The Envoy of Abundance from Onphalus

　They swarmed in, determined to fight to the death. The sealing wax seal, constructed from the power of abundance, was not only proof of identity but also the most stringent "filter of good and evil."

　Those with ill intentions who attempt to touch it will instantly be transformed into fleshy monsters. Even the members themselves are no exception. If they harbor evil thoughts, they will suffer the consequences.

　Therefore, there are no morally deficient people in the group of compassionate doctors. If anyone impersonates them to do evil, they will be targeted by the compassionate doctors' weapons.

　And if there's a formidable enemy that no member can handle? All they need to do is pray sincerely, and Russell will descend from the stars to personally deal with the fool.

　"Offended such a group of 'doctors'?"

　Emerald took a sip of wine while looking at the screen, her eyes gleaming with shrewdness. "It means losing the most efficient, cheapest, and most respected medical network and humanitarian aid channels in the entire universe."

　"It means the company's stock price will plummet like it's hit a black hole. It means... the strategic investment department's profits for the next hundred years will have to fill this hole. Oswald isn't completely stupid."

　"He's just bad, not stupid."

　Ultimately, the company's board of directors issued only a vaguely worded internal notice: "Reiterating that the Market Development Department must strictly adhere to the Interstellar Human Rights and Business Basic Law in all its activities on any planet, and expand its interests in a moderate and sustainable manner."

　This notice became Oswaldo's only, and greatest, punishment for him and his marketing department.

　……

　Ten years later, the Pierpoint financial crisis.

　Ten years is but a fleeting moment on a cosmic scale. Yet, in these short ten years, a man-made financial storm swept through the core economic sphere of Interstellar Peace Corporation without warning.

　Without warning, hundreds of blue-chip stocks closely tied to the market development department collapsed and plummeted in just 72 hours, like dominoes falling.

　The complex financial derivatives market was in turmoil. Panic spread like a cosmic plague. In the end, the total market value of Interstellar Peace Corporation evaporated by a staggering 1%—an astronomical figure.

　Several key resource extraction and military-industrial complex companies under the Market Development Department have directly declared bankruptcy and reorganization.

　The storm came quickly and went quickly. Just as the company's emergency response team was in a state of panic, preparing to activate the highest level of financial firewall, the enormous wealth that had mysteriously disappeared from the market returned to its original location as if by magic.

　All that remained was a chaotic financial ruin and evaporated market value for the market development department—as if the entire cosmic financial system had been manipulated by an invisible hand, playing a malicious and costly joke.

　I heard that a sharp laugh came from the universe at that time.

　The investigation report ultimately pinpointed the source: all the unusual transactions originated from a single, insignificant initial account. Its initial capital was a mere one hundred Taamba coins—a local currency with virtually no value.

　"One hundred T'amba... stirred up an almost endless storm of credits?"

　Emerald stared at the account holder's name on the screen—Kakavasha—and for the first time, a genuine and undisguised intense interest appeared in her eyes.

　The company’s most efficient audit team found the target with almost no effort.

　Kakavasya did not flee, nor did he resist. When they knocked on the door of that inconspicuous apartment in the Pierpoint Edge Sector, the boy with the strange triple pupils was sitting quietly in a chair in the foyer, as if he had been waiting for a long time.

　He was dressed in a neat old suit, relaxed, and even gave the armed men who broke in a polite, yet wildly cunning, smile.

　"Thanks for your hard work."

　Kakawasha extended his hands, letting the cold magnetic shackles lock his wrists, his movements as fluid as if he had rehearsed them a thousand times. "Take me to see someone who can make decisions. For example... Ms. Emerald from the Strategic Investment Department? I believe she will be interested in the bargaining chips I bring."

　An enraged Oswaldo wanted to deal with this audacious young man who had caused his department so much damage himself.

　However, a highly encrypted order arrived just before he could issue the instructions—from the Strategic Investment Department, Emerald, one of the "Stoneheart Ten," directly took over all of Kakavasya's disposal rights.

　Jade's transfer order was obtained from Diamond, so Oswaldo could only grit his teeth and watch Jade rescue the kid.

　He could easily understand that Jade had protected this kid, probably because she was impressed by his trading skills and wanted to recruit him.

　Looking at the young man's clean and efficient trading techniques in the case file and his almost confession-like composure at the end, Emerald's delicate lips curled into a determined smile.

　"Decisive, intelligent, and exceptionally courageous... most importantly, knowing when to bet everything at the most opportune moment. Even betting your own life."

　She put down the report and whispered to the air, as if speaking to the boy she was about to meet, "Welcome to the real gambling table, little Eviekin. Let me see how much of a surprise you can bring to my investment."

　……

　Chapter Seventy-Three: Thank you for your generosity.

　The cold, metallic sheen of the Interstellar Peace Corporation's courtroom reflected the boy, firmly bound by his restraints.

　Kakavasya stood quietly, her tricolored pupils shimmering with an eerie light under the bright light, as if they contained fragments of a broken galaxy.

