"Could you have misunderstood This Seat, thinking This Seat was forcing you to choose one or the other between Origin Strike: Star Shatter and an A-Rank Mech?"
The tiny General sat on the sofa, tilting her head slightly. Her attitude seemed surprised, but a sly smile played on the corners of her mouth.
"?"
Bronya was taken aback at first, and after realizing what was going on, she felt both angry and amused.
No wonder she wanted to bring forward this compensation negotiation that should have been delayed. Was she directly using benefits far exceeding expectations to seize the initiative in the subsequent transactions? Haha... Fu Xuan, you rascal...
It had to be said, this move was played exquisitely. Hyperion had no reason not to eat the fat meat fed right to their mouths, and once accepted, they would invisibly owe the other party a favor.
But how to put it?
For the overall benefit of the Taixuan Front, she could unhesitatingly discard a secret art like Origin Strike: Star Shatter—which could be considered her personal trump card—as a bargaining chip...
This boldness... she truly deserves to sit firmly in the General's seat.
And besides that.
Bronya glanced at her own older brother and found him staring intently at Fu Xuan right now, tangible little stars practically popping out of his eyes.
She could guess with her toes what this embarrassing fellow was thinking. Nothing more than, "This woman! She's so damn charming!", "Affection Level UP!", and so on.
Thinking about it, it made sense. As a systematic martial art, the overall rating of the Setsuna Blade was only S-A. The individual rating of Origin Strike: Star Shatter was a full S-A.
Even though the two types were different and shouldn't be blindly compared, it also meant that if the individual skills within the Setsuna Blade were pulled out separately, their power was far inferior to Origin Strike: Star Shatter.
Never mind.
Bronya took a deep breath and suppressed her distracting thoughts. The last trace of slackness in her demeanor faded, replaced by the focus and sharpness of a precision instrument.
Fuli hadn't casually ordered his little sister to take charge of finances. During the Anti-Entropy period, relying on her precise computational power and her close relationship with Cocolia, the young girl's position was deputy and financial manager, specifically responsible for auditing accounts and plugging leaks to prevent certain "insects" from lining their own pockets.
The necrosis of her emotion module caused by the X-10 Experiment actually became Bronya's unique advantage at the time. Even though her brain damage had long been repaired, her experience in this area was never lost.
The formal negotiations soon began. The holographic projection screens in ME Corp flickered with complex data streams. Only Fu Xuan's cool voice and Bronya's ripple-less responses echoed alternately amidst the low hum of the instruments.
The two engaged in a fierce tug-of-war over the details of the Heirloom Seal's transaction, resource exchange ratios, and subsequent cooperation frameworks. It made the onlookers yawn repeatedly. It wasn't until the last afterglow of the setting sun outside the window was swallowed by the deep twilight that the preliminary framework of the agreement was finally hammered out.
Yes, this was only the outline.
The subsequent details would still require continuous negotiations between both parties, ultimately reaching an agreement that neither side was entirely satisfied with but could both accept. Only then could the curtain truly fall.
"Phew..."
Finishing her day's work, Fu Xuan stretched, her small body unfurling on the large sofa.
She looked at Bronya opposite her, who also showed a trace of fatigue, with the appreciation of meeting her match. "I didn't expect the small Hyperion to hide crouching tigers and hidden dragons. Miss Bronya's negotiating skills truly please This Seat."
"The General is even more radiant," the Great Bronya complimented in return. "Facing a faction whose strength is far inferior to yours, not only did you show no negligence, but you haggled over every detail, refusing to yield a single inch of ground."
"That doesn't sound like words of praise, you know?"
"On the trading floor, the opponent's silent cursing is the highest praise."
Their gazes met in the air, as if electric sparks flashed, and then they tacitly smiled.
Over the past few months, regarding the items sold by St. Freya—including but not limited to compact ammunition spatial storage devices, telekinesis manifestation devices, various electromagnetic armors and Gauss weapons suspected of being forged with Previous Era technology, etc.—many factions, while coveting them, were secretly doubting their origins.
