Chapter 33: The Nexus Laws: Power, Loyalty, and the Price of Survival
A few minutes later,
He thinks in his mind, I will face any danger head-on. I just need to focus on the growth of my Nexus City. After all, I can't control my enemy's strength, but I can work on my own and strengthen my allies.
A few seconds later,
He says to himself, Nexus, create a data column in your database for all my citizens. Name it 'contribution.'
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"Work complete, data column 'contribution' created," Nexus says with a mechanical voice.
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"Good. Give the power to generate contributions to you and me," Ash says, smiling.
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"Rules established and permission granted," Nexus responds coldly.
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"Good. Now generate 200 contribution points and transfer them to Robin's account. Can it show on the status window?" Ash asks, still smiling.
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"Contribution generated and transferred to Robin's account. It can show in the status window if the owner wants it," Nexus replies in a cold, mechanical tone.
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"Do it," Ash says, smiling again.
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"Done," Nexus states in its cold, mechanical voice.
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A few seconds later,
He tries to view Robin's status, and a window pops up in front of him.
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Name: Robin (altar subject)
Age: 48
Status: Healthy
Abilities: None
Level: 2 (10/100 mana mist, level 2)
Loyalty: 60
Contribution (Nexus City): 200
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After seeing Robin's status, Ash notices two changes: First, Robin's loyalty has increased, and a new column showing contribution points for Nexus City has appeared. Ash feels a rush of satisfaction—his city is progressing toward becoming a proper city, the first fully committed capitalist city.
He thinks, I can only do this to maximize the efficiency of my city. I'll follow my old plan: Blue Planet's capitalist style of work. This will boost my city's power and efficiency. Sure, I feel some guilt about using a capitalist mindset, especially after my negative view of capitalism back on Blue Planet. But I will do whatever is necessary to survive and make my city the most powerful one in the world—without hesitation.
A few seconds later,
He sees Ram and Evan enter the garden. They sit at a distance from each other, but they can still hear him, just like everyone else.
Ash begins speaking for all to hear.
He says with a small smile, "After my short speech, you're all somewhat familiar with me. Now I'm going to talk about some important laws of Nexus City. Listen carefully, or write it down if you need to.
First law: No killing or fighting amongst each other. If you have a personal issue with someone or someone cheats you, report it to me or Robin. We'll try to provide appropriate justice. Anyone who violates these laws will be punished according to the damage done to the city.
Second law: The use of mana cores or other materials as currency is prohibited within the city for Nexus City's citizens. Only the city can use these things as currency for trade with other cities or citizens. You are allowed to use contribution points for trading here, but you can trade with non-citizens using other currency of this plane.
You can earn contribution points by providing materials to the city, working as soldiers, or many other ways. In short, mana cores are replaced by contribution points within Nexus City."
He thinks, I really want to ban the mana core as a strategic asset for the city, but I know if I do this long-term, no one will go out to hunt for beasts and monsters' mana cores. So, I'll have to find another strategy to obtain mana cores from the city.
He says aloud, "As you know, one contribution point is equivalent to one level-zero mana core. So, if anyone wants to exchange a mana core for an equivalent amount of contribution points, they can. But the reverse is not possible. Think about it, and contribute to the city."
He pauses for a moment, then continues, "I will also announce some more things about Nexus City. From a military standpoint:
I am the true owner of the military. If anyone chooses to serve in the military, they serve me and my objectives. My will is their law, and the military's ultimate loyalty belongs to me and my city. If anyone joins the military, they cannot flee from Nexus City. If they try and we find them, we can execute them on the spot, without question. If you join the military, remember this warning."
He looks at the crowd, then says, "Civilians can leave the city openly, but it will be nearly impossible for them to rejoin."
He takes a deep breath and adds, "Now, let's talk about the benefits of joining the military.
First—Soldier recruitment and salary:
Level 0 soldiers in the military will receive 5 contribution points per day.
Level 1 soldiers will receive 10 contribution points per day.
Level 2 soldiers will receive 20 contribution points per day.
Level 3 soldiers will receive 30 contribution points per day.
These salaries are for joining only. If you attain a higher position, your contribution points will increase. Rare talents and their work will also receive appropriate compensation."
