"We meet again, Vengeful Angel."
Cyrenaica Quarry Three.
Local time, June 17th, evening.
The expeditionary fleet from the Aquitaine Casting World, led by Great Sage Zeka, arrived as scheduled.
This massive expeditionary fleet was composed of one mothership, six large cruisers, thirty Strike Cruisers, a hundred light cruisers, and two thousand frigates.
When it appeared in the distant orbit of Cyrenaica, it even momentarily eclipsed the light of the star.
The Combat Boat, *Seeker of Knowledge*.
The wind from the engines washed over Reinhardt.
A Technician Priest whom Reinhardt had met once before emerged from the cabin, Scepter in hand, flanked by his entourage.
His crimson cloak silently proclaimed his status as a Mechanical Sage. Highly modified mechanical structures had long since fused with his flesh, and the powerful fluctuations of an Extraordinary Creation erupted from his body as a surging, dark tide of Energy.
Compared to their last meeting, the master of the Aquitaine Casting World had taken another small step closer to ’Mechanical Ascension.’
Agate, standing to Reinhardt’s right, bowed his head respectfully to the visitor.
"I have finished scanning all the data from the three quarries. According to retroactive calculations based on the data, Casio has taken at least half of the Divine Creations from the ruins."
Great Sage Zeka nodded in acknowledgment, then looked at Reinhardt.
His voice was hoarse and sharp, its volume fluctuating wildly, like two pieces of metal grinding at high speed in his throat.
In order to better adapt to the binary language used within the Mechanical Order, most Mechanical Sages abandon the traditional Holy Capital Language system during their repeated self-modifications and upgrades.
Although they still master this traditional language, long-term disuse and structural changes to their vocal cords make their speaking voices exceptionally grating.
It could even be described as radio static.
"The Master of Hundred Machines informed me that you harshly rejected Casio’s offer. I will accept this gesture of goodwill, Lord of Vengeful."
Strictly speaking, the affairs of the Mechanical Order and the Imperial Administrative Region were parallel; even though Cyrenaica was still a warzone, their jurisdictions did not overlap.
If Great Sage Zeka hadn’t been a traditional military ally, Reinhardt would not have led his men here to greet him personally.
The warm evening breeze caressed the land. In the distance, the vegetation rustled, and fine dust swirled past Reinhardt’s feet.
Matthias and Morphis stood behind him, like two statues cast from steel and iron.
"He funded Claudius and killed so many of my crew. Letting him leave was the greatest respect I could show the Mechanist Cult. Since this is your internal conflict, you can be the ones to resolve it."
No emotion could be heard in Great Sage Zeka’s voice. A unique Energy fluctuation from his Witchcraft Technology flashed between him and Agate.
Deep within his phantom-blue prosthetic eyes, the light of flowing data flickered at a high frequency.
The mechanical limbs deployed from his back made a distinct metallic CLICK. The dark-gold Extraordinary Creation that had replaced eighty percent of his skin tissue resembled a flexible metal, its surface covered in countless arcane Runes that flowed ceaselessly.
"Getting those local warlords to fund the Verne Front Line is no easy task. Between their lives and their property, they would rather die than easily compromise.
I have already given the order for the Aquitaine Casting World to suspend all arms deals with these local warlords and to seize their advance payments in full.
This is how I will reciprocate your goodwill."
Compared to a casual reply, Archbishop Zeka’s response was quite forceful.
Seizing the deposits for orders from a large number of local warlords—an act that risked losing many clients and caused a tangible loss of profit—was a perfect display of his sincerity.
In other words, for these gearheads who were never willing to take a loss,
the benefits Great Sage Zeka gained from Reinhardt rejecting Casio the Great Sage’s offer far exceeded the value of these Local Lords.
Furthermore, sacrificing a portion of their profits could also solidify their military alliance with the Vengeful Angels.
No matter how you looked at it, it was a deal with no downsides.
"Thank you."
* * *
Surt’s Stereoscopic City, Governor’s Mansion.
The three days they had been given to consider were quickly coming to an end.
But for these local warlords and Lords, every second they spent in the conference hall was an agony.
Communication with the outside world was restricted, and their every move was under the surveillance of the Vengeful Angels. They had supposedly been given time to think, but everyone knew the truth.
Their house arrest was already a foregone conclusion.
The vast conference hall was filled with strange odors, exhaustion, and anger.
Many of the local warlords who shared interests or alliances gathered together, discussing how to deal with Reinhardt’s demand for money.
Aside from a few cowardly warlords who were willing to pay to save their skins,
the vast majority of the Local Lords spouted all sorts of opinions, but their core message was the same: they had no money to give, only their lives.
"You want me to fund the Verne Front Line? Dream on! I wouldn’t do it even if you killed me! If we set this precedent, won’t the Administrative Region come to us for funding every time a war breaks out?
I’ve already made up my mind. He can kill me if he wants."
"That’s right, we absolutely cannot set this precedent! I pay my Tithing on time every year, and now you want me to bleed more money? This doesn’t even comply with the laws of the Empire!"