Chapter 254: A Gamble on the Future
by xennovel“What do you all think?”
After Ming Luo purposely stepped away, they were left with three minutes to discuss.
In the new small conference room, all thirty-six Committee members exchanged glances.
After the President’s inquiry, a moment of hesitation passed before one representative spoke in a deep tone:
“Logically, I find it hard to believe,”
“but from a logical standpoint, their claims could indeed be true.”
“Firstly, as they say, the abilities they possess could only have come from a world reshaped by future cataclysms—harnessing powers beyond human limits.”
“Secondly, they’ve actually fought alongside a group of humans controlled by monsters, which should be a fact.”
The representative waved a printed satellite image, on which Dahe Yicheng was unmistakably shown in its transformed state.
Compared to the relatively normal appearance of the China Squad, other Awakener types with more transformations appeared, in the eyes of the Federation, more like ‘monsters.’
“And one more thing.”
“I believe that if the other side truly harbors ill intent, they could very well kill us first—the launch keys for the nuclear missiles are in their hands…”
“They want to leverage our power, which strangely aligns with the logic of saving the world.”
“The only red flag is…”
“That leading Youth gives me a constant sense of unease…”
As his words faded, the group nodded in agreement.
Though clearly intimidated and forced into agreement, deep down they harbored resentment. Yet, if roles were reversed, they admitted even Yenir might act similarly.
As high-ranking officials, none understood the Federation’s quirks better than they did.
Their distrust of that time-traveling team wasn’t unfounded.
That’s why Yenir’s approach—to intimidate first before acting after their return—was perfectly acceptable.
Moreover…
In a brief silence, several eyes shifted, some heatedly fixated on a vial of potion Ming Luo had left on the table.
According to Ming Luo, as long as the Federation cooperated, Yenir would impart future technology to them! Not only brand-new tech but also countless formulas to enhance the body—among them, gene-based elixirs to extend life!
Frankly, the first time they witnessed non-human abilities, fear took hold.
But as they snapped back to reality, a glimmer of desire sparked in each of them.
Who wouldn’t want such power? For top-tier figures like them, nothing was more tempting than longevity and strength!
Coercion and temptations…
Before they knew it, everyone silently chose to ‘believe.’
“In that case, let’s vote unanimously!”
“But we need to keep a backup plan…just in case.”
…………………
The ten-minute countdown ended.
In the final seconds of the countdown, heavy footsteps pounded repeatedly outside the meeting room.
The door was pushed open.
There stood President Bayen, leading the group, pushing the door open solemnly and bowing slightly to Yenir.
“Comrade Yenir, esteemed savior,”
“By unanimous Federation meeting vote, we have decided to support your actions unconditionally!”
“Saving humanity is also our duty!”
His words were impassioned.
The numerous high-ranking officials behind the Federation President echoed his tone, creating a scene reminiscent of a united front in a movie, as the atmosphere suddenly grew fervent.
Yenir nodded subtly, his gaze fixed on Ming Luo without betraying even the slightest smile.
Regarding Bayen and his cohorts’ display, he simply thought it was all a load of hot air.
“Saving humanity?”
Hmph.
If it weren’t for his threats and promises to hand these high-ranking officials “supernatural” abilities first, these old foxes wouldn’t give an inch.
But it didn’t matter—just toss them a few vials of stimulants.
For this mission, he had specifically asked the Military for a bunch of inferior enhancement potions that, for ordinary people, would make them feel momentarily ‘powerful.’
They were perfect to placate these high-ranking officials.
“Very well.”
“Since you’ve all agreed, I won’t waste any more words.”
“Time is short, and I need your help with a few tasks.”
Seating himself again, Yenir nodded slightly and moved the plan to the next phase.
As Yenir tossed a blue potion towards him first, Bayen calmly caught it and placed it aside.
With a courteous smile, he said sincerely:
“Just speak plainly.”
“What do you need us to do?”
“It’s simple.”
“First, I need the Federation to expedite and ramp up mining for spirit energy ore! Mobilize all civilians, military, and private groups to immediately explore every known mineral deposit worldwide!”
“Second, I need vast quantities of spirit energy ore—the more, the better! These resources will be invaluable to us!”
“Third, the Federation will enter a wartime state. All personnel and supplies must be dedicated to military production—in time, I will provide detailed blueprints!”
“Fourth…”
“I need the Federation to compile records of all anomalous incidents from the past three years, with the entire department assisting in investigating the origins of the coming apocalypse!”
As Yenir laid out his demands one by one, the Federation legislators exchanged looks of relief.
In truth, their requests weren’t too burdensome—each was achievable.
Except the call for the entire Federation to switch to wartime mode, which was a bit tricky; but if an apocalypse truly loomed, it wouldn’t be unthinkable.
After summoning the Secretary General with a wave, Bayen paused to ponder, his eyes silently fixed on the potion on the table.
Since they had no choice and cooperation had its perks…
“Note down Comrade Yenir’s orders!”
“We will hold a joint press conference in one hour and pass the bill immediately!”
Everything went off without a hitch.
The squad members standing silently behind Yenir couldn’t help but feel ecstatic now that everything was progressing so smoothly.
They had actually pulled it off!
Honestly, it was the first time they’d witnessed an Awakener in a mission directly harnessing the power of the world to serve his will!
It was unbelievable—truly unimaginable how massive their gains would be this time!
Not only would they seize the Federation’s entire stockpile of ore, but in Yenir’s subsequent plans, this location would become an inexhaustible treasure trove!
If everything continued this way, their profits would skyrocket.
Remember, in the past, the methods employed by various Battle Zones to obtain spirit energy ore were nothing more than controlling a few Merchant Guilds, or even Awakener groups laboriously digging or stealing!
Gulp.
They couldn’t help but swallow hard.
Ming Luo struggled to keep his composure as he watched Yenir still negotiating details with the high-ranking officials, a complex mix of admiration and disbelief stirring within him.
He could almost count on his toes that the spirit energy ore they’d bring back might be calculated in billions, if not tens of billions!
This could well be the greatest gain for the Huaxia Battle Zone in years!
He wondered if the Military would be so ecstatic as to faint on the spot upon hearing the news…
The era when other Battle Zones held their throats hostage was finally over!
The meeting was drawing to a close.
Once the general plan was arranged, Yenir suddenly added as if recalling something important:
“Also, have Dr. Krock from the Genetic Research Institute come over later—perhaps he can be of help.”
No sooner had his words ended:
A cold system notification rang out instantly:
“Beep. Task to locate Dr. Krock completed.”
“Next phase: Investigate the origins of the apocalypse in this world.”
…………………….