Chapter 790 [Abnormal Capitalists V]
Xia Xiu quietly stared at Alex Reis, the representative of [Valravin] Company in front of him. The golden pupils flashed slightly under the light of the conference room, both cold and sharp.
He gently held the silver cane in his hand, without showing too much emotion on his face. His tone was calm, but he said with a hint of doubt that was hard to ignore:
"It's hard for me to imagine that the top brass of your Supreme Round Table Board of Directors would want to cooperate with the Kingdom of Heaven."
Alex's expression did not waver at all.
She straightened her back, her eyes were firm, and her tone was professional and calm as she answered the question of the fourth sword holder in the Kingdom of Heaven.
"Your Excellency," she said, her voice steady and powerful, "We know each other's position very well. Valravin specializes in anomalous suppression of rebellion, and is mainly active in politically unstable areas, such as the borders of Daev and Oletin."
"You also know that the friction between us and the Knights of Heaven on the border is just a business operation and has no other meaning."
She paused, her eyes met Xia Xiu's inspection, and there was a hint of sharpness in her tone:
"Now, people on the board of directors, especially the current company CEO, Mr. Christian Wahl, have re-evaluated the company's business direction.
Both Oletin and Daeva are now swept by extreme militaristic thoughts. In the past, they would spend high fees to hire mercenary companies like ours to do dirty work for their governments or secret organizations. ”
Alex took a gentle breath, and her tone slowed down slightly, but did not weaken its power:
"But now, they have changed.
They no longer want us, they no longer want conflicting interests that are limited to regional areas.
What they are now pursuing is global hegemony, which puts our survival policy in fundamental contradiction with their position. ”
There was a hint of cold self-deprecation in her tone, as if hinting at Valraven's current situation.
Then, she looked directly at Xia Xiu, with a deeper meaning in her tone:
"As the fourth sword holder of the Kingdom of Heaven, Your Excellency should admit one thing, that is, since the Seventy-Two Hours of Crisis incident, the situation of Curtain has become extremely fragile.
Once the people discover something unusual, they do not hesitate to use it in their struggle against oppression.
In this context, Varravin actually acts as a counterattack force against deviance by global imperialism. ”
There was an insight in her voice that could not be ignored, and she seemed to intend to break through some dusty facts:
"This situation necessitates that the Kingdom of Heaven must tolerate Valravin becoming part of the Veil ecosystem.
Because, if we are not in this system, the gap will be filled by more chaotic and dangerous forces. ”
Xia Xiu still showed no obvious emotional changes, but his slightly narrowed eyes showed that these words had aroused his thoughts.
"So, you're trying to tell me that Valraven is not just part of the problem, but part of the solution?"
Alex did not respond directly to this sentence, but raised her chin slightly and looked at Xia Xiu calmly:
"Your Excellency knows the rules of this world better than I do. And we are just a tool in the rules."
Faced with the company representative Alex's answer, Xia Xiu had to admit that the other party had indeed hit the core point.
The reason why [Walravin] is tolerated by the Kingdom of Heaven comes down to two key reasons.
First, although the Kingdom of Heaven has the ability to eventually defeat [Walraven], such a war is too costly for the Kingdom of Heaven. Given the current global strategy of the Kingdom of Heaven, it would be unwise to focus resources on such a goal while ignoring other strategic locations.
Secondly, [Walraven] can indeed effectively deal with many anomalous groups in some countries and regions where it is difficult for the Kingdom of Heaven to operate smoothly.
Without the presence of the [Valravin], the threat posed by these groups would have to be dealt with by the Celestials themselves, possibly causing further tears in the Veil.
In fact, [Walravine]'s role in global ecosystems is not simple.
They are indeed global imperialism's counterattack against deviancy, and Alex makes no secret of this.
And this positioning also gives their behavior patterns a more ruthless tone.
Company leaders tend to target the weak, physically or psychologically vulnerable, and financially disadvantaged individuals to ensure they can maintain absolute control over their employees.
Their recruitment strategy is precise and ruthless: combat veterans, especially those who have lost limbs or suffered psychological trauma due to war, are often the [Valravin]'s first choice targets.
For these people, the company provides not only job opportunities, but also a "salvation" to redefine their own value.
If demand expands further, their recruitment pool will even extend to civilians.
Although the [Varravin] rarely directly force others to join, their methods are often irresistible.
Of course, there are always those who join the company out of genuine desire.
These warmongers are often not just for survival, but also for pleasure. Their desire for violence and power makes [Valraven] their ideal paradise.
Individuals who are bloodthirsty and cruel and eager to control anomalous weapons will readily accept the company's "gifts" and seek their own status in the anomalous military industry.
If [MC&D]'s profits come from trading and selling anomalies, then [Valravin] regards the anomalies themselves as weapons.