　Emerald, a senior executive in the strategic investment department, leaned languidly against the observation deck, a glass of blood-red wine in her hand. Her gaze was fixed on those eyes with great interest.

　"What beautiful eyes,"

　Her voice, tinged with amusement, reached clearly into the trial area, "Tell me, do they glow in the dark?"

　Kakavasya slightly raised her eyes to look in the direction of the voice, her expression calm and unwavering: "If this amuses you, my answer is: yes, madam."

　Jade took a sip of wine, the bright red liquid leaving a mark on the glass: "Unfortunately, there are quite a few people in this world who wish for them to close forever."

　"Oswaldo from the market development department wishes he could gouge your eyes out himself."

　She observed his reaction; the boy's face didn't even twitch.

　“He’s given his word, and no lawyer dares to defend you. Perhaps you could try to get a not-guilty statement? After all, apart from the idiots in the market development department, the other related parties haven’t really lost anything in this ‘mini financial storm.’”

　"This is not difficult for me,"

　Kakavasha's voice was steady, "But it doesn't matter."

　"Oh?"

　Emerald raised an eyebrow and leaned forward slightly. "Looks like you're quite confident in your eloquence? Was that what you were thinking when you were deceiving the Knowledge Society? Trying to make them run around in circles."

　"It's just a matter of each getting what they need, ma'am."

　Kakawasha met her gaze. "They've lost their basic judgment because of the financial boom. I've only offered a possibility, a small gamble."

　"As for the outcome... I really don't know."

　A faint, almost imperceptible smile curved his lips. "I never imagined that greed and stupidity would cause it to spiral out of control to that extent. If they weren't bad and greedy, how could they have fallen headlong into the web I wove, unable to extricate themselves?"

　Emerald chuckled softly, her fingertips tracing the holographic case file projection floating in front of her: "'Really don't know?' Saying such a thing in court, especially with Oswaldo present... Kakavasya, you're clever, but it will only enrage an already wounded mad dog."

　She paused, her tone carrying a deliberate reminder, "If he can't handle you, surely he can handle your sister? Your arrogance is enough to make him furious for a week and take it out on someone else."

　She put down her wine glass, clasped her hands together, and scrutinized him: "How about... you beg me? Let me provide you with protection? Oswaldo wouldn't dare touch the person the Strategic Investment Department wants to protect."

　Kakawasha finally reacted noticeably, straightening his back and a sharp glint in the depths of his triple pupils: "This is none of your concern, Lady Emerald. I have already paved the way for my escape. And I think I don't need to make any statements in court."

　"Oh?"

　My curiosity about jade was completely piqued.

　“Compassionate physicians,”

　Kakawasha pronounced the word clearly, "I will take good care of my sister for me."

　"The Compassionate Physician?"

　Her emerald-violet eyes lit up, and she quickly flipped through the files, a topographical map of Tsigania flashing by. "You can mobilize them? That's unusual."

　She stared intently at him. "Besides that Envoy of Abundance who likes to wander among the stars and save those in distress, I can't think of anyone else who could make those gentle, righteous people settle down to be bodyguards. You and he, have you crossed paths before?"

　Kakawasha did not answer directly, but instead asked, "Ms. Emerald must know that the source of this storm is merely one hundred Taambas?"

　"certainly,"

　Emerald nodded approvingly, making no attempt to hide her interest. "Using a bunch of almost worthless indigenous currency as leverage, they've tapped into a market worth trillions of credits. Precise, bold, and imaginative."

　"My child, you have truly captivated me."

　She leaned forward slightly, a silent pressure spreading through her. "But there's still one problem: such a grand performance, yet the mastermind didn't receive a single penny. Kakawasha, what brought you here? Surely it wasn't just to watch Oswaldo get angry?"

　"If that's the case, I can call him over right now."

　The young man took a deep breath, his sandy-gold eyes staring directly at the woman who held his destiny in her hands: "Those one hundred Taamba coins were an angel investment from Mr. Russell. I used them to achieve my goal for this trip."

　"Target?"

　Jadeite repeats.

　"Seeing you,"

　Kakavasya's voice was clear and firm: "One of the heads of the Strategic Investment Department, the Emerald Lady of the 'Stone Heart Ten'."

　A brief silence fell over the trial area. Emerald suddenly laughed, a clear yet chilling laugh: "Heh... an interesting gambler. If it weren't me judging you here today, but Oswaldo, what would you do? Your angel investment won't save you a second time."

　There is no 'if'.

　Kakawasha's tone was resolute, with an almost arrogant certainty, "Because I never lose. And,"

　He paused, his eyes sharp as knives, "Would a shrewd investor like you let go of a strategic investment genius who could leverage a hundred Taambas to boost a company's market value? I think not."

　Emerald's smile deepened, tinged with the excitement of a worthy opponent: "Sharp eye, extraordinary courage. Very well, Kakawasha, then let's talk about your second high-stakes gamble. Tell me, what chips are you planning to bet this time?"

