After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Ma Li got to the point. "You've read the files on Kevin-9, haven't you?"
Both of them nodded. "We have."
Ma Li leaned back on the sofa. "How confident are you?"
Ilis thought for a moment before Su Yi answered, "Director, how much are you expecting us to accomplish?"
Ma Li looked at the young man, who made no effort to hide his ambition. "Oh? How much do you think you can accomplish?"
Su Yi said confidently, "What we accomplished on Rhode Star."
Ma Li burst out laughing. "Confidence is good, lad, but don't let it go to your head."
"The situation on Kevin-9 is far more complicated than you imagine."
Ma Li sighed. "The Sales Department has been there for two months."
"But the Life Alliance refuses to budge. They're supremely confident, too."
"It's clear those people have undergone some unusual evolution during their years in the Void Abyss. They're strong, and they consider themselves a chosen people, superior to everyone else."
Ma Li had been terribly sad these past two months.
Every time he heard that the Sales Department had suffered another setback, he was so sad the corners of his mouth shot upward.
Ilis and Su Yi both noticed. After exchanging a glance, Ilis spoke.
"Director, I'm saddened by what's happened to the Sales Department."
She paused, then continued, "But I believe this is the perfect opportunity for us to show what the Exploration Department can do!"
Seeing that they had grasped what he was really getting at, Ma Li looked even more pleased.
"Oh? You seem confident."
"We are," Ilis said. "Gheros has already laid the groundwork there."
"His subordinates have made contact with the local Frost Elves."
Understanding flashed in Ma Li's eyes. *Those fellows in the Faith Department