St. Freya was ultimately just a branch of Schicksal. They themselves had to vigorously develop biotechnology for healing artificial Stigmata and purifying Honkai energy; they were destined not to have massive funds to invest in this area.
Even though she had investigated beforehand, now that she had completely confirmed that the source of these so-called "Far East Specialties" that made all parties drool was actually this seemingly inconspicuous Hyperion, a wave of joy still surged in Fu Xuan's heart.
As for middlemen... the fewer, the better.
It wasn't that the Taixuan Front lacked these "three melons and two dates" (trivial things), it was mainly about potential.
To develop to this current level in a mere half a year, which even included the most difficult pioneering period—what if Hyperion was given another half a year, or a year?
Furthermore, even if the Taixuan Front as a whole didn't lack them, the Luofu, as a local entity, could independently fund purchases.
Not to mention anything else, the HTR Modification Potion that grants strength equivalent to an A-Rank Valkyrie just by surviving the pain—even for a super-large organization, the more the better. They wished they could swallow up the already pitifully small production quota in one breath.
The Basic Evolution Potion, which brings physical fitness close to a C-Rank Valkyrie after consumption, also had great use. As long as it was managed properly, they could build an elite force completely loyal to themselves in a short time.
And those delicious meats and seasonal fruits containing pure energy, the peculiar energy crystals (Fuli Well Crystals), the Equipment Enhancement Furnace that theoretically had no upper limit for enhancement, the Artificial Gravity Device simulating planetary cleavage technology, or the Star-Forging Furnace that could smelt equipment and items by throwing in two or more materials with supernatural elements...
"General! General!" Qingque reminded her in a low voice from the side. "Your look is a bit scary."
Like Cao Mengde seeing top-tier other-peoples'-wives.
"Ahem!"
Snapping back to her senses, Fu Xuan also realized she had lost her composure. She coughed lightly, her voice ringing in her subordinate's mind: Qingque.
Here, here! What are your orders, General?
Why don't you simply follow the Mandate of Heaven and directly marry Your Excellency Fuli?
The Little Sparrow nearly choked on her own saliva. No wait, Old Lady, why do you still remember that?!
Fu Xuan felt heart-wrenching pain: Seeing these sixteen- or seventeen-year-old children wandering outside all day, with no one to rely on, This Seat truly cannot bear it!
You obviously just have your eyes on their stuff and want to mooch it for free! So you want to use a 'Marriage Alliance' policy to subdue the enemy without fighting!
Qingque didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
Fortunately, Fu Xuan also knew that just selling off one little sparrow wouldn't exchange for many benefits. She pondered for a moment and asked again, "May I ask if everyone has trade relations with the Interastral Peace Corporation (IPC)?"
"Accurately speaking, it is with Asta personally."
Bronya corrected.
The Hyperion's trading partners were also ranked.
For example, with Theresa, an initial investor and super-connected person, there was no problem revealing the existence of the Fuli Well to her.
Asta and Tribios were a bit lower. It wasn't that they didn't trust them personally, but they didn't trust the intricate corporate forces and the British Royal Family behind them.
For the simplest example, the HTR Modification Potion was "Not For Sale" to them.
The Galaxy Rangers represented by Boothill could be trusted. The problem was that these paupers roaming the sea of stars really had no oil to squeeze. They still owed half the tab for the special reinforced bullets they bought earlier.
The situation with Raiden Ryoma, who was expanding territory for New ME Corp in South America, was similar.
The reason they were so open with Fu Xuan was, first, because of the connection with Cousin Hua; second, Shenzhou's official reputation was indeed impeccably good, especially since the visitor was General Miao Jian with her imperial status. There was no need to worry about being backstabbed.
"I see."
Being trusted, Fu Xuan stroked her chin, a bit happy.
She hesitated for a moment, as if making some sort of determination, and took out a brightly glowing card from her exquisite handbag.
The card was as thin as a cicada's wing, its surface engraved with profoundly complex energy patterns, exuding a soft and mysterious halo. One look and you could tell it was absolutely not an ordinary item.
