"Ahem, this is our station on the Xianzhou, and also our forward base in the Honkai: Star Rail universe."
"The Solar System is too far from here. It's more convenient to be stationed locally."
Under Grey's guidance, the shipgirls of the Northern Parliament fleet arrived at the Delve.
After this period of expansion by the Bulins and the Angeloids, the place had already grown into something equivalent to a small city, comparable to the outposts constructed during their early days of cosmic expansion.
"It feels a bit like a miniature universe."
Avrora looked around curiously.
Staying here was obviously far more comfortable than living aboard a starship. Not only was there plenty of space, there were no random strangers coming to disturb them.
"Nyaa? The Commander sent more people than I expected?"
Akashi glanced at the fleet that had arrived.
This time, the entire Northern Parliament fleet had come—around thirty shipgirls in total.
Among the accompanying personnel were two old acquaintances, Observer and Purifier, as well as the dragon girls Tohru and Kanna.
"We heard you needed reinforcements and voluntarily applied for deployment," Sovetsky Soyuz said, greeting everyone.
"Additionally, while we were in the capital, I reviewed some information about this universe."
"Mm... there actually exists an interstellar corporation that controls other civilizations through capital and wealth, with such an enormous sphere of influence?"
"The Commander said that sooner or later we would inevitably come into conflict with the Interastral Peace Corporation, so he sent us here."
The Starsea Empire could not possibly accept the IPC's conditions—joining its galactic market and settling transactions according to the IPC's rules using credit points.
A colossal enterprise that manipulated the trade rules of the entire universe stood fundamentally opposed to the Starsea Empire in nearly every respect.
"Alright then. You're professionals in this field," Kiana and Himeko conceded.
"Are you planning to hang the IPC executives from streetlamps?"
"Uh..."
Sovetsky Soyuz seriously considered the joke.
"I believe that method would be inefficient. If we intend to defeat a super-corporation whose influence spans the universe, we should employ Tachyon Lances and Photoids for rapid purification."
"Of course, once the overall situation is settled, I do not object to selecting a few typical examples for propaganda purposes."
"...Whatever makes you happy."
Himeko's lips twitched.
"We've been developing new weapons recently. Production just began, so we thought we'd come test them out," Tester and Observer raised their hands.
"We also want to further survey this universe. Could you show us around?"
"Kanna hasn't gone out in a while, so I brought her to take a look around. Uh, if you need someone to fight, you can call me too..."
Tohru held Kanna's hand and swished her tail.
The little dragon girl was fascinated by everything on the Xianzhou, running and hopping about excitedly.
"..."
Facing the entire group, Grey pondered for a moment.
"Alright. Rest here for two days first. Familiarize yourselves with this universe and the Xianzhou."
"After that, we'll draft the next phase of our plan."
...
Not long afterward.
Knock knock knock—
"Amicassador of the Sky-Faring Commission, Miss Tingyun, requests an audience."
A familiar figure walked in.
The foxian girl politely greeted the newly arrived group.
"The Starsea Empire delegation has arrived once again. We failed to welcome you from afar—my apologies, my apologies."
"Oh, it's fine. Akashi just pulled in a few extra people from the Empire's homeland. Don't mind it."
"They'll be stationed here for now and may tour the Xianzhou again. I'll have to trouble you then, Miss Tingyun."
Grey updated the personnel list of the Starsea Empire and transmitted it to Tingyun.
This would allow the other Xianzhou vessels to properly identify them.
"That is no trouble at all. This humble one welcomes the guests from the Starsea Empire..."
Tingyun smiled.
"However, may I ask what new plans you have during your stay? If you require my assistance, I shall certainly do my utmost."
After receiving considerable care in the capital—and even obtaining a complimentary genetic enhancement procedure—Tingyun felt she ought to look after the Starsea Empire delegation more attentively.
"Mm..."
Grey considered.
"If you have time, could you help me gather some information on the Interastral Peace Corporation? Including its sphere of influence and detailed internal organizational structure."
"If the IPC has previously participated in interstellar wars, please collect relevant materials as well. For example, fleet sizes engaged, types of weapons used, battle outcomes, and so on."
"We've only just arrived. Some records from remote star systems or ancient eras are difficult for us to obtain."
