"So, what am I supposed to do here?"
Although Fu Hua agreed to serve as a witness, she genuinely didn't know what role she should play in this situation. She looked expectantly towards Zeke for guidance.
Zeke gestured towards two alliance documents on the table. "All you need to do is leave your name here. The crucial part is having a reputable third party certify this treaty, ensuring its legitimacy and oversight. After all, it concerns the future world order and the grand strategy against Honkai. Your assistance is greatly appreciated, immortal."
"You're too kind," Fu Hua replied. "I haven't even thanked you yet for bringing back the Book of Fuxi. Whenever combating Honkai and safeguarding the world requires my help, I will gladly contribute whatever I can."
Holding the diminutive form of the Book of Fuxi with one hand, she gently traced her signature onto the document with the other. A faint glow followed by a slight burn left behind Fu Hua's distinctive mark.
Zeke studied the signatures for a few seconds before closing both copies. He kept one, while gently pushing the other towards Hera. Rising from his seat, he extended his hand to her:
"The alliance is sealed! This treaty, acknowledged jointly by Schicksal and Anti-Entropy, known worldwide, and witnessed by an immortal, aims to bring peace and stronger protection to our world. Hera, representing Schicksal, do you have any further objections?"
"None at all. I am equally eager to see what blossoms may emerge from today's seed in the future."
"It surely won't disappoint the world."
"I hope so."
Hera picked up the document and took Zeke's hand.
The scene froze at that moment.
A peculiar sensation simultaneously filled the hearts of all viewers.
It felt as though they were witnessing history, observing the dawn of a new era unfolding before their eyes.
With the treaty signed, the live stream cut off. The Book of Fuxi then extended its small hand towards the two representatives from the major factions.
"Job's done; time for payment!"
"Fuxi!"
"What?! Isn't it only fair to expect compensation for services rendered? What's there to be surprised about? Let's set aside that scandalous young lady over there for now. Zeke, although you repaired me, one cannot escape settling debts with immortals! Besides, considering all this gold and silver around, I'm sure money isn't an issue for you. Just spare a bit for me!" The Book of Fuxi declared assertively, slightly lifting its head.
Zeke waved his hand, summoning a small silver sphere, roughly the size of a bee, from the ground.
"My apologies, but not quite gold or silver. All these structures here are made by my worker bees."
"Huh? Weren't your little robots black?"
The Book of Fuxi covered its mouth, blinking with glistening blue eyes.
Zeke's floating worker bee then began shimmering with vibrant colors. He remarked, "Just high-tech, changing color is quite normal."
"I don't care; you owe me money!"
"The cost for Anti-Entropy's machinery forces us to operate on tight finances—however, as a gesture of goodwill, here's two hundred million Hua Yuan. We hope you understand."
"Oh! That's generous, young hero! And what about you, little miss?"
With card in hand, the Book of Fuxi smiled brightly at Hera.
Hera responded with a faint smile and handed over her gold card.
"Ten billion US dollars. Looking forward to your continued patronage, Miss Fuxi."
"Woah! From now on, you're our esteemed guest, dear! Everything can be easily discussed!!!"
Touched, the Book of Fuxi wiped away tears from the corners of its eyes, now gleaming with dollar signs.
After everyone dispersed late at night, Zeke and the Book of Fuxi met under the moonlight.
The Book of Fuxi handed him a black card.
"Here's your card back."
"Mm-hmm. For Hera's share, we'll split it seventy-thirty."
"Huh? I only get thirty percent?"
"No, I take seventy percent," Zeke calmly replied.
The Book of Fuxi's eyes widened in shock, and it protested indignantly, "Are you suggesting that I, the Book of Fuxi, should beg like a pauper?!"
"You can choose to stand firm, but then I'll approach the immortal myself, explaining our urgent need for funds in developing new machinery. She'd likely agree just the same."
"Wait! You've got me scared now! With that stubborn head of hers, I wouldn't get a single cent! Fine, thirty percent it is; it's enough as initial capital for business ventures!"
"Pleasant doing business with you."
Zeke waved the golden card returned by the Book of Fuxi, wearing a delighted smile.
