? Oswald and Benjamin both raised their eyebrows upon hearing the suggestion.
Knowing the two were a bit skeptical, Viktor decided to explain, "Alright gentleman. Let me explain what I am talking about."
His plan hinges on creating the Siberian Railway, the longest train tracks in the world that passes thousands of kilometers from the plains of Russia, up to the lands of Mongolia, and even China.
With this project, the thousands of unemployed masses would have a job to build the train tracks, deliver supplies to the required spots, or even help by relaying orders and information. Of course, he didn't only need workers, but he also needed some guards and soldiers to ensure the safety and swift completion of the project.
Citizens with a lower rank talent, such as those who stayed in the Mortal Realm, would have to do the dirty work of building the actual tracks, or they could supervise the proceedings depending on their skills. Meanwhile, those who managed to reach Earth Realm would be given guard duty to keep an eye on the monsters around. Not only that, they would need some staff to man the stations after several of them are completed.
For a moment, Oswald's expression was that of interest. However, it faded quickly and was replaced by his skepticism yet again.
"Interesting plan, Mister Viktor, with this plan, thousands of unemployed people here would have a job. However, one question remains, what is this project really for? It's not just going to be a social work right?"
Viktor gave a confident smile, glanced at them, and explained.
"So, before we get to that, we all know that this city depends on adventurers to survive, right? more number of strong adventurers who can hunt for spirit stones is always better! am I right?."
The two guests nodded, and Viktor continued.
"But, that is where the problem starts. These adventurers came from all having different talent levels, creating an inequality gap. Those who are strong get stronger, and those who are weak get weaker. It is a vicious cycle."
"Yep and those weaker ones would have a harder time procuring spirit stones. As a result, they stay weak," Benjamin added.
"That's right, Mayor Benjamin," Viktor nodded in response.
In this apocalyptic world, the only way to survive is to become stronger, and the most reliable way to become stronger was to train in the Doomsday Pillars and consume spirit stones. However, each person has different talent levels:.
In the past two years, too many adventurers with A or B rank talent have cleared the nearby pillars, leaving those with C-rank talents with nowhere to train since the pillars near the town would have levels too high for them to reasonably clear. As they cannot procure spirit stones to pay for help to clear the floors, this adds one more gap from the strong to the weak.
In the end, those with C-rank talent could not earn enough spirit stones to increase their power.
Viktor's proposed solution was to bring them to the far away pillars that haven't been cleared yet. With this, they would have a chance to get stronger.
With the construction of the train, it would create better access as the time required for travel would be a lot less, and they wouldn't have to spend money on supplies to survive or even risk braving through countless monsters. In other words, it would open many new opportunities.
Hearing Viktor's long explanation brought a smile on the mayor's face. It was like they had just heard a brilliant idea.
In contrast, Oswald's face was a bit sour, "Mister Viktor, this plan sounds extraordinary, and you seem to have thought about everything beforehand. Which brings me to my question, why did you call me here?"
Viktor gave a cordial smile and answered, "Simple, we can work together, the government would give you right to this new enterprise that would provide much wealth in the future. While you the Black company will provide tiny funds for the projects. What do you think? If this project is done, everyone will be richer, and Perm City would be better for it."
Viktor change his glance toward the Mayor for support and added
"This would be a small sacrifice for our Motherland, don't you agree, Mayor Benjamin?"
Benjamin nodded in agreement at Viktor's question.
However, Oswald remained unconvinced. He nodded and replied.
"Believe me, Mister Viktor, I want to trust in this project. But, this is not the first time I heard of it. The reason it always died at the planning stage is because of the maintenance and safety fees. The train and the rail could be destroyed by monster attacks at any time, and this project would stop in its tracks. How would you deal with this problem?"
Viktor smirked and tapped Oswald's shoulders, "There is no need to worry, for I have a solution. I know someone who specializes in metal and can solve this problem, as the person have the rare ability to permanently strengthen any metal, turning ordinary ores into metal as strong as a tier 1 weapon."
The two guests narrowed their eyes as if urging Viktor to continue.
Viktor smiled and said, "Metal Guardian."
Hearing the name shocked the two. He was a vigilante hero that razed the guild Widow Maker all alone Oswald and the Mayor were unable to believe that such a figure would help Viktor.
"As a Romanov, I am willing to bet on my family name and offer a solution to all the problems on the way. All you need to do was provide the workers and the funds!"
For the rail, Viktor could use [Metal Tempering] and as for the design, he has Jessie on his side. This plan was practically flawless.
To make this project into reality, Viktor would need a lot of capital. That is why he needed a sponsor. He decided to choose Oswald Weasley, the richest man in Perm.
"After everything was done, you can sell any of your products at my train stations. In addition, your soldiers can use the train for free to go back and forth to the other Doomsday Pillars.
Oswald was still silent for a second, for he had to deliberate Viktor's offer. But in the end, he finally agreed.
"Alright then, Mister Viktor, what do you need?"
Viktor cheered in his heart. Now he has no need to worry about funds.
"I reckon I need 500 workers, 500 fighters, preferably sky realm to act as a guard while the project is going on. Also, I will recruit the needed 1000 adventurers to go to the pillar and go up into Sky Realm. For the construction of the rail, I leave everything to you. I'll send Metal Guardian to strengthen it.
Oswald nodded in agreement. With this arrangement, he could make sure that none of the funds for the construction would go to waste.
"How about it, Mister Oswald, do you accept this proposal?"
Viktor offered his hand, and Oswald shook it.
"It's a deal. I hope this project will bring out good results."
All of a sudden, Mayor Benjamin's expression looked glum as if something was disturbing him. Viktor decided to forgo the niceties and ask "What is it, Mayor? Is something bothering you?"
Benjamin nodded and proceeded to explain, "Actually, the one who started this adventurer project is your cousin. I did give him a chance to solve this problem, buta�| just look at the current state of this city. My main concern is, what would he do if he knows that I give the job to you?"
The cousin Mayor Benjamin was talking about was Albert Romanov, the young master that Viktor had seen when they were around the pillar. At that time, Viktor was hiding behind the identity of Metal Guardian.
Viktor gave a reassuring smile and patted Benjamin's shoulder, "For that, you don't need to worry. Of course, he will get angry, but I'm the one who will deal with that?"
Benjamin sighed in relief, "Thank you, Mister Viktor."
All the three gathered people have gotten their objectives, so they decided to leave. But as they reached for the door, Viktor remembered something.
"Mayor Benjamin," Viktor took a deep breath, "I think I'll need a few experience adventurers to help me handle the 1000 new adventurer clearing the pillars"
Hearing the inquiry, Benjamin narrowed his eyes, "Do you mean you need Sky Realm adventurers? If so-"
Before Benjamin could finish his question, Viktor added.
"That's right, and I've seen a few interesting people. Do you know Golden Rose? They seem strong when the fight at the northern gate occurred, and their reputation seems to say that they're experts at clearing the Pillar levels. Can you arrange it so they could accompany us on this project?"
Benjamin nodded. He had immediately understood Viktor's objective, "Ah, them! Yeah, I can help with that."
He gave a satisfied smile, for all his objectives have been accomplished.
With that, their meeting comes to a close.
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