People in Terra, governing a bizarre little country

He knew that Goredia might not have made this decision with any malicious intent—she genuinely felt that it was too early for terrestrial civilizations to understand these secrets.

But that is arrogance, and the most unbearable kind of arrogance.

Since the appearance of Goredia, how many times has Ernst, and the land civilizations, endured this arrogance and contempt?

This was the first time that Gladys had come uninvited and entered his room without permission. Ernst could assume that she had come to find a long-lost comrade-in-arms, that there were emotional factors involved, and that it brought an opportunity for cooperation between land and sea, so he tolerated it.

She remained vigilant, unwilling to willingly pay the "price" of sharing intelligence after this uninvited visit—this was the second time. This time, Ernst could understand; after all, the other party was the captain of the Deep Sea Hunters, and also held the seemingly impressive title of "Governor," so her heightened vigilance was tolerable.

She repeatedly emphasized her desire to return home, offering only intelligence sharing and opportunities for official exchanges as bargaining chips in exchange for Ernst's help and Columbia's escort—this was the third time. This time, Ernst, for the sake of confronting Haizi, a formidable enemy of civilization, tolerated it!

But there's an old Chinese saying: "Things shouldn't happen more than three times!"

Ernst watched with a grin, inwardly cursing countless times. But now? Grandia was pushing her luck; she wasn't even willing to share the "intelligence" they'd already agreed upon!

Don't they understand what "fair trade, equality between both parties" means?

Fine, even if you Agors don't understand this system, so what! It's none of my business. You're making a deal with a landman, so you have to follow the landman's rules!

No, you Agorians are so rude!

Arrogance, arrogance—Ernst had met quite a few people, and there had been plenty of arrogant ones among them. Before demonstrating their worth, whether it was the Duke of Caesar or the Duke of Wellington, who hadn't been arrogant towards him?

But these people at least know how to change their attitude. Weakness and ignorance are never obstacles to survival; arrogance is. There's a reason they've survived to this day, and even become increasingly powerful.

Only Agor, their attitude towards the land dwellers, that arrogance seemed ingrained in their very bones. Skadi and Laurentina were alright, but officials like Greta truly didn't seem to regard the land dwellers as a species on their level!

It’s tolerable, it’s unbearable!

So, after watching Ulpian "forcefully" push aside Goredia and walk towards the gate, Ernst's voice rang out:

"If you let him go today, our cooperation will be over."

It's a very simple and straightforward threat that anyone with a brain couldn't possibly misunderstand.

Yes, a threat.

If you don't listen to gentle words, ignore roundabout reminders, and dismiss complaints as childish tantrums, then I'm sorry, I think this is the only thing you can understand.

Anyway, there aren't any proper politicians here, and judging from Talulah's appearance, she's probably been holding back for a while, so Ernst stopped pretending.

Don't mess with honest people!

Ulpian paused slightly, but Ernst didn't even glance at him, nor at Skadi or Laurentina. Instead, he fixed his gaze on Greta and repeated:

“Ms. Goredia, if you allow this unidentified person who appeared on the Iberian Stuttifera without provocation and stole Iberian property to leave today, then all cooperation between the World Summit and myself and your side is hereby terminated.”

"I will immediately contact the Preservator to bombard the Stutifira to ensure that the property of our personnel does not fall into the hands of unknown individuals. I have ample means to defend myself and others involved in Iberia without any harm. However, I make no guarantees regarding the safety of your personnel."

"Since you think that the Deep Sea Hunters' intelligence is not something we at the World Summit can disclose at all, then simple, we can at least test how strong your bodies are ourselves."

Goredia turned her head, her expression somewhat surprised.

Clearly, she never expected Ernst to say such a thing.

She seemed to think that Ernst was quite rational. And indeed he was; Ernst made his threats very rationally.

If we don't teach Agor a lesson, give them a little shock on land, and show them some respect, they will never take land civilization seriously!

Today, they are just putting on a show and refusing to reveal any information. Tomorrow, they will dare to use the land civilization as a shield and cannon fodder!

If cooperation is unequal, then it's better not to cooperate! Yes, they are indeed facing a world-ending crisis, but Ernst would never sign an unequal treaty for himself!

This is the bottom line!

Besides, who the hell isn't facing an apocalyptic crisis?! You call the lumberjack over and let him chop at my neck, see if he can kill me!

"Mr. Ernst."

Unexpectedly, the first to speak up was not Talulah, as Ernst had anticipated, but Laurentina.

The deep-sea hunter stood beside Ernst, looked at his captain, and smiled:

"It's really not appropriate for the Third Captain to leave like this."

"Laurentina?"

Greta was taken aback again, and just as she was about to speak, she saw Laurentina shake her head:

"Captain, I was also asked to do this."

"The Lord of All Things in the Vast Starry Sky has already sensed the treasure's wrath. Captain, let's not bring another disaster upon Agor."

Her expression darkened, revealing a coldness not typical of "Lauren Tina," and a diamond-shaped outline appeared in her pupils. Her voice instantly filled with a chilling intensity:

"We can't afford to mess with them."

As soon as she finished speaking, Laurentina's expression returned to normal, and she nodded apologetically to Greta.

Goredia's expression changed repeatedly.

She had just truly felt the oppression, and this oppression surpassed anything she had ever experienced before. Her mother, her instructor when she became a Deepsea Hunter, and even the attack by the Sea Spawn outside the nascent nest!

What does "disaster" refer to?

What exactly did I, as a teammate, go through?

