"Miss Topaz told me a story: Seven hundred years ago, after the Stellaron descended upon Jarilo-VI, the outsiders who were originally stationed in this world foresaw the approaching crisis and chose to leave one after another."
"Among these outsiders was a group of investors from the [Interastral Peace Corporation], but they did a big thing before leaving..."
"They found the [Architects] who insisted on guarding their homeland and provided the latter with a large sum of funds to be used for disaster contingency."
"It was precisely relying on those funds that Belobog was able to build such high walls... even the R&D costs for the first batch of Automatons were drawn from that money."
Hearing Bronya recount the early story of Jarilo-VI, March 7th froze in shock, unable to believe it: "There's actually such a thing! So... so, could it be that the [Business] Topaz mentioned is coming to Belobog to collect debts?"
"Mmh... I'm afraid so."
Bronya had already prepared for the worst. Their planet had finally gained a new lease on life with great difficulty, and now they were facing debt collection from the Company.
What did tiny Jarilo-VI do to deserve this...
March 7th's heart shook. "This is too ridiculous?! Why pick this time of all times?"
"If we hadn't eradicated the Stellaron, wouldn't this debt just be written off? Isn't this obviously bullying?"
"According to her, the repayment period agreed upon by the Architects and the company investors was... 280 years. But less than a century after borrowing, the connection between Jarilo-VI and the entire galaxy was completely cut off." Bronya nodded.
"The Company believed Jarilo-VI suffered a destruction-level blow and civilization no longer existed, so that investment was assessed as a bad debt."
"Until the [Stellaron] crisis was lifted, the Company discovered that Belobog had actually survived until now..."
"Then they sent Topaz over to collect the debt..." March 7th pursed her lips. Bronya added a sentence:
"Mmh, principal plus interest."
Stelle frowned slightly. "What is the amount?"
"Astronomical level..." Bronya's tone became very low. "I don't even know how to accurately pronounce that string of numbers."
Paying back debts is a matter of course—Bronya knew this well, but the current situation was truly desperate.
"Before you came in, Topaz already warned me... If the debt is overdue for too long, the Company gave her the power to take [Forceful Measures]."
"I didn't expect the situation to develop in this direction... I originally thought the Company was here to help Belobog rebuild..."
Stelle's rosy filter of the Company had shattered. She had thought she could provide financial aid to help Jarilo-VI survive this [Debt Collection] crisis.
But looking at it now... even emptying her current assets wouldn't be enough to pay!
Stelle didn't know if Adrian had this financial power... but the only thing she could be sure of now was: "The people of Belobog can't handle this alone."
"Yeah, we have to help them think of a way! The Company's influence is so big, even if Bronya acts, it will be hard to settle..."
"I don't know as much about the [Interastral Peace Corporation] as you do, but if the records in the classics are true... it is a huge organization spanning the entire galaxy. Suppressing Belobog would likely be as easy as turning over a hand."
In Boulder Town, after Adrian showed her the past of the Church Priestess, Bronya had nothing left to fear. That immersive sense of despair, she didn't want to experience a second time in this life.
If the [Interastral Peace Corporation] really intended to take coercive measures against Jarilo-VI, the despair brought about... would probably be even greater than the locust swarm pressing down on the border.
"So... so I'm very glad you came—I know you two just wanted to attend the festival celebration originally, but now... now I want to ask you, ask the Astral Express for help."
"You two, can you try to persuade Topaz for me? Relying on the Express's reputation in the galaxy, maybe..."
"Don't worry, Bronya! When a friend is in trouble, how could enthusiastic Nameless refuse?" March 7th agreed directly. Stelle asked her a question:
"By the way, hasn't Bronya thought about asking the Church for help? Remember Pontiff Blake gave a paper slip."
No matter what, the Church has two known [Emanators]. Considering they hadn't seen the military strength of both sides, it was too early to draw a conclusion. Maybe the Interastral Peace Corporation has three [Emanators].
"The Church has already done a lot for Belobog, I'm truly ashamed... I don't want to implicate them because of this matter." Bronya wasn't clear about the Church's true level.
Recalling those days of rebuilding Belobog, the architects sent by the Church worked hard every day; some didn't even sleep, working overtime.
Not only was there no rest time, but these kind-hearted Church people even declined food hospitality, the reason being to practice their [Eternity].
Even long-life species shouldn't grind like this... don't you feel mental fatigue?!
If they were Automatons, working continuously for ten days would cause the mechanical parts to overheat and be scrapped.
With such an attitude, how could Bronya dare to ask the Church for help again? Her conscience was hurting! It made Jarilo-VI look like some black-hearted merchant guild, exploiting the free labor sent by the Church.
"If necessary, solve it by force."
Stelle clenched her fist. Don't underestimate her now!
As long as she doesn't encounter [Emanator] level combat power, then she, the Galactic Baseballer, is invincible!
What? What if she encounters one? Simple, she'll just lie flat on the spot. Currently holding two Stellarons, self-destructing for a one-for-one exchange isn't impossible.
If pushed to desperation, then don't blame her for bringing out the final trump card—that man who only drinks milk tea!
By the way, does half an [Emanator] count as an [Emanator]?
"Uh... there's no need to make things so stiff. Miss Topaz doesn't look like such an unreasonable person."
They are kind [Trailblazing] Nameless; always fighting and killing isn't good.
"Ah, if I knew earlier I would have let Adrian come down. After all, he is top three combat power in the Express crew."
March 7th turned to look at Stelle. How did she rank this combat power?
"March, you don't understand this... now is not the time to talk about this, I'll tell you later."
Stelle's goal was clear. Solving by force probably wouldn't work, so find Topaz and use [Persuasion] on her!
"With your silver tongue, let's try to persuade her." March 7th suggested.
Bronya was endlessly grateful. "Thank you! I'm sorry to drag you into trouble again..."
"While you two go find Topaz, I will also think about countermeasures. Good luck."
"Ah... also, be sure to stay safe." Bronya urged.