Darkstone Code

Chapter 1121 - 1119: Champion

A powerful nation cannot be ruled by a group of fools, nor can all its people be fools; there will always be some smart individuals.

While Gafura is researching its own aircraft, it is also paying attention to the models published by the Federation, and they have begun research on "anti-aircraft" technology.

How to shoot down aircraft has become a more important research project than "how to make aircraft fly."

The anti-aircraft guns in the yard are the latest design from the Gafura Royal Science Research Institute, and they are being disguised as a small nation to conduct trials in Mariluo.

They wouldn’t directly confront the Federation, as that would escalate tensions, so they disguised themselves as a small nation, using this small nation’s military as the primary designer.

Now is the time for them to test the efficacy of these anti-aircraft guns!

Gafura has never ceased its probing or even friction with the Federation’s military forces.

With military equipment capable of countering Federation aircraft, the smile on the Warlords’ faces naturally increases; as long as the Federation’s aircraft can’t fly over, they wouldn’t hesitate to show the Federation their stance.

This is Mariluo; they’re familiar with every inch of this land, but the Federation is not. Anyone picking up a weapon can transform into a defender against invasors, as the people from the Federation are evil invaders!

On returning to the room, the Grand President had someone hang up a map made of gold.

Everyone was shocked by the Grand President’s wealth; that map is actually made of gold!

Even the representatives from the Violet Orchid Industries were momentarily lost in thought.

These warlords are so wealthy!

The map is a "scroll" woven with pure gold thread and painted with gemstones of various colors, depicting the terrain of Mariluo, including some castles; it’s evident this map is an antique.

In the past, having such financial resources, effort, and understanding of the country’s terrain means the map’s maker was either the country’s ruler or a ministerial noble.

At that moment, someone suddenly remembered something, blurting out, "I’ve heard there used to be such a map in the Imperial Palace..."

Upon hearing this, people paused for a moment, then thought of some rumors and said no more.

The Grand President maintained a smile, "explaining" a bit, "Someone offered to sell me this map for a million, I liked it, so I acquired it."

The currency they talk about is measured in Federation Sols, while Mariluo’s official currency is Lola, which has a horrendous exchange rate due to the puppet government and warlord presence.

In contrast, the neighboring country’s Federation Sol is sturdy, coupled with rampant smuggling, and the warlords hold a significant amount of Federation Sols.

They only use Federation Sols for transactions and even regard it as a common rule, universally accepted.

Then, he walked to the left side of the map and pointed to a place resembling a town pieced together with emeralds, "I don’t know why the Federation is so eager to head north; if they move north, then this is the location they must capture."

"We can form a defensive force here to counter the Federation..."

The warlords quickly made a decision, each dispatching personnel, gathering an army of thirty thousand with the newly acquired forty anti-aircraft artillery, heading to the target, preparing defensive positions against the Federation’s rapid invasion.

Meanwhile, they are also urging the puppet government and puppet Grand President to quickly express their dissatisfaction to the Federation’s Ministry of International Affairs and the President, condemning their invasion.

However, everyone knows doing this holds no actual meaning or value because invaders will not stop their plans just because you scream.

They may deceive you with "it won’t hurt soon," while forcefully invading; shouting loudly doesn’t help.

They’re not aiming to stop the Federation’s actions, but to gain more international attention.

Just like the advice Lynch gave to Akumal, he wants his ideology to become a solution direction for the Nagariel problem, then he must let more people recognize him, know his ideas, and agree with them.

These warlords are similar; in hoping under international attention, they can give the Federation a painful counterattack, only then can they have the possibility to genuinely sit down and negotiate with the Federation.

Otherwise, even winning lacks significance.

As for losing... wouldn’t that more firmly establish the fact of the Federation’s invasion?

With a decision made, everyone began mobilizing their military forces, preparing for the war one week later.

At this moment, in the Federation, Lynch stood from his seat and began applauding, surrounded by many well-dressed ladies and gentlemen, everyone applauding.

