Blackstone Code-Chapter 297:

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How does one determine if someone is "one of them"?

It's a question both intricate and simple. Its complexity lies in the fact that humans are inherently contradictory and deceptive creatures. People often express attitudes that contradict their true feelings, masking their genuine selves with layers of pretense. In such an environment rife with deceit, it becomes nearly impossible to discern whether someone truly belongs to their group.

Yet, at its core, it's also a remarkably simple issue—one that humanity has grappled with since the dawn of civilization, devising methods to prove loyalty to a collective. How does one demonstrate allegiance?

If one wishes to join a gang of criminals, proving their worth is straightforward: commit a crime—kill an innocent person. Conversely, if one aims to align themselves with those who consider themselves righteous, the easiest path is equally clear: eliminate a criminal or dismantle their organization.

When Mishahaya prompted the police chief to apologize, his intention was to uncover Lynch's stance. Sometimes, even Mishahaya and the other elites of Nagalier found themselves perplexed by foreign moral paragons who judged their society through lenses shaped by entirely different values.

Some investors, for instance, had begun implementing foreign practices in local factories—offering benefits, fair wages, rest days, and even advocating for workers' rights! Strictly speaking, these actions were personal choices made by individual investors willing to provide better conditions for their employees. However, this created a dangerous precedent. Workers enjoying such privileges would naturally share their experiences, spreading not just envy and jealousy but, more critically, ideas.

Should local businesses follow suit by increasing benefits and improving worker rights, it would inevitably lead to reduced profits and higher operational costs. Over seventy percent of Nagalier's factories were controlled by less than three percent of the population. Any reform aimed at enhancing labor welfare would strike at the heart of their financial interests. And as for granting human rights? That could only spark ideological clashes and ignite political upheaval.

Thus, from the outset, the ruling class firmly adhered to one principle: prevent alien ideologies from contaminating the minds of the populace. Even the priests of the temples sided with the authorities on this matter, portraying foreign ideals as destructive viruses designed to undermine Nagalier's glory. This dual blockade ensured that the people remained entrenched in ignorance, believing absurdities like curses avenging wrongs, reincarnation elevating them to power, and resistance leading solely to ruin.

Countless such falsehoods persisted, yet what brought solace was that the masses genuinely believed them.

Lynch's declaration of his position greatly reassured Mishahaya. At least this investor wouldn't foolishly sympathize with the lower classes, introducing welfare programs or championing human rights—actions that might disrupt the ruling elite's grip on society.

The convoy soon arrived at the hotel in a relaxed atmosphere—a modern establishment amidst a backward land. Stepping inside felt like stepping into another world; behind them, the barbaric remnants of society reluctantly receded.

Ignoring the streets outside, the hotel itself bore no sign of standing within a region mired in poverty and ignorance. Its contemporary decor evoked the sensation of having traveled through space, instantly transporting one back to a civilized realm. Under the guidance of stylishly dressed staff, Lynch and his entourage settled into the penthouse suite, occupying an entire floor.

Security personnel began assembling firearms, which had been smuggled in as "exploration equipment" in disassembled parts.

"Boss…"

After freshening up and changing clothes, Lynch entered the living room where Arthur immediately stood up. With a gesture, Lynch signalled for him to sit before taking his place on the couch. "Tell me, what have you discovered?"

Arthur retrieved several documents from his briefcase and handed them over. "During my investigation here, I encountered a situation I find difficult to explain."

Lynch flipped through the files, nodding noncommittally. "Go on."

Arthur gathered his thoughts before explaining his findings. The socioeconomic landscape of this city—and indeed all of Nagalier—was peculiar, almost primitive, starkly contrasting with mainstream nations. When Arthur lived here previously, he hadn't noticed these nuances, but returning now with a broader perspective revealed glaring issues. freewёbn૦νeɭ.com

"The lower strata of society function in ways I can't comprehend," he began. "Self-sufficient yet impoverished, the common folk struggle to earn money. Most transactions occur via barter, making it hard for industrial products to penetrate ordinary households."

Poverty and underdevelopment left many without employment opportunities—a reality Arthur had come to understand during his stay. Initially, he viewed his father and brother as ruthless capitalists. Only later did he realize that despite the risks—chemical exposure causing skin lesions, deformities, or accidental death—people eagerly accepted such jobs because they offered money.

Money, invented as a standard measure of value, ironically excluded the lowest rungs of Nagalier's society. It sounded absurd but was deeply troubling. Money constrained countless families' growth and widened the chasm between classes. A closer examination revealed that currency circulated exclusively among the upper and middle classes; the lower class existed outside its reach.

While money wasn't everything, life without it was untenable—education, healthcare, and basic survival depended on it.

Setting aside this weighty topic, internationally, Nagalier wasn't seen as entirely worthless. With a population of roughly 220 million, it represented a vast potential market. Analysts often speculated that once matured, this market could redefine global consumption trends.

But there was a catch—it might never mature because the people lacked money—not figuratively, but literally. They simply didn't possess "money."

"Beyond this," Arthur continued, visibly more animated when discussing the Federation than Nagalier, "the people's consumption habits differ significantly from those in the Federation."

He longed for the civilized society of the Federation. If given the choice, he'd leave Nagalier in a heartbeat.

Lynch waved a hand, signaling him to pause. "I'll look into these matters further. Tell me about wage expectations—I'm particularly interested in that."

Arthur hesitated, his expression tinged with sorrow. After a brief silence, he sighed. "A single thor per day is enough to make people work at least twelve hours here. As for benefits? They have none. Provide them with a cheap lunch, and they'll work harder still."

At this point, Lynch's smile grew pronounced. "See? This place isn't as worthless as you initially described. Back in the Federation, a worker takes home at least 220 bucks monthly from factory owners—roughly seven bucks daily. Plus, we cover meals costing around two bucks per day, along with various insurances and benefits."

"The cost of sustaining a Federation worker could support ten workers here. That's value, Arthur. You need to learn to identify and exploit it. We can establish low-barrier, low-cost factories heavily reliant on manual labor," Lynch mused, adding after a moment, "Some chemical plants could relocate here too, along with our initial plan for crude processing."

"This region boasts abundant resources. We can package some of them attractively—I'm confident wealthy consumers will love them. And then there's the most important thing…" Lynch chuckled, withholding mention of the crucial element: trade involving human commodities. He needed to confirm details with the local rulers first. Still, he doubted they'd object. For a ruling class whose hierarchy had long since solidified and begun to decay, anything boosting personal wealth without threatening their power would likely be welcomed.

Nagalier wasn't economically advanced, offering little of value in international trade—a reality resulting in massive trade deficits. They relied on "partners" to sell local specialties cheaply in exchange for foreign currency used for imports.

Would they reject the idea of selling individuals they deemed worthless abroad for profit? Or would they accept it willingly? Further probing was necessary, though Lynch wouldn't phrase it so bluntly. Labor export sounded innocuous enough, merely organizing people to work overseas.

This approach would alleviate societal burdens while providing an escape route for Nagalier's citizens and opening new revenue streams for the ruling class.

As they spoke, the phone on the table rang. Arthur answered it, then turned to Lynch after a few seconds. "Boss, representatives from the temple are here. Shall we meet them?" Please vote for this novel at https://www.novelupdates.com/series/blackstone-code/There are advance chapters available nowAccess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link

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