---
IPC Branch – Grand Auditorium
The seats were gradually filling up with employees—veterans who had spent years climbing the corporate ladder, only to remain as mere team leaders.
And then there was Topaz.
Young, brilliant, and already the Director of the Strategic Investment Department, one of the "Ten Stonehearts"! Her legendary achievements were whispered across every IPC division.
And now—
With the latest Honkai: Star Rail update, Topaz's story quest, [Future Market], had been uncovered! Not only did she have a major role, but she had also become a limited 5-star character!
The auditorium buzzed with excitement. Camera flashes sporadically lit up the dim space, capturing the awe-struck faces of employees.
The front rows, however, were reserved for department heads. Compared to their starry-eyed subordinates, they remained composed—smirking confidently, exchanging polite nods, their attention fixed on the upcoming broadcast.
---
A rhythmic beat pulsed through the speakers as the event began.
The host took the stage, the massive screen behind her displaying a glamorous portrait of Topaz—dressed in IPC high command attire, radiating effortless authority. Beside her image, a list of her accomplishments scrolled by.
"Ladies and gentlemen, today we gather to celebrate the newest milestone of our very own Director Topaz!"
"As we all know, Honkai: Star Rail has made an indelible impact across the cosmos."
"And now, through her unparalleled charisma and professional excellence, Director Topaz has earned the recognition of the game's developer—Yu Ling!"
"She has officially become one of the game's limited 5-star characters!"
"Now, please welcome… her character PV—[Expert Tutorial]!"
The crowd erupted into thunderous applause.
The screen darkened—then exploded into dazzling light.
---
"Ladies and Gentlemen…"
Spotlights flashed, revealing a figure lounging arrogantly on a lavish throne—Topaz, one hand propping up her chin, the other stroking Numby.
Behind her, a mountain of gold coins gleamed under the lights, contrasting sharply with her cool, unbothered gaze.
The audience lost it.
"LONG LIVE DIRECTOR TOPAZ!"
"That entrance was TOO COOL!"
"Wait—is this really an in-game PV? Feels more like a corporate promo!"
"Did she pay Yu Ling to make this?!"
"Typical Topaz move—absolute legend!"
As the beat dropped, Topaz stood, smirking.
"Deadbeats, debtors, listen well—"
"Thick-skinned, hearts of hell."
"You ask me, 'What's the play?'"
She dramatically leaned back, free-falling into a pool of white light—only to reappear holding a wine glass, toasting the screen.
"Leave it to the expert—I'll show you the way!"
The crowd roared.
"ELEGANT! TOO ELEGANT!"
"This is the confidence of a WINNER!"
"I wanna be like Topaz when I grow up!"
"The 'Wolf of IPC' strikes again!"
---
Lesson 1: "No Escaping Debt"
Topaz raised a finger.
"Rule One: What's owed must be paid."
"Try to flee? The price gets raised."
The scene shifted to Belobog's snowy wastes.
Topaz strolled toward a suspiciously familiar trash can—inside, none other than Sampo, Belobog's most notorious swindler.
Spotting Topaz, Sampo popped out like a jack-in-the-box, grinning nervously.
"Well, well~ If it isn't Director Topaz!"
"What a coincidence—!"
He kneel-slid toward her, presenting a "gift box" (which everyone knew was rigged with explosives).
Topaz's eyes narrowed.
"Hold it."
"A sudden gift? That's your first mistake."
She tossed Numby—who transformed into a blazing buzzsaw, shredding the bomb mid-air.
The screen flashed:
[TARGET: Sampo – STATUS: COLLECTED]
The audience cheered.
"SHE COUNTERED SAMPO'S ULT!"
"THE END OF THE 'AZURE SWINDLE'!"
"Even the slickest fox can't outrun Topaz!"
---
Lesson 2: "Negotiate Smart"
Next stop: Herta Space Station.
"Rule Two: Talk to the right person, not the loudest."
A spreadsheet materialized, highlighting a single outstanding balance—Herta's unpaid bills.
"Herta's accounts have been frozen."
"This is last month's tab."
Asta gasped. Herta, meanwhile, barely glanced up from her work.
"Oh? That little thing?"
"Just deduct it from my next grant."
She dashed off at inhuman speed, leaving Asta to face Topaz's expectant smile.
The screen froze on:
[TARGET: Herta – STATUS: COLLECTED (via Asta)]
The employees lost their minds.
"SHE PLAYED HERTA!"
"Never ask Herta—go straight to Asta! GENIUS!"
"This is corporate strategy at its FINEST!"
---
Lesson 3: "No Permanent Enemies"
Final act: Belobog's battlefield.
Monsters from the Fragmentum swarmed, trapping Bronya, the acting Supreme Guardian.
Topaz's voice rang out:
"Rule Three: In business, foes can flip."
Artillery shells rained down, annihilating the monsters. Then—
"Go! Numby!"
Numby charged like a gold-seeking missile, shredding enemies in a whirlwind of coins.
Topaz smirked at Bronya.
"Sometimes, making a friend… benefits us both."
"Don't you agree, Madam Guardian?"
Bronya, reluctantly, extended her hand.
[TARGET: Beloborg – STATUS: NEGOTIATED]
---
"Class Dismissed."
The screen faded to black, then lit up with:
"Did you learn something?"
The auditorium exploded.
"TOPAAAAAZ!"
"IPC FOREVER!"
For minutes, the chants didn't stop.
---
Post-Show Reactions
Employees whispered in awe:
"This wasn't a PV—it was a corporate training video!"
"She 100% paid Yu Ling for this! The IPC propaganda is GLARING!"
"This is the power of COMPANY CULTURE!"
"I'm inspired! I'll dedicate my life to the IPC, just like Topaz!"
To be continued…
Advance 100 Chapters are up on my Patreon!
pat reon.com/AlphaSenatus
Join my Discord server for the latest updates and have face-to-face talks with me!
discord.gg /fD76Qn4VhB