At least their reaction wasn't slow. Upon hearing Firefly's words, SAM nodded. "I'm very interested in the Dimensional Rifts in this world."
When one party initiates a request for cooperation, they naturally find themselves in a weaker position. For example, if Firefly had proactively suggested collaborating with the European Union, her credibility would have taken a significant hit.
Therefore, Firefly used silence to force the European Union to propose the collaboration themselves. Theoretically, the European Union could handle Dimensional Rift Incidents within its own borders without external assistance. Firefly was the one who truly needed their help.
However, the European Union had made the first move in requesting cooperation. This was undeniable. Even if they had been pressured into making the offer, they had still spoken first. Consequently, Firefly naturally held the dominant position in this partnership.
The Team Leader quickly asked, "How should I notify you if a Dimensional Rift appears within the European Union?"
If this request had come from any other nation, they might have hesitated. While Dimensional Rifts were akin to natural disasters, causing widespread death and destruction, they occasionally offered rare opportunities for power.
Handing over control of Dimensional Rifts within their own territory would mean relinquishing any chance of harnessing their potential power, completely abandoning that path.
The European Union was different. They weren't interested in flashy enhancements, valuing pure technological prowess above all else. If someone were willing to help them clear the Dimensional Rifts within their borders, allowing them to focus all their efforts on research and technological advancement, it might actually be a good thing.
A simple example illustrates this: several years ago, the European Union successfully established an outpost on Mars, and in recent months, they've been preparing to launch a plan to establish an outpost on Europa.
In essence, the European Union had already begun taking its first steps beyond Earth. Given this trajectory, how significant were Dimensional Rifts to them anymore?
Of course, SAM couldn't provide the Team Leader with Firefly's contact information. Revealing it would immediately expose her true identity.
So she simply stated, "If I find a Dimensional Rift that interests me, I'll naturally appear."
With that, the conversation reached a satisfactory conclusion. Firefly had accomplished all her objectives for this trip. Now, all that remained was to loop back for lunch. Thinking of this, she lightly leaped into the air, swiftly ascending and leaving behind the Team Leader, who was still wiping cold sweat from his forehead.
Throughout the entire exchange, Firefly had spoken only a few words, but precisely because of this, the pressure had been all the greater.
Meanwhile, a hastily convened emergency meeting was underway.
Representatives from Great Britain, the European Union, the Bear Nation, the White Eagle, and the Dragon Nation—the world's five most powerful countries—had gathered to discuss the rhombus ice block that had emerged from the Arctic Ocean's Dimensional Rift.
Although Firefly had left immediately after the incident, the matter was far from resolved.
The meeting itself was unremarkable. In essence, the four other nations ganged up on Great Britain, with the European Union leading the charge while the White Eagle, Dragon Nation, and Bear Nation played supporting roles, occasionally interjecting to assist.
The four nations sought to extract as much information as possible from Great Britain, but they dared not push too hard, fearing they might provoke a desperate move—a scenario none of them wanted.
Great Britain, on the other hand, feigned outrage and pretended to be on the verge of losing its temper, all in an attempt to minimize its concessions. However, it certainly wouldn't risk an open conflict with the four powers.
The meeting dragged on for hours. Finally, Great Britain publicly disclosed the function of the rhombus ice block, divided it equally among the four nations, and surrendered additional magical knowledge as a final compromise.
As the diplomats left the conference room, the Great Britain diplomat glared venomously at his European Union counterpart, looking as if he wanted to lunge forward and bite him. In contrast, the EU diplomat wore a smug smile. Seeing the British diplomat's fury, he raised an eyebrow and winked provocatively.
Only after everyone had dispersed and the British diplomat had returned to his car did he drop his act of indignant rage, letting out a sigh of relief.
There was no doubt that Great Britain had been in the wrong from the start. The country had braced itself for significant concessions, but thanks to this diplomat's masterful acting, the final price Britain paid was far lower than anticipated—a clear victory.
The diplomat pulled out his phone, ready to relay the good news to Her Majesty the Empress. But the next moment, an official announcement from the European Union popped up on his screen:
[Important Notice: SAM is not affiliated with the European Union. Our relationship with him is solely based on close cooperation. Please avoid any misunderstandings regarding his affiliation.]
The Great Britain diplomat, "???"
Visibly, the diplomat's expression twisted into a genuine scowl, completely unlike the forced demeanor he'd adopted earlier. He was now truly furious.
"The European Union! I'll be damned!!!"
During the recent negotiations, the European Union diplomat had repeatedly pressured Great Britain, leveraging the EU's formidable military asset, SAM. Recalling General Aaron's warning before his departure, the British diplomat had been deeply wary of this powerful new Outsider from the EU, forcing him to concede significant interests.
But now you're telling him that SAM isn't even affiliated with the European Union?!
What the hell?!
This is the ultimate case of a fox borrowing the tiger's might!
The tables had turned. Just moments ago, the diplomat had been looking forward to boasting of his diplomatic triumph to Her Majesty the Empress. Now, he was furrowing his brow, already dreading how to explain this debacle in his report.
Meanwhile, Firefly, completely unaware that Britain had once again been outmaneuvered because of her, was studying the barbecue menu, pondering what to order.
P.S.: In this setting, all the major powers—White Eagle, Dragon Nation, Britain, the European Union, and Bear Nation—are closely matched in overall strength, with no significant power imbalance. Each nation simply excels in different areas.
Other nations include Sakura Nation, the Nordic Council, the Iberian People's Federation, the Greater Colombian Empire, and the United Egyptian States.