"As a congratulatory gift for concluding our transaction." She gently placed the card on the table, carrying a trace of imperceptible showing off. "This Seat wishes to gift this Light Cone to everyone."
"Light Cone?"
Fuli and the others exchanged a glance.
"Indeed, exactly a Light Cone."
Fu Xuan proudly raised her chin. "This item is an epoch-making product developed by the laboratory under Miss Asta of the IPC! It requires no harsh cultivation conditions. As long as you integrate it into your body, you can perfectly master the skills or spells recorded within, as if you were born with them!"
"This item has not yet been publicly released. The IPC plans to officially launch it during the upcoming Luminary Wardance Ceremony." she introduced eloquently. "As the Luofu General, they gifted This Seat three Light Cones. This one right now is one of them."
By the end, the young woman sounded slightly sour.
Speaking bluntly, not to mention the Solar System, even on a galactic scale, a Light Cone was a treasure among treasures.
And yet, this epoch-making product was actually invented by the team under Asta. Fu Xuan still couldn't forget the seemingly humble but actually tail-waggingly smug look on that pink-haired rich miss when she gifted her these three Light Cones.
Even so, she was still willing to gift one to the Hyperion.
It was both to show the Luofu's sincerity and strength, and to tactfully warn these youths with infinite potential that "there is always someone better," and not to become complacent just because they achieved some results.
The starting point couldn't be said to be bad; the intention couldn't be said to be insincere.
The only problem was—
Facing that precious Light Cone lying quietly on the glowing table, Fuli and the others once again exchanged an indescribable, subtle look.
The next second, under the puzzled gazes of Fu Xuan and Qingque, they each pulled out a palm-sized card box from their pockets, tactical belts, or subspace storage devices.
These card boxes were opened simultaneously, the crisp clack exceptionally clear in the silent laboratory.
Inside each opened card box lay quietly eight cards of varying designs, but all exuding the same mysterious energy fluctuations.
Looking at their essence, they were exactly the same as the Light Cone on the table.
Fu Xuan: (°Д°)
Qingque: w(ﾟДﾟ)w
When people are extremely shocked, their eyes really do pop out, huh.
Looking at the pair of perfectly round golden eyes opposite him that looked like they would pop out of their sockets the next second, and the contemporary Master Diviner's dumbfounded expression with her jaw almost dropping to her feet, Fuli thought with some emotion in his heart.
"You, you, you! You, you, you!"
The General bounced up from the sofa like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. Her slender fingers pointed tremblingly at the people in front of her, her tender, exquisite, and cute face flushed completely red.
Her defense was broken, massively broken.
The key was that it was embarrassing.
Smugly bringing out something to show off, only for the other side to slap it back in your face multiplied.
Fortunately, everyone knew the General meant well. After a flurry of chaotic comforting, Fu Xuan, having forcefully calmed down, took a deep breath and locked her gaze on Fuli again. The fiery desire mixed within made many feel like sitting on pins and needles.
"These Light Cones... you produced them?"
"Yes."
"Only you can make them?"
"Currently, yes."
"Signed a contract with Asta? Not allowed to sell to others before it expires?"
"Correct."
"For how long?"
"Three years."
"WHAT A SIN!!!"
The General slapped her thigh fiercely, hating iron for not becoming steel, making Qingque beside her yelp in pain.
She didn't care, continuing to glare at Prisoner Fuli with eyes hating iron for not becoming steel. "You were muddle-headed!"
[Incomprehensible QQ account promotion spam translated as: "What else could I do? Who let me be so scared of being poor back then."]
The big boy spread his hands, sighing deeply. "As soon as I opened my eyes, there were so many mouths waiting to be fed. How could I care about the future back then? One hundred million crystals blinded my eyes directly. Didn't Shenzhou sell a lot of DF missiles to Saudi Arabia back in the day?"
As he spoke, he glanced at Mei. The usually aloof girl felt a rare pang of guilt, turning her head away, not daring to meet his gaze.
