People in Terra, governing a bizarre little country

Having fully grasped this person's intentions, Ernst clicked his tongue, and finally looked at Saria:

"What does Rhine Lab say? After all, the Balrog is their creation. Isn't it impolite not to consult the acting commander-in-chief?"

Saria: "I have no objection."

That was a bit too quick to agree!

Ernst thought to himself.

But in reality, Saria had no objections. Just like the Tin Man, she also wanted to get rid of the Balrog as soon as possible.

Even now, the thought of the powerful pink-haired Sarkaz summoned by the Balrog still sends chills down her spine. This time, Ernst was there to stop him, and President Wilson arrived in time to force him to leave, but what about next time?

What if the Balrog stays at Rhine Lab and attracts that guy back?

Calling for troops was too late; Rhineland-Palatinate could not afford to have troops stationed there for protection for an extended period. Besides, there's no reason to guard against thieves for a thousand days.

Therefore, it would be better to quickly hand over the Balrog to someone who is willing and able to accept him.

This person could be an official from Colombia, or it could be Ernst, who has proven his abilities.

Besides, the Tin Man had already informed her beforehand, so this wasn't exactly a secret to her. They had also offered a price, guaranteeing compensation for Rhine Lab's resource consumption and losses during the experiment.

Seeing that Saria had also expressed her opinion, Ernst finally pursed his lips and nodded.

The Tin Man finally let out a long sigh of relief, even though he didn't need to breathe. He extended his hand to Ernst, wanting a friendly handshake, which Ernst didn't refuse. But as he grasped the cold, mechanical arms, he suddenly spoke:

"I wonder if the Melander Foundation has a department responsible for trade?"

You can't let yourself get ripped off for nothing; you have to get something out of it eventually. You don't have to make a profit, but you must at least not lose money.

The tin man was taken aback, and seeing Ernst's forced smile, he quickly replied:

"Yes, of course there is."

............

It was agreed that a delegation from Carlan Trade would be sent to Colombia for investigation, research and negotiations in a while. The Tin Man finally broke free from Ernst's clutches and left the Rhine Life building.

Standing beneath the building, listening to the cries of the winged beasts, feeling the aura of the fire demon upstairs and the vibrations of the dead soul within his own chest, the Tin Man's mood suddenly became joyful.

He took out the cigar he had been thinking about for hours, lit it, put it in his mouth, and took a deep, inhaled drag.

This time, he faced the sunlight and exhaled a smoke ring.

At the same time, he also revealed his true feelings:

"I guess I've found you a good place to go."

"That's all I can do, my compatriots."

Welcome back to Terra.

Chapter 203 Ernst: Mostima, give me a smile?

If there's any country on Terra that can rival Sherag in terms of eccentricity, it has to be Laterano, our God's kingdom on earth, the homeland of law and order, the city with the most bombings and the lowest crime rate, the best dessert factory in all of Terra, and the country with the highest sales of eye masks!

This is no joke. Laterano is the kind of country in Terra that, you know what, you really have to admit!

In terms of democracy, Colombia can't compare. Because here it's a genuine direct democracy. Even if you're a bomb-loving enthusiast who's been out in the outside world for at least ten years, in Lateran, as long as you report it to the Papal Palace beforehand, even if you blow up the Pope's dining table, he'll only lose a few pearls and won't do anything to you.

In terms of centralized power, Ursus couldn't compare. The Ursus emperor, despite a lifetime of autocracy, ultimately had to compromise with the powerful nobles and warlords, creating the State Duma to ease tensions and check power. While institutions like the courts and prosecutors were largely insignificant in the face of power, they at least functioned properly for ordinary Ursus citizens. Laterano, however, was different. It resolutely said "NO!" to all these institutions that seem indispensable to modern states.

In Lateran, only the Papal Palace is supreme, above all other institutions. The so-called judicial, prosecutorial, diplomatic, and other official positions are all subordinate "department-level" units under the Papal Palace. Theoretically speaking, the Pope's power is so great that any feudal emperor would be utterly scornful.

As for national security, it actually achieved what Ernst considered utter nonsense: "Only when everyone owns a gun can the country remain stable!" In fact, compared to the paradise and beacon of democracy in the hearts of certain colonizers, where guns and gun licenses had to be purchased from shops and obtained through intermediaries, Laterano's firearms were even distributed free of charge by the state.

