Darius could resolutely make this boast because of his Transmutation ability. With it, food, housing, equipment, and hell, even any recreation would be far superior to the standard in Faust.
It was the attraction value of their settlement that would set it apart from any other city. Right now, Darius' goal was just to earn money, but his end goal was to control the world's finances by setting up a World Bank in Faust and to establish his currency as the universal standard.
Once he controlled the world's money, he would control the world, it was as simple as that. The best part was that he could continue to increase his martial power while increasing his political and financial power!
But that was far in the future. Right now, Xela was still lost in her curiosity. "Then how will people become citizens and enter the inner section?"
"By becoming a member of our faction. We will then allow their family to move in. The requirement will be to pay a certain price or to have a certain skill we need. For example, high-level alchemists, blacksmiths, and the like will earn smooth entry to the inner section."
"On the other hand, if say, powerful noble families from the outside wish to move in, they'll have to pay a huge premium or hand over something of equal value, be that a rare treasure or secret knowledge."
"Martial power will also be considered. For example, if unaffiliated Masters or Grandmasters want to become citizens or even nobles in our territory, I will certainly consider them. As for becoming a faction member, we'll have ways to recruit people using our own discretion."
Xela nodded, but Gunner also raised a point. "What about the core area? Putting aside how we accept people, since the space is so small, what do we do if too many want to join?"
Darius smiled. "Good question. As for the core section, filling it up is unlikely and hard, because not everyone will be willing to sign away their freedom for more comfort. Our activities there will mostly be kept secret, so apart from outsiders knowing that it's the center of power, they shouldn't be able to tell what's so good about it."
"Besides, even if someone is willing to give up everything to enter there and become a core faction member or a person of importance, we still have the right to reject them based on our standards. We can't accept just any chaff we see, right?"
Gunner agreed with a smile while Xela seemed excited to begin. Seeing that there were no more questions, Darius raised his HoloBrace.
"Wake up, dear, and call the workers and guards over. Also, if Georgina is present, summon her as well."
Miranda appeared above the HoloBrace with sleepy eyes, rubbing her face as if Darius had interrupted her nap. She looked so cute that Darius' eyes actually reddened a little, remembering the good times with his family on Earth.
"Mmm? Oh, Daddy…? Alright, I will…" She murmured sleepily.
Immediately, Darius heard some clattering sounds as the critter worker robots likely activated and exited the warehouse where they were staying, while the guards also steadily walked over from the longhouses.
They all arranged themselves neatly before Darius, allowing him to inspect them after almost two months. He had originally left behind 500 of each, but their numbers had slightly reduced.
Now, there were 490 Critterbots and 300 Guard Androids. Darius shook his head and opened his Inventory, taking out 50 Bags of Holding and placing them on the ground.
To the utter shock and horror of Xela, but the amusement of Gunner, Darius released thousands of small Critterbots and the kneeling Guard Androids into the available space.
There were 20,000 Critterbot orbs and 5,000 Guard Androids. Darius gazed at the now awake and stunned Miranda who was looking at all of this.
"Well, my dear, can you activate all of them?" Darius asked gently.
Miranda nodded, but spoke her concern. "I can, but I'd advise to set up a child AI to manage them. Also, we'll need to set up some signal towers so I'll be able to extend my connection range."
Darius nodded. "Both will not be a problem. For the child AI, style it after my memories of Solena at age 13."
Miranda giggled happily. "Yay, Big Sister is joining us!"
Darius smiled gently as he waited for a while as Miranda closed her eyes and focused. When she opened them, she smiled with glee, and a hologram appeared beside her.
This time, it was a young girl with short black hair and piercing amber eyes. She wore a black frilly dress and held a light blue umbrella that was open. The teenager had two black boots and wore black stockings on her legs.
On her hands were two white gloves that reached halfway to her elbow. She raised her head and looked up at Darius with a neutral expression.
"Hello Father." Solena greeted in a cute voice that failed at her attempt of sounding toneless.
Darius smiled bitterly when he remembered the past. Unfortunately, his talent in mercantilism hadn't really translated into his capability as a father. As a result, he had been too harsh and formal with his first child Solena, making the young woman become cold to the world.
At age 13, she had adopted a goth-like phase and had started dressing as such in order to rebel against him.
That was when Darius realized he had taken the wrong approach with her and had desperately tried to fix things, which hadn't been very effective until his beloved wife had smacked him away and taken matters into her own hands.
If it hadn't been for Deia Stone who had fixed things just when Solena was about to reach 18, Darius might have lost his daughter altogether.
Seeing her like this again gave him a bittersweet feeling, but he wanted it like this. It was good to remember the happy times and some of the sad times as well.
"Hello Solena, please take over the Supreme Portal's functions in regards to data traffic and management." Darius instructed with a smile.