Though everyone’s movements appeared different, their applause gives a very peculiar feeling.

Inexplicable, very enthusiastic, but... just enthusiastic.

In front of them, the President was sweating while shaking hands with his opponent.

Today, the President didn’t wear formal attire; he had on sportswear, even donning wrist guards, making him appear younger.

His state is excellent, full of smiles, after shaking hands and exchanging blessings with his competitors, the host invited him to step onto the podium.

Dozens of cameras faithfully recorded the moment, when the host handed him the microphone, he passed the handkerchief used to wipe sweat to his assistant, gentlemanly praised each opponent.

"I must say, lane number one’s... sir pressured me greatly, I was almost in despair at halftime."

"Lane number five’s... lady demonstrated the traits of modern women, I just came back from the Judge, she achieved second place."

"As for myself... my luck was pretty decent."

"We all had a mistake, but my luck slightly better, just one more point than hers..."

The President subtly discussed the match’s process today, seeming to care less about revealing his circumstances outside work to the public.

This approach is quite endearing, initially he disagreed, but Lynch convinced him.

This is a charity bowling match, also laying groundwork for professional bowling tournaments, no matter who wins first place, Lynch will donate one million in their name for charity!

And the winner gets only a certificate!

Due to its "charitable" nature, the President was convinced by Lynch, as long as Lynch doesn’t pay him, avoiding any monetary exchanges, he doesn’t mind showing his hobby and skill to the public.

Everyone has hobbies; some prefer holding coffee while swinging golf clubs, and the President’s hobby is bowling, he’s passionate about this sport.

In his estate, his villa, there’s a dedicated bowling alley, allowing him to play a bit during leisure.

Bowling is quickly becoming popular within the Federation, and the President’s championship win will aid in its promotion.

Standing off to the side, Lynch watched as reporters interviewed the athletes, then he cheerfully walked up to the stage.

"Congratulations, Mr. President, on winning the championship!", Lynch’s smile seemed heartfelt, and the President modestly expressed he was just lucky.

Next came the second lady, slightly over thirty, her personal profile marking her as a full-time housewife from a middle-class family.

But she’s not entirely that way; she’s fervently active in various equality movements, her husband serves as a Judge in some state, and she seems to be preparing to venture into politics.

When Mrs. Trish learned of Lynch hosting such a bowling event, and later saw the participant list, she actively registered.

The third, fourth, and other gentlemen all have their unique traits, but ordinary people can’t observe this; they only see individuals similar to them through media.

After a few simple remarks, this bowling event concluded, but its effects will continue to unfold.

Lynch rode along with the President in his car, seated inside, the President was quite pleased with these competitive days, having navigated treacherously to the end.

During semi-finals, he was nearly eliminated!

Finally, since he and his opponent scored the same, they had to eliminate one by an extra match.

The opponent’s mental fortitude faltered, losing the match, allowing the President to "revive" into the finals.

This dramatic scene, broadcasted on television, directly became the top-rated program of the timeslot.

People hoped the President would fall, yet wished he would stand heroically to the last, thankfully he accomplished this.

Perhaps the hardships along the journey make the "story" particularly radiant.

"Among those people, did you plant anyone?" the President asked, "I hope my opponents are worthy of respect."

Lynch hesitated briefly, "I don’t like lying, I planted one person, that lady."

"But I didn’t have her lose to you; you know, I’m rather close to Mrs. Trish, quite concerned with the equality movement..."

The President raised a hand, gesturing gently, understanding.

Lynch’s ex-girlfriend Catherine had been actively advocating with Mrs. Trish recently, plus Mrs. Trish’s gubernatorial campaign preparation was already known.

Adding a lady during the competition indeed aligns with the Federation’s current political and value perspectives, most people acknowledge that women and men possess equal competence in certain sports.

Their participation not only added color to the President’s image but couldn’t be opposed.

Lynch’s honesty greatly pleased the President; sincerity exchanged for sincerity!

As for the championship award, who cares?