Chapter 424: Debating How To Get Auric

"So, what are we going to do with the Moon Store and the Artificial Heart Method?"

One of them raised their hand. "We will need to upgrade the classification in everyone’s bracelet first. This way, they will be able to figure out their current grade. It may not have that big of an impact since only SS-grade and SSS-grade classifications aren’t registered in everyone’s bracelet. Still, it’s necessary to show our sincerity in this matter. We will also be pioneers in updating the system."

"That’s very good. It’s an initiative that will make us look good." The prime minister nodded. "Any objection?"

He paused for a moment before saying, "Please begin updating the information. Try to find a way to handle the software upgrade for all the bracelets."

Another person suggested, "We need to establish a connection with the Moon Store. It’s clear that the Moon Store is just in its early phase. It’s still nowhere near completion. If we end up causing the Moon Store to leave this country, we might lose our ability to acquire other methods."

"In that case, we need to find a legal way to cooperate with the Moon Store, such as through licensing."

"Can we monopolize this?"

"There is already a lot of pressure coming from other countries, especially those with Rank 7 humans. I don’t recommend it."

"We have to steadily increase our strength."

"In that case, we need to see if this actually works with humans around Rank 5 or Rank 6."

"If we trust the book, then yes. It should be effective. However, the main target is those who have just awakened. If you are at a higher ranking, you can gradually develop it until it matches your current rank."

"So, we have to get another method for that?"

"Well, that’s business."

"Do we get a tax for that?"

"I don’t know. Can’t we just accuse this guy of tax evasion so that we can monopolize the Moon Store?"

"Do you think that’s a wise idea?"

"Besides, it’s better to just cooperate with the Moon Store. I don’t like to see our country become the second Dermania."

There was a lot of debate on this matter, so the prime minister turned to Lady Merlin, who seemed to want to express her opinions. "Lady Merlin? Do you have any thoughts about it?"

"Yes. If money can retain the Moon Store in this country while benefiting the people, I will support that decision. We can just use money for a year or two to see where this cooperation is going rather than taking a drastic measure right away," answered Lady Merlin with a serious expression.

"The Moon Store should share its method for the greater good!"

"Greater good? Why don’t you share all your personal fortune first?" Another person interjected. "Don’t be a hypocrite."

"Fair point. Judging by the number of people buying the books, the Moon Store can effectively earn tens of billions of credits in just a month. The scale will be bigger once he expands overseas."

"We need to check the money flow of this Moon Store to figure out who is actually behind it."

"Tax eva—mpphh!" The same person raised the same topic, only to have his mouth covered by the person next to him.

The prime minister thought for a moment before asking, "Has the Moon Store reached out to us?"

"The Moon Store has taken a look at our proposal, but it’s just the basic response. There are many contracts from others, so it’s carefully considering it. I don’t think we will get any response for a few months."

"That’s concerning." The prime minister tapped the table while he was deep in thought.

They didn’t know the correct way to deal with the Moon Store.

"Should we just treat the Moon Store like the way Esfrata treats the Sun Store?" One of them suddenly raised a valid suggestion.

"Now that I think about it, Esfrata didn’t show much favoritism toward the Sun Store, but they were in the process of cooperating. Aren’t they about to get the license for the soldiers?"

"I’m not too sure about that, but there is indeed chatter about that. We still don’t know the exact details."

"Still, there is no conflict between the Sun Store and Esfrata. And after calming down, there is no sign that the Sun Store plans to leave Esfrata."

"That sounds rather ideal. We don’t intervene directly, but we’re still seeking a way to cooperate."

"But if we leave this store unchecked, this store will wield so much power..."

In the end, they kept arguing and arguing, trying to figure out all the possibilities.

...

Obviously, other countries were also looking to join in. They even sent their representatives to the UK to see if they could find any trace of the so-called Moonlight.

Both the Sunlight and the Moonlight had become the most sought-after and mysterious people in the world.

