Regarding the issue of the Scar Market, Daniel Davis had initially planned to have his shadow clones investigate first and then decide how to handle it. However, since it involved Amiya, he decided to deal with it more seriously.
In this world, aside from Yan, Laterano, the demons, and the Seaborn, there weren't many things Daniel Davis feared. If he could help Amiya deal with some enemies in advance, he didn't mind stepping in.
Kal'tsit didn't say much more about the issue and instead brought up the main reason for her visit: Exusiai and Franka.
"Exusiai's sister's condition? I'll need to see her in person to confirm. As for Franka's mother, if her condition isn't too severe, we can bring her to Rhodes Island or Chernobog for treatment."
Exusiai and Franka's situations were similar in that both had family members who needed medical treatment. Rhodes Island was a renowned pharmaceutical company, and it wasn't just Oripathy they specialized in. They were also leaders in treating other illnesses.
However, because Oripathy was such a unique and pressing issue, it often overshadowed their other capabilities. In fact, the reason Oripathy treatment drugs could be sold so cheaply was partly due to subsidies from their other medical services.
In reality, while Rhodes Island had several industries, they didn't engage in gold refining. Their main income still came from medical services.
After Exusiai and Franka came into contact with Rhodes Island, they naturally inquired about their family members' conditions with the medical staff. Unfortunately, even though Rhodes Island's medical operators were highly skilled, some conditions were beyond their capabilities.
Kal'tsit hadn't specified whether she had personally examined Exusiai's sister, but she did provide detailed information about her condition. Exusiai's sister had been in a coma for five years due to an Originium Arts accident and had been paralyzed from the waist down after waking up. After examining her, Kal'tsit found herself powerless to help.
As for Franka's mother, her condition was the result of years of overwork and was nearly terminal. Kal'tsit was equally unable to help her. It was only after encountering Daniel Davis and his Panacea herb that she brought up the issue.
The Panacea herb, capable of curing almost any illness, was something that needed to be kept strictly confidential. If word got out, it would undoubtedly cause a lot of trouble, as many wealthy nobles suffered from chronic illnesses in their old age.
This was why Kal'tsit hadn't immediately used the Panacea herb to treat Franka's mother but had instead discussed it with Daniel Davis first. Having lived on this land for so long, Kal'tsit was well aware of the greed of human nature.
Because of this, the existence of the Panacea herb was a closely guarded secret within Rhodes Island, known only to a select few. It was similar to how the Doctor's blood was kept secret, but in a way, the Panacea herb was even more valuable, as it could treat a wide range of illnesses, not just Oripathy.
Daniel Davis understood Kal'tsit's concerns. He wasn't worried about the Panacea herb being leaked because he had the strength to handle any fallout. However, Rhodes Island didn't have that luxury.
Kal'tsit was very thorough in her actions, which was why she had come to discuss the matter with Daniel Davis. For example, regarding Franka's mother, having Franka take a Panacea herb back to her mother would undoubtedly alleviate her condition significantly. However, this also carried the risk of exposure.
Franka's mother's condition was well-known in Columbia, especially among local hospitals and doctors. If someone noticed her sudden recovery and investigated, it could lead to the secret being exposed.
"I'll have Exusiai come to see you later. As for Franka, I'll talk to her." With that, Kal'tsit took her leave.
"I wonder if she's really that cat. If she is, her age is beyond imagination—far older than Nian and the others."
In the world of Honkai, it was possible to determine how long ago the previous civilization had existed—55,000 years. However, in Terra, there was no way to determine how long ago the previous civilization had existed, even though many ruins had been excavated.
This was because there was a historical gap in this world. However, it was generally believed that beings like Nian, Ling, and Dusk didn't exist in the previous civilization. They seemed to have appeared after the emergence of Originium. If Kal'tsit was indeed the cat from the previous civilization, she would be far older than Nian and the others.
Given her age, Kal'tsit undoubtedly had many secrets. Her claim of "knowing everything" wasn't just a joke.