As long as you are of legal age and in good health, and pass an exam, the government will arrange for a special department to directly issue you firearms. During this process, the government will even specifically ask for your personal opinion, meet your personal needs, and deliver the firearms you prefer.

In other words, not only in theory, but also in reality, even a young girl who has just turned eighteen can get a "Barrett" or "Fire Kirin" for free, as long as she is willing and passes the exam.

Bro, send me a sniper rifle!

This was almost entirely incomprehensible to Ernst in the past. Putting aside the social unrest or even collapse that such normalization of firearms and ammunition might bring, just the thought of everyone being given a gun... oh no, in Terra, it's called a musket, everyone being given a musket—how much money would that cost the country for no reason?

Or is it possible that Lateran is actually a super military-industrial complex, or a country with a legendary mega-corporation polity?

It wasn't until much later, when Ernst finally brought back a book about Lateran and Sakota from Victoria through the Tokaran trade, that he began to glimpse the mystery of this country that could rival, or even rival, Sherag, and gained some understanding of it.

The cannon is not a real firearm, but a special kind of staff. Although the bullets it fires look like bullets, feel like bullets, and have the same effect as bullets, it is actually a special kind of magic, a magical derivative based on a physical upgrade of throwing stones.

No, the original version was throwing stones, the fan-made version was using bullets, so this should be considered a third creation.

In Terra, this gun-wielding staff is officially licensed. Guns produced in Laterano can only be used by the Sarkaz. Even with diligent practice, other races cannot use guns as effectively as the Sarkaz.

Therefore, most people on this land still play with knives, crossbows, and magic.

Ernst originally thought that the designers who created the game world of Arknights were being lazy, but it turns out they actually made up for it?

No, that's actually just laziness. Otherwise, why would they use the word "gun" to cover up the fact that it's actually a gun design?

You think I don't recognize you just because you've put on a magical disguise?

"Do I look that unattractive? Or is Mr. Ernst so interested in guns that he doesn't want to say a word to a messenger like me who has no gun?"

The blue-haired, hooded Sakota girl shrugged helplessly, looking troubled.

"If that's the case, then this is really troublesome. Perhaps the red-haired, fiery-eyed Grim Reaper could go back and inform those old guys to send a messenger from all over the world to see Mr. Ernst instead?"

The Liberian girl with fiery red hair standing beside her frowned, glared fiercely at her companion, and retorted:

“First of all, I am Fiameta, not some red-haired, burning-eyed Grim Reaper. Secondly, Mostima! Show some respect to the bishops of the Papal Palace; don't call them ‘old men’!”

“You’re calling out too,” muttered the hooded Sakota named Mostima, but his voice was just loud enough for Fiameta to hear.

Fiameta immediately retorted, dissatisfied, "Where?"

“When you hear your code name.” After saying that, Mostima winked at her playfully.

“…” Fiameta was silent for a moment, then sighed helplessly and chose to compromise, “At least not in front of outsiders. Let’s save face for the bishops back home.”

"ok ok~"

After giving a completely insincere answer, Mostima turned his gaze back to Ernst, a satisfied smile on his face, and bowed slightly in respect.

“The Lateran messenger from all nations, Mostima, and this man codenamed Fiameta the Red-Haired, Burning-Eyed Reaper, pay homage to you, Mr. Ernst Shivaesh, Prime Minister of the ancient kingdom of Shelag.”

"Mostima......."

Ernst looked at the somewhat familiar face before him, but for a moment he couldn't remember where he had seen her before... or anyone who looked like her.

He pondered for a moment, then suddenly said:

"Mostima, can you smile?"

"So domineering, Your Excellency? The messenger from all nations wouldn't accept that kind of business, you know?" Mostima immediately looked wary, crossed his arms, and stepped back, hiding behind Fiameta, whose forehead was already bulging with veins.

Ernst lowered his hand somewhat awkwardly.

Fiameta was getting a little angry: "Stop joking, Mostima, you can tell that Mr. Ernst didn't mean that, can't you!"

Mostima then dropped the feigned shyness and timidity on her face, reverting to her usual indifferent smile, and looked at Ernst, saying:

"That's why I made such a little joke. Otherwise, Mr. Ernst's constant muttering about guns and his cold attitude towards me, the messenger from all nations, was almost making me feel inferior."

