Chapter 204 Buying Sector Alpha City
A day later, the results of Penthesilea's interrogation reached Daniel's office. As he read the report, a peculiar expression crossed his face, not quite a smile, but something more complex. The report indicated that Frankie Santono was already aware of the existence of the Curtained World and had refrained from attacking Astral Tech HQ upon learning that it might be connected to a mage.
The reason for the attack on Astral Tech HQ stemmed from Frankie's inquiry about this building to a mage he knew, specifically Lucian. Lucian had stated that Daniel was not a mage but merely an inventor, which had led Frankie Santono to order the attack on Daniel's building.
Envy, one of the three executives of the Hightower, entered Daniel's office and noticed his enigmatic smile, tinged with a hint of malice.
After Koyuki went to Japan and Greed returned to her corporation's headquarters in San Francisco, she remained with Daniel to take care of Sylvana. Over time, her relationship with Sylvana had grown close, while Daniel continued to maintain his distance and skepticism towards her, often prioritizing Hightower matters over her.
However, this didn't mean that Daniel was oblivious to her predicament. He understood her situation well, which was why he didn't take any drastic actions against her and allowed her to stay for as long as she wished. Nonetheless, he still kept his distance, considering her position as an executive of an organization that was often in conflict with him.
"Why are you smiling like that, Daniel?" Envy inquired, her curiosity piqued by his unusual expression.
"Take a look at this and tell me what I should do with this guy," Daniel replied, handing Envy the report he had received from Penthesilea.
Given Envy's position within the Hightower, Daniel expected her to be aware of the situation and the trouble Lucian had caused him by falsely portraying him as a non-mage to Frankie. He was interested in seeing how Envy would respond to this provocation from the other side.
After reading the report and discovering Lucian's actions, Envy felt an overwhelming urge to smack some sense into him. This guy had an uncanny talent for stirring up trouble. It was true that Daniel, as a non-council member, couldn't take Lucian's life, but that didn't mean Lucian could indefinitely exploit this law.
Within the Hightower's legal framework, there was a small but significant section addressing this issue. If a councilor attempted to manipulate this law by persistently antagonizing associates or individuals of lower rank within the council, they were obligated to pay compensation. Failure to do so could result in the forfeiture of their councilor status, and the compensation required was meant to be severe enough to deter anyone from imitating such behavior.
Envy set the report down with a sigh, feeling a headache coming on. As one of the Hightower's executives, she was responsible for safeguarding the Hightower's interests. On the other hand, Lucian's actions blatantly violated Hightower law and represented an abuse of his position. He repeatedly provoked Daniel, his adversary, all while seeking refuge behind the law of the Hightower.
"So, Ms. Envy, are you going to assist this troublemaker again?" Daniel asked, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.
He was well aware that Lucian possessed knowledge of a ritual that could potentially save the Hightower by opening a gateway to hell and replenishing the world's mana by channeling mana from hell into the world. However, at this moment, Daniel had sealed all of Lucian's magical abilities and powers, rendering him utterly powerless. Daniel also knew that during this time, Lucian's value to the Hightower would be significantly diminished since he could no longer use magic.
Envy let out a sigh before shaking her head in response.
"No... This time, I won't assist him. But that doesn't mean you can end his life, Daniel," Envy replied, before continuing her explanation. "What Lucian did can be regarded as an abuse of his authority as a councilor, and he must compensate you significantly for it. You can request nearly anything from him, but it should be within reason, with a price tag that matches the severity of his wrongdoing," Envy explained.
Upon hearing this, Daniel paused for a moment before making an intriguing request.
"Can I purchase this city from him?"
"Huh? Buy the city? Are you suggesting that you want to own this entire city as your private property?" Envy asked, her confusion evident.
"That's precisely what I mean," Daniel confirmed with a nod.
Envy took a moment to ponder Daniel's request before giving a nod of acknowledgment.
"That might be possible. I think I can pressure him into selling this city to you. But honestly, I don't think it's a good idea," Envy cautioned.
Daniel reassured her, "You don't need to worry, Envy. I know what I'm doing. I simply want full sovereignty over this city. I won't relocate its people anywhere. The reason for wanting to purchase this city is to avoid the hassle of dealing with the country's authorities whenever I want to build or make changes. Bribing those officials is a tiresome ordeal, and I don't want them to believe they hold any sway over me."
He clarified that he aimed to evade the bureaucratic hurdles that hindered his efforts to contribute to the city. For instance, the situation with the walking pathway in front of his corporation, which he intended to donate, turned into a debacle as officials sought payment for what was meant as a gift. Such nonsense and absurdity were something he had no desire to endure again.
However, his motives delved deeper. He disclosed his true intention: Moreover, his plan to acquire this city originated from the challenges he faced in Russia, where the distance prevented him from accessing his mana. He may also possess innovative ideas capable of exciting the common people, and he wished to avoid the obligation of explaining his intentions to authorities repeatedly. Thus, the desire to purchase this city.
Taking into account the city's island topography, he envisioned transforming it into a fully functional man-made island with the capability to float on the sea and move at his command. If successful, this city would transcend its current status as a mere metropolis, evolving into a mobile fortress under his control.
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