If this girl hadn't exchanged all the negotiation compensation with Tribios for scientific research data, they wouldn't have sold the Light Cones so cheaply.
Sigh, the free-spending Miss Raiden-Hole-Mei.
"Tsk."
Fu Xuan clicked her tongue. Her delicate brows furrowed in thought for a moment, and she proposed with a trace of unwillingness, "Since they cannot be sold, how about gifting This Seat some? In exchange, This Seat can also gift everyone items of matching value, absolutely ensuring you do not suffer a loss."
"G-General?!"
Qingque was completely dumbfounded. Was this something her highly principled, rigidly upright superior could say? This was clearly inciting them to breach a contract!
It could only be said that Fu Xuan during her Master Diviner period definitely couldn't have lowered her face to do this. But now?
Principles are indeed important, but some things are more important than principles!
As long as she could get a certain quota, she'd even be willing if it meant marrying Fuli and bearing him a precious daughter!
"No can do." Unfortunately, Fuli still shook his head. "Since an agreement has been made, we definitely can't back out."
Once the Light Cones leaked, the higher-ups of the Taixuan Front would definitely distribute them to subordinates. Being exposed was only a matter of time.
Moreover, even if it wouldn't be exposed, the spirit of the contract was the bottom line of the Hyperion. Unless Asta breached the contract first, they would absolutely not break their promise to others.
"Fine."
Fu Xuan sighed long and reluctantly, looking as if she had missed out on a heaven-sent opportunity. "Then next, please show This Seat around the various facilities and production lines here."
"Okay."
This request was reasonable.
Everyone stood up one after another, leading the Luofu duo to inspect ME Corp.
The other things were fine, but the moment she saw the Equipment Enhancement Furnace placed in the corner and read the related introduction on the metal plaque, Qingque's feet seemed glued with superglue, unable to move another step.
"This says... if you throw weapons or equipment into this thing, there's a certain probability they'll be enhanced?"
The Little Sparrow's heart itched unbearably. She immediately took out a set of warm, translucent white Mahjong tiles from her pocket, eager to try. "Can my 'Celestial Jade' tiles also be enhanced a bit?"
This set of Celestial Jade was crafted by a Master Artisan of the Luofu Artisanship Commission, modeled after the legendary twenty-four Sea-Calming Pearls. It could be used to play Mahjong, served as her divination tool, and could also be used as a sub-weapon in combat. It was a rare, high-level treasure.
"It's possible, but..."
Watching the retreating backs of Fuli and the others, Kiana, who had been grabbed and left behind, scratched her head urgently. "Miss, do you want to try? There's a chance of dropping a level if the enhancement fails! I can operate it for you; the success rate will be much higher."
"No, no, no!"
Qingque wagged her finger, the unique excited light of a gambler flashing in her eyes. "If this kind of thing isn't done personally, wouldn't I lose a great joy in life?"
Enhancement is all about the thrill!
"Oh."
Treasure Kiana nodded, bringing over a large pile of energy crystals from the side.
She pointed to the slot at the bottom of the Enhancement Furnace and said, "When enhancing, just stuff these into the fuel port below."
Casually taking a mass-produced katana and stuffing it inside, she pressed the activation button twelve times. The furnace instantly lit up with a soft golden light. A low hum sounded, and energy streams could be vaguely seen galloping between the patterns on the furnace's inner wall.
Accompanied by a pleasant chime and flashes of brilliant golden light, that small katana seemed to be endowed with life. In just over ten seconds, it leaped from an ordinary state to a "+12 Divine Weapon" that could cut iron like mud, its sharpness comparable to some inferior C-Rank blades.
"It's mostly like this. Mei said the first twenty enhancements are free; after that, it costs money."
"Looks pretty easy, no problem!"
Qingque rubbed her hands together, full of confidence as she placed the entire set of Celestial Jade tiles into the furnace chamber.
This is a high-stakes gamble, friend!
