Chapter 116 - 115: We're Not Here to Acquire Jarilo-VI; We're Here to Join!

In the Great Guardian's office, Aventurine and Topaz slowly approached the desk. "Miss Bronya, I believe we've demonstrated sufficient sincerity," Aventurine said earnestly, spreading his hands. "Regarding Belobog's massive debt, we have provided a suitable solution and given you ample time to consider it." "Now, shouldn't you give us your response?" Behind the desk, Bronya was intensely focused on her phone screen. The content displayed there wasn't anything else—it was gameplay footage from Honkai: Star Rail! Moreover, her progress in the game was quite advanced. The scene shown featured none other than Belobog itself! At that moment, Topaz summoned a purple projection, slid it forward, and presented the contract to Bronya. "Just sign this agreement, and Belobog's future will be secured by our company." Bronya glanced at the contract, preparing to speak. Just then, the doors of Qlipoth Fort burst open, and someone rushed inside. "Bronya! Don't sign yet!" "Take a look at this!" Seele completely ignored Aventurine and Topaz, approaching Bronya directly. She pointed to her phone screen and asked, "Bronya, have you seen the message I sent you?" "This is a scene from the game Honkai: Star Rail's storyline!" "The moment when children from the Lower District first visit the Overworld and witness the blue sky..." "I've already seen it, Seele," Bronya replied calmly. "Huh?" "You...when did you see it?" "Before you recommended the game to me, I had already downloaded Honkai: Star Rail and experienced it myself." Taken aback, Seele exclaimed, "Wow, you're quick..." "If not for Sampo telling me, I would've thought these 'phones' were only for long-distance communication." Bronya smiled. "After all, I am still the Great Guardian." "To ensure Belobog can connect with the stars sooner, it's crucial for me to understand these matters quickly." Seele sighed in relief. She had been pondering how best to explain herself to Bronya. It seemed Bronya indeed had a more far-sighted perspective than she did. "From the start, I never intended to accept this contract." Bronya gently pushed the document back across the table and stepped down from behind her desk. Turning to Topaz and Aventurine, she declared, "Through Honkai: Star Rail, I've come to grasp Jarilo-VI's place in the cosmos. "The debt may seem astronomical by our current standards, but we prefer to repay it through our own efforts and actions. "The fate of Belobog must be decided by us alone. This is the home built by The Architects, the sanctuary blessed by Preservation." Witnessing Bronya's resolute stance, Aventurine applauded in support. Then, with a gleeful expression, she turned toward Topaz. "It appears diplomacy won't suffice after all." "As the primary leader of this mission, what do you think? Should we resort to 'forceful measures'?" At the mention of "forceful measures," Bronya was taken aback. Seele's reaction was even more immediate—she drew her sickle and stepped protectively in front of Bronya. In contrast, Topaz remained composed, seemingly unsurprised by Bronya's refusal. Instead, she smiled slightly. "Excellent, Miss Bronya," she said. "My assessment of you was indeed accurate. You truly are an exceptional leader. "To be honest, if you had signed that contract just now, I would have been deeply disappointed. "I've played Honkai: Star Rail myself, witnessing The Nameless' journey as they Trailblazed across this planet. Therefore... "I fully understand who Bronya, the current Great Guardian of Belobog, is—a remarkable woman." "It aligns perfectly with how the narrative portrayed you." Bronya was stunned, clearly not expecting this outcome. Seele felt similarly, unsure whether to sheathe her sickle or keep it drawn. "All right, let's ease up on the tension." "This is because Jarilo-VI was the second region introduced in Honkai: Star Rail, significantly altering its perceived value." "The company indeed considered acquiring Jarilo-VI outright, but based on our assessment, I ultimately chose collaboration instead." "By investing in your planet, we can assist with environmental modifications and future project developments." "Let me be straightforward—" "Our company envisions transforming Jarilo-VI into a premier tourist destination." "Not only will we cover all development costs, but we also propose sharing technology to help build corporate offices, commercial districts, and more beyond just Belobog city." "Citizens of Belobog could opt for lucrative positions within our company or benefit from tourism revenues." "With this partnership, Belobog's overall material wealth would experience exponential growth in a short time." "And as always, you, Great Guardian, would remain the leader of Jarilo-VI." Topaz's proposal left Bronya even more bewildered than before. The change happened too swiftly! The difference between these proposals was like night and day! In the previous contract, the corporation aimed to acquire the entire planet. Now, this new collaboration involved the company providing free services to help Jarilo-VI recover and develop! Aventurine's expression turned stunned beside them. "What?! Topaz, did I hear that right? "We're not here to acquire anything; we're joining forces?! "The higher-ups decided on such favorable terms for Jarilo-VI? And you kept it from me all this time!" "If my hometown had received treatment like this, I would've been lounging back home ages ago! I wouldn't be here today, working tirelessly for the company." Bronya knew well that everyone from the Interastral Peace Corporation was driven solely by profit. Aventurine's exaggerated reaction likely meant he was putting on a show, playing along with Topaz. The proposed conditions were indeed enticing. However... Bronya took a deep breath and said, "If that's the case..." "I'd like both of you to join me in experiencing an event within Honkai: Star Rail called 'Wonders of the Winter City Collection Booklet.' "After witnessing it, I believe you'll understand my intentions." On the Xianzhou Ruo Fu, Dan Heng planned to explore his homeland's sights with Jing Yuan, Jingliu, and Blade, as well as visit old acquaintances. Consequently, the Astral Express Crew would remain on Luofu for some time. March 7th took Stelle out shopping, but they were recognized everywhere they went. Swarmed by enthusiastic fans demanding autographs and photos, their entire day was consumed by dealing with these fervent players. Eventually, they had no choice but to retreat to the hotel arranged by the Sky-Faring Commission. "Phew... Just thinking about it is scary." "Lying here playing games is much more relaxing." The hotel room featured an open-air balcony where March 7th and Stelle each set up reclining chairs. They spent their time gaming while sipping Immortal Delight Tea. Following the recent update, numerous new events had been added. Stelle chose to embark on the "Wonders of the Winter City Collection Booklet" quest, while March 7th decided to complete Bailu's companion mission first. In another room nearby, seizing this rare moment of solitude, Old Yang finally logged into his own account. He opened the character panel: Luocha - Imaginary - Abundance As Old Yang stared at his newly drawn character, his expression gradually turned serious. "I still can't help feeling uneasy." "The Co-op Quest 'Faraway Knight' must be completed diligently by myself."