People in Terra, governing a bizarre little country

Inside was a long table and several chairs, the place where Ernst usually held cabinet meetings—although he never actually convened such meetings.

However, having something and not having it are two different concepts. Even when it's not in use, adhering to the principle of making the best use of every penny, Ernst could arrange it as the office for Holhaya and Rafishini, greatly facilitating their work. And if there were any matters that needed to be discussed by the three of them on the spot, it would also be a good choice.

If there's one thing that hasn't changed, it's probably Ernst sitting in his office chair.

Although the room was much more impressive, Ernst's impression on Latatos remained largely unchanged—he greeted her with a smile, was approachable, and showed no arrogance towards them, the old folks of the past, despite his growing power.

Feeling a little more at ease, Latatos sat down opposite Ernst, glanced at the busy Horhaia and Rafishini, and sighed with some disappointment.

Ernst didn't ask his secretaries to leave, which meant that he had called him to his office this time for official business as well?

Unable to pinpoint exactly what was causing her disappointment, Latatos composed herself and spoke first:

"Ernst, is there any new assignment?"

Ernst nodded slightly.

He loves people like Latatos who are so sensible; before he's even said a word, she's already prepared to be his tool. Who wouldn't love such a great teammate?

He nodded, and only after Lavshini brought the afternoon tea and pastries and placed them in front of them did he speak:

"Latatos, what's been going on with Karan Trading lately?"

Latatos answered truthfully, "Nothing special, just expanding step by step, acquiring companies, opening factories, and expanding trade routes. If you want more specific details... with board approval, Karan Trading will soon open branches in Kazimierz and Letania."

Trade between Kazimir and Letania, and between Kalan and Khartoum, has always been conducted. However, it has been limited to small-scale transactions, basically the same as the trade caravans heading to Lungmen: sending a caravan, renting a warehouse, contacting a couple of souvenir shops, and peddling various Khartoum souvenirs. Or, during festivals, setting up a stall to sell whatever they can earn.

Such small-scale operations have a small purpose: to make money. The purpose of understanding the market is much larger. The returns are not much, and sometimes they may even result in losses. They are the initial investment for cultivating a region. To put it more simply, they are conducting market research.

The establishment of a branch office demonstrates that Kalan Trade has reached a new level of understanding of the local market, enabling it to guarantee long-term operations and large-scale trade between the two locations. This also signifies that Kalan Trade has officially entered the local sphere of influence.

In Kazimir, this circle is a business association composed of major commercial giants. In Letania, this circle is perhaps more complex, with direct intervention from local nobles and powerful nobles behind the scenes, and possibly covert struggles between the remnants of the Witch King and the Queen's voice. In short, the situation is unpredictable and volatile, requiring a high degree of sensitivity from outsiders like the Kalan Trade.

And Ensiodes actually plans to open two lines at the same time?

Can he handle it?

Ernst couldn't help but worry to himself.

If the next "pilot program" is added, the trade in Kalan might have to fight on three fronts.

Hiss—, Ensiodis, are you awake?! Do you want to challenge the Chairman's micro-management skills, or do you want to experience the front lines of the Mustache?

Sure enough, my idea was right, we have to really "reduce your burden"!

"Has the trade in Kalan developed so well without us even realizing it?" Ernst clicked his tongue in astonishment, expressing his disbelief. "However, this kind of reckless expansion will inevitably bring hidden dangers. Latatos, this is your chance."

Ernst looked at Latatos and smiled as he suggested, "In that case, Latatos, as one of the shareholders of Karan Trading and Enciodis's 'right-hand woman,' don't you want to do something for the company?"

Latatos blinked and frowned, somewhat puzzled:

"I'd like to, but you know what kind of person Ensiodis is. How could he possibly let me take charge of a branch of a country?"

Enciodes was a very wary man, especially towards Latatos, whom Ernst had planted in his service. Although bound by his agreement with Ernst and the generous bets contributed by Nosis, Enciodes couldn't renege on his commitment to Latatos as a shareholder, he actually had many ways to restrict this "outsider's" activities in the Kharlan trade, aside from getting rid of her.

