"This… is the Corporation's headquarters? That structure you can see even from space… is that the legendary megastructure headquarters of the Corporation? It's truly spectacular!"
Leaning against the window, March 7th stared out at the planet known as Pier Point and the wonder-like megastructure built upon it, her face a mask of astonishment.
While it didn't have the same immediate visual impact as the Luofu at first glance, this was a super-structure that stood upon a planet and pierced through its atmosphere!
"Whoa! Even though I've never been a fan of those Corporation folks, I have to admit, they're really something else."
March gazed at the megastructure with deep admiration. It was said that beneath this very building, the Corporation's trillions of assets were gathered, encompassing all the various forms of wealth within the scope of their business across the known universe.
"Is this… the sheer scale of the Interastral Peace Corporation? Although I have been in business for a long time and have had many dealings with the Corporation, this is the first time I have seen its headquarters so directly," Tingyun remarked with a sigh.
"The Preservation?"
Jingliu crossed her arms, gazing at the building that seemed to hold up the sky.
"…"
Wende raised an eyebrow. Why did he get the feeling there was a hidden meaning behind the 'bad woman's' words? Perhaps he should ask her about it tonight?
"Everyone, we won't be docking at Pier Point's port this time. According to the information sent by the Corporation, they have now completely lost all contact with Punklorde. Therefore, as soon as we pick up their special envoy, we will depart for Punklorde immediately."
Himeko stood up and addressed the group, her brow furrowed slightly as she turned to look at the Corporation's megastructure.
"I'll go down with you this time."
Welt adjusted the hem of his clothes and rose to his feet.
When dealing with the people from the Corporation, having both of them present would give them a stronger hand.
"Mm, I'll be counting on you."
Himeko gave Welt a slight nod, instantly feeling some of the pressure lift.
With Welt around, negotiating with the Corporation's board members would likely be much easier…
Although the Nameless were in decline, they still held a certain degree of influence in the universe. Moreover, the Corporation's commercial network was built upon the Star Rail network; it was the foundation of their rise to power and the cornerstone that allowed their presence to spread across the universe. For that reason, they would certainly treat the Astral Express with great importance.
Especially when the matter concerned "Punklorde."
In truth, the moment the news from Punklorde reached the ears of the Corporation's upper echelon, a meeting was quietly convened.
It was a very long meeting, but the part concerning the rescue of Punklorde only took up a third of the agenda. In this meeting, whose transcripts alone amounted to over a hundred thousand words, the greater focus was on whether the Corporation could… legally 'nationalize' Punklorde after its crisis was resolved. In other words, to completely transform Punklorde into a subsidiary planet of the Corporation.
In the end, the board reached a conclusion: they would decide after the Stellaron on Punklorde was retrieved.
The outbreak of this Stellaron was far too sudden, far too strange.
It was riddled with suspicious points yet offered no clues. If that weren't the case, the Corporation could have entered Punklorde directly instead of needing to ask the Astral Express for help.
Therefore, having Topaz—the head of the Strategic Investment Department's Special Debts Picket Team and one of the Ten Stonehearts—accompany the Astral Express into Punklorde was the most suitable course of action!
"So that's how it is… I understand. To be working alongside the renowned Miss Himeko? Haha, just the thought of it is exciting!"
Having just returned to Pier Point with her Special Debts Picket Team, Topaz spoke with great confidence. The board had just sent her the [Final Resolution]. Now, all she had to do was wait for the two representatives from the Astral Express to finish their negotiations with the board, and then she could board the Express and head to Punklorde to conduct her 'survey'!
"Numby, no wonder the higher-ups were in such a rush. This job is even bigger than I imagined… Punklorde… If the signal is completely blocked, how am I supposed to do my Aetherium Wars dailies?"
Sitting on a bench inside the megastructure, Topaz held Numby in the crook of her arm, teasing it with one hand. She watched it continuously bat at her hand with its tiny paws as she fretted.
"Maybe… I should find someone to do my dailies for me? But that's not allowed, is it? Do you think the others on the ecological ship would help grind my account?"
"Sigh… Oh well. Considering the quadruple pay and the potential for another promotion on my performance review, I guess missing a month won't be so bad."
"Puh-woo~"
"Haha, you think so too, don't you!"
While Topaz was having a pleasant interaction with Numby, inside the meeting hall behind the large doors next to her bench, the expressions on Himeko's and Welt's faces were grave.
"So you're saying the Corporation knows nothing about this Stellaron outbreak? There were no signs, no observed anomalies whatsoever?"
Welt placed his hands on the table, a white glare reflecting off his glasses.
"That is correct. Furthermore, the Star Rail network to that sector snapped at the same instant. A 'Black Domain' has formed around Punklorde. We can't even observe the star system where Punklorde is currently located."
The Corporation's representative looked just as helpless. For a short time after the Stellaron erupted, they could still observe the planet using its last known coordinates, but as the Stellaron's influence grew, even the people in the Technology Development Department were stumped.
Never before had a Stellaron's influence been so vast. This one, which had erupted without a sound, was behaving as if… as if it were on steroids.
"…"
Himeko's brow was tightly knitted as she remained silent.
"We need to return and discuss this. The Astral Express will give you an answer in five System Hours."
Seeing Himeko's expression, Welt knew what she was thinking and spoke to the Corporation representative before them.
"Very well. In five System Hours, I will be here waiting for your return."
The Corporation employee replied calmly, as if Welt's decision was exactly what he had expected.
They stood up, shook hands amicably, and then, led by the employee, Himeko and Welt walked out of the meeting hall.
"Puh-woo!"
Numby, nestled in Topaz's arms, seemed to sense something and shot up from its resting position.
"Oh my, could this be the famous Miss Himeko? Hello, I'm Topaz!"
Seeing the graceful and elegant Himeko step out of the room, Topaz put on an excited expression and extended a friendly hand.
"Hello. You must be Topaz. The Corporation's rising star. To have reached such a position at your young age, I've heard so much about you."
Himeko smiled back at Topaz.
"Not at all, not at all. Compared to Miss Himeko, I still have much to learn!"
Topaz smiled humbly, yet her smile radiated an unparalleled confidence.