They didn’t realize that the two of them were actually the same person. No one would believe that a student who had just awakened a few months ago would actually achieve these two things that changed the world.

Even if they reached that conclusion later, Auric could still play dumb to a certain extent.

And the one who caused all this chaos was actually spending his time relaxing in his store.

"Are you sleepy?" Katarina frowned.

Auric shook his head. "Nope. I’m just doing my best to increase my power. I need to reach Rank 3 as soon as possible."

Katarina went to Thunderer City because she wanted to report the situation to Auric in person. Besides, she was about to take over her family, so she needed to personally thank Auric before that.

Katarina explained, "For now, all the countries in the America Great Base are expressing their interest. They’re trying to find you and the store. The same applies to the countries in the United Asia Great Base. Within our great base, Dermania is the only one trying to find you for a different reason."

"I can see that." Auric chuckled. "Do I need to worry about them?"

"For the time being, I don’t think you need to worry. Your teacher and I have gone to great lengths to hide your information. Still, it will be quite hard to access the money for the time being."

"I see." Auric looked down, contemplating. "I guess they’re really paying attention to the money flow."

"That’s the only way to figure out who you are. I guess I will have to fight back and get a bit more money for personal use." Auric crossed his arms.

"I think so. You need to lock your money from the Moon Store for the time being. Of course, we will pay the taxes as required to avoid anyone targeting you for that reason. It’s not like you care about getting 0% for corporate tax, right?"

"I personally don’t care. I have enough money. Unless there’s a reason for me to accumulate even more wealth..." Auric shrugged.

"If that happens, you probably will have become strong enough to not care that much about tax." She nodded. "For now, we should focus on the Sun Store. In fact, take a look at this..."

[Sun Temple.]

[Oh, Sun! Forgive this disciple of yours for getting tempted by the Moon!]

[The Sun is the greatest! I won’t abandon my faith!]

[This is a direct challenge from the Moon!]

[Will the Sun and the Moon fuse together? Maybe like the Sun and Moon Store or something?]

[Heresy!]

[The Gathering Technique doesn’t care whether you have low affinity grade or high affinity grade. It’s only based on the limit of the gathering technique.]

[That’s right. Even if the Moon can help raise their basics, they still need to risk themselves to get the energy.]

Auric was amused. Some were expressing their support for the union, some were in denial, while others were tempted.

Auric couldn’t help but chuckle. "Should I start publishing Rank 3 gathering techniques? Though I can only do the dark element."

"I think it’s better to focus on getting other elements to Rank 3 first before you begin. Or you can just announce that you will start publishing Rank 3 gathering techniques in a few weeks."

"Fair point. I think I can do that." Auric nodded. The world would be going crazy over the battle between the sun and the moon, not realizing that Auric was basically fighting himself.

"By the way, how is the progress regarding the Kefflin brothers?"

"I think everything will be all right. They’re waiting for confirmation first, but they’re already buttering me up to show their willingness to accept my terms."

"They might threaten you, like... ’If you still want to become the head of the family, you can’t do anything to us.’"

"They can’t. I’m not a pushover." Katarina snorted.

"So, you will go back tomorrow and handle the Kefflin Brothers and get your family under your control the day after?"

"Pretty much." Katarina smiled sweetly and handed over the list. "Which is why I want you to take a look at it. This is the new batch of unique-element users. For the time being, I can control them to avoid information leakage, but after the fourth and fifth batches... I’m afraid the rumor about the Sun being a unique-element evolution master will spread."

"That will be fine. The Sun Store is at a disadvantage against the Moon Store currently, but it will change the narrative the moment they know the Sun is a unique element evolution master."

"That’s why I’ll bring popcorn when that happens." Katarina grinned. "Now I really wonder what I should call you, Boss. May I call you my one and only Sun? My beloved Moon? My dear Boss?"

Auric chuckled. "You’re teasing me. For now, let’s just see how they react, and I wish you luck, new Matriarch."