"Eh?"
Tingyun froze for a moment.
Countless people sought to uncover the IPC's secrets.
Normally, they were interested in business intelligence—future planetary development plans, new products, new financial rules—anything that could turn a profit.
But the materials Grey requested seemed... unusual, no matter how she looked at them.
"It is possible. The Whistling Flames Guild can retrieve certain lost records, given the IPC's presence across the universe."
"It is simply that I do not understand why you require...?"
"Ahem—"
The nanomachine cleared her throat.
"Free trade."
...
Over the following days.
Grey, who had originally been busy conducting research on the Xianzhou, took on an additional task.
Gathering intelligence. Analyzing circumstances. Surveying nearby star systems.
As the leader of the delegation—and commander of the Starsea Empire's expeditionary fleet—she meticulously planned every possible scenario before each engagement.
From time to time, Tingyun delivered information. She regarded it simply as returning a favor to the Starsea Empire. As countless data fragments were pieced together, combined, and verified, the outline of their opponent gradually became clear.
"Mm... according to my predictive AI analysis, since both sides have rejected each other's proposals, the probability of armed conflict between us and the Interastral Peace Corporation within half a month stands at 99.97%."
"The expeditionary fleet must prepare adequate combat readiness."
On the holographic interface, endless lines of complex code and data scrolled past beneath her fingers.
"Huh? It's not 100%? What about the remaining 0.03%?" Kiana asked curiously.
"The remaining 0.03% probability accounts for the possibility that the IPC's Chairman, along with the heads of the Marketing Development Department, the Business Consolidation Department, the Strategic Investment Department, and all other senior executives, experience a sudden overnight enlightenment. They would voluntarily accept all our conditions, transfer authority, and merge into the Starsea Empire for restructuring."
Grey answered calmly.
"Naturally, this probability is exceedingly low. Unless they receive a divine revelation from the Amber Lord, I hold little hope."
Given the IPC's devout faith in the Aeon of Preservation, if the Amber Lord personally spoke, they would likely comply.
However, judging from the fact that the Amber Lord had not even used the slightest building material provided by the IPC, it seemed that They did not particularly care.
"..."
Everyone was deeply impressed by the super AI's thoroughness.
"Ahem. The Interastral Peace Corporation's scale exceeds prior estimates. Within this universe, they qualify as a hegemonic civilization."
"At the same time, since the IPC's business encompasses nearly every conceivable field and it possesses a trade network spanning the entire cosmos, there is no need to eradicate them as thoroughly as we would another hostile civilization."
"Our primary objective should be to take over the IPC and inherit its operations."
The contradiction between the IPC and the Starsea Empire was not a fight to the death between two civilizations, but rather akin to a merger and anti-merger struggle.
Its manufacturing, cultural, communication, and other industries could all be preserved—effectively granting control over the universe's entire economic system.
"Nyaa! Does that mean Akashi will manage the IPC in the future?!"
The repair cat's ears perked up instantly as she began fantasizing about grand profit-making schemes.
Thud—
Grey knocked her on the head.
"Who manages it will be decided by the Commander."
"Ahem. After synthesizing all available information, I conducted 556 tactical simulations modeling a war between us and the Interastral Peace Corporation."
"In 315 cases, we achieve an unquestionable crushing victory. In the remaining 241 cases, various forms of interference arise."
Whoosh—
More data was projected.
"In simple terms... someone may attempt to interfere."
"In the ideal scenario, we only need to contend with the IPC itself and certain subordinate forces under its control. Even if they deploy Emanator-level combat power, we can respond accordingly."
"However, it cannot be ruled out that certain Aeons might interfere out of boredom. Equilibrium, Destruction, Preservation—all are possible. Additionally, Elation may appear, though Their actions are difficult to predict."
Considering every possibility before battle was one of the nanomachine's habits.
The IPC's close ties with Preservation made that Aeon's involvement understandable. Destruction was simply a habitual troublemaker—conflict would be inevitable if encountered.
As for Elation... the mere fact that the Starsea Empire and the Interastral Peace Corporation might erupt into open conflict and war was, in itself, an enormous source of amusement.
Grey suspected that either Aha might come personally to enjoy the spectacle—or that the Masked Fools would arrive to stir things up.
