Star Railway: I'm developing the Star Railway mobile game at my company.

Looking at the easily controlled mechs, Pera, who was observing the plot, sighed.

I had only heard Jepard mention it before, but seeing it with my own eyes now, I realize just how outrageous it is.

The thought that all the mechs in Beloborg were like this made Pera feel a chill of fear.

Given Bellenberg's current financial situation, is he able to replace the systems of these mechs...?

The scene shifts to Bronya's side.

Bronya seemed exhausted at this moment, and even her voice sounded weak.

The reason for inviting Xing and March 7th over this time was to hear their opinions on the solutions provided by Toppa.

Chapter 170: Choice or Gamble?

Bronya handed the two a contract that Topa had sent not long ago, along with a handwritten letter from her.

So the two decided to see what it said first.

[...Miss Bronya—please allow me to use this affectionate title in the following text—I would like to tell you a story about myself.]

In the scene, a virtual screen unfolds in front of Topa, while Zhangzhang beside him is using his ears to help Topa edit.

The company employees you perceive as cold and unapproachable actually all have their own unique life paths.

Topa then recounted his past experiences, revealing that he was born on an inconspicuous planet on the edge of the galaxy.

The home planet is resource-scarce, and in order to survive, the inhabitants have to sell a large amount of their labor to other civilizations for manufacturing, mostly in the chemical or heavy industry sectors.

In this environment, the home planet's environment began to deteriorate, the rich chose to emigrate, while the poor had no choice but to stay.

Until the company appeared, bringing a complete set of advanced environmental transformation solutions.

But on the condition that every resident of the planet signs a contract to become, or in the future become, an employee of the company.

After the contract was signed, the home planet began to improve, and Topa officially became a member of the strategic investment department a few years later.

After witnessing the changes in his hometown firsthand, Topa resolved to bring the same changes to many other places around the world that had similar experiences.

Miss Bronya, I am writing this letter with the utmost sincerity to explain something to you—

Freedom is an invaluable asset to humankind; however, when faced with real-world choices, some things are given a higher value—such as survival.

How many generations of effort would it take for the Belobergs to return to the embrace of the stars? And will the future Great Guardians be able to do what Bronya did? Will the catastrophe of the Star Core happen again?

Now, once this contract is signed, Belloberg's debts will be wiped clean, and the company will also set up a special team to support the reconstruction work.

I understand that this will be an extremely difficult decision for you, as you must bear the fate of all the residents of Belleburg.

But precisely because of this, I believe you will make the right decision—a decision that will truly benefit your people.

At this moment, Topa's own experiences and the sincere tone in his letter plunged all the viewers into a dilemma, just like the two characters in the story.

"Hmm, now that Toppa says it, I think signing it might be a good idea!"

“Yes, just like Toppa said, the future is anything but stable. It’s uncertain whether Beloberg can withstand the receding of the cold waves and the beginning of the thawing of the legions!”

"Selling yourself to the company as an employee isn't so bad, there are so many people eager to do it!"

"Besides, seeing that Toppa can become a senior executive, there's no way he'll only be a junior employee after signing with her!"

"You know what, I'm actually starting to think the company has some conscience; at least they really did save Topa's hometown!"

"This is complicated. Although the company's goal is to extract the surplus value from everyone on the planet, it has objectively solved a major problem for the planet!"

"For Topa, this might be the best way to save her homeland, after all, that's how her hometown was saved!"

"So, what's the price?"

"Selling oneself into the company as an employee, does that include unborn children as well?"

"Just like Topa himself said, the High Guardian won't always be Bronya, and the project leader won't always be Topa!"

This seemingly hopeful choice began to shake the hearts of the audience.

She was right about one thing: this choice was indeed extremely difficult.

The fate of this planet, the civilizations it has nurtured, everything that has happened here and will happen here in the future... all hangs in my hands now.

Faced with a choice that could change the entire Berlöberg, Bronya felt an immense weight on her shoulders.

Bronya originally planned to hold a referendum, but Toppa gave her very little time, so she could only convene the builders of Kripper Castle to discuss the matter first.

As for the civilian part, some of them were transferred from Baituo Xing, March 7th, and others.

So the two of them first found Pera and told her about the choice Bronya was facing.

Seeing that she had to make a decision in such a short time, Pera calmed down after a brief moment of panic.

If it were up to me... I might agree to the company's terms.

Pera gave his reasons based on his own perspective.

I've seen several sets of observational data. At the current rate of dissipation of the cold wave, it will take at least three or four generations for the snowstorm that blankets the city to completely stop.

This is all assuming no other unforeseen events occur. Frankly, more than a future I can't witness... I care more about the present and the people around me.

If the company's solution can truly produce immediate results, then paying this price seems worthwhile to me.

Building a foundation for future generations with our own hands—sounds incredibly noble, right? But for those directly involved in this project, how much joy is there in it?

Pera's statement was relatively realistic and garnered support from a considerable number of viewers.

Next up was Hilva, and surprisingly, she also agreed.

In Shiluwa's view, signing the contract would mean not having to worry about making a living, and that alone was enough to convince the vast majority of the people in the lower districts.

As for working for a company, people always have to work. It doesn't matter where you work; if you're bullied, you should fight back.

