r18novel Chapter 1454 - 735: The Pseudohuman and the Sea
Chapter 1454 - 735: The Pseudohuman and the Sea
Finally here!
The storm you've been thinking about is finally about to hit the Seven Cities.
Not too early, not too late, just friggin' now... This makes everyone who was gearing up for an internal conflict feel a bit awkward.
If only it had come earlier or later, it would've been better!
If it had come earlier, everyone could have prepared the army, worked together, stood united against external threats and resisted Ji Jue. If it had come a bit later, everyone could have united internally, fought a few battles first, chosen an Alliance Hierarch, and then solved a lingering issue...
But because of this, everyone's original plans were all disrupted.
Everything's in between, not here nor there.
It's like having a holiday that doesn't feel like a holiday, or work that doesn't feel like work.
In just one afternoon, the news of the impending storm was spread throughout the Endless Sea via the Federation and Empire's observatories, maritime bureaus, and other monitoring agencies.
The atmosphere on the various islands changed abruptly, suddenly becoming tense and heavy.
Market supplies began to tighten and prices rose, but most people had already stocked up beforehand, so it didn't cause too much trouble.
In the Seven Cities Council in Pu City, all the high-ranking attendees had complex expressions; they weren't exactly nervous or fearful, more like...
Annoyed.
What a nuisance!
Life was going perfectly fine, and suddenly this damned storm comes in, delaying everyone's money-making plans. Of course that'd annoy anyone.
This bothersome storm, can't it just not come?
Amongst all the chaotic and noisy complaints, Ji Jue remained silent, scratching his chin for a while before looking at Minkler beside him, unable to suppress his curiosity:
"Aren't you guys even a bit nervous?"
"Nervous?"
Minkler sighed, unable to hold back a cynical laugh: "Aren't we already quite nervous? But every ten years or so, this storm comes around, everyone is used to it."
These days are different from past times; once serving as the sacrificial leader for the Seven Cities Defense Fleet, if they failed to handle the storm, Minkler would definitely have to take the blame, maybe even appear in court.
Moreover, the Family Master Ring is like a death knell.
Living on the edge.
But now, he's gone from employee to boss, the Lord of Xiang State, Head of the Chopra family... What right does the Seven Cities court have to bother him?
Moreover, the Seven Cities Defense has been manipulated to become the private possession of the Chopra family. If this time, by custom, each family sends their elites for coordinated defense, then he stands to gain a lot.
However, when it comes to vying for command, there will inevitably be backstage biting and machinations.
That's how the Seven Cities are, that's how the Endless Sea is.
Everyone's craftiness is apparent, yet they're all quite honest about it, never feigning.
As for... the cost?
The cost exists, but it's the cannon fodder below that pays for it; the masters simply profit more or less.
With such a rundown leadership, even if Minkler wants to reform, it's useless.
In such a chaotic state, if he can issue full compensation and add some benefits, and provide adequate equipment without junk, that already counts as treating soldiers like his own children, letting them enjoy life.
After all, the location of the Seven Cities is quite advantageous.
The storm resembles ocean currents; it's not like the entire Endless Sea is whipped up at once. There's always a main and subsidiary, a sequence and importance.
The main ravaged areas are usually relatively isolated seas and uninhabited islands, whereas the Seven Cities happen to be on the fringes, meaning that whenever Disaster Beasts rampage and Mutants run wild, it rarely goes beyond their capacity to handle.
Some bruises and strains are unavoidable, but devastating harm isn't really on the table.
It's understandable that everyone remains somewhat optimistic.
Besides, combining the strength of all seven families, there exists such a creation as the Lighthouse, which once activated, can minimize the impact of the storm's aftereffects.
However, the consumption of resources and spiritual power is too enormous, so it can only be activated in emergencies, otherwise, everyone just clenches their teeth and bears it.
But in most cases, the aftereffects spawn only some minor nuisances, at most increasing their number, requiring a bit more effort, but not presenting any real issue.
Ji Jue frowned: "What if we really encounter trouble?"
"Spend money then."
Minkler spread his hands, giving the regular course of action.
If some giant entity really approaches the Seven Cities, lured by the scent and unwilling to divert, then we can only spend some money to hire a master to drive away or directly resolve the menace.
Other than that, most situations are actually within the Seven Cities' capability to handle.
Currently, besides preparing ahead and unifying their stance, most of the meeting in Pu City focuses on discussing how to minimize losses and cut costs.
"..."
After ten minutes of listening, Ji Jue was nearly exhausted by the discussion, couldn't help but interrupt the original topic: "After all, since it involves the storm, isn't it better to be somewhat prepared?"
Shouldn't everyone be more cautious?
In a moment's silence, everyone was a bit puzzled, exchanging glances. Immediately they grew wary, suspecting that Ji Jue might be trying to seize the opportunity to stir things up again.
But after Ji Jue asked, he didn't say more, falling silent.
When others realized, they suddenly laughed gently one after another.
"Hahaha, Mr. Ji might not understand the situation of the Seven Cities." The president of the Dan Island Council waved his hand, "It's just a storm, no need to worry."
"If things get beyond control, our Yamen can lend a supporting hand."
"It's just a storm, no need to be so anxious, relax a bit."