While Koni and certain others were still dazed and uneasy, someone in the Virtual Venue made their stance even clearer.
"I'm definitely going to see that 'Outer Earth,' and I'll make sure everyone else gets to see it too." Steel Rust, considered a "Peak Conference newcomer," grinned, looking especially ferocious as he slammed the table again. "It's hard enough to live like a proper person in the wilderness of 'Inner Earth.' I'm pretty curious what it's like on 'Outer Earth'—Professor Ronan, I've read your paper too. Whatever our positions may be, when it comes to establishing ourselves in the wilderness, we need to have a proper exchange."
Ronan nodded. "Of course."
Only then did Steel Rust get to the point. "Going to 'Outer Earth' is pretty troublesome. Mentor Li Wei and I aren't that close, and even if I manage to get over there, who knows what he'll demand in exchange. Hmm, let's get this straight first, Professor Ronan. Your passage is open and unobstructed, but once we get there, are there any requirements on what we can do?"
Ronan shook his head. "This so-called 'Outer Earth' was only discovered recently. I got there just over two months before everyone else, so I wouldn't dare claim to know it deeply. If you can make the trip, explore it as you please. Why would there be any requirements?"
"No requirements?"
"None."
Steel Rust looked around and grinned, his teeth seeming rusted too, red and black and quite terrifying. "There's a Reclamation Corps over there, and 'aliens,' too. Can we contact them, communicate with them, even cooperate with them?"
He fixed his gaze on Ronan. "Quite a few people here are good at coordination and diplomacy."
The moment Steel Rust said that, some people around the round table and in the back