"Tch, good thing this world has Mother pathway Beyonders, or the food shortage would be a real headache. Productivity's just too low…" Alaric remarked, skimming a recent report.
The biggest challenge in implementing the Republic of Sotha's new order wasn't the occasional unrest from old kingdom loyalists or stubborn nobles resisting reeducation... it was the dire lack of manpower and resources.
Current productivity paled compared to the ancient civilizations of old. Food, in particular, was a pressing issue. With the current population, Alaric had seized enough grain from former nobles to sustain the republic for now.
But populations weren't static. With conditions as they were, a population boom was inevitable in the coming years, and without action, food shortages would follow.
Fortunately, the Mother pathway's mystical abilities helped. After repeatedly tapping the Earth Mother's resources, projected future yields could... just barely... cover the gap.
"Barely" because Beyonders were limited in number.
"When's Frank gonna develop that new wheat?" Alaric muttered, thinking of the Mushroom King he'd pinned hopes on. He decided to visit the lab soon.
Even mushrooms would do!
Edible, magical mushrooms could spice up dishes, and the republic, short on everything, wouldn't mind quirky additions... as long as they were safe.
"Food's not the immediate worry. Teachers are the real shortage…" Sasrir said, rubbing his temples, weary from endless overtime.
The compulsory education and Skill Academy initiatives had spiked demand for instructors. Despite support from the Church of Knowledge, supply remained woefully inadequate.
"No way around it. Training teachers takes time, and not everyone's cut out for it. We'll have to make do for now," Alaric said, shaking his head, unable to help.
He'd already squeezed the Church of Knowledge dry... any more, and they'd be bald.
But the church had its own daily operations and limited personnel, leaving little to spare.
Beyond food and teachers, other shortages loomed, less critical but still needing attention.
"Don't you think the potential wars ahead are more pressing?" Medici interjected. "Intis and Feysac are already stirring."
After Loen's upheaval, no rational leader in Intis or Feysac could ignore the situation.
"No worries. I've spoken with Aucuses and Stiano. They'll keep an eye on Intis and backstab if they act," Alaric said, sipping coffee. "Feysac's easy too. The Evernight Goddess is ready. We'll take out the God of Combat soon. Without him, Feysac's a toothless tiger... easy to handle."
"Who's talking about that? You think I don't know?" Medici rolled his eyes. "I mean, once war breaks out, we'll have to take both countries, plus nearby smaller ones. How big do you think those shortages you mentioned will get then?"
Alaric and Sasrir fell silent.
Alaric stood abruptly. "I'm off to check Frank's lab results. Catch you later."
He vanished in a flash, fleeing the scene.
Medici snorted, unsurprised by Alaric's hands-off approach. The fact that Alaric even showed up to discuss these matters was already shocking.
Medici turned to Sasrir. "So, what's your take? If the shortages are that bad, should we slow down reforms in other countries?"
"No. Some things need momentum. Dragging it out invites trouble," Sasrir said, rubbing his temples. After pondering and reviewing reports, he added, "The shortages are significant, but Intis and other countries' reserves can offset them short-term. Long-term…"
Sasrir brainstormed, drafting plans to maximize limited resources.
…
"Poor Sasrir…" Alaric muttered, appearing in the Forsaken Land of the Gods' bio-lab, shaking his head at the thought of Sasrir's future overtime grind.
This was why he avoided these matters.
"Well, well, if it isn't our dear Lucifer!" Will's sarcastic voice echoed as the Mercury Serpent materialized like a ghost. "Heard you pulled off quite the stunt, snapping dozens of group photos with even the Evernight Goddess joining in, but no one bothered to notify this poor serpent."
"…"
He froze, realizing he'd forgotten something during Adam's lamppost fiasco. Then, rallying, he said confidently, "I didn't notify anyone else either! They all showed up on their own. And it's not just you who missed out... Azik wasn't there either!"
Azik had been swamped, assisting Sasrir with various tasks, and hadn't joined the spectacle.
"Hmph!" Will huffed, either dissatisfied or grudgingly accepting the excuse. "So, why're you here?"
"To check Frank's research progress. You know the republic's new policies mean a big food shortage is coming. We need something high-yield to feed the world," Alaric said frankly, then asked casually, "So, any breakthroughs from Frank lately?"
Will's expression turned peculiar, as if recalling something. Hesitantly, he said, "If it's just food, that guy might've cooked up something. It's not perfect, though. I don't know the details."
"Oh?" Alaric's eyes lit up. He grabbed Will, heading toward Frank's lab. "Let's go see what surprises the Mushroom King has for us!"
***
The story has officially concluded with Chapter 491 on Patron, so if you want to read the ending early, feel free to check it out on Patron.
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