The Book of Fuxi huffed, imagining its suddenly depleted wallet, teeth grinding in frustration. Then, swiftly changing its expression, it slyly remarked, "Remember to seek me out next time you have such an opportunity! That guy clearly has loads of money, unlike my immortal—she's become so frail after less than a millennium. Once, she was quite prosperous, but now... Ah, how lamentable, truly lamentable! Who knows how long it will take to replenish her strength? We must gather as much wealth as possible to provide adequate nourishment for the immortal!"
With hands on hips, the Book of Fuxi displayed both concern and exasperation.
Zeke nodded, his lips curving upwards in agreement.
Getting my original investment refunded while splitting Hera's earnings seventy-thirty? What a fantastic deal! One instance simply isn't enough—one could never tire of such profitable opportunities, even if repeated ten or more times!
After signing the alliance treaty, everyone got busy.
On the third day, during lunchtime, Kiana looked around but couldn't find Zeke anywhere.
"Where's Zeke?" she asked.
Bronya replied, "He's reviewing official documents."
Day seven.
Sin: "Where's Zeke?"
Bronya: "He's organizing expeditions to explore the new continent and selecting sites for potential bases."
Day 13.
Kiana: "What about Zeke?"
Bronya: "He's attending a meeting with Schicksal."
Day 16.
Kiana & Sin: "Where's Zeke?" x2
Bronya: "...Doing experiments."
Day 21.
Kiana & Sin: "Zeke..."
Bronya: "He's reviewing official documents."
Day 27.
Bronya: "Honkai Beasts have been spotted along New Zealand's coast. This will be our first joint operation with another region, so I'm coordinating specific plans."
Kiana & Sin: "We haven't even asked yet!" × 2
Bronya: "Since you both ask every day, Bronya decided to answer preemptively."
Kiana & Sin: "..." × 2
Day 32.
In Zeke's office, Cocolia entered holding a portable data drive.
"These are new documents from our North American branch. There seem to be issues with their machinery and pharmaceutical production lines; as a result, there's been a significant increase in paperwork."
A worker bee extended its slender mechanical limb, took the USB drive, read the data, and transferred it to the processing system.
Immediately, countless additional windows popped up on Zeke's already cluttered workstation screen.
Expressionless, Zeke's fingers swiftly navigated through the projection windows, making decisions with precision and speed.
Suddenly, his movements halted, and he tilted his head slightly, puzzled.
"Hmm (?_?)???"
"Sir Zeke, is something wrong?"
"Just a moment... Why do all these files seem to be coming directly to me now? Where's Welt?"
"The Alliance Leader reported this to you last month, Sir Zeke," Cocolia replied. "He intended to promote and implement his theories while further exploring directions for the future. You approved his plans."
Cocolia responded.
Unquestioningly, both individuals present overlooked why Lord Leader would need to formally report and seek approval from Zeke, merely an Enforcer.
Welt? Isn't he just a tool for us? In Anti-Entropy, aside from Dr. Ein occasionally offering constructive suggestions, it's always been my word that reigns supreme!
"Oh, I see. What about Dr. Ein?"
"She's overseeing base construction on the new continent and negotiating land rights. Currently, she's dealing with Schicksal and various countries."
"Ah, right. And the other Enforcers?"
"Well... Raiden Ryoma is working alongside Lord Leader. They've purged most of the incompetent Enforcers, leaving only a few remaining, each occupied with their own tasks. Additionally, numerous mid-to-high-ranking members have also been cleansed. To sum it up, there are increasingly more responsibilities but fewer capable people available. So we're forced to... you know."
Zeke remained seated, stroking his chin with a frown.
Something's not right; this isn't how my plan was supposed to unfold! After pondering for a moment, Zeke waved Cocolia over.
"You, come here."
"Huh? Oh!"
"Come sit in my chair."
"But..."
"All these documents are now yours."
"I-I-I'm unworthy and unqualified!" Cocolia blinked cutely, startled.
Zeke patted her soft, delicate shoulders expressionlessly. "Do well, and if anyone doesn't cooperate, I'll deal with them. Of course, if you fail, I'll handle you too."
"Eh?!?"
Cocolia received another shock, trembling slightly and causing gentle ripples.
"So, what will you be doing then?"
"Taking a vacation," Zeke declared firmly before leaving with a resounding door slam.
Left sitting in the chair, Cocolia clutched her head after a moment of stunned silence.
"Wh-wh-what?!"