The likelihood of those people being involved far exceeded that of all the other Aeons combined.
"Hiss... when you put it that way, this could be a bit troublesome."
Several Northern Parliament shipgirls rubbed their temples.
Simply selecting a battlefield in the cosmos, pulling apart to a safe distance, and opening fire in a decisive engagement would have been the easiest thing in the world.
But in the Honkai: Star Rail universe, there were far too many strange Aeons and organizations. It could not be ruled out that someone might suddenly jump out to stir up trouble.
The scale and intensity of the war would likely escalate as well.
"So what do we do? Should we increase our manpower?" Tashkent asked, craning her neck.
"For now, no," Grey shook her head and spread her hands. "I simply have the habit of considering the worst-case scenario."
"If someone decides not to play fair, then we'll just have to come up with alternative solutions."
Swish—
She connected a communication channel to the capital.
Nyaruko was squeezed into Setsuna's arms, holding a game controller and playing enthusiastically, surrounded by a cluster of Cthulhu girls and little shipgirls.
"Parry! Parry! Parry! Ah—damn you, shrimp-head longsword user!!!"
"Whoever keeps using a longsword to kick her out of the match!!"
"Commander, have dinner with me tonight~"
The group was chattering noisily. Seeing the communication interface pop up, Nyaruko poked Setsuna and leaned closer.
"Commander, Commander, it's the expedition team."
"Hm? What's wrong?" Setsuna asked.
"Um, while conducting tactical simulations over the past few days, I discovered an issue."
"Commander, if an Aeon interferes with our operations, we may need reinforcements from the homeland."
"Sure. If an Aeon really steps in, I can bring people over," Setsuna agreed without hesitation.
Nyaruko curled her ahoge and patted her chest.
"No problem. Leave it to me—no, to us!"
"Shabu and Kuuko are here too... mm, and if we're short on manpower, I can always call in backup from the Cosmic Union!"
"Professor Yog and my supervisor are both options! After all, I technically count as an employee of the Cosmic Union. Hehe~"
"...Your supervisor? Huh?!"
Everyone paused to think.
Right. They had nearly forgotten—there were still true heavyweights behind her.
"Okay. Then there's no problem."
Grey marked a check on the holographic tactical sandbox.
For every potential unexpected event, sufficient contingency plans had been prepared.
Within the limits of what she could simulate and calculate, she had envisioned every possible scenario.
"Additionally, there's a minor issue of little importance."
"We need to extract a few individuals from the Interastral Peace Corporation. Mm... they're in the Strategic Investment Department. It shouldn't be too difficult. We've met Jade before—she's indeed smarter than those fools in the Marketing Development Department."
"I'll send you the list. Just keep an eye out."
"Understood~"
All relevant intelligence regarding the IPC was transmitted to the Northern Parliament shipgirls as well.
"Inventory your equipment. Organize combat supplies. Prepare for battle!"
"And put away your vodka first! Stop chugging it!!"
...
In the deep reaches of space, far from the Xianzhou.
On a planet covered in magnificent architecture, towering spires pierced the sky while countless spacecraft bustled to and from its surface.
In terms of sheer outward prosperity, it even far surpassed the Xianzhou.
This was the headquarters of the Interastral Peace Corporation—Pier Point—and the convergence of wealth across the universe.
Those permitted to enter and exit here were all mid-to-high-level employees above P36.
Inside a vast and somewhat cavernous building.
Senior management of the Business Consolidation Department was conducting its routine meeting.
"The Xianzhou Alliance has terminated 26 trade contracts with the IPC. Another 17 cooperation agreements will not be renewed upon expiration, as the Sky-Faring Commission has expressed no intention to continue collaboration."
"The trade share we have lost includes daily consumer goods, engineering materials, military equipment, and more."
"Compared to last month, the IPC's trade volume with the Xianzhou Alliance has decreased by 45%. After the remaining agreements expire, it is projected to fall below 20% of the original trade volume."
The Business Consolidation Department oversaw the IPC's interstellar transmission network and managed its trade system.
In the dense and complex statistical reports, trade figures with the Xianzhou were declining across the board.
For the employees responsible, this represented a severe downturn in performance.