But he hadn't actually done anything about it all along. After all, in his view, although Latatos was also a conservative opportunist, she was at least a human being capable of normal communication. Rather than getting rid of her and risking Ernst sending in some monsters in a fit of anger, it was better to keep Latatos in her position. At least she was genuinely useful, and letting her learn some modern management experience would benefit the overall development of Sherag in the future.

But this "modern management knowledge" certainly does not include the power to manage a branch of a country.

The branch office is a crucial pillar of the development of trade in Kalanica. It's no exaggeration to say that Kalanica's first pot of gold came from the Victoria branch, which is where Enciodis made it. Therefore, Victoria is now the country with the greatest influence and the widest network of contacts in Kalanica's trade.

If such a crucial support were entrusted to Latatos, then Enciodes would truly be out of his mind—regardless of whether Miss Squirrel is doing a good job or not, even if she is, she has made it clear from the beginning that she will be leaving in the future. When she leaves, won't the branch she is in charge of be in big trouble? Losing talent is a minor problem; losing connections would be a huge blow to Enciodes.

Rebuilding a network of contacts, especially under the watchful eyes of competitors who know you inside and out, is undeniably difficult.

But Ernst seemed completely unconcerned about the issue, and he continued:

"Actually, I've heard some rumors recently that Karan Trading is planning something within Shelag, but they haven't yet decided on who will be in charge of it..."

"What is it?" Latatos asked.

"What did you say?" Ernst looked at her with a puzzled expression.

Latatos immediately understood Ernst's meaning and changed her excuse:

Has anything happened in Shelag lately?

Ernst nodded in satisfaction, tapping his fingers rhythmically on the armrest: "Quite a few. What do you want to know?"

"Regarding trade with Kalan."

Ernst raised his hand and gestured a number.

Latatos paused, glared at Ernst, and then nodded somewhat reluctantly.

Ernst continued, "The rumors didn't say anything very specific, only that this matter was to be planned within the Peroch family's territory."

He sighed, somewhat regretfully, "This is really difficult. Everyone knows that Actos and Ensiodis don't get along. If he were to do it himself, he'd probably be humiliated by Actos countless times! If only there were a mediator who could persuade Actos."

"That would be ideal. This middleman can say a few fair words and explain the pros and cons to Actos. At worst, he can act as a guarantor and guarantee the success of this operation."

“In this way, Actos will cause less trouble, and my good-for-nothing brother will have less trouble. With this favor, how can things not be accomplished?”

"It's a pity, where can Sherag find such a highly respected person?"

Ernst smiled, his eyes crinkling. His gaze swept over Latatos, and seeing that she seemed somewhat interested, he wasn't in a hurry. He adjusted his posture, waiting for Latatos to take the initiative and begin the next sentence.

Sure enough, less than a minute later, Latatos eagerly asked, "Is there any specific detail in the rumors?"

Ernst pouted, looking thoughtful, and then subtly gestured a number with his right hand.

Latatos was startled when she saw it and instinctively wanted to negotiate the price.

But Ernst didn't give her a chance to succeed. After confirming Latatos's expression, he quickly looked away, stood up, and said:

"Oh, right, look at my bad habit of forgetfulness! Speaking of which, I still need to go and talk to Actos about the statue today. Miss Latatos, I won't keep you any longer, I'll be going now."

Seeing that Ernst had given her the order to leave without hesitation, Latatos could only stop Ernst from leaving, bite her lip, and finally nodded as if resigned to her fate.

Ernst patted Latatos on the shoulder with satisfaction:

"Ugh, look at my forgetfulness! Where did the document Enciodes gave me go? Could it be lost? This thing is very valuable, I have to go find it quickly, hopefully I can find it!"

As he spoke, he broke free from Latatos's grasp and walked outside, leaving behind only an imposing desk and a report on the pilot program.

