"How did they solve the problem of toxins in the soil? Even if the plants can survive, the toxins will accumulate in the fruits. Will the Federal Market accept such a product?"
"The method, it is said, involves selecting soil that has been washed by the rains after the rainy season when toxins are less concentrated. The soil is then neutralized and settled before being used for fruit cultivation. Moreover, they've constructed special glass enclosures to prevent direct corrosion by toxic rains."
"Even if it barely passes muster, the yield is probably capped, only circulating in the low-end market." Brod slowly shook his head, not optimistic about the only achievement of Withered Tree Garden over the years.
"What about the other cities, like Dipate and Silicon Bay? How are things on their end?"
Dipate, now the only city in the Northern Second District still producing ore, though smaller in population and size compared to Lebyon, is also one of the rare converging points for people. Silicon Bay, a small city, was once the chip and AI manufacturing center of the North Star Domain. Most of the equipment and personnel left afterward, with only a small portion remaining, said to be the descendants of the technologists who were phased out in those years.
"Dipate is the same as always. Those people send us raw ore every year to exchange for income, and as for Silicon Valley... it's heavily barricaded, and it's been a long time since anyone has really been able to enter its core. The perimeter is patrolled by Autonomous Units, and rumors say that the original residents have now been modified to half flesh, half machine."
"Doesn't the planet's Federal Government care? I remember that most of those modifications are prohibited by the ethics committee. Currently, the degree of mechanical prosthetic integration allowed by law is no more than 30%."
"Maybe they just can't be bothered. The technology inside Silicon Bay isn't advanced, and the area has been isolated for a long time. In recent years, the planetary government has been focusing on economic recovery, sparing deployment of the military to save on expenses."
Regarding the Northern Second District, successive Governors and Executive Officers from the Star Domain Government have chosen to turn a blind eye, because intervening would stir issues they'd have to finish handling. It's easy to get involved, but difficult to get out. The Northern Second District is officially declared uninhabitable, which means that they would have to relocate the residents living there, incurring significant costs for negligible benefits—the planet doesn't lack for that small remaining population."
"External powers, internal powers..." Faced with an unforeseen third-party force, Brod fell into contemplation.
"We have little intelligence at the moment; we need to act cautiously."
"Arrange the mechas into five squads. Two squads will confront 'Black Hammer Heavy Industries,' while the remaining three will stay and guard the headquarters, ready to respond to emergencies at any time."
"Also, release the unmanned reconnaissance drones to constantly monitor the entire city."
"Yes, sir!" The attendees stood up, signaling the end of the meeting.
After everyone left, only Maxizha and Brod remained in the meeting room. Realizing he was nearly alone, Maxizha thought it was time to slip away instead of foolishly waiting for his brother's likely scolding.
However, he realized something was wrong a step too late. "Maxizha, who were those people you had dinner with yesterday?"
The abrupt interrogation forced Maxizha to stop in his tracks. He turned around with a forced chuckle, "Some new friends I've made."
"How strong are they?"
"Well... they are probably between Sequence 3 and Sequence 4?" Maxizha tried hard to recall. Efnie's impressive figure left a deep impression on him, while he selectively ignored the ostensibly strongest Sequence 4, Yalian.
"How many of them are there in total?"
"Four, but there are said to be a few more companions?"
"Four, and a few companions—let's assume a total of seven. Advancing to Sequence 4 before the age of 20 is considered exceptional talent within the Federation. It's strange they would come to a place like Lebyon City, don't you think?" Brod analyzed.
"Strange, maybe they are just here for a trip? I think that girl must come from a wealthy family. She is familiar with all sorts of luxury goods, even criticized my taste as pedestrian..." It was peculiar; if someone else were to disparage him like that, Maxizha would have been furious, but facing the blonde girl, he found himself increasingly fond of her, even somewhat irresistibly inclined to please her.
Seeing his younger brother persist in his frivolous escapades, Brod felt a hint of disappointment, but over the years, he had grown accustomed to it.
"You may go, but don't leave without permission during this time."
"Yes, big brother." Having said that, Maxizha quickly left the suffocating meeting room.
Brod, left alone in the meeting room, looked at the projection of the map on the wall, sinking back into silence and reflection, until after a long while he sighed, stood up, and looked back at the monitor hanging from the ceiling.
"Father, do you have any instructions?"
"I have no instructions. Handle it as you see fit. 'Red' is almost complete—maintaining an undefeated record is victory itself." An old voice emerged from the speaker on the ceiling.
"Undefeated is victory, huh..." A bitter smile appeared on Brod's lips; he found it hard to agree with that sentiment.
Inside Lebyon City, forces from both sides began to exchange fire. Although neither high command had the intention of launching a full assault, the lower ranks were unaware. They only knew that if they defeated the opposition, their side would be the sole power in Lebyon, which would ensure a more comfortable life than now. Many also hoped their performance during the war might earn them a promotion or reward, so their desire to attack was not low but quite the opposite—very enthusiastic.
"Fire! Fire! Blow them to bits!" the commanding officer shouted through the communication channel, launching shimmering high-energy Energy Bullets into the sky that fell upon distant buildings. The ensuing explosions spread violently, creating gaping holes in the decrepit buildings. The already dilapidated city became even more ravaged.