Their profits come from converting these anomalous weapons and technologies into services, sold as anomalous mercenaries to the highest bidder.
It can be said that [Walravin] and [MC&D] share the same global elite customer base, but the two provide completely different services.
One commodifies anomalies, the other weaponizes anomalies as ruthless tools of war.
Xia Xiu knew clearly in his heart that the existence of [Walraven] was an issue that could not be easily judged.
Their cruelty, exploitation, and bloodthirst are despicable, but they do serve as a stabilizing force in some respects, preventing greater chaos.
However, he also knows that this "tolerance" is not unlimited.
Once [Varraven]'s behavior threatens the core interests of the Kingdom of Heaven, or further erodes the balance of the Veil, what they will face will not only be the end of tolerance, but a devastating blow from the Kingdom of Heaven.
People in the company also understand this, so they intend to carry out "industrial transfer"
——The two alien countries are not the only ones thirsting for war. The new fourth sword holder in heaven is different from the previous angels. The "openness" of the angels has attracted the attention of these ravens.
This undoubtedly piqued the interest of these ravens.
Xia Xiu held the silver cane in his left hand and gently rubbed his chin with his right hand. His brows were slightly furrowed, as if he was meditating on something profound.
Alex, however, seized this moment of silence and spoke while the iron was hot:
"Abnormality is an endless abyss of unimaginable possibilities.
In this world, order and civilization are just a fragile illusion above the abyss.
Any slightest disturbance is enough to shatter this illusion.
Your Excellency, in this never-ending abyss, people who have been excluded and forgotten by the social order will always seek their answers - whether it is hope, justice, or revenge. ”
Alex's eyes flickered slightly, and her tone became deeper, as if she was describing some kind of destined fate:
"Once they master the power of ancient thaumaturgy and occult science, these marginalized people are no longer powerless individuals.
They will be given a fighting chance to fight for the 'normality' that has been rejecting them. ”
She paused for a moment, seeming to give her words more power:
"So, we see anomalous guerrillas, volatile thaumaturgic nations, and cult-like drug syndicates... Are they freedom fighters or criminals?
To those in power, this distinction means nothing.
In the eyes of those who ruled, they were all challenges to the delicate balance of the existing order. ”
Alex's voice slowly rose:
“Rulers are afraid but unwilling to compromise.
They fear that the fire they have ignited will one day become impossible to quell.
And just when they fear the perfect storm, there is always someone else who sees it—a business opportunity. ”
Her tone suddenly became sharp and precise:
"How can political power be maintained in a reality where anomalies exist?
How can millions of people simultaneously remain abjectly poor and okay when extraordinary powers can grant virtually unlimited resources?
How can we impose a stable hierarchical order in the face of individuals who can subvert even the laws of nature?
How to control those people who have learned to control fire with their minds, or soldiers who can turn into orcs, or even beings who can distort reality with their will? "Her voice paused for a moment, and then her eyes were firmly locked in the golden eyes of the fourth sword holder in the Kingdom of Heaven, her tone was low but tough:
"Your Excellency, these problems ultimately need to be faced and solved by you.
And we - Valravin - will provide you with the answers. ”
She leaned forward slightly, with a cold confidence in her tone, and finally added:
“Fight fire with fire – that’s the answer.
Valravin - is the answer.
Lord Abraham...
——The Kingdom of Heaven threatens the world with absolute violence, so if you climb to the top of the Kingdom of Heaven, overlook the world, and plan to sort out everything, we will be the answer in your hand. ”
These words were like a huge stone thrown down, breaking the superficial calm in the conference room.
Everyone present changed their expressions, and even Hanks, who was acting as the matchmaker, couldn't help but take out his handkerchief and pretended to wipe away the non-existent sweat to hide his inner shock.
The representative of [Walravin] Company dared to speak so bluntly in front of the sword-wielding man from Heaven, almost challenging the boundaries of taboo.
For the kingdom of heaven, which is regarded by the world as a symbol of the iron fist, few people dare to discuss its internal politics directly in front of the angels, let alone topics that are "unfavorable to the unity of the kingdom of heaven."
Even among angels in heaven, this topic is taboo.
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However, Alex seemed to have no scruples at all, and threw out these bold words, as if she was repeatedly jumping on a dangerous red line.
——She does not dance on the edge of the flames, but spins in the flames.
Although everyone knows that Hugh Abraham is regarded as a "careerist" within the Kingdom of Heaven, mentioning this in person is tantamount to peeling off a thin layer of illusion and getting to the core.
This kind of straightforward provocation seems particularly dangerous even in the eyes of the representatives of Abnormal Capital present here.
However, what is surprising is that the blond young man did not show any anger or discomfort.
