Even if one dies and goes to hell, the tax collector's bill will follow closely behind.
This phrase is a well-known Warhammer meme.
It's used to mock the Empire's rigid and inefficient tax department.
Playing with this meme used to just feel fun.
After personally experiencing the bureaucratic atmosphere of the Empire's tax department, Alex was speechless.
God knows how many victims there are under this rigid system!
When it comes to persecuting humanity, the Chaos Gods, even with all their might, cannot compare to the Empire's bureaucrats.
Even if a world is about to become a living hell.
Those guys will mercilessly collect the planetary tithe, then leave the innocent people there to die.
"No need to pay attention."
Alex motioned to Feng to ignore the tax department's notice.
"Planet Atoma is in ruins, half the planet hasn't been recovered yet, and the people are suffering from hunger. Where would the tithe come from?"
Feng showed a hesitant expression, "What if the Sector Government blames us?"
Alex waved his hand, saying indifferently, "Then tell them, this is the Holy Emperor's will."
"My Lord, why don't we try to gather some and pay a portion first."
"The Ecclesiarchy forces in Calixis Sector are extremely fanatical. If they are unwilling to acknowledge your identity..."
Feng did not finish speaking.
But Alex also knew what the other party wanted to express.
It was nothing more than concern that the Ecclesiarchy would not acknowledge Alex's identity as a Living Saint, and might even consider him a Heretic.
Given the mindset of those in the Ecclesiarchy, such a thing could genuinely happen.
During this time, Alex thoroughly investigated the various factions in the Calixis Sector.
The Ecclesiarchy's influence here was second only to the Terra government.
It had numerous branches, proselytizing and establishing holy cities throughout the sector.
If they truly believed Alex was a Heretic, a trick of the Dark Gods.
They would genuinely arrive in warships and execute an Exterminatus on Planet Atoma.
Alex smiled, calming Feng's emotions.
"If they insist on defying the Holy Emperor's will, then I will have no choice but to bring down ultimate judgment in the Holy Emperor's name."
Given the Empire's touching efficiency, he could completely, before the punitive fleet arrived,
unify Planet Atoma and acquire his flying wings.
By then, with his wings, he could use Faith Points to exchange for the Holy Emperor's power to perform miracles.
Given the current religious atmosphere of the Human Empire, it would be hard to say who the Heretic would be then.
"I understand. No matter what, the Valanxius Family will firmly stand with the Guide."
Feng once again expressed his loyalty.
Alex inquired about the progress of Tirien Hive City's reconstruction.
"Everything is getting back on track. All families have sent out their scions, who will take up various positions to serve the Holy Emperor."
"Those factories will also be handed over to the great families to manage. They have rich experience and know how to increase production."
Feng's report made Alex frown. It was fortunate he asked.
Otherwise, the recovered Planet Atoma would have been divided up like a cake by those parasites.
There were certainly many nobles loyal to the Holy Emperor.
But loyalty couldn't be eaten or used as a weapon.
Moreover, the loyalty of most of these nobles was based on self-interest and was not reliable at all.
From beginning to end, Alex never intended to take the aristocratic route, but instead planned to take the grassroots route, building the strongest army through faith.
"Officials in Tirien Hive City cannot blindly appoint only family scions."
"Reserve two-thirds of the positions and select suitable talents from the Mid-Hive and Under-Hive."
"Furthermore, the reconstructed industrial facilities must be managed by capable individuals through open bidding, with no backdoor dealings allowed."
"Not just Tirien Hive City, from now on, all recovered fallen zones will implement this order."
"Ah!" Feng looked uneasy and advised, "Guide, this will provoke dissatisfaction from the various families."
"The influence of these families is complex, involving all aspects of the Hive City. Without their support, your authority might be damaged."
"If they're not satisfied, then let them be not satisfied." Alex's tone was stern.
"The High Lord of Terra were also very dissatisfied with the Great Raider, but didn't the Great Raider still breach Cadia Fortress?"
"Go tell those families that everything in the Empire belongs to the Holy Emperor. If they object, I don't mind executing them in the name of heresy."
Alex paused for a moment, then continued to add.
"Furthermore, the God Chosen will also participate in the bidding competition for various factories."
The Players were Alex's base.
Naturally, they couldn't be treated as mere grunts or cheap labor.
Alex planned to formulate policies based on the Players' abilities, giving them resources to help them develop.
Thereby gradually promoting the reform of the entire Empire.
After explaining everything, Alex and Feng disconnected their communication.
After a moment of thought, Alex opened the control panel and began editing a new announcement.
Feng's words made him realize that reforms needed to be pushed forward as quickly as possible.
[Industrial Production Act Announcement:
To increase the enthusiasm of the God Chosen, enhance the Empire's productivity, and reform social customs, this proposal is hereby launched.
1: Allows the God Chosen to contract industrial production facilities in Tirien Hive City, operating on a profit-and-loss basis.
2: Credit system update: The God Chosen can apply for higher loan quotas by submitting business plans.
3: Operating Players who maliciously violate labor laws and infringe upon the human rights of NPC laborers may face penalties such as account suspension or expulsion.
4: Meeting production targets, undertaking social responsibility, and developing new technologies can earn Honor Points.
5: Contribution Points are linked to Atoma's local currency. Players who need them can exchange them with the Machine Spirit: Cortana.
++A thought for the day: Only cowards seek compromise++
]
Alex checked it several times, and after confirming there were no issues, he chose to publish it.
Anyway, this was just the first version.
If any errors or omissions were found later, they would be corrected, and a second version would be released.
"Industrial Production Act Announcement?"
"Holy crap, we can actually contract industrial facilities in the Hive City for production and just be responsible for our own profits and losses? This means we can do business with NPCs??"
"Hahaha, this is gospel for farming-style Players! As a man who maxes out all resources in farming games like Stellaris, Mount & Blade, and Frostpunk, there's no doubt this is a chance for me to show what I can do."
"This is about to kick off large-scale production. Looks like there's going to be another war."
The Players who received the new announcement instantly erupted.
Alex ignored the boisterous Players.
Instead, he was alone in the Strategic Room, carefully reviewing various reports and evaluations concerning Tirien Hive City.
He would absolutely not allow those vampires to usurp the fruits of victory from the Players and the many loyalists.
Alex maintained high-intensity work until he felt tired, only then heading to the Strategic Room's lounge.
Sleep was no longer a necessity for Alex.
But sleep could still alleviate his irritable mood, allowing him to relax and regain energy.
Alex fell asleep in the lounge and had a dream.
In his dream, he arrived at Terra.
He also resurrected Guilliman, Sanguinius, and other Primarchs.
Together, they worked hard to defeat the demons and traitor Primarchs, and held a grand celebration.
Just as Alex was enjoying the cheers and praise of countless people.
An old face full of wrinkles, with metallic bionic eyes implanted, suddenly appeared before him and slapped his face with a shriveled palm.
"Guide, you still have a tax payment due!!"
Then, Alex was startled awake.
"Damn it! I can even dream of those guys while sleeping!"
"Master."
Hearing the sound, Cortana automatically appeared.
"How long did I sleep?" Alex asked.
"Three hours."
"Did I actually sleep for three hours?"
Alex rubbed his eyes and looked at Cortana.
"Are there any Players skilled in finance?"
"I need some professional advice to help formulate reasonable business policies and Guide Atoma's industrial and economic development."
Cortana nodded, "Yes. Tenjiro, who is a psyker, is an excellent financial professional in Holy Terra (Earth/Reality)."
Alex nodded, "Then call him over. I need his input on some decisions."