"The reason?" a director demanded.
"A civilization from another world—the Starsea Empire—has seized our market share."
"They have signed trade agreements with the Xianzhou Alliance in numbers no fewer than ours. According to received intelligence, a significant portion involves the purchase of combat armaments known as 'Gundams.'"
"However, we have been unable to procure that product. My apologies. These are all the items traded between the Starsea Empire and the Xianzhou Alliance."
Clatter—
Employees carried in samples.
The IPC had risen through commerce. Naturally, when the Starsea Empire began capturing market share, they launched an investigation into this peculiar interworld civilization.
Unfortunately, Gundams had been classified as military secrets by the Xianzhou and were unobtainable. Aside from that, every item related to the Starsea Empire appearing on the Xianzhou had been purchased in bulk.
The majority were conventional goods—strange potions, alloy materials, snacks and candies, and so forth.
There were also magical scrolls and enchanted weapons.
"Hm?"
Subordinates compiled detailed information on each item—price, function, and other data—conveniently annotated for review.
Magical artifacts appeared novel to ordinary observers, but the IPC's executives were not particularly concerned. They regarded them as curiosities at most.
A few boxes, however, attracted attention.
"What are those?"
"They appear to be a type of blind box sold by the Starsea Empire. Spatial compression technology is used to seal equipment inside. Upon opening, one randomly obtains a piece of gear."
"With all due respect, the IPC has acquired over 6,000 boxes of various colors. Every item obtained has been an antique fit only for museum display."
"Based on this data, the probability of obtaining high-quality equipment should be below 0.016%."
The person responsible wore an awkward expression when discussing the box purchases.
Initially, they had genuinely believed they might uncover some special Starsea Empire equipment, sweeping up all inventory across the Xianzhou. Akashi's rate of repainting boxes had barely kept up with the IPC's bulk buying.
In the end, the IPC felt as though it had been scammed.
"We have discovered repainting on a considerable portion of the boxes. It is suspected that unscrupulous Xianzhou merchants deliberately disguised lower-grade boxes as gold or rainbow variants to inflate prices, though they refuse to admit it."
"?"
The executives examined the sample items extracted from the boxes—torpedoes, turrets, propeller aircraft, boilers, fire extinguishers, and other oddities.
They did not fully understand what they were looking at.
It felt as though the allocated budget had been poorly spent. An internal investigation into procurement corruption might be warranted.
"Excluding the boxes, after converting product value into credit points, comparable goods from the Starsea Empire are priced approximately 40% lower than ours."
"This falls below cost. We suspect they are engaging in dumping practices to seize market share."
The Business Consolidation Department was responsible for pricing the IPC's proprietary goods. They possessed precise knowledge of costs and profit margins.
"..."
"So they rejected the Marketing Development Department's proposal to join the IPC's trade market and refuse to use credit points for settlement."
"Not only that, they are employing various methods to erode the IPC's trade share."
The image of a hostile civilization opposing the IPC was quickly outlined.
The IPC had dealt with countless such "troublemakers" before and was long accustomed to it.
All available intelligence on the Starsea Empire was forwarded to senior leadership.
Communication between the Xianzhou and the Empire had been largely public, making information relatively easy to obtain.
"A civilization from another world... mm. Their world is located in the Solar System."
The IPC's definition of a "world" was similar to that of the Xianzhou's—measured in terms of star systems, star clusters, and galaxies.
For countless Amber Eras, this had remained the norm. Even a single star system was considered an independent world. Such was common knowledge in this universe.
"The Xianzhou Alliance remains an important client and trade partner. Do not provoke direct conflict with them."
"Investigate the Starsea Empire in detail. If it proves to lack sufficient value, dismantle their economic and monetary systems, then absorb or annex them."
Very quickly—just as with every civilization that refused to join the IPC's trade framework—the IPC finalized its handling plan.
Oswaldo Schneider, head of the Marketing Development Department, merely glanced at the submitted report before swiping it aside.
He handled countless significant matters daily. If this had been a civilization ruling an entire galaxy in the unobservable universe, the IPC might have taken it seriously. But in the end, it was just minor, uncooperative civilization in the Milky Way Galaxy.
A mere solar system.
The advantage is mine.