---o---
"Clara, can we go over with you?"
Both Bronya and Topaz were very curious as to why Fu Zhu, a guest, wasn't enjoying the sights in the Overworld and had instead run off to the Underworld.
Clara seemed unsure, saying with some distress, "I can take you there, but whether you can go in or not depends on what Big Brother Fu Zhu says. He said that before he's finished with his work, no one is allowed to enter or leave as they please."
"Just take us there first."
"Okay."
Bronya took the tray from Clara's hands. She didn't know how far away Fu Zhu's location was, but it would surely be tiring for a little girl like Clara to carry it the whole way.
"Thank you, Big Sister Bronya."
After a sweet thank you, Clara led the way, guiding the group towards a large, open area near the robot settlement.
A short while later, Bronya and Topaz saw the clearing, which was now crowded with people. The most eye-catching feature was the towering structure rising from the ground in the center of the space.
Topaz looked up, squinting to get a better look. "The building materials of that 'tower' are square and remarkably uniform. Could this be Fu Zhu's handiwork?"
Just as Topaz and Bronya were puzzling over the distant tower, the sound of an argument reached them from up ahead.
Topaz and Bronya frowned and saw members of the project team, dressed in black, arguing with Svarog, Gepard, and a group of Silvermane Guards.
Seeing this, Topaz's frown deepened, and she quickened her pace to walk over, with Bronya right behind her.
The project team leader was currently shouting angrily at Svarog, "How many times do I have to say it? We are here to survey the resources of the Underworld! This concerns your fate! I suggest you let us through!"
Svarog, however, simply shook his head. "Negative. Fu Zhu's current directive is the highest priority. Until he permits your entry, access is denied."
"Then at least let us talk to him! What if he agrees?"
"Negative. Without Fu Zhu's approval, access is denied."
"If we can't talk to him, how are we supposed to get his approval?"
"Suggestion: first obtain Fu Zhu's approval."
"Damn it..."
The team leader felt like his head was about to explode from anger. Just as he was about to order his subordinates to force their way in, Topaz's sharp voice came from behind him.
"What are you all doing?"
The team leader jumped at the sound of Topaz's voice and spun around hastily. "Reporting, Lady Topaz! We are attempting to communicate with this robot, but it refuses to let us pass, completely obstructing our survey work. Requesting authorization to engage!"
"Silence. Get to the side, now," Topaz ordered.
The team leader flinched and immediately led his men to stand meekly in a line to the side, not daring to make another sound.
Only then did Topaz walk up to Svarog, looking him over before asking, "You must be Svarog, correct? I believe my subordinates have already explained the purpose of our visit. This matter is crucial to Belobog, and we only wish to take a look. Why can't you allow my men to pass?"
Svarog's response was the same as before. "Negative. Individuals without Fu Zhu's approval are forbidden from entering. Even if you are from the Company."
Topaz couldn't help but frown. It had been a long time since anyone had dared to speak to her like that. But then her gaze drifted past Svarog towards the tower, and the thought that Fu Zhu was inside made her swallow her frustration.
If it could be avoided, she did not want to make an enemy of Fu Zhu. According to the Company's investigation, he was a Pathstrider who had walked multiple Paths, a man of extraordinary potential.
"Fine. We don't have to go in. But Svarog, could you at least do me a favor? This concerns the fate of Belobog. I trust you wouldn't refuse? After all, there are others here to keep watch."
As she spoke, her eyes glanced towards Gepard and the Silvermane Guards. She felt her request was not unreasonable, and Svarog should have no reason to refuse.
And yet.
"Negative. Fu Zhu's current directive holds the highest priority. According to my calculations, Fu Zhu's plan is the optimal solution for assisting Belobog at this time."
Topaz was getting exasperated. "What plan could possibly make you say something like that?"
"Information classified. Cannot disclose."
Topaz rubbed her temples, a headache coming on. She then took a cube-like object from her pocket. "Svarog, I have no intention of prying into Fu Zhu's affairs. I just want you to lead the way for me. This is a source code that can control your entire line of machines. If it weren't necessary, I would prefer not to use this."
Hearing this, Bronya, who was standing nearby, frowned. "Miss Topaz, I cannot stand by and watch this happen. Is it really necessary to go this far?"
Topaz let out a long sigh, then replied with a serious expression, "For the sake of both our parties, this project must be completed, Miss Bronya."
---o---
Just as Bronya was about to say more, Svarog spoke first.
"Analysis. The source code in your hand does indeed possess the ability to control me. However, that was based on the premise that the Astral Express had not yet visited Jarilo-VI. I previously engaged in combat with Fu Zhu. He defeated me with Redstone technology. Since then, my systems have been exclusively controlled by Redstone circuitry. Your source code has no effect on my current state."
"What?!"
Svarog's words caught Topaz by surprise. In disbelief, she tried to activate the source code in her hand, attempting to make Svarog perform a simple hand-raising motion.
However, after the source code was activated, Svarog remained perfectly still, showing no reaction whatsoever to Topaz's command.
"Hiss... so this is the effect of Redstone technology..."
Topaz was genuinely surprised. She hadn't expected Redstone technology to be so dominant, completely overwriting the Company's source code. Now, short of using brute force, it seemed there was truly no way to make Svarog listen to her.
And brute force was the very last thing she wanted to resort to.
Just as the two sides were locked in a stalemate, a voice came from behind Svarog.
"Oioi! Who dares cause trouble on my turf?"
Xing swaggered out, wearing sunglasses and swinging a baseball bat, walking with the kind of swagger that said she owned the place. Trailing far behind her was March 7th, covering her face in second-hand embarrassment.
As soon as Xing appeared, she spotted Topaz and Bronya standing opposite Svarog and immediately took off her sunglasses.
"Huh? What are you two doing here?"
Seeing Xing emerge, Bronya and Topaz both let out a sigh of relief. Finally, someone who could make decisions and be reasoned with had arrived.
Bronya was the first to ask, "Xing, can you let us in to have a chat with Fu Zhu?"
"If it's you, Bronya, then of course you can. But... this person next to you..."
Xing took out her phone and called Fu Zhu. "Big Boss, there's a beauty outside who wants to see you."
"A beauty? Tell her to get lost, I'm busy as hell right now! If she doesn't scram, sis, just give her a punch in the eye!"
"...It's Topaz."
"Topaz? So what? Even if the Amber Lord himself showed up, you give him a punch!"
"Huh? I get to punch the Amber Lord? For real?"