412 Milking Both Humans and Majins All the Wanderers and soldiers at the temporary camp were in a good mood as they celebrated their victory. Countless campfires burned, lighting up the night as they ate their meal and bragged about the number of monsters they had killed during the battle.
Contrary to the festive mood in the camp, the people in the command center had solemn looks on their faces as they seriously discussed how they'd deal with the aftermath of the battle.
"Before anything else, I would like to thank everyone for playing their role properly during this mission," Thirteen said. "I just looked at the report an hour ago, and aside from having hundreds of people suffering light and moderate injuries, no one was seriously hurt or died in battle."
The teenage boy glanced at everyone with a smile. "But the battle is not over yet," Thirteen stated before tapping his communicator.
A projection of the resources that were used during the earlier battle appeared in front of everyone.
"We have exhausted ninety percent of our missile stockpiles, and over sixty percent of our cannon shells," Thirteen said in a serious tone. "Currently, we are in no position to pursue our opponents because we lack ammunition."
The faces of everyone inside the room instantly became solemn after seeing the report that their Supreme Commander had presented to them.
"However, all is not lost," Thirteen glanced at his Grandfather, who was swirling the wine in his cup. "Although it would take time for us to resupply and create more ammunition, there is a faster way to resume our combat readiness.
"As for the details, I would like to ask my Grandfather, Arthur Leventis, to say his proposal to all of you."
When all the eyes inside the room shifted to Arthur, the old man placed down his cup on the table and smirked.
"The Leventis Family have developed a technology that allows us to detect mineral deposits over a wide area," Arthur explained, surprising everyone in the room. "This means that by tomorrow, all of us could immediately start mining operations, allowing us to mine Empyriums, which we can use to charge Empyrium Power Cells.
"Aside from that, precious metals, like Palladium, can be mined hand in hand, further boosting the speed of our ammunition production. However, in order to make this happen, I propose that we split any, and all resources by twenty-five percent.
"This means that the Dvalinn Federation, the Central Government, the Aldebaran Alliance, and the Leventis Family will have an equal share of resources. Of course, if you don't like this proposal, then we will just mine on our own and let you guys mine your own resources as well."
Wendell frowned after hearing this. In his point of view, this division of resources was unfair.
But before he could say anything, Arthur raised a finger.
"If the Dvalinn Federation doesn't agree with this proposal, then the Leventis Family will immediately leave the Rigel Continent," Arthur stated. "I will also be dragging this no-good grandson with me and leave you all to defend this Northern Regions by yourselves."
Lawrence chuckled after hearing Arthur's statement.
"Well, if Zion and the Leventis Family are leaving, the Central Government will leave as well," Lawrence commented. "We still have to go to Cygni anyway to help with their defense against the Jinn Invasion."
08:45
However, the teenage boy was saying that they would launch another attack. This time, they would be heading deeper into enemy territory, which would become very dangerous even for them.
"Can't we just defend the North?" Wendell asked. "Must we challenge them again?"
"We need to attack so that the North will be defended," Thirteen replied. "Don't forget—they still have the Earth Dragons. They just can't move from the center because they are protecting something very precious to them."
"Something very precious?" Lawrence asked. "Are you talking about the Dimensional Gate where the Earth Dragons came from?"
Thirteen nodded. "Yes. We need to make them understand that fighting against us is not in their best interest. Only by doing this can we reach a compromise with them."
"Wait! Are you saying that we are going to negotiate with the Jinns?!" Wendell looked at the teenage boy in disbelief. "Are you serious?!"
"Why can't we negotiate with them?" Thirteen arched an eyebrow. "Have you not seen Jinns and Majins forming a mutual partnership with each other?"
"Of course, I know about that," Wendell stated. "But can we really reach an agreement with them? What if they backstab us?"
Thirteen emptied his fruit juice and placed the glass back on the table.
"Negotiations can only be achieved if both parties are willing to negotiate," Thirteen said. "Right now, the Jinns and Majins have no reason to negotiate with us. However, if we pose a real threat to them, they will be willing to compromise. "And the way to do that is to attack the Dimensional Gate that the Earth Dragons are protecting. So, in two months, we need to be ready for a massive onslaught that will hit them at the heart of their territory. "As long as you follow my plans, you will no longer have to worry about defending the North because the Jinns and Majins will not dare to attack it.
"Besides, we can't stay here in the Rigel Continent forever to help you defend the North. Cygni also needs our help, so we need to finish this war as soon as possible."
Everyone in the room, with the exception of Wendell and the representatives of the Dvalinn Federation, nodded their heads in agreement.
Knowing that they were right, Wendell sighed for the second time before nodding his head.
"Fine," Wendell nodded before shifting his gaze in the teenage boy's direction. "Hey brat, can you assure us that the Earth Dragons will negotiate if we follow your plan?"
Thirteen crossed his arms over his chest and smiled evilly.
"If you follow my plan, I will assure you that they will be begging us to negotiate with them," Thirteen stated. "In fact, they may even take the initiative to negotiate with us if you guys do everything as I say."
Arthur and Hans glanced at the teenage boy, and for a brief moment, they felt pity for the Jinns and Majins.
Why?
Because if their hunch was right, Zion would not only milk the Alliance for what they were worth, but he would also blackmail the Earth Dragons to do him some favors, which would benefit him in more ways than one.