275: Hearts of Iron, launched

After Jade's projection completely disappeared, a brief silence fell over the office.

Aventurine leaned lazily by the porthole, watching the planet below.

"So, after witnessing the true starry sky, what are your thoughts, both of you?"

Dieter took a deep breath, his gaze burning as he looked out at the vast universe beyond the porthole: "Awe-inspiring, incredibly awe-inspiring."

His voice gradually became firm: "Before seeing all this, my biggest dream was simply for Crossbell to achieve true independence. But now..."

His fists clenched slightly: "I want Crossbell to become the strongest nation on the Zemuria continent, and perhaps one day, lead our people to the stars."

Mariabell's eyes gleamed with a similar light: "Father is right. Since the Company gives us such an opportunity, we should seize it."

"A very good ambition." Aventurine chuckled softly: "I admire those who dare to bet everything for a better future."

He walked to the desk, his finger tapping lightly on the surface, and a holographic document appeared: "As Company employees, you have the right to apply for business expansion assistance."

"As long as this business can open up new markets for the Company."

Dieter's breathing quickened slightly; he understood the meaning of Aventurine's words: "May I ask, how much assistance can the Company provide?"

"That depends on your needs. However..." Aventurine's lips curved into a meaningful smile, and with a light swipe of his finger, various options appeared on the holographic document.

"Given the current situation, I suggest prioritizing military support."

"The Empire and the Republic will soon launch an attack on Crossbell. Although your new equipment is advanced, the quantity is too small to cope with a full-scale war."

Dieter immediately nodded: "That's exactly what I'm worried about. Although the individual equipment provided by the Company is one or even several eras ahead of theirs, the numerical gap is too large."

Aventurine's finger tapped lightly on several options: "As a Business Development Manager, you can apply for the following support."

"First, two thousand Bai Ze tactical mechs, deployed at key borders."

"Second, a regional air defense system, capable of intercepting all aerial threats and clearing ground threats."

"Third, intelligence support; we will provide detailed military deployments of the Empire and the Republic."

Mariabell suddenly spoke: "What is the cost for these?"

Aventurine shrugged: "These are all business investments; the Company will not charge extra. After all, protecting our branch company is in the Company's interest."

A hint of surprise flashed in Dieter's eyes, but quickly turned cautious: "Then, what about afterward? If Crossbell wants to expand—"

Aventurine's expression suddenly turned serious, interrupting Dieter's probing: "Regarding this, I need to make a clarification."

His finger tapped lightly on the desk, and several clauses marked with red warning signs appeared on the holographic document: "The Company can help you win the war for nation-building, but subsequent expansion will be up to you."

"This is the Company's bottom line; we will not directly participate in the internal conflicts of the Zemuria continent. If the Company's branch encounters problems in the future, that will be your responsibility."

"You understand what I mean, right?"

Dieter was silent for a moment, then slowly nodded: "I understand."

His gaze became firm: "To be honest, having this kind of help has already far exceeded my expectations. If everything afterward still depends on the Company, then I would be too incompetent."

Aventurine nodded with satisfaction: "Very good, I like partners who know their limits."

His gaze shifted from Dieter to Mariabell, as if scrutinizing a precious work of art, and the atmosphere in the office suddenly became subtle.

"So," Aventurine's voice carried a hint of playfulness, "Miss Mariabell, what do you wish for?"

Mariabell took a deep breath, her eyes sparkling with firm resolve.

She stepped forward, bowing slightly, her posture elegant yet with an undeniable determination: "Mr. Aventurine, I hope to receive your guidance."

Her voice was clear and firm: "I want to embark on a path, seeking the possibility of becoming a Pathstrider or even an Emissary."

The office suddenly fell silent.

Dieter looked at his daughter in surprise, clearly not expecting her to make such a request.

Aventurine's lips curved into a meaningful smile: "Interesting. But..."

His finger tapped lightly on the desk: "You should know that even just a Pathstrider is one in a million, let alone becoming an Emissary."

"Even if you add up all the powerhouses on Zemuria like the Sword Saint of Wind, those who can become Pathstriders would not exceed a handful."

"I know." Mariabell raised her head, her eyes burning with fierce flames, "But I am willing to pay any price."

Her fingertips trembled slightly, but her voice remained firm: "I am the youngest high-ranking Magister on the Zemuria continent, with in-depth research in both alchemy and orbment science. I believe these experiences and knowledge can help me better understand the essence of a path."

Aventurine nodded thoughtfully: "Indeed, your talent is very strong."

"However, embarking on a path requires more than just talent and knowledge..." He suddenly changed the subject: "Tell me, why do you want to become a Pathstrider?"

Mariabell was silent for a moment, then slowly spoke: "Because I want to change this world."

Her voice carried an almost fanatical obsession: "I have witnessed too much injustice and suffering, as well as the destruction brought by endless human greed, the oppression of the Empire and the Republic, Crossbell's struggles..."

"But if I can gain the power of a path, I can truly change all of this. Not just for Crossbell, but for the future of the entire Zemuria continent."

Aventurine listened quietly, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes.

Of course, he could see Mariabell's unspoken ambition, the desire to become an Aeon hidden deep within her heart.

But he didn't care. For the Company, ambitious people were often more valuable.

"You pass." Aventurine finally spoke, "I can give you this opportunity."

Mariabell's eyes immediately lit up with surprise: "Really?"

"But there are conditions. First, you must assist your father in completing the Company's 'market expansion' mission."

His finger tapped lightly, and a detailed work plan appeared: "Especially during the transition of IBC Bank to Interstellar Peace Company's planetary headquarters, you need to ensure everything goes smoothly."

"Secondly, you need to prove your worth. The Company will not invest resources in someone who has no value."

Mariabell nodded without hesitation: "I understand. I will do my best to ensure the Company's plan is implemented smoothly."

Aventurine nodded with satisfaction: "Then, it's settled."

...

On the return journey, the spaceship slowly sailed towards the Zemuria continent. Dieter and Mariabell stood by the porthole, watching the blue planet grow closer.

"Bell," Dieter asked softly, "Are you really determined to walk this path?"

Mariabell's gaze remained on the starry sky outside the porthole: "Yes, Father. This is my own choice."

A hint of worry flashed in Dieter's eyes: "But this path could be very dangerous..."

"Which path isn't dangerous?" Mariabell turned her head, her eyes sparkling with firm resolve, "Rather than passively accepting fate, it's better to actively control it."

Her voice gradually became fervent: "Think about it, Father. If I can truly become a Pathstrider, or even a higher-level existence..."

"Then Crossbell and us will truly be able to control our own destiny."

Dieter was silent for a moment, then finally nodded slowly: "Since this is your choice, I will support you. But for now, we need to focus on the task at hand."

"Exactly." Mariabell's lips curved into a confident smile, "Leave the IBC transition work to me. I will let the Company see our value."

The spaceship slowly landed at the Crois Manor as dawn was just breaking. Dieter walked out of the cabin, looking at the first light of day on the horizon.

Aventurine's voice suddenly came from his wristband: "Oh, I forgot to tell you."

"The Company has already built a spaceport on an island overseas. The exact location has been sent to you; it's the one I took you to before."

"I remember the material mentioned that Miss Bell would construct magic circles and such, right. You can create a teleportation array to the spaceport yourselves; subsequent mechs and weapons will be temporarily stored there."

"As for other matters, you handle them as you see fit; I will not interfere."

"I wish you a triumphant start."

Dieter and Mariabell exchanged glances, their eyes sparkling with firm resolve. A new era had arrived, and they would be its pioneers.