Yuto roughly calculated, if based on the popularity rewards from previous main quests...
He could buy a lot of things this time.
"When I go back tonight, I'll try to figure out what's going on with that 'Elite Baby Forum' account... I want to know why it sells for so much..."
"Also... I need to see if there are more things that can improve my strength."
"As the plot gradually progresses, the strength required to resolve the Fontaine crisis will become higher and higher, not to mention the matter of Narcissenkreuz that needs to be dealt with..."
Thinking of this, Yuto, who originally had no desire for strength advancement, suddenly realized the seriousness of the matter.
If he continued to be so 'Zen' about improving his strength... many things might spiral out of his control.
No, it could even be said that Yuto, as a mere Vision Holder, wouldn't even qualify to be involved.
For example, regarding the Narzissenkreuz Ordo, the predecessor of Narcissenkreuz was Rene, a genius among geniuses who had already comprehended the workings of heavenly principles during Egeria's time.
Coupled with the involvement of Elynas's power... without a sufficient anchor, Yuto might be torn to shreds before he even stepped into this storm.
Everything in this world comes at a price. Since Yuto wants to gain more popularity through this method, it means he has to bear the corresponding cost.
Just like... if he didn't have excellent office capabilities, he wouldn't be working overtime every day, thereby reducing the workload of most Fontaine civil servants.
This is the price Yuto paid for his good reputation and for more people to enjoy this world.
Thinking of this, Yuto took a deep breath and secretly adjusted the priority of his popularity points' usage in his mind.
After all, ever since he acquired the Vision, that original option had only been restocked once, but it brought him a considerable improvement.
It's hard to imagine what astonishing 'products' might appear in this place later on.
...
As time passed, the underwater elevator Yuto was riding gradually slowed down.
Finally, amidst a huge roar, the underwater elevator landed steadily, and Yuto naturally stepped out.
Looking at the familiar dilapidated pipes and rusty metal patches, Yuto couldn't help but recall when he personally helped Lyney organize the order in Meropide.
At that time, Lyney had just finished his sentence, and the order in Meropide was still chaotic, with the special permit economic system having just collapsed...
This situation was by no means "awaiting rejuvenation," but a complete mess.
However, under Lyney's incredibly strong execution ability and business acumen, and the rules personally set by Yuto... this mess quickly flourished.
Yuto also received a significant portion of original shares for participating in the initial restoration and construction of Meropide's order.
It can be said that with the help of the original shares, even without operations like "sending the bill to Palais Mermonia," Yuto could still ensure that his living standards wouldn't decline in the slightest
—he could even afford to raise an extra mascot.
Thinking of this, Yuto nodded gently, already beginning to plan the next step for his retirement scheme.
"I guessed right, you really came. Otherwise... just handling procedures for special heavy criminals wouldn't be enough to alarm you."
A calm yet somewhat arrogant voice entered Yuto's ears, directly interrupting his thoughts on his retirement plan.
Yuto slowly raised his head, looking at the sharply defined face and the iconic wolf ears, a smile appearing on his face.
"Long time no see, Lyney."
"Oh come on, we saw each other half a month ago during tax registration. How is that 'long time no see'?"
Lyney chuckled softly, then tilted his head inwards, motioning for Yuto to look inside.
Following Lyney's indicated direction, Yuto saw... an unconscious Tartaglia and two security automatons carrying him, one in front and one behind.
Perhaps due to a program issue or some other reason, one of these security automatons was holding Tartaglia's feet, while the other was holding his hands.
This made Yuto feel as if... these two guys were about to tie Tartaglia to a stake and roast him the next second.
Tartaglia: I have no objections.jpg
Just like that, Yuto watched Tartaglia enter the elevator, then shifted his gaze to Lyney, who had a slight smile on his face.
"How have things been recently? What's the progress on that ship?"
Upon hearing this, Lyney, who had been smiling slightly, instantly became serious.
"The progress is quite smooth, I just don't know how long that valve can hold up. It can now fully set sail, and the internal supplies are quite sufficient."
"Mmm... I understand."
Yuto nodded slightly, a conclusion already forming in his mind.
Lyney's construction of the airship was also at Yuto's suggestion, after all... the sooner it was built, the more secure Fontaine would be, at least for now.
At that time, Yuto's idea was actually very, very simple. The main reason he asked Lyney to build this airship was to resist the impact The Prophecy would have on Fontaine's society.
Imagine, when one day The Prophecy begins to affect Fontaine's social order, and everyone is panicked because of it, language and law will become pale and powerless.
Only a true "solution" can stabilize social order and restore normal production processes.
And this airship was Yuto's "solution" to this problem.
"However... you didn't just come here for the progress of that ship, did you?"
Lyney asked softly, looking at Yuto, who was deep in thought.
Yuto nodded gently upon hearing this, then handed his empty staff to Lyney and said:
"My weapon is broken, I need a new one. I wanted to ask if you know any skilled craftsmen who can forge a more durable weapon for me."
Hearing this, Lyney raised an eyebrow in surprise, but didn't ask much more.
Looking at the broken sword-cane, Lyney seemed to understand something, then patted his mechanical arm and chuckled, saying:
"How about I make a weapon like this for you too?"
"My skills are much better now than before, and I even have top students from the Academy of Sciences working for me..."
"Aesthetics, elegance, combat power, none will be lacking, you can rest assured."
Lyney's words were filled with confidence, just like when he and Neuvillette had just pulled this guy out of Meropide.
However, Yuto didn't dwell too much on the past; he merely smiled gently, then said:
"Alright, I'll trouble you."
"Trouble? If it weren't for the rules you set and your reputation, Meropide wouldn't be as orderly as it is today."
Lyney shrugged, then returned the staff to Yuto, and continued:
"Aren't you coming to my place for some tea? I just bought some from a Ritou merchant a few days ago."
"No, I have official duties at Palais Mermonia."
"Is that so..."
Hearing this, Lyney shrugged regretfully, then softly said:
"Three days from now, I'll have someone specially deliver the weapon back to you, how about it?"
"It's a deal."
"It's a deal."
With that, the two exchanged smiles, then walked in opposite directions by unspoken agreement.
Lyney's figure gradually disappeared into the shadows, while Yuto walked into the underwater elevator bathed in light.
Without Yuto, there would be no Lyney today, nor Meropide, which resembles an underwater town.
Without Lyney... Yuto would not have the connections and means to understand Fontaine's dark side.
From the moment they met... they were destined to have this kind of relationship.
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