Bronya's words drew agreement from Seele:
"Exactly. What if we can't pay it back? Wouldn't that just become a bad debt?"
"Not being able to pay now doesn't mean you won't be able to later," Chu Mu explained. "The Company will most likely draw up a dedicated repayment plan, such as dividing the payments into installments, breaking one huge debt down into smaller ones. Or, to speed up repayment, the Company might offer to help rebuild your civilization and provide a range of preferential policies, even reducing or forgiving your original debt."
At that, Oleg asked in confusion:
"Forgive our debt? Could we really get a deal that good? That doesn't sound so bad. If the Company is willing to help us, given its sheer size, its technology and plans must be more sophisticated than ours. Surely that would speed up the rebuilding of our civilization."
Natasha, however, shook her head slightly:
"Chu Mu already said that Company representatives only care about profit. They probably wouldn't make a deal that loses them money."
Seele nodded too:
"I just knew this Company was up to no good. There's definitely a catch to something that falls into your lap like that."
Bronya looked at Chu Mu and asked:
"What price would we have to pay for the Company's help?"
"The Company's help will certainly come with conditions. They'll most likely present you with a contract to sign." Chu Mu's tone was serious. "Their ultimate goal will undoubtedly be to turn this city into a Company asset."
After a pause, Chu Mu continued:
"Of course, these are only my speculations. But that conclusion is actually easy to reach. A competent debt collector recovers everything owed, while an outstanding debt collector has to generate even more profit for the Company.
"Belobog needs rebuilding on