Beside Laurentina, Ernst, though outwardly still feigning anger, was inwardly filled with surprise and unease.

No, why is Precyth chasing so closely?

Also, how can she tell if I'm angry or not? Another peeping tom?

Ahem, I really didn't mean to mention you, Jeragand, please don't be angry. You see, the live stream is a real donation, those are your bread and butter, how could I not let you watch? Dao Ersi·Wu Liuzhong (transferred—Qun:Li).

Precy can only give himself an SC at best, nothing compared to you!

Silently suppressing his blasphemous thoughts, Ernst looked at Talulah.

No, Laurentina has moved, but what about you, Talulah?

What are you doing? Still settling in? Is Drakkistan still farming jungle camps?

Talulah was genuinely bewildered. She didn't understand why the situation seemed to have suddenly taken such a turn for the worse. Everyone had been perfectly fine just a moment ago, so how did things suddenly escalate into an argument, and even a fight?

Why did Ernst fire the cannon? What did Gladys do? That "unidentified person"—didn't Gladys say her name was Ulpian? Skadi also said she was his captain. Why did Ernst say her identity was unknown? Wasn't she an ally?

Talulah's mind was in complete disarray until Ernst gave her a questioning look.

“Iberia is extreme; it’s a place of either good or evil, black or white. But there’s evil within good, and black within white. It depends on which side you’re on.”

"Talulah, whose side are you on?"

Ernst's words echoed in her mind, and Talulah snapped back to reality. She gritted her teeth, and without thinking twice, stood directly beside Ernst.

She didn't say anything; after all, she didn't know what to say.

But Ernst still nodded in satisfaction.

That's good, that's progress.

At least she knows what it means to be "determined by one's position".

And finally, it's Skadi.

Ernst didn't think he could win Skadi over. Although she mentioned a "familiarity" with him, that was too vague and intangible, a feeling that probably couldn't compare to the bond they had forged together, fighting alongside each other, storming nests together, and killing newborns together.

However, to everyone's surprise once again, Skadi saw Talulah walking towards Ernst and followed her, walking to Ernst's side.

"I think you're right."

Nine Skadi said softly,

"Captain, something's wrong with you."

She paused, then asked with a hint of sadness:

Have you become like Haizi?

Ernst: ""

Greta: "

Ulpian: (covers face)

Ernst glanced at Skadi with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. He never expected that Skadi would stand on his side for this reason!

Everyone was engaged in political maneuvering and extreme negotiations, but Skadi was the only one who was genuinely concerned about Ulpian's health!

She felt that Ulpian's abnormal behavior—stealing things, fleeing the scene, clashing with and bumping into Gretia, and completely ignoring her and the other deep-sea hunters' conditions—must mean he had become a sea creature!

I must say, that makes perfect sense, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with it!

After all, it's "Ulpian, whose nest has been missing and has not returned to this day!"

However, on the other hand, Ernst looked at Ulpian across from him in a provocative manner.

Ulpian, are you happy?

In some ways, your teammates really admire you!

Why aren't you smiling? Are you just naturally averse to smiling? Give me a smile!

Even with a mask on, Ernst could notice that Ulbian's lips twitched uncontrollably twice, and his eyelids twitched.

comfortable.

He's comfortable now, but Ulbian is truly helpless.

Looking at all the Deepsea Hunters who had defected to the enemy, then at the empty space around him, and then at Goredia who was stuck in the middle, unable to move forward or backward, he knew that he had failed today.

If he insists on leaving, not to mention whether Ernst can fulfill those "threats" and prevent him from leaving, at the very least, Greta's side will really be in a difficult position!

He hasn't become a sea creature; he still has feelings for the deep-sea hunters, and he doesn't intend to betray his teammates.

With a long sigh, a hint of sorrow appeared in the eyes of this big man who could participate in bodybuilding competitions as he gazed at Skadi.

If a child is not raised properly, it is the father's fault; if the teaching is not strict, it is the teacher's laziness!

Coupled with that blunt statement earlier, "I've never learned how to conceal my presence," Ulpian even began to have some doubts.

Is my education level really that bad?

It makes people lose confidence!

"Ugh!"

Ulpian let out a long sigh, it was unclear whether he was sighing for Skadi, for himself, or both.

He finally turned around completely and looked at the man who dared to threaten Governor Agor in public and who had miraculously managed to control their group. His expression finally turned serious.

What do you want to know from me?

They fear power but don't appreciate kindness. He had to stand up to Agor!

Ernst held up one finger, pointed to himself, and said smugly:

"First, I want you to know who I am."

"Ernst Shivaish, do you understand?"

There was silence.

Ernst blushed.

Damn, I feel a little ashamed.

Chapter 754 Luo of the Deep Blue Tree, I chatted and laughed with her.

Ah Minos, he got so hyped up he couldn't control himself and made me feel really awkward.

Ernst declared that he was long past the age of being a chuunibyou (a person with delusions of grandeur), and this was simply a way of releasing pent-up resentment, so he took a break!

So, you really don't need to look at me like that anymore, it makes me blush!

"Ahem, let's get down to business, let's get down to business."

Ernst waved his hand. Talulah curled her lips into a smirk, deliberately saying mischievously:

"Isn't knowing Mr. Ernst's name the important thing?"

Ernst gave her a deep look.

You better not let me catch you, kid!

I am a broad-minded and responsible person, comparable to the Jianmen Pass in Shu, where one man can hold off ten thousand. You just wait and see! You'll get what's coming to you!

Talulah smiled, completely oblivious to any danger.