Civil servants wouldn't leak secrets. They just accidentally left the confidential documents on their desks and then searched all over Shelag to find them, only to find out in the end that it was all too easy!

There was no shame, no guilt, only the joy of regaining what was lost!

Chapter 245 The Third Experiment of the Consciousness Empire

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Kjerag, Matterhorn, Dome Research Station.

For scientists, arguments are like lubricant and seasoning, an indispensable part of life.

After all, scientists are a group of people who have their own research in their respective fields and are full of confidence because of their brilliant achievements in their research. So even in the same project, if they encounter some professional conflicts, they will not hesitate to stand from their own perspective and argue over every minute issue.

This involves their respective authority and dignity in their respective fields, and also carries the underlying meaning that "truth becomes clearer through debate."

At Rhine Labs, many innovative research projects and groundbreaking scientific achievements were inspired by repeated debates, and after countless similar arguments, they finally came to fruition. It can be said that the ability to argue logically is an essential quality for every scientist at Rhine Labs.

Christensen was no exception.

Unfortunately, the Matterhorn dome research station had previously generated very little controversy.

The reason is simple: she went too far.

For creatures still crawling on the earth, the sky is a familiar yet strange neighbor. People describe it in such a rich and varied way, and the debate surrounding the "star pods" that cover the sky has only grown stronger over time. This is what Christensen has always dreamed of seeing.

But time ultimately betrayed Christensen. After her parents' spacecraft crashed and all attempts to explore the isolation layer failed, people's desire to explore did not grow with time; instead, it sank into a slump. To this day, Christensen has only a handful of scientists who still persist in challenging the isolation layer and the skies.

Fortunately, no matter how difficult the experiment was, she would not give up.

The first experimental field of the dome research station, the third experiment.

Christen's brow was furrowed, surrounded by countless instruments monitoring life activities and researchers bustling about. The ongoing experiment, personally conducted by Christen, directly concerned a crucial research topic in the Originium Life Science field at the Dome Research Station.

The test subject they chose was a Fanged Beast infected with Oripathy. Christen served as the observer, while the Fanged Beast, as the test subject, had its consciousness monitored.

Before the experiment began, no one thought it would be a very troublesome one. Most researchers believed that the Fanged Beasts would die instantly upon entering the "Consciousness Empire," just like the mice and other subjects used in previous experiments. However, the reality was quite different from what they expected.

Not only did this toothed beast not die, its mental activity was even quite clear!

In its consciousness, it was being hunted by some kind of terrifying predator, and even split into several different thoughts under the catalysis of Originium.

"The intervention hasn't reached this point yet, don't come any closer!"

"Wuhu, take off! This road leads straight to a dead end, don't come any further!"

"What are you looking at? The number is nine! We've reached General Nine!"

"Doesn't that mean...?"

The incoherent words seemed to reveal some of the essence of the consciousness empire, but even someone as intelligent as Christensen could not piece together a decent truth from these fragments!

In the end, the researchers in the lab looked at each other, sighed silently, and chose to stop the experiment.

If this continues, forget about finding a stable ticket to the Consciousness Empire; they might even go insane from watching!

The Fanged Beast's consciousness was forcibly severed, and Oripathy instantly began to flare up acutely. Fortunately, the laboratory's countermeasures were already extremely sophisticated, and this outbreak did not affect anyone.

The woman with pale yellow hair, who was in the crowd yet seemed to be detached from it, breathed a sigh of relief with some regret. She looked at her own consciousness, which had "escaped" in the last instant, and the body of the Fanged Beast that had exploded due to the collapse of consciousness, and felt a sigh.

Although some mishaps occurred during the experiment, the subsequent corrections were timely, preventing her, the observer, from developing the same bizarre mental split as the Fanged Beast. The experiment's objective—whether this technology could grant visitor authentication access to the Consciousness Empire—was successfully completed.

It has been proven that extracting human consciousness through scientific means and injecting it into another body can indeed grant special access to the Consciousness Empire. However, this access seems to be unstable, and a series of negative effects occur the moment one enters that mysterious realm.