His face was still calm, and the light in his golden eyes was cold and deep, as if he was not touched by the profound meaning of Alex's last words.
However, the next words of the fourth sword holder in the Kingdom of Heaven already expressed what he meant.
"Tell me," Xia Xiu's voice was low and calm, "What does Valraven want from the Kingdom of Heaven, and what do they want to get from me."
There are two subjects here, one is the kingdom of heaven, and the other is the fourth sword holder of the kingdom of heaven himself.
Alex showed a faint smile, with the corners of her mouth raised slightly.
She knew that the board of directors' judgment was correct and that they had bet on the ambition and insight of the fourth sword holder in the Kingdom of Heaven.
So, she answered without hesitation, with a tone of confidence that was hard to ignore:
"We hope that Heaven will allow us to legally conduct commerce under the Veil, provided we respect the Veil and only deploy our anomalous assets against anomalous targets."
Alex's gaze lightly swept over Xia Xiu's face, and her tone paused slightly, as if she was deliberately leaving a brief moment of suspense.
Then, her voice became low but full of power, and she stated the last condition straightforwardly:
"As for you, we want you to... sell war."
The silence in the air was like an invisible rope, wrapping around everyone's throat. All eyes were focused on Xia Xiu, waiting for the response from the fourth sword holder in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Xia Xiu was not in a hurry to speak.
His golden pupils narrowed slightly, and a deep light flashed in his eyes.
Soon, he smiled, and the corners of his lips slowly raised, revealing a meaningful smile. The smile was both mocking and deep thinking.
After a while, he finally spoke, his voice was steady, and his tone was as calm and insightful as an angel:
"Very well, ma'am, you made a good point.
But I want you to pay attention to your grooming, ma'am.
I - and the Kingdom of Heaven, never sell war. ”
There was no emotion in this sentence. It was as calm as cooled steel, but as sharp as a blade, cutting through the carefully laid network in Alex's language.
He raised his head slightly, looked away from Alex, and turned slightly to the center of the conference table, as if making a statement to everyone present.
"Just like your company -" Xia Xiu continued, with an unmistakable coldness in his tone.
"War does not occur only when weapons are available, but when the conditions for war arise.
Even if there are no stones, people will punch with both hands.
War has nothing to do with weapons.
Weapons have simply changed the form of warfare. ”
He paused for a moment, his eyes fell back on Alex, his voice was deeper, but with some irresistible power:
"From the past to the present, the wars created by humans have become larger and larger in scale, with more and more casualties.
Every war will sow the seeds of hatred and bury the entanglements of interests.
Race, ideology, resources, land—human beings have countless reasons to wage war.
Blood debts are constantly paid with blood, and blood debts are owed new blood debts.
All this is like an endless cycle. ”
Xia Xiu's tone gradually became heavier, as if he was facing the essence of war:
"Lions hunt just for survival, and the food chain is linked to each other. And what about war?
War seems to be the lubricant of human society, lubricating the meaning of order in a dirty way. ”
He paused again, looked at Alex more sharply, and his tone was calm but full of intimidation:
"However, the existence of the kingdom of heaven transcends war - we do not sell war, we are just exercising our power."
Xia Xiu, the fourth sword holder in the Kingdom of Heaven, swept his eyes across the faces of every participant present. His golden eyes were like burning flames, cold but unfathomable.
He stood up straight, lightly tapping his silver cane in his hand, and his voice was as deep and powerful as a bell, echoing in the conference room.
"——Whoever has the power to change the status quo is responsible for the status quo."
His voice was clear and calm, with an innate authority.
"——If you don't know whose hands the power is, then exercise their power and they will come to you."
This sentence seemed to hit everyone's nerves, making the pressure in the air suddenly increase.
The Abnormal Capital representatives present had different expressions, some frowned, some bowed their heads, while the fourth sword holder of the Kingdom of Heaven continued:
"Everyone, this is the Kingdom of Heaven - and why I have no reason to sell war."
He paused briefly, as if to give these words enough time to penetrate into everyone's minds.
Immediately, he spoke again, with a hint of cold determination in his tone:
"We are just exercising our rights.
I, and even Heaven—are responsible for the situation!
This responsibility is not to maintain the status quo but to change it.
The power in our hands has been used to eliminate war - war is not permanent, war will be eliminated. ”
His voice suddenly became heavier, and a cold light flashed in his golden eyes, as if looking through the crowd to a more distant future.
He straightened up, his tone was low but firm, with an unshakable belief:
"As for when will war be eliminated?"
The fourth sword holder in the Kingdom of Heaven paused for a moment, and then the corner of his mouth curled up into a smile that seemed to have a meaningful meaning.
"My answer is naturally:
——Until the stars crawl under our feet, until we create a utopia for mankind. ”