Warhammer: The Time Traveler

Chapter 169 Old Europe (Third Update)

In the heart of continental Europe, a centuries-old castle is isolated from the outside world by its thick stone walls.

Several senior partners from European banks sat around the fireplace, holding rare wines from the best Bordeaux vineyards.

The flickering firelight cast dancing shadows on their impeccably tailored suits, while the distant silhouette of the Alps appeared and disappeared in the twilight.

“A barbarian game.” A silver-haired senior partner gently swirled his crystal glass, his tone carrying an innate sense of superiority. “Such rude and violent behavior will only plunge the capital market into unnecessary panic.”

The young partner sitting opposite him leaned forward slightly: "But don't forget, it was this 'rudeness' that created unprecedented opportunities for us during the Fourth Corporate War."

At the time, we provided crucial financing to Arasaka and Military Technology simultaneously through channels in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

The firewood in the fireplace made a slight popping sound.

Everyone present is familiar with that history: it was the European banks' ingenious capital operations that allowed the war to last long enough for them to gain significant positions within both giants through debt-to-equity swaps.

Even the orbital strike that ended Barthemos's mission showed signs of influence on the European Space Agency.

The fire in the fireplace flickered, casting swaying shadows on the ancient carpet.

The young partner put down his glass and leaned forward slightly.

“The current situation does indeed bear similarities to the Fourth Corporate War.” His fingers tapped lightly on the back of his chair. “Our people in Tokyo have sent an updated report that Arasaka is urgently mobilizing global funds.”

Their weakness has been laid bare, and this is the perfect time for us to lend a helping hand.

The German partner, who had remained silent all along, slowly raised his eyelids; his neatly trimmed beard gleamed silver-gray in the firelight.

"The technology this emerging force is demonstrating is indeed more disruptive than that of Barthemos back then." His German accent added weight to every word. "We should emulate the success we achieved with Arasaka and incorporate this emerging force into our influence network through appropriate investments and cooperation agreements."

The young partner immediately chimed in: "We can operate through a holding company registered in the Cayman Islands. We can provide support under the guise of R&D funding, while requiring the other party to use core technology patents as collateral."

He paused briefly, glancing at the tablet in his hand. "Meanwhile, our special fund in Luxembourg has begun to short-sell the stocks and bonds of the Arakawa Group on a large scale."

The silver-haired partner nodded slowly, his fingertips gently stroking the stem of the crystal glass.

“Have the Zurich team prepare a complete plan.” His voice was gentle but undeniable. “Remember, we must treat this opportunity like a top-quality wine: patiently wait for it to fully ferment, and open it at the most opportune moment to savor its most perfect flavor.”

He took an elegant sip of the deep red liquid in his glass and continued, "We are informing our old friends at the Bank of Japan and in Washington that the European Central Bank is willing to provide the necessary liquidity support to 'maintain global financial stability'."

A faint smile appeared on his lips. "Of course, all of this comes at a price."

The firewood in the fireplace crackled softly, and the old clock on the wall struck the hour.

Outside the castle, the outline of the Alps gradually blurred in the twilight, while the conversation inside continued, each decision potentially setting off new waves in the future.

Outside the castle, the Alpine night sky is dotted with stars. But within these ancient stone walls, a new financial storm is brewing.

These European bankers still believe that the most powerful weapon in the world is not plasma cannons, but flowing capital; the most lethal blow is not the destruction of buildings, but the erosion of confidence.
-
Meanwhile, in a private salon on the Left Bank of Paris, another group of European bank associates were holding a more discreet gathering.

Among them were the former EU Competition Commissioner, the retired Vice Governor of the Bank of France, and several lobbyists with close ties to major European defense companies.

“It’s time to restart Project Helios,” a middle-aged man in a custom-made suit said in a low voice, his fingers gently stroking the crystal glass.

“The Helios Project?” The young woman sitting opposite him frowned slightly. She was Sophie Reno, who had only recently entered this inner circle. “Excuse my ignorance, this is…”

“No need to apologize, dear Sophie.” The middle-aged man gave a meaningful smile. “It’s a name that has been buried for a long time. During the Fourth Corporate War, when the various forces were openly clashing, we launched Project Helios.”

In short, it is a comprehensive strategy to maximize European interests through unconventional means.

He paused briefly, looking around at everyone present: "At the time, we realized that simply providing funding, while yielding short-term gains, could not guarantee long-term impact. Therefore, in certain circumstances, we would take more direct intervention."

For example, when an uncontrolled variable appears…

Another older attendee chimed in, his voice low: "Like that hacker named Bartmouth. His abilities began to threaten the stability of the entire financial system."

Thus, through our special channels at the European Space Agency, an orbital kinetic weapon was deployed.

Official records will show it as a 'testing blunder,' but in reality, it precisely eliminated the threat.

Sophie's pupils contracted slightly: "So that famous orbital strike..."

“This is an early practice of the Helios Project.” The middle-aged man nodded slightly. “Now, the technological capabilities of this mysterious force that has appeared in Night City have clearly exceeded the scope of conventional business competition.”

If we can't bring it under control, we must at least ensure it doesn't fall into the hands of our adversaries.

“The core of the plan is very simple,” the older man explained. “Through our network of agents across continents, we assess, contact, and, if necessary, take special measures.”

All operations will be conducted through layers of subcontracting and intermediaries to ensure complete segregation from the name of European banks.

Sophie pondered, "So, we not only need to continue operating in the financial markets, but also prepare to take more direct action?"

“Yes, if necessary.” The middle-aged man took a sip of his drink. “But remember, in Project Helios, we will always be the shadows. Let the Americans flaunt their military might, and let the Asians showcase their technological ambitions.”

All we need to do is intervene with the most precise precision at the most critical moment.

The flames in the fireplace suddenly flickered, casting swaying shadows on everyone's faces.

That night, Helios planned to relaunch after years of silence, and this time, its target was a mysterious force capable of destroying Arasaka Tower.

(End of this chapter)