As soon as these words were spoken, the temperature in the room plummeted.
Ming Yu's move was tantamount to pointing at Singapore's nose and saying that their casualties had to reach a certain number!
The people of Singapore all looked at Ming Yu with complicated expressions. There were those who were resentful, those who were unwilling, but not a single person dared to speak out and rebuke him.
If looks could kill, Ming Yu would have already been cut into a thousand pieces.
Even Ximei's gaze towards him carried a trace of shock. Although this was an unspoken truth that everyone was aware of, saying it out loud was another matter entirely.
Even if it was just a small country, Singapore still had its pride.
Although she felt Ming Yu's approach was somewhat improper, Ximei couldn't possibly go against his opinion in public, so she could only remain silent, indicating her acceptance.
It was only at this moment that she understood how difficult Ming Yu was to deal with. What was called 'not playing by the rules' often meant trouble.
Looking at Ming Yu, who had a matter-of-fact expression on his face, Higokumaru's beautiful eyes couldn't help but show a hint of worry. Ming Yu's statement had drawn all of Singapore's dissatisfaction onto himself.
Surveying the expressions of the Singaporean delegation with great interest, Ming Yu's eyes showed not the slightest hint of worry, as if he didn't take Singapore seriously at all.
And that was indeed the case.
In the eyes of Ming Yu, who was already beginning to touch the realm of S-rank, a place like Singapore was merely a novice village. He, on the other hand, was an elite from a level-one main city, so naturally, he wouldn't pay much attention to a mere novice village.
If it weren't for the existence of the Gem of Serenity, if it weren't to repay Theresa for her care, he would never have had such deep contact with these people. Everyone has their specialty, and Ming Yu didn't think he was cut out for negotiation and debate.
"One hour!" Shaking his slowly raised right index finger, Ming Yu said unhurriedly, "From the start of the operation, I don't care what methods you use, you must hold back Anti-Entropy's mecha troops for one hour. And we will be responsible for eliminating the Honkai threat, to prevent this city from being destroyed!"
"Don't misunderstand, I'm not negotiating with you, nor do I have any interest in negotiating with you!" Seeing that the other party still wanted to say something, Ming Yu's brows furrowed, and he cut them off coldly, "Whether Singapore survives or not depends solely on your choice."
Even though, in fact, the outcome of the Gem of Serenity incident actually depended on Fu Hua's choice. That Celestial, who held great goodwill towards the humans of the current era, was Schicksal's highest-ranking person in Singapore at this time.
But here, it didn't stop Ming Yu from borrowing the tiger's might.
Besides, he was indeed fed up with this kind of boring negotiation.
His right hand opened, and a longsword as black as ink materialized in his grasp.
After a trip to Schicksal HQ, the existence of the Key of Corruption was no longer a secret, and Ming Yu could finally use this Divine Key openly.
His eyes instantly turned a blood-like crimson, and within those deep pupils, a black feather, of which only half remained, was slowly burning.
"I happen to have some interest in the Honkai and Herrschers as well. I'm looking forward to you giving me this opportunity~"
The devilish whisper echoed in Yang Zhenjun's ear. The middle-aged man's breathing suddenly became rapid, his pupils dilated, and endless fear spread from his perpetually shrewd eyes.
By the time Yang Zhenjun came to his senses, he only saw the astonished gazes of those around him, blaming him for his earlier loss of composure.
And Ming Yu was looking down at the black longsword in his hand, his eyes a normal black, as if everything that had just happened was his illusion.
But when he saw the strange smile at the corner of Ming Yu's mouth, his heart tightened, as if it had been seized by a large hand, ready to be crushed in the next moment.
That sentence was clearly meant for his ears only.
It was a threat, an intimidation, and Ming Yu's final ultimatum to them.
Looking at the fearless Ming Yu, Yang Zhenjun couldn't help but sigh in his heart.
He didn't doubt the truth in Ming Yu's words. Or rather, he didn't have the courage to doubt. If his judgment was wrong, the price would be more than he could bear.
Compared to the others present, this Ming Yu was more like a demon, a madman no different from those in Anti-Entropy.
"Singapore has no objections..." With a bitter laugh, Yang Zhenjun ignored the dissuading looks from the others and nodded, saying, "We are willing to accept Your Excellency's conditions and will pay any price to stop Anti-Entropy's mecha troops!"
