Marvelous Mecha

"How did you manage to come to an agreement? The Saudis wouldn't lower their terms without reason."

"With each new ruler, comes new policy. The current Saudi leader, Kexiao, doesn't want to be constrained by Bergheide. He aims to break away from the Empire Alliance."

"You're saying the Saudis want to leave the Empire Alliance?" Adams truly hadn't anticipated this; he couldn't believe the Saudis would change their stance so abruptly.

Feng Yi replied, "From both a geographical and long-term perspective, cutting ties with the Empire Alliance would greatly benefit the Federation."

Adams was well aware of this. However, the Saudis wouldn't risk offending multiple nations for no reason. They're at the center of the balance, and leaning to either side would provoke hostility from the other. A rationale is needed. By pulling Saudi Arabia closer to the Federation as a Bermuda buffer zone, it could instead become the Federation's first strategic barrier.

Feng Yi explained, "Saudi Arabia will face unprecedented consequences by severing ties with the Empire Alliance: diplomatic restrictions, military threats, economic sanctions, and financial embargoes. Yet Kexiao chooses to break away because of the quantum train."

"Are you saying..." Adams began to grasp the situation, sensing something significant.

"Yes, extending the quantum train project to Maraca Freedom Port will solve Saudi Arabia's dilemmas, making the Federation a reliable ally."

Adams realized, as a world trade center, once Saudi Arabia connects its quantum rail to Maraca Freedom Port, it could disregard any sanctions imposed by the Empire. This explains why Kexiao is willing to lower tariffs, break alliances, and collaborate with the Federation to quickly secure technical support.

Transforming a hostile force, at least outwardly hostile, into an ally means there's no need to consider Rekart from the distant Silver Alliance. This clarifies why Feng Yi independently altered the airrail plan and transferred significant funds to the Combat Power Tester company.

"Why didn't you tell me this earlier!?"

"How could I have told you earlier? I only got this information a few days ago."

Strictly speaking, it wasn't until Blade Warrior borrowed money from him that he realized this and first informed Kexiao as he left Reiko's home.

This was why he hoped Blade Warrior would prioritize routing the quantum train through Mardis rather than directly connecting to Maraca Freedom Port.

Kexiao was prepared. So when the quantum rail announcement came, she approached Blade Warrior, clarifying her cooperation intent. It seemed that, in the short term, her only thought on stabilizing the Leifang situation was through cross-dressing, given the tight timeline and the lack of solutions to sway the national assembly's vote in that scenario.

Indeed, the Saudi-Federation diplomatic relations bear significant long-term relevance, particularly because of geography.

The "distant alliances and near attacks" strategy no longer fits this era. Without either party, neither would stand strong and would need to choose a side, the FCA Alliance or the Empire Alliance. However, with the advent of the quantum train, both can sustain themselves even after leaving their current alliances.

Located within the central star domain of the Saudi Federation, the Dual Stars region benefits from prime geography, ensuring that, no matter the circumstances, the future Federation and Saudis will become the pivot of the world's power.

Adams suddenly smiled, asking no further questions, "Want some tea?"

"No, I have things to attend to later," Feng Yi replied.

"Heh, I sense Saudi Arabia is nearing war again," Adams mused.

"Not necessarily. With Kexiao in charge, countries won't act lightly."

"If a war breaks out, would you return?"

Feng Yi wasn't sure how to answer. Without leveraging overpowering strength, even in single combat, none could match him; numbers were meaningless to him. He pondered momentarily before saying, "I might fight in my own way, or perhaps spontaneously don my military uniform."

This brought an ancient saying to Adam's mind: 'If only the Flying General were in Longcheng, the enemy horses would not go past Yinshan.'

Today, Feng Yi was not the rookie he once was. When not battling on the front lines, his insights into politics far outweighed his desire for combat.

Adams rubbed his temple, saying, "You should go back. I'll visit our mentor in a while."

"Alright, take care of yourself," Feng Yi replied.

The next day, at the ceremonial launch of the quantum rail, the crowd buzzed with excitement. The fireworks and firecrackers lasted for hours.

Zhang Xiaobo, Yita, Blade Warrior, and all other staff members were present. It was a moment when humanity penned a significant historical chapter.

As an expert, Zhang Xiaobo gave an eloquent speech during the launch ceremony, covering hundreds of words. Even he was moved to tears by his own words, having crafted them overnight.

Everyone was in high spirits, and there was no shortage of drinking on that day.

In the afternoon banquet, Saudi Kexiao also made an appearance. Although dressed in neutral attire, her grace was unmistakable.

Additionally, during the social gathering, Blade Warrior had specially invited the long-absent Roland, Sky Shadow, and even Hans, the CEO of Galactic Warfare.

Moreover, she sent an invitation to Feng Yi. Although he said he wouldn't attend, perhaps his body would betray him, for it was a rare gathering of friends after all.

As it turned out, Feng Yi attended, while Xiu Yi's team was out in the wild.

Having just arrived at Sky City, Zi Yu was stunned!

What an occasion was this?

Blade Warrior, the owner of the Combat Power Tester!

Kexiao, the highest executive of Saudi Arabia!

And Hans, Sky Shadow, even Roland and Zhang Xiaobo were present. Even though Zi Yu wasn't familiar with Zhang Xiaobo, she felt like she had seen Roland in a textbook somewhere.

Unexpectedly, her nemesis Feng Luo was also there!

"Sorry, everyone, I'm late. Are you having fun?" Feng Yi instantly broke the awkwardness after teleporting to Sky City.

"Hmph, I just knew you'd come," Sky Shadow said with an enigmatic smile, the meaning profound.

Kexiao gave Feng Yi a wink, as if silently communicating some dangerous signal. Feng Yi understood: You want me to play it cool, don't let anything slip. Yes, I get it, I don't want to be publicly embarrassed either.

"Finally here, our main character always arrives last," Roland commented with a slight tilt of his head, speaking casually.

Feng Yi was taken aback, wondering where this person popped out from, "Roland?"

"This humble woman is none other than myself."

Hearing Roland's response, Zi Yu's mind whirled. She remembered: Roland Augustine Jaffar, the legendary master of Hell's Gate, creator of the Augustine Army Breaking Slash, renowned as one of the Three Heroes of Humanity.

"Brother Feng, they, they..."

Zi Yu, visibly overwhelmed, didn't know where to begin, stammering, pointing at the distinguished guests before her, experiencing a mental short-circuit. What a circle of celestial beings!

"Zi Yu, don't panic. Eat and drink as you please," Feng Yi gently reassured.

Kexiao stepped forward, gazing at Zi Yu for a moment, "Zi Yu, is it..."

"Mm, are you General Kexiao?"

"Ha, just call me Kexiao," she replied.

Kexiao's smile was gentle, yet within, she felt a flicker of crisis. Who would've thought both Feng Yi and Sky Shadow have disciples now, leaving her with none. It's unfair. Perhaps she too should cultivate some talents to compete with this group someday.