The most crucial point is that Hilva has longed for the starry sky since childhood, and now she only needs to pay a small price, which is perfectly acceptable.

Compared to Pera, Hiluva makes her choices more from her own perspective.

Next was Dunn, a soldier and Silvermane Iron Guard, who resolutely opposed cooperating with the company. After all, no one could guarantee that the company wouldn't break the contract, so they had to fight to the end.

These words earned the approval of a certain sea patrolling knight. Well done, he deserves to be punished!

Next up is Natasha, the leader of the Earth Fire in the Lower District. Viewers thought that Natasha, who had witnessed so many tragedies in the Lower District, would agree, but she refused.

Those who willingly relinquish freedom in pursuit of security ultimately end up with nothing.

My experiences in the lower levels gave me a deeper understanding of this statement. Personally, I would rather carry a huge boulder across the snowfield than be locked in a beautiful cage, living a false life.

Natasha's words made the audience ponder, and Oleg's next words went straight to the heart of the matter.

If this company is indeed as powerful as you claim, capable of turning the world back to how it was a thousand years ago overnight—in my eyes, there's really no reason to hesitate.

Perhaps Toppa's vision of the future was too rosy, and it wasn't until Oleg's "if" preceded his words that some viewers realized the problem.

Is this a choice between survival and freedom, or a high-stakes gamble that puts everyone at risk?

Chapter 171 That Touch of Red

In the story, when soliciting public opinion, the astute Oleg points out a problem that no one else has noticed.

What if the company fails to rebuild the Yalilo-VI ecosystem?

This hidden foreshadowing will

Afterwards, Xing and March 7th went to the mechanical settlement to consult Clara's opinion.

Clara thinks that if there's still a choice, the future should be decided by everyone themselves.

Because... Clara, Hook, and the other Mole Gang members, when we were playing together... we talked about our future dreams.

Everyone's wishes are different, and they have different colors... If we agree to Sister Topa's conditions, will we be unable to realize our dreams?

Clara's words made the audience's hearts clench inexplicably.

Children are the future full of infinite possibilities; they can have all sorts of dreams.

But now...

"Oh dear, what should I do? Everyone's suggestions seem to make a lot of sense."

Looking at the choices and reasons given by everyone in Bellberg, Gui Naifen felt it was really difficult to make a decision.

After all, it concerns the future development of the entire Belloberg. Just thinking about how this decision would affect the fate of the people of Belloberg, Gui Naifen could feel the pressure on Bronya even through the screen.

This question has prompted many characters to consider what choices they would make.

On the fairy boat, Yanqing looked at Jingyuan with conflicted eyes as she saw that the votes for and against in the plot were tied.

"General, what should we do? If it were me, I might agree, but that wouldn't be fair to the children..."

Seeing Yanqing's worried expression, Jingyuan couldn't help but smile gently. "You're still a child yourself," he replied.

"Don't worry, the real solution to breaking this deadlock is yet to come."

"Ah? General, you even figured that out?"

Jingyuan, however, remained silent, feigning profundity. In reality, he already knew the ending of Belloberg, but he chose not to reveal it to avoid spoilers.

Seeing this, Yanqing felt that Jingyuan's image was becoming more and more towering, and his eyes began to show admiration.

And on the other side.

The choices in the story made Silver Wolf frown, and he couldn't come up with a definite answer even after thinking for a long time.

"Ugh! Why make it so complicated? Why not just hack into the company, delete the contract, and change it?"

Seeing Silver Wolf's frantic state, Kafka couldn't help but chuckle.

"I just messaged Xing to ask if I should just tell you the ending of the story. Actually, in the end..."

Seeing that Kafka was about to give away spoilers, Silver Wolf ran back to his room as if fleeing.

Let's get back to the story.

The current consensus is 3 votes in favor and 3 votes against, a tie. The opinion of the remaining voter will more or less influence Bronya's decision.

So Xing and March 7 decided to choose Seele as their last interviewee.

Surprisingly, Seele chose to abstain from voting.

This isn't something I should be doing. Whichever path Bronya chooses, I will follow... The only thing I can't do is make the decision for her.

Seele's decision to unconditionally believe in and support Bronya surprised everyone.

"Agree or disagree, Seele chose 'yes'!"

"She voted for Bronya!"

"Bang bang bang, Seele x Bronya are climbing the ranks!"

"Actually, Seele wasn't wrong to do that. Ordinary people don't consider so many factors, which is a drawback of a pure referendum system!"

Ultimately, the pressure returned to Bronya.

When they returned to Cripper Castle, it was bustling with activity as the assembled ministers expressed their opinions.

There's no hope... there's no hope...

What should I do...?

[Support the Great Guardian's decision!]

The noisy environment created a sense of oppression even for viewers watching from outside the screen.

When he reported the tie result to Bronya, the weakness in his voice was heartbreaking.

[So...did you ask Seele? How did she choose?]

When Bronya learned that Seele would follow her choice, her tone became unusually cheerful.

[...Just like her.]

The ministers present discussed the matter and found themselves at odds, unable to reach a consensus.

It's time to make a decision. This...this chaotic situation can't continue any longer.

Upon hearing this, the audience's hearts were in their throats.

The story then transitions into a performance.