Getting a Technology System in Modern Day

808  Meeting II

Once the first handover process was concluded, the AI referee materialized a holographic screen at the center of the room. The screen flickered to life, displaying footage of Aron in the midst of his negotiation with Liasas. Without preamble, the recording began to play.

“...is to remain outside the Conclave as independent allies, while also establishing a free trade agreement with no tariffs or blockades imposed against us,” Aron’s voice echoed through the room.

The representatives of the civilizations seated around the semicircle exchanged glances, some raising their brows in surprise or mild dismay. During the negotiation period, they had been so confident in their victory that they hadn’t paid much attention to what Aron’s side was proposing. Now, they realized their oversight had come back to haunt them.

Still, their expressions suggested that the terms, while inconvenient, were not catastrophic. For the Terran Empire to exploit the free trade and tariff clauses effectively, it would require an astronomical increase in production capacity—at least a thousandfold by their estimates. Even then, the empire would need to produce goods so desirable that other civilizations would prioritize trade with them. This, in the minds of many representatives, seemed an unlikely hurdle for the empire to overcome in the near future.

{This part of the agreement is expected to be fulfilled on your end,} the AI referee declared, its voice neutral and authoritative. {As per the mana oath, It must be ratified in the Conclave-wide rulebook by the end of the current Terran imperial year.}

The room fell silent as the Conclave representatives absorbed the statement. No objections were raised, their expressions a mixture of begrudging acknowledgment and quiet contemplation. The AI referee, seemingly unfazed by their lack of response, moved on without hesitation, confident they would comply with the terms within the allotted time.

{Once your side fulfills your end of the agreement,} the AI referee continued, her tone precise and unwavering, {the Empire will immediately be bound by the mana oath to commence the sale of mana stones. Until then, the Empire is under no obligation to provide mana stones to the Astral Conclave.} She paused briefly, allowing her words to sink in, before continuing. {To provide further details on how the mana stone trade exchange will be conducted, I now hand the stage over to the Emperor of the Terran Empire.}

With those words, all eyes in the room turned to Aron, who had been sitting calmly, a faint but confident smile playing on his lips.

Without rising from his seat, Aron began addressing the representatives seated before him. The absence of a podium or raised platform didn’t diminish the commanding presence in his voice, each word resonating with clarity and purpose.

“Allow me to first express my gratitude for the steps taken thus far in honoring the agreements made during our previous engagements,” Aron began, his gaze steady as it swept over the assembly. “It is through mutual adherence to these terms that we build the foundation of a relationship rooted in trust and opportunity.”

He paused for a moment, allowing his opening words to settle among his audience before transitioning seamlessly into the specifics. “The trade of mana stones will be managed exclusively by the newly established Imperial Mana Agency. This agency will oversee all aspects of the exchange, including pricing, quantity caps, and enforcement of trade regulations. Every transaction will be meticulously monitored to ensure fairness and adherence to the guidelines we establish today.” His tone grew slightly more pointed as he continued, “As for the medium of exchange, we will initially operate on a barter trade system, where mana stones will be exchanged for goods. This transitional period will allow us to gather sufficient data on the values and purchasing power of your respective currencies. Once we have that information, the Empire will decide on acceptable currencies for the trade.”

“The Empire recognizes the value of mana stones and their potential impact on your civilizations. As such, their trade will not be without restrictions. Each civilization will have a quota tailored to its needs, with priority given to those who demonstrate good faith and uphold the agreements established by the Conclave.”

Aron’s tone shifted, softening slightly as he sought to balance authority with diplomacy. “It is also imperative to note that any violation of the terms—whether it be misuse of the mana stones or attempts to circumvent the agreed-upon regulations—will result in immediate sanctions, including the suspension of trade privileges. The Empire values transparency, cooperation, and accountability.”

He leaned forward slightly, his voice measured but sincere. “While having such control over a vital resource grants us significant power, I assure you this power will not be abused. We will exercise our authority only when the agreements are breached. The Empire has no intention of using mana stone trade as a means to dominate or coerce others into submission. To ensure this promise, we will include it in the binding agreements, making us equally beholden to the terms.”

Aron knew his earlier statements might have placed the Conclave members in a position of subordination, which wasn’t ideal for fostering long-term cooperation. This part of his speech served as an olive branch—a gesture of goodwill designed to reassure and build trust. As he spoke, he noted the subtle change in the room’s atmosphere; the tension eased slightly, replaced by a cautious optimism.

He continued, providing detailed explanations of how the entire process would unfold. Aron outlined methods for assessing each civilization’s needs and explained how quotas could be adjusted based on demonstrated cooperation or increased requirements. He also emphasized the opportunity for civilizations to improve their access to higher-quality mana stones through adherence to the agreements and collaborative efforts.

Finally, Aron delivered a surprise announcement. “As a gesture of goodwill and a demonstration of our willingness to cooperate, the Empire will provide the mana stones necessary for your civilizations to create return wormholes free of charge. This will not only facilitate your journeys home but also give you the opportunity to test the various qualities of mana stones firsthand.” n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

As expected, the announcement sparked a positive response. Representatives who had been quietly calculating the potential costs of their return journeys now looked relieved and even slightly impressed. Aron’s strategic generosity had shifted the narrative, showing the Empire’s willingness to invest in collaboration.

With his speech concluded, Aron leaned back slightly, nodding toward the AI referee. “With that, I return the floor to our neutral mediator to guide the rest of today’s meeting.”

The AI referee materialized once more, acknowledging Aron with a slight bow before addressing the assembly to continue the proceedings.