He continues, "You can use contribution points to increase your levels—use them to refine mana in the Nexus Tree and altar. This opportunity is available to all citizens of Nexus City. But your biggest advantage is that, if you decide to join the military, the city will offer guidance for level breakthroughs and pills from its military budget."
He pauses, glancing at the crowd. "Here, normal citizens can also buy and sell goods in the market. If you have any knowledge that can help you make money, go ahead and try. If you succeed, the city will take a 5% tax on the sale of goods. After that, the mana points you earn are yours to keep. In this city, if you have money, you can get just about anything. I want my city to go in this direction."
He notices the confused and surprised expressions on the faces of those in the crowd under the mana tree. But in his mind, he thinks, I really don't care what they think or learn from my speech. What matters is that I know building my city in the direction I want will take time, trial, and error. I'm prepared for that. Failure won't stop me.
He continues with a serious expression, "Your stay and food in the city cost money. So, you all must earn contribution points to survive. To live in Nexus City, each of you must spend 1 contribution point per day. This covers the city's mental protection against corruption, as well as protection from beasts. You must have at least one contribution point daily to live here."
He glances at the crowd, his voice firm, "Don't worry—the city will announce work for everyone that earns at least 2 contribution points per day. This rule ensures everyone has a chance to earn 2 contribution points and live here."
He continues, "As for food, you must spend 1 contribution point per day if you want the city to provide it. You're free to gather materials from outside and prepare your own food. The city won't stop you."
"Do you understand my words?" Ash says, his face set.
"Yes, my lord. We will follow your instructions," Ram says, looking confused.
Ash notices the complicated expressions on everyone's faces but thinks, I don't want lazy people in my city. They'll have to work, no matter what, and they'll be safe while doing it. This way, my city will progress faster than the other altar cities. I hope my style of ruling works and speeds up the growth of my city.
He then adds, "Today, you won't need to spend contribution points for living or eating. Starting tomorrow, your contribution points will be deducted at night for staying in the city. If you don't have enough contribution points, you'll face a penalty. If you can't earn enough in the city, you might lose your citizen status. Soldiers can force you into cannon fodder duty until your debts are paid."
He pauses, his gaze intense, "If you join the military today, you'll earn today's contribution points as a military member. Think carefully. Ram will handle military-related decisions."
"Yes, my lord," Ram says with a small smile, raising his hand.
Ash then adds, "If you have any treasures, mana cores, or valuable information about the city, you can bring them to Robin to exchange for contribution points."
"Yes, my lord," Robin says with a smile, raising his hand so everyone can see.
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A few minutes later,
Ash communicates with Nexus in his mind, Add 2000 contribution points to Ram, 1500 to Evan, and 3000 extra to Robin for distributing to others.
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"Contribution distributed as requested," Nexus says in its mechanical voice.
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"Complete your responsibilities, Robin and Ram," Ash says with a smile. After leaving the city garden, he thinks, I want to walk through the city to clear my mind.
"Okay, my lord," Ram and Robin respond, both smiling.
Ten minutes later,
Ash returns to the city garden after receiving a brief report from Robin and Ram. Robin tells Ash that one person exchanged two level-zero mana cores for contribution points, and Ram reports that four people applied to join the military, asking for Ash's permission to accept them. Ash tells Ram, You're in charge of this. Make the decision yourself.
Ash thinks, I shouldn't focus on these minor problems. My subordinates should deal with them. My focus is on bigger issues, like the level 3 beasts in the forest. We must kill them without hesitation to claim the forest as our safe hunting ground. This will ensure long-term resources for Nexus City.
After some conversation with Robin and Ram,
Ash announces that anyone joining Nexus City's military can refine mana up to level 1 in the mana tree without any cost. They can refine mana together under the tree, and Evan is the guardian of the Nexus City garden. Everyone must follow Evan's orders and management.
Ash thinks, I hope this will attract more level 1 recruits. The mana tree is more useful for group use than the altar, which is best for individuals. I also hope to find treasures to strengthen my city's foundation.
A few minutes later,
Ash sees Robin arranging the new recruits under the mana tree. Their faces are full of joy and excitement. Robin and Ram stand with him, and Ash thinks, They are ready to sleep after a tiring day. I, too, feel the need for rest.
He gazes toward the mana tree one last time. Robin sits in the best spot for mana refinement under the tree, while the others sit scattered around it. Ash hopes they will increase their mana enough to survive the upcoming battle with a level 3 beast.