In a private room at the Goethe Hotel, Welt was discussing investment matters with Topaz.
"Ms. Topaz, let me be direct," pushing a cup of tea toward Topaz, Welt said, "What value does the company see in that place?"
"Hehe~ Mr. Welt is indeed straightforward." Gently tapping her fingers on the table, Topaz chuckled. "The company believes that place is full of opportunities and challenges."
"After all, such a completely unknown and nearly undetectable mysterious realm can only be related to the Aeons." She paused, then added, "Of course, that's assuming I can actually prove its existence."
"So... even the company doesn't know its origins?" Dan Heng on the side held his chin, frowning.
"Being targeted by something so mysterious - who knows if it's fortune or misfortune."
Hearing Dan Heng's words, Topaz sighed somewhat troubledly. "That's right. This is currently the biggest headache for our Strategic Investment Department."
"For some reason, I'm the only one from the company who has entered that space. Although my colleagues in the Strategic Investment Department temporarily believe my account, we need further evidence to successfully convince the board of directors."
"So you thought of us?" Stella sat on the side, pretending to be serious as she tried to join the negotiation.
Topaz had no objection to this.
"This young lady is correct." She stood up and gracefully bowed to everyone.
"I heard that Jarilo-VI's ability to break free from Stellaron's influence was inseparable from the heroic Trailblazers. I'm truly fortunate to meet such legendary figures here. Wouldn't you agree, Numby?"
"Puchi~" Numby bounced happily toward March 7th's direction, rubbing against her ankle.
"Hehe~ It's nothing~" Sure enough, March 7th was immediately won over.
She scratched her head and grinned foolishly as she began tactical mutual praise with Topaz.
"By the way, Ms. Topaz, you look so young yet you're already a high-level executive in the company. That's really impressive!"
"Oh, there's nothing to envy. I just caught a wave of good fortune~ Besides, this isn't exactly a cushy job. Being pushed around by business, and when things go wrong, you have to take responsibility yourself." Topaz picked up the tea from the table, took a small sip, and smiled.
"So... are the heroic Trailblazers interested in engaging in a win-win deal with me?"
Seeing the atmosphere was sufficiently lively, Topaz began to get to the main point.
"Ms. Topaz, you know that in negotiations, the most important thing is the price."
"Eh~ Mr. Yang, you're absolutely right. So..." After casually manipulating her terminal a few times, a pre-prepared contract was sent directly to everyone's devices.
"Our Strategic Investment Department is very sincere."
"Wow, this..." Looking at the contract filled with benefits, even Stelle, who usually didn't care much about such things, couldn't help but exclaim.
Simply put, this was more like a one-sided VIP privilege than a contract.
From the train crew's luxury lounges in various star systems to various IPC product discounts, it was almost completely comprehensive.
It could even be said that within the IPC's sphere of influence, their Astral Express would undoubtedly be honored guests. Once in danger, the company's fleet would be ready to escort them at any time.
Whether considering supplies or safety, this contract would definitely be beneficial without drawbacks for their future trailblazing journey.
"This is the highest courtesy that our supervisor Diamond could apply for on your behalf. Valid for thirty years, with the possibility of renewal based on circumstances after expiration. What do you all think?"
Looking at this luxurious contract, even Welt was somewhat surprised. But the Astral Express wasn't the Antimatter Legion, nor would they abandon their ideals to seek personal gain under the guise of trailblazing.
So...
"Ms. Topaz, we greatly appreciate your recognition of our Astral Express, but if you want us to work for the company because of this, I'm sorry, we cannot agree."
Welt stood up, along with everyone else.
"That's right, that's right! The steps of trailblazing cannot be bound by interests!" March 7th put her hands on her hips, unusually speaking a serious line.
"Well then, Ms. Topaz, we'll be taking our leave."
Closing the contract, Welt turned to leave.
But at this moment, Topaz's voice gradually took on a confident tone.
"We indeed didn't misjudge you all." She smiled confidently as she deleted that contract in front of everyone.
"I apologize. Because this matter is truly important, Ms. Jade had us set up a small test for everyone. Please understand."
"Ms. Topaz means..."
"Mr. Welt, this is the real contract we want to give to you all."
Once again transmitting a document to the train crew's terminals, at first glance, the benefits in the first half remained unchanged. However, this time all clauses about working for the company were deleted, leaving only one condition:
[If the Astral Express obtains physical rewards in the Gap of Destiny, the company has the right to research and share results with the train.]
"I see..." Looking at this contract that was almost completely in favor of the Astral Express, Welt and others had no reason to refuse.
In this situation, continuing to insist would undoubtedly be slapping the company's face, and their trailblazing journey might be hindered as a result.
As for the test Topaz mentioned, honestly, Welt didn't believe in such things.
In negotiations, how could there not be backup plans?
In his view, this senior executive of the Strategic Investment Department, as she said herself, had prepared for a win-win situation from the very beginning - and only prepared for a win-win situation.
To her, it didn't matter which contract the Astral Express signed; it was just a difference between winning more or winning less.
If they signed the first contract, they would become additional employees of the Strategic Investment Department, winning chips in their office warfare with the Market Development Department.
Even if they ultimately signed the second contract, they would still achieve their initial goals - both gaining the Astral Express's goodwill and successfully obtaining the opportunity to investigate the Gap of Destiny. It was a win either way.
Welt sighed and, after synchronizing the information with Himeko, finally signed this contract on behalf of the entire train crew.
"Well then, congratulations on becoming our IPC Diamond members, friends of the Astral Express. Here's to our future cooperation."
Handing five black cards to everyone, Topaz smiled as she synchronized their information to the IPC's terminals.