"Is she so concerned about Exusiai's situation because she was once a Laterano monk? Or is it because of Emperor's influence?"
Kal'tsit had many identities, one of which was being a Laterano monk. As a long-lived species, it was only natural that she would know Emperor, especially since Emperor had almost sent all of his employees to Rhodes Island.
"Can you really save my sister?" Exusiai appeared before Daniel Davis shortly after, likely having heard from Kal'tsit that he could cure her sister.
Most of Penguin Logistics' members were currently in Chernobog, partly because of Rhodes Island and partly because Wei Yenwu had asked them to deliver the supplies Daniel Davis had requested.
"It shouldn't be a problem, but as you can see, things are quite busy here. It might take some time before I can go to Laterano." Daniel Davis had already planned to visit Laterano, and helping Exusiai's sister would be a good opportunity.
"You're going to Laterano?" Exusiai looked at Daniel Davis in surprise. If he couldn't go to Laterano, she could have brought her sister to Chernobog for treatment.
"The legendary holy city? I'm very interested."
"Please let me be your guide." Exusiai immediately offered.
"I'll contact you when I'm ready to go."
Although Daniel Davis was curious about the halo above Exusiai's head and the wings floating behind her, they were racial traits of the Sankta, so he didn't want to appear too nosy.
"Here's my contact number." Exusiai quickly recited her number.
"That's quite long. Swire is really impressive to have memorized Lin Yuhsia's number so well." After hearing Exusiai's number, Daniel Davis couldn't help but think of Swire and Lin Yuhsia.
"Miss Swire, Miss Hoshiguma, welcome."
At the entrance of Chernobog, Daniel Davis, Talulah, FrostNova, and Ch'en appeared to greet Swire and Hoshiguma, who had just stepped out of a car.
"Talulah, it's been a while."
"Yes, it has."
"I'll leave this to you."
After introducing FrostNova and Hoshiguma to each other, Daniel Davis left with FrostNova and Hoshiguma, leaving the scene to Talulah, Swire, and Ch'en. The three of them hadn't seen each other in a long time and surely had a lot to catch up on. It was a pity Lin Yuhsia wasn't there, or the group would have been complete.
"It's quite lively here. You don't need to accompany me. I'll just take a look around." Hoshiguma looked around with interest at the people walking by.
"Even if you want to look around, you'll need to know where you're staying. Let FrostNova accompany you. She knows where to find Ursus' finest liquor." Daniel Davis knew Hoshiguma enjoyed drinking, though whether she could handle Ursus' strong liquor was another matter.
"I didn't expect you to remember. I've always wanted to try Ursus' liquor. How about joining me for a drink?"
"I'll pass, but if you're looking for a drinking partner, there are plenty of people who'd be happy to join you. FrostNova, take her to her accommodations first, then bring her to the Snowsquad Bar."
The Snowsquad Bar was run by the Snowsquad. It had been one of their members' ideas, and the rest had agreed, as it gave them an excuse to drink openly.
People living in Ursus, regardless of their race, had a high tolerance for alcohol, and FrostNova was no exception. Given Ursus' harsh climate, strong liquor was a necessity.
FrostNova might even be able to hold her own against Hoshiguma in a drinking contest.
"Kjerag Trading, Blacksteel International. It's impressive how extensive Rhodes Island's connections are."
Swire's visit wasn't just to see Talulah and Ch'en. She also represented her family, the Bison family.
After repelling Ursus' attack, Chernobog needed to be rebuilt. To build a prosperous city, attracting investment was essential.
However, not many merchants were willing to invest in Chernobog, as it was a city controlled by the infected Reunion Movement. Still, some were willing to take the risk.
"The latest novel is first published on 69shuba!"
The Bison family was the first to extend an olive branch. Even though Daniel Davis wasn't particularly fond of Swire's grandfather, he couldn't turn them away. Similarly, Swire wasn't particularly fond of her grandfather either but had agreed to come and assess the situation.
