Darkstone Code

"Mr. Lynch, could you explain the reason?"

When Lynch suggested that Fla might suffer severely in the foreign exchange market, someone quickly raised a question.

This kind of inquisitive question was not necessarily to better agree with Lynch, but more likely to refute his conclusion through Lynch's viewpoint, proving that his view was incorrect.

In fact, these situations are very normal. Everyone has the right to express their ideas, which is a basic right given to every citizen by the Federation Charter, even the President cannot deprive them of it.

There are optimists and pessimists; hence, a debate ensues, which is precisely the value of this salon.

Lynch looked at the person who raised the question, a well-dressed gentleman in his forties. Most of the gentlemen in this room were dressed very smartly. They were different from those outside who couldn't even fill their stomachs.

He nodded, indicating that he agreed to the other's request and, in a way, gave an impolite acknowledgment. This would at least not turn them into enemies, even if they couldn't become friends.

"Why do I have such a viewpoint? Actually, it's quite simple, three reasons!"

He stood in the middle of the room, extending one finger. The room was quiet, without even a bit of noise, "First, political confrontation!"

"Gafura's hegemony is influencing the entire world. We've only seen its constantly strengthening momentum, yet overlooked the fact that not everyone firmly stands by it, for example, the hostile forces that have never been on good terms with it, such as..."

Lynch smiled slightly, "…its allies!"

"Gentlemen, there will only be one superpower in this world. For a country to become a superpower, it must possess several important elements, such as politics, military, economy, culture, and uniqueness!"

"If every country were the same, then there would be no distinction between the strong and the weak. But in this world, there won't exist two countries identical in strength, let alone the entire world."

"For every point of strength Gafura gains, other countries will weaken by a point. Its power is built upon using an array of political, military, economic, cultural, and other means to attack or threaten other countries."

"Neither those defeated, we, nor its allies would be willing to see a superpower far surpass everyone else emerging to become the ruler of this world."

"We don't need a ruler, so Gafura has actually positioned itself against everyone!"

This speech was delivered quickly but articulated clearly. He didn't use pretentious jargon to elevate his status, unlike some experts and scholars who always throw out unfamiliar words to highlight their intellectual prowess.

Lynch didn't do so; every sentence, every word was so simple and easy to understand. People in the room, whether scholars or experts, or other capitalists, all understood and got his point and true meaning.

At the same time, they became interested in the term "superpower."

As Lynch said, no one wants a superpower to be significantly stronger than others in every aspect. It's an absolute disruption to the free order of the world, making opposing Gafura's rise to superpower status seem acceptable.

Some scholars and experts started whispering amongst themselves. No matter how discussions unfold, a Gafura on par with the Federation is the ideal Gafura. If it's too powerful, it would benefit the Federation in no way.

That ensures that if Lynch's assertions are based on actual development trends, then at least the Federation would certainly stand against Gafura.

After a non-short bout of murmuring, someone wanted to ask a question, but Lynch refused him, "Let me finish those three points first!"

He said and paused, the murmuring in the room gradually stopped, and he then asked, "Can I say the second point now?"

"Of course, Mr. Lynch!"

"Eagerly awaiting your enlightenment, Mr. Lynch!"

…

He slowly extended two fingers, "Second point, geographical dilemma (Attachment: One)."

"Gafura's powerful Royal Navy demonstrated to all of us during this world war that they have extremely long-distance transoceanic strike capabilities. But gentlemen, we cannot only focus on Gafura's shining points; we must also see its shortcomings!"

"Compared to the impressive navy, Gafura's Royal Land Force...", Lynch had a bizarre expression, seemingly disappointed, yet his smiling intent was greater; he shook his head with a slight teasing tone, "…compared to their navy, Gafura's land force is a joke!"

"Most of their achievements were completed with naval support; even during the ten-year-long war, they never once successfully conquered any country nor started any war of annihilation and achieved victory."

"Coupled with Gafura's small national territory, their potential is extremely limited. Once war breaks out again, in a situation where military technology is not significantly different, the depth of land warfare and the total number of soldiers will determine the