"I'm sure Mr. Ernst won't mind?"

Ernst waved his hand.

He recognized Mostima, but since Mostima was wearing a hood and wasn't willing to give Ernst his signature wide grin, Ernst could only keep his guess to himself for the time being.

As for what that guess is...

He wondered if Mostima was Exusiai's older sister, because their faces—their eyebrows, their mouths—were practically identical. He knew Exusiai; back when the game launched, Ernst pulled two six-star characters in his first thirty pulls: one was his older brother Ensiodis, and the other was Exusiai.

He remembers clearly that very distinctive "leader~" address!

However, not being able to confirm whether Mostima was Exusiai's sister didn't actually affect his conversation with her. Since she was a guest, Ernst quickly got into the conversation.

"Jokes are fine. I just don't know, what about the messenger from Laterano and this..."

“I am her guardian,” Fiameta introduced herself in a serious tone.

Mostima gave Ernst a look that said, "Just take this seriously."

Ernst nodded.

"Messenger from all nations, and this young lady who is your guardian, what brings you here specifically to see me?"

"Latland will send messengers to every country and power. With us, we can ensure that Sherag can transmit messages to the outside world as neutrally as possible, and also allow Sherag to receive information from other countries more easily and without any worries."

Mostima explained.

Judging from her serious and methodical demeanor, this must be some kind of script from a "Handbook for Messengers of All Nations".

When she stopped, Ernst nodded slightly and continued:

"anything else?"

"besides?"

Ernst stretched out his hand and pointed to the surrounding high-rise buildings:

"This is Colombia. If the messengers from all nations had nothing to do with me, they could have waited until I returned to Shelag and found me directly in the government building. Why did you chase me all the way to Colombia? You can't possibly be here just to show me a passage you've memorized from a textbook, can you?"

Mostima and Fiameta exchanged a glance, and Mostima smiled and said to Ernst, "Thank you."

She made a bet with Fiameta, asking whether Ernst could see through their ulterior motives. Fiameta, ever the stubborn one, unsurprisingly lost again.

Thinking about it, it makes sense. The fact that Lateran's messenger from all over the world came all the way to Colombia to see Prime Minister Sheraco seems to imply that he wouldn't visit unless he had a reason.

However, although Fiameta lost, she didn't actually win either.

Mostima was betting that "Ernst Shivaish would ignore the messenger from all nations."

Like most national leaders, they don't really value the messengers from all over the world, and probably don't even think about them normally. As a result, most of the messengers from all over the world could open a dessert shop in their local area and wouldn't go out of business in the short term—they are experienced, have plenty of time, and are free.

But Mostima changed his mind when he met Ernst Shivaesh.

This prime minister is somewhat different.

Mostima couldn't quite put his finger on what exactly was different. Perhaps it was because he was also very young, even looking younger than him, like a "younger brother"?

Putting aside these personal motives, Mostima did indeed come with a mission.

She nodded in a good mood and said:

"Mr. Ernst is right, I do have other purposes."

“I am not the kind of messenger of all nations who is stationed in one place. I am a liberal among messengers of all nations. In other words, I directly represent the will of His Holiness the Pope.”

Mostima paused, then, unusually serious, said:

"His Holiness the Pope would like to invite you to visit Lateran."

Ernst raised an eyebrow:

"invite?"

After relaying the instructions, Mostima resumed his faint smile and joked:

"Of course it's an invitation. You can also choose to bring your subordinates and staff on a trip to Laterano. This is a rare opportunity!"

"How long?" Ernst asked.

Mostima: "The Pope didn't give a specific time, but I guess it'll be as soon as possible?"

It seems your Pope, aside from giving you one instruction, left you with the rest to exercise your own initiative!

Ernst was momentarily at a loss for words, unsure where to begin his rant. How could such an irresponsible leader be a national leader?

Oh, this country is Lateran, then it's alright.

He nodded slightly to express his approval: "I understand. I will set off after I return to Shelag and rest for a while."

Mostima smiled and clasped his hands together:

“Thanks for your support.”

Chapter 204 Kal'tsit: You're not going to act anymore, huh? Are you going to pull for it even though it's in this gacha pool?

Columbia, Tremont docking point, USS Rhode Island.