The first few enhancements went exceptionally smoothly. Every success made the corners of the girl's mouth curl up, as if victory was in sight.
However, on the eighth time, a sudden change occurred. The light inside the furnace suddenly became chaotic. A piercing zzt sound was heard, followed by a muffled boom. A thick plume of black smoke spewed out from the exhaust vent on top of the furnace.
"W-What happened?"
Qingque's heart sank. Did I break the machine? Do I have to pay for it?
"Just an enhancement failure." Kiana waved her hand, not caring much. "Going from +7 to +8... it should only drop one level?"
Her tone was uncertain. After all, her enhancements below +10 had never failed.
Sure enough, the furnace door opened. The originally lustrous +7 Celestial Jade was now dim, its level shockingly downgraded to +6.
"Still want to try?"
"Again!"
Qingque gritted her teeth, throwing in crystals to start the Enhancement Furnace again.
I can still gamble again, friend!
A moment later, another plume of black smoke blossomed.
"Wasn't it just +10? H-How did it drop to +7 again?"
"Going to +11 is like that." Treasure Kiana was very calm. "Also, your free attempts are used up. You have to pay from now on. Still going?"
Qingque slapped her salary card on the table, her eyes red as she said, "Again!"
A few more rounds passed. As the Enhancement Furnace continuously swallowed energy crystals and credits, her savings rapidly shrank by two-thirds.
Looking at the Celestial Jade still stuck at +10, seeing that she was about to lose miserably, a hint of wanting to retreat finally sprouted in Qingque's heart.
Catching a glimpse from the corner of her eye of the small katana Kiana had casually enhanced to +12, her eyes darted around, and she asked tentatively, "Um, Miss Kiana, how about you try it for me?"
"That's why I said let me do it from the start!"
Treasure Kiana sighed. She took the set of +10 jade tiles and casually tossed them into the furnace chamber. She stuffed in the crystals, her movements flowing like water, and pressed the enhancement button twice without even looking much at the control panel.
Wow! Golden Legendary!
Dazzling golden light burst forth. The furnace door opened, and the radiant +12 Celestial Jade tiles lay quietly inside. The warm jade surface flowed with an energy halo that seemed to have come alive, unimaginably stronger than before!
"Yay!"
"Anyway, that's it." Kiana shoved the jade tiles back into the overjoyed Qingque's hands. "It's best to keep it in this state and not touch it. Equipment above +12 will disappear if the enhancement fails. Like this."
Seeing that Fuli and the others' backs had disappeared around the corner, the girl grabbed the +12 small katana, threw it into the furnace, pressed the enhancement button, and hurried away without waiting for the result.
"Will disappear?"
Watching her hurriedly departing figure, Qingque looked at the brilliantly glowing +12 Celestial Jade tiles in her hand, then glanced at the freshly minted +13 small katana in the furnace. Holding the mentality of "just trying it out," she threw the latter back into the Enhancement Furnace.
The light shined again. +14 Success!
"Eh! Isn't this quite simple!"
The Little Sparrow instantly beamed with joy. A heroic feeling of "If she can do it, I can do it too" arose spontaneously.
She tightly gripped that precious set of +12 Celestial Jade tiles. In her ears, it was as if the encouragement of countless predecessors echoed: "Hesitation is defeat!", "What gambler loses every time!", "Decisiveness is the blade of the victor, lingering is the shackle of the weak!"
"Give me—A HIT!"
Taking a deep breath, with the aura of burning her boats, she forcefully shoved the entire set of jade tiles into the Enhancement Furnace and slammed the activation button!
"IT DIDN'T HIT AAAAAAAHH!!!"
A miserable scream piercing enough to rupture eardrums resounded through the entirety of ME Corp. Like a groundhog being strangled by the neck, it startled Fu Xuan and the others who were touring in the distance, making them all shudder simultaneously.
"I told you not to continue."
Only Kiana, who realized the truth, muttered softly. Even she couldn't guarantee success every time in the realm above that. Otherwise, why was Fuli's Plasma Kagehide only +12?