068. Vanlenkov Autonomous State (Part 1)
The appearance of the Pathway Structure would likely shock the people of Red Arrow, so Li Aozi notified N4, telling her that this was her one opportunity to penetrate the Red Arrow market.
The Red Arrow Empire leaned towards protectionism in its economic strategy and had an overbearing approach. Abyss Heavy Industries didn't fare well locally and was easy prey for Red Arrow's local courts and government.
One day, they'd inspect fire safety, the next, taxes, and the day after that, social security—no company could withstand this kind of scrutiny for long, let alone one as massive as Abyss, which needed at least 20,000 employees to function in each branch. How could they ensure no mistakes during every inspection?
Machines break down, so how much more so would people?
The White Obelisk would increase the probability of [Mutants] emerging, and Red Arrow Empire had both demand for such abilities and lagged behind Abyss Heavy Industries in technology, making this an ideal opportunity.
For Abyss Heavy Industries, withdrawing from the Frost-Plated market would be a blow, but it was worth it compared to gaining the Red Arrow market.
Besides, from Li Aozi's experience, the Frost-Plated Federation under David Lin's leadership was quite friendly to foreign companies, so it wasn't guaranteed that Abyss would be entirely pushed out.
Worst case, they could rebrand and start from scratch; they'd only lose a few billion Derbi.
With Abyss's resources, they'd recover eventually.
How N4 would view this substantial market entry as a birthday gift was something Li Aozi couldn't concern himself with.
Due to N4's unique abilities and specialties, Li Aozi couldn't see any change in her favorability, but the Red Arrow market share alone should please her.
On the other hand, managing the White Obelisk was an interesting task.
Within the Pathway Structure's range, as the Pathway's founder, Li Aozi could freely monitor events.
One could imagine Red Arrow would soon realize they couldn't dismantle this structure and would eventually settle down to observe and study it, only to discover it was Li Aozi's doing.
Since Li Aozi held a Red Arrow green card, the Empire probably wouldn't be too bothered, likely viewing it as a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Ah, to think he was such a patriotic, loyal youth—he had been dedicated to this homeland he'd never even seen, pouring resources and effort into providing Red Arrow with invaluable intelligence, all while they only had to bear minimal diplomatic pressure.
He was so compassionate—Li Aozi felt like he could cry from his own kindness.
Red Arrow Empire did have its own Omega Energy training schools, initially established to prevent superpowered individuals from being exploited by malicious corporations for research, spectacle, or weaponry, and to protect these naturally awakened superhumans from following dangerous paths.
After all, those wielding power naturally posed a threat to established systems.
Due to Red Arrow's population and environment, they heavily researched Calamity Material, and excessive use of various technologies and hormones resulted in a higher mutation rate among Omega users.
This wasn't the biochemical titan research conducted by Abyss professors but rather genuine protective research.
Nevertheless, Red Arrow had to spend billions each year addressing crimes and education issues related to Omega users.
From this angle, Li Aozi's actions were a favor in return.
"The White Obelisk really is an amazing thing."
After some detailed study, Li Aozi found he could store designated Omega Energies in the White Obelisk for both players and NPCs to "rent."
NPCs had the advantage of rarely running away. They had stable incomes and permanent residences, though they earned less experience, but at least it was steady.
Li Aozi stored his [Gravity], [True Eye], and [Immortal Blood]. He withheld [Calamity] due to its hazardous nature, especially after learning from Ms. Liu'e that Omega Energy held the Creator's power and had considerable risks.
Li Aozi knew the four Omega Energies needed to become a [Starfall Master] were harmless—or, at least, largely so. But according to Liu'e, something terrible had happened with these powers, leading her to speak of it only in hushed tones.
Still, Li Aozi had no intention of slowing his expansion.
[Gravity] was the entry-level and core Omega Energy for [Starfall Masters], essential for advancing to [Resonator].
Additionally, [Gravity] was one of his more benign Omega Energies, as most would confuse it with telekinesis, though they were fundamentally different.
Gravity, in name, was a force, but its essence was spacetime distortion, effectively the progenitor of all spacetime abilities.
Whatever spacetime abilities could achieve, gravity could, and anything neither could do—[Electromagnetic Force] could handle.
There was a clear hierarchy among Omega Energies, and Li Aozi wouldn't claim his [Gravity] could compete with the top three ranks of Omega Energies.
Telekinesis, on the other hand, was a mental power anyone could develop with enough brainpower. Though it became formidable in later stages, as in the case of [Radiant Adepts].
[Radiant Adepts] could bend reality, with powerful practitioners projecting entire universes through sheer willpower.
Interestingly, Cardan, the first resident of the Pathway Structure, had already connected six [Mutants] to him, and the number continued to grow, likely due to his position as a farm or company manager. At this rate, Li Aozi estimated reaching 100,000 in 20 years wouldn't be difficult.
In this short time, Li Aozi had already gained 8,000 experience. At this pace, he'd soon earn 100,000 daily, along with player contributions—enough to meet his needs.
The only downside was that there weren't many people here, so it wouldn't contribute much to his attribute points.
But this convenience also simplified his remote "tax collection."
NPCs' experience was essential, and so was players'—only then would it be fair.
With this, combined with [Resonator], he could significantly free himself.