your planet?"
"Personally, I have no objection, but I still need to discuss it with the ministers."
"Fine." Aidan nodded, "But make it quick. The IPC people are still watching outside. Once they realize what's happening and start to interfere, things won't be so easy to handle."
"I am deeply grateful."