"He probably had that in mind, but it was only one possibility, and not his top priority. Otherwise, he would have asked me—or even you—to stay behind as hostages," Tan Jize said.
Beryliu asked, "So the Starsea Monster boss and Donkey with the Flag will be on our side?"
"There aren't that many people on our side in this world, but at least he'll be someone we can work with. Donkey with the Flag has lasted in the Fermo Star Region for so many years because every boss has been skilled at dancing on eggshells. For someone like him, the more eggs there are, the easier it is to dance. So this place might eventually become an underground transit station where all sorts of forces across the universe vie for influence."
"He wants Earth to get involved in the Fermo Star Region too." Beryliu's eyes lit up. "So, will you?"
"I'm not the president of the Commonwealth, and neither is Yu Lian," Tan Jize said, shaking his head.
Though the other man knew full well what the answer would be, he still let out a heavy sigh.
"I know, I know. We can't count on a savior; we have to rely on ourselves. That's what the Pioneer Manifesto says. If General Yu had come here and seen me like this, he'd have called me a disgrace." Beryliu quickly waved his hands. "Actually, just having you here tells us he's still paying attention to us. That's enough."
"...The way you put that, you sound like a believer waiting for a god to bestow blessings. That really does make you sound like a disgrace," Tan Jize said bluntly.
Some people present immediately looked displeased, but Beryliu apologized frankly before asking, "So, will Donkey with the Flag become a city of spies?"
"Given