　The young man straightened his chest, his voice not loud, but every word carried immense weight: "I've already made my bet. My life. I bet you won't send me to the execution ground."

　"What's the stake? What do you want from me?"

　Jade pressed further.

　“An opportunity,”

　Kakawasha's gaze was intense. "An opportunity to work under you. A position where I can demonstrate my full value."

　Emerald stood up, her high heels clicking crisply on the metal floor. It was as if she could see directly into the depths of Kakawasha's soul. A few seconds later, she spoke slowly, her voice carrying the weight of a pronouncement: "Congratulations, Kakawasha, you won your gamble."

　She walked back to her seat and sat down gracefully: "The job opportunity you want, I'll give it to you. And much more—wealth, status, power... Interstellar Peace Corporation will give you everything you want, even things you've never dared to dream of."

　With a flick of her finger, an electronic contract shimmering with amber gold patterns projected in front of Kakawasha. "Starting tomorrow, you will be a trainee strategic analyst in the Strategic Investment Department. As for your sister, Taraka,"

　She saw the gleam in the boy's eyes. "We can bring Pierpont here. The Logistics Department of the Strategic Investment Division will arrange a comfortable and respectable clerical job for her. Are you satisfied with this arrangement?"

　Your generosity,

　Kakawasha bowed slightly, his posture respectful yet still neither humble nor arrogant, "It exceeded my expectations."

　"I never mistreat true geniuses,"

　Jade regained her composure and confidence, "because I believe they will eventually earn me ten times, a hundred times the value. That's the true essence of investing."

　She waved her hand, releasing Kakawasha from his restraint. "Anything else you want? While I'm in a good mood today."

　Kakavasya flexed his wrists and looked at Emerald: "I want to know Mr. Huaixiu's exact location. I'd like to visit him."

　"Oh?"

　Emerald, intrigued, suggested, "Go thank those 100 Ta'amba angel investors?"

　"more than,"

　Kakawasha gazed at the endless sea of ​​stars outside the porthole, a complex emotion lingering in his eyes. "He gave me the courage to stake everything and throw the dice at fate. And..."

　He withdrew his gaze and looked at Emerald, his triple pupils flashing with a determined light. "I want to show him where that Tsiganian kid he invested in is now."

　Jade clapped her hands gently: "Knowing how to repay kindness and not forgetting where you came from. Very good."

　She pulled up a star map coordinate. "However, the visit can't be rushed. Go take a shower first and change into some decent clothes. Employees of the strategic investment department can't look like street thugs who've just been in a fight."

　"While you're at it, choose a suitable identity to join the Interstellar Peace Corporation, and pretend that the old Kakawasha is dead. With the main suspect dead, there's naturally no need for this court hearing, right?"

　She sent the coordinates to Kakavasya's personal terminal. "The company's fastest starship will take you there. After you've visited your angel investor, remember to bring your sister back. Pierpoint is where your new beginning begins."

　"And if I'm not mistaken, your sister should also be very capable. I look forward to seeing what you two siblings can do in the strategic investment department."

　Kakavasya looked at the flashing coordinates and the new identification code on the terminal, took a deep breath, and gave a Tsiganian gesture of the highest respect by placing his hand on his chest: "Thank you for your generosity and foresight, Lady Emerald."

　"No need to thank me. You should thank yourself for your courage and insight. I would never talk so much with a fool, kid."

　……

　Chapter 74 Reunion with Kakawasha

　The news channel of Interstellar Peace Corporation scrolled silently on the bridge's light screen. Russell listlessly glanced at the monotonous reports.

　Then a follow-up news item caught his attention: the shocking financial storm involving hundreds of taels of silver ultimately ended with the mastermind committing suicide out of fear of punishment, leaving the market development department with heavy losses but only able to swallow the bitter pill.

　Aside from Oswaldo's forces being precisely destroyed, the other participants were treated as if they had been played with an exorbitant joke; their evaporated wealth was returned in full the next day, and all losses were borne by companies under the Market Development Department.

　"One hundred Taamba..."

　A glimmer of memory flashed in Russell's eyes, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up. "That kid... he was really something. He actually managed to use that little spark to ignite a raging fire that was enough to give that mad dog that spread death a good beating."

　His tone was filled with undisguised praise, "He truly deserves the promising young talent I've chosen."

　The Abundance Shenzhou is currently docked at a large starport of the Interstellar Peace Corporation. The orbit ahead has become violently erratic for unknown reasons, and the warp drive has been forcibly locked, flashing a red warning.

　The port's engineering vessels, like busy worker bees, are urgently repairing the blockages in this cosmic artery. The company is also providing free maintenance and repair services for these ships that are unable to jump due to orbital problems.

　This meant that although many ships were delayed, there were not many complaints.

　Jin leaned against a pillar naturally formed by emerald-gold vines inside the bridge, only ten steps away from Russell.