A fragile consciousness like that of a lab rat will collapse instantly, while a beast like the Fanged Beast may not die instantly, but it will fall into a state of slow death such as splitting and frenzy, and will disintegrate on its own the moment the experiment is cut off.

Although no actual human experiments have been conducted, Christensen has already connected the dots to another aspect, namely the connection between Sarkaz and the Halo.

After Ernst returned, he briefly recounted Mostima's "Sakorta and Halo Theory" to her, which was also the source of her inspiration.

If the halo is a shackle and confinement, will it extinguish or break when the host changes? If a non-Sarkota soul is placed into a Sarkota body, will that soul be recognized by the halo and acknowledged as a "registered account"? These are all questions that Christensen wants to explore.

If this conjecture is confirmed, then the mysterious laws of the Sarkaz are probably far more complex than imagined, because that would mean they even have the ability to "test the soul"!

"The veil of mystery surrounding the Sarkaz has been lifted layer by layer, revealing even more layers."

Christensen couldn't help but sigh.

Of course, this can only be considered one of the byproducts of her experiment, and it is not closely related to her fundamental purpose.

Her ultimate goal is to gradually mature the technique of consciousness transfer through practice, so that the future [Sherrag astronaut] Mr. Flame Demon Safar can travel back and forth between various different bodies, and can use it multiple times without fear of it breaking down.

Judging from the current results, the plan is progressing very well.

The only regret is that, in the dome research station, I really lacked someone I could communicate with and argue with.

She was already an authority in this field and the renowned head of Rhine Labs, so it was generally unlikely that anyone would question her judgments and decisions. Even if someone did occasionally question her, it was mostly minor and insignificant, not even enough to correct any problems.

The new Miss Dulin... I think her name is Miloch Bright Lamp, which is quite nice. She has outstanding ideas and a personality very much like Dulin's—fearless to the point of calling herself a general when drunk. But the problem is, she's not a typical Columbia scientist either.

After one or two debates in which she won, Milošević became accustomed to trusting her own judgment.

Christensen couldn't help but feel a little melancholy.

Is there really only one Saria in the world? No matter how much she achieves, she'll act like a headstrong fool, recklessly following her own standards of judgment, and even willing to punch a friend without mercy to correct her mistakes!

Before I knew it, how long had it been since I last went back to Colombia?

Christen thought to himself: The experiment here has just reached a bottleneck. We need to wait for Muirsey and Levi to send samples of other Originium life forms before we can proceed to the next step of the barrier layer crossing experiment. Why not take this opportunity to go back and call them over in person?

What? Almost all of Rhine Lab's top brass have come to Sherag? What about Columbia's headquarters?

That's easy. Christensen already had a plan in mind—just hand it over to Ferdinand, right?

Don't assume that just because she's usually engrossed in stargazing, she's completely unaware of what's happening inside Rhine Lab. Ferdinand's attempt to seize power has been under her surveillance from beginning to end. She just judged that Ferdinand wouldn't cause any major trouble, so she didn't bother to spare the energy to stop him.

Now that everyone has come to Sherag, it wouldn't be unreasonable to do Ferdinand a favor and let him temporarily assume the position of governor of Colombia.

Consider it a way to satisfy this increasingly arrogant little kitten~

Christensen has a certain ease about him, like feeding a disobedient pet cat cat treats to soothe it.

Having made the decision, the next step was to implement it. Christensen was always the kind of person who would boldly do whatever came to mind. She summoned the researchers from the laboratory, who originally belonged to the General Construction Department but were now under the jurisdiction of the Dome Research Station, announced the official start of a month-long vacation, and then turned and left the laboratory, embarking on the road down the mountain.

Half a day later.

Ernst met the great scientist, whose clothes were still damp, in his office.

Christensen cut to the chase: "The construction of the Dome Research Station is basically complete, and the three experiments already conducted have yielded results. I have proven... well, you probably wouldn't understand this. In short, the experiment has now entered a bottleneck period, and I need to go back to Columbia to call in more people."