Compared to the entire city being reduced to ruins, any price had become bearable.
When you're the fish on the chopping block, there's little room for resistance. Singapore had little to begin with.
"Just, I hope that Your Excellency will also keep your promise and save this innocent city!"
Placing his hands on the table, the man suddenly bowed deeply, his head hitting the table with a clear thud.
Seeing the suddenly humble middle-aged man, the Schicksal side looked on with a bit of surprise, while cries of alarm came from the Singaporean side, their gazes towards Ming Yu growing even more hostile.
"Of course!"
Giving an affirmative answer, Ming Yu's gaze towards the other party also became more complex.
This Yang Zhenjun was indeed a man worthy of admiration. If their positions were reversed, he admitted he couldn't have gone to such lengths.
But unfortunately, they were ultimately on different sides.
With this, the negotiations quickly came to a close. Although more details still needed to be discussed, a general consensus was quickly reached.
......
Sitting in the car on the way back, Ming Yu looked at the gradually receding manor behind him, a hint of bewilderment in his eyes.
"Is Big Bro Yu blaming himself? For those who are about to die..."
A pair of soft hands grasped Ming Yu's, and a girl's gentle voice brought Ming Yu back to reality.
Glancing at Kiana, who was focused on driving in the driver's seat, Ming Yu's gaze returned to Higokumaru beside him.
On the way back, Ming Yu did not ride in the same car as Ximei. The negotiations with Singapore had just ended, and many matters required the attention of that shrewd and capable Valkyrie. Ming Yu was too embarrassed to keep having her act as his driver.
To his surprise, Kiana actually knew how to drive, and her skills were quite good.
For a moment, Ming Yu almost asked if this was something Siegfried had taught her in Hawaii.
"Perhaps... But I've long been prepared for this."
Gently shaking his head, Ming Yu said softly, though his tone was unavoidably a bit downcast.
Did Ming Yu really have no other way to deal with the mecha troops outside Singapore city?
If he said he didn't, he wouldn't believe it himself.
But to make Singapore remember this lesson, and to sever any possibility of Singapore and Anti-Entropy joining forces again, this blood had to be shed.
Only by using blood as ink to write the enmity between Singapore and Anti-Entropy could they be better tied to the war chariot of the Far East Branch.
"Mhm. No matter what Big Bro Yu wants to do, I will always be by your side..."
Her cheeks flushing slightly, Higokumaru said in a barely audible voice while fidgeting with the hem of her long dress.
Listening to the girl's soft voice and seeing her shy expression, Ming Yu fell silent.
Even though it was a bit hard to see clearly in the dark, the stunning image of the girl in her black dress clearly appeared in Ming Yu's mind.
Perhaps this was why Ming Yu, despite knowing he would ruin the entire evening party, still didn't stop Higokumaru from changing into her formal gown.
But thinking of this Honkai-ridden world, thinking of his own plan that was gradually unfolding, the slight warmth in Ming Yu's heart was instantly extinguished.
"That's natural, you're an important member of the Inverse Feather Squad!"
His gaze shifting away from Higokumaru, Ming Yu gave a clearly incorrect answer.
Hearing Ming Yu's reply, Higokumaru pressed her lips tightly together to keep from sighing in disappointment, but her pretty face was still filled with dejection.
"By the way, are you hungry now? Let me take you for a late-night snack."
Rubbing his nose, Ming Yu quickly changed the subject.
But this wasn't entirely a fabrication. Since she had been sitting at the same table as Ming Yu, Higokumaru hadn't had a single bite or sip either.
Glaring at Ming Yu with a hint of reproach, Higokumaru did not refuse. Although she didn't have a great need for food, Ming Yu was still a man of flesh and blood.
"Is Kiana coming too?"
Feeling the resentment from the girl beside him, Ming Yu thought for a moment and extended an invitation to Kiana. Although Kiana had finished an entire table of food by herself, she was a Kaslana, after all. Adding a regular-sized late-night snack shouldn't be a problem.
A strange glint flickered in his dark eyes, and Ming Yu couldn't help but sigh softly, "Tonight is perhaps the final moment of peace."
By tomorrow, when all the conflicts come to the surface, this city is destined to descend into chaos.