"Miss Topaz told me a story: Seven centuries ago, after the Stellaron Core descended upon Jarilo-VI, the offworlders stationed here sensed the looming crisis and chose to leave one after another."
"Among those offworlders was a group of [Interastral Peace Corporation] investors, but before departing, they did one major thing..."
"They approached the [Builders] who insisted on holding the homeland and provided them with a massive sum for disaster preparedness."
"It was thanks to that funding that Belobog could erect such towering walls... Even the R&D costs for the first batch of Automaton Guards came from that pot."
Listening to Bronya recount Jarilo-VI's early tales, March 7th froze in disbelief: "No way—there's history like that! So... So, does that mean Topaz's [business] is coming to Belobog for debt collection?"
"Mm... I'm afraid so."
Bronya had braced for the worst. Their planet had barely clawed back to life, and now the Corporation's collections loomed.
What virtue or talent did little Jarilo-VI possess to deserve this...
March 7th's heart jolted. "That's way too absurd! Why now, of all times—early or late?"
"If we hadn't uprooted the Stellaron Core, wouldn't that bill just vanish? This is straight-up bullying!"
"By her account, the [Builders] and Corporation investors agreed on a repayment term of... 280 years. But less than a century after the loan, Jarilo-VI's links to the entire galaxy severed completely." Bronya nodded.
"The Corporation figured Jarilo-VI had suffered a world-ending blow, civilization wiped out—so the investment got marked as bad debt."
"Only after the [Stellaron Core] crisis lifted did the Corporation discover Belobog had endured to the present..."
"Then they sent Topaz to collect..." March 7th pursed her lips as Bronya added:
"Mm, principal plus interest."
Stelle's brows furrowed slightly. "How much?"
"Astronomical..." Bronya's tone dipped low. "I don't even know how to properly read that string of digits."
Pay debts as due—natural law. Bronya knew this full well, but the current bind was utterly hopeless.
"Before you two came in, Topaz already warned me... If the debt drags on too long, the Corporation's granted her authority for [harsh measures]."
"Never imagined it'd turn this way... I originally thought the Corporation was here to aid Belobog's rebuild..."
Stelle's rosy view of the Corporation shattered. She'd even pondered funding it herself to tide Jarilo-VI over this [collection] crisis.
But now... Emptying her pockets wouldn't cover it!
Stelle wasn't sure if Adrian had the funds... But one thing she knew for certain: "Belobog can't handle this alone."
"Yeah, we've gotta brainstorm for 'em! The Corporation's so massive—even Bronya striking out wouldn't dent it..."
"My knowledge of the [Interastral Peace Corporation] pales to yours, but if the archives' records hold true... It's a behemoth spanning the galaxy. Crushing Belobog would be child's play for them."
After Adrian showed her the Church priests' past logs in Boulder Town, Bronya had shed her fears. That immersive despair—she never wanted a second taste in this life.
If the [Interastral Peace Corporation] truly enforced coercive measures on Jarilo-VI, the despair it'd bring... Likely topped even the Swarm's onslaught.
"So... So I'm truly grateful you came—I know you two just wanted to join the festival bash, but now... Now, I beseech you—for aid from the Astral Express."
"You two—could you try convincing Topaz? Leveraging the Express's galactic rep, perhaps..."
"Leave it to us, Bronya! Friends in need—how could warmhearted Nameless turn away?" March 7th agreed on the spot. Stelle posed a question:
"By the way, Bronya—ever thought of asking the Church? Remember, Pontiff Blake left a note."
The Church boasted two open [Emanators] at minimum. Without sizing up either side's forces, jumping to conclusions was premature—maybe the Interastral Peace Corporation had three [Emanators].
"The Church has done so much for Belobog already—I'm ashamed... I can't bear dragging them into this." Bronya had no clue of the Church's true caliber.
Recalling Belobog's rebuild days, the Church's architects toiled daily, some skipping sleep entirely—overtime nonstop.
Not just no breaks; this kind bunch even turned down meals, citing their [Eternity] Path.
Even long-lived species couldn't grind like that... Don't you feel soul-weary?!
Swap in Automaton Guards, and ten straight days would've overheated the parts to scrap.
With that devotion, how could Bronya dare beg the Church's help? Her conscience ached! It'd make Jarilo-VI seem like some blackhearted guild, exploiting the Church's free labor.
"If needed, force it."
Stelle clenched her fist. Don't underestimate her now!
Barring [Emanator]-tier foes, the Galactic Baseballer was invincible!
What, if one shows? Simple: Plant feet and bail. She held two Stellaron Cores—self-destruct for a one-for-one swap wasn't off the table.
If cornered absolute, then no blame for pulling her ace—that milk tea-chugging guy!
Half an [Emanator]—did that count?
"Uh... No need to escalate that far. Topaz doesn't seem unreasonable."
They were kindhearted [Trailblaze] Nameless—always fighting wasn't cool.
"Ah, should've dragged Adrian down. He's top-three firepower on the crew."
March 7th glanced at Stelle. How'd she rank that?
"March, you wouldn't get it... Not the time—I'll explain later."
Stelle's aim was clear: Force unlikely to fly, so track Topaz—deploy [Persuasion]!
"With your silver tongue, let's go convince her." March 7th proposed.
Bronya was endlessly grateful. "Thank you! Sorry for dragging you into trouble again..."
"While you two hunt Topaz, I'll mull countermeasures too. Good luck."
"Ah... And above all—stay safe." Bronya cautioned.