Although Swire currently worked for the Lungmen Guard Department, her keen business sense had allowed her to manage several companies during her student years. These weren't Bison family enterprises but her own ventures. Swire's wealth came from her own efforts, not her family.
Swire's grandfather was a formidable figure. He had played a crucial role in helping Wei Yenwu and the others seize Lungmen from Koschei. In terms of foresight, he was even more impressive than Swire. To put it bluntly, few had believed in Wei Yenwu's success back then.
Despite this, Swire's grandfather had supported Wei Yenwu, and the rewards had been substantial. The entire Grand Bazaar in Lungmen belonged to the Bison family.
Now, with no one else willing to invest in Chernobog, the Bison family's offer was hard to refuse. As long as their demands weren't excessive, Daniel Davis would agree to their terms to set an example.
Aside from the Bison family, Kjerag Trading and Blacksteel International, introduced by Rhodes Island's Doctor, were also willing to invest in Chernobog.
Of course, while Rhodes Island's influence played a role, it was also because Daniel Davis had something they wanted. According to the Doctor, they were curious about the power Daniel Davis wielded.
Daniel Davis' use of the Truth Keys to destroy Ursus' land battleships had been attributed to ancient relics from the previous civilization.
Enciodas of Kjerag Trading, also known as SilverAsh, was a rising star in Kjerag. He was deeply concerned about Kjerag's future and was naturally interested in the weapons that had forced Ursus to negotiate.
Even if he couldn't obtain such weapons, forming an alliance with Chernobog would provide Kjerag with an additional layer of security in the face of potential upheaval.
Blacksteel International's motives were similar. As a renowned security consulting firm in Terra, Blacksteel International was always attentive to advancements in weaponry.
If Chernobog hadn't been an infected city, more companies would have been willing to invest. For example, Raythean Industries, the largest arms dealer in Terra, would have been interested.
However, while they collaborated with Rhodes Island, their relationship wasn't particularly close. Rhodes Island had different levels of cooperation with its partners: general, friendly, and deep.
Currently, Kjerag Trading and Blacksteel International were considered friendly partners. It was only after the events of "Operation Originium Dust" that Rhodes Island and Kjerag Trading would become deep partners.
Shortly after Swire arrived in Chernobog, representatives from Kjerag Trading and Blacksteel International also arrived. SilverAsh himself came from Kjerag Trading.
"The Reunion Movement really lacks talent in business management. Swire is quite capable, but for her, the Lungmen Guard Department is her main focus. Her companies are just side projects."
Swire had joined the Lungmen Guard Department with the goal of becoming its chief, not just for the experience. Talulah was politically savvy due to Koschei's teachings, but her economic knowledge was lacking. Since none of them were suitable, Daniel Davis had to step in.
Fortunately, he had Red Queen, and he could always consult the Doctor. In the end, he signed four contracts—one with the Bison family and one with Swire personally.
"Pleasure doing business."
"Pleasure doing business."
After shaking hands with SilverAsh, Daniel Davis watched him leave. SilverAsh was currently at the peak of his confidence, his sharpness evident. It was no wonder he had developed Kjerag Trading to such an extent in just a few years. The last person to achieve such success was Swire.
However, since Swire hadn't focused on her companies, her achievements paled in comparison to SilverAsh's. Still, she was impressive in her own right, especially since SilverAsh had the backing of an entire nation. Despite its small size, Kjerag was rich in resources.
"It's a shame I didn't get to see the Black Knight. But now that things are mostly settled, it's time to relax for a while."
After seeing news about the Siesta Music Festival online, Daniel Davis decided to take a vacation. Not just him, but Talulah, FrostNova, the Snowsquad, and even Amiya and the Doctor needed a break.
"What about Chernobog?" Talulah naturally objected when she heard about the vacation plans. FrostNova felt the same. Chernobog was in the midst of reconstruction, and there was too much to do.
"Don't worry, no one will dare attack Chernobog now. As for the city's issues, leave them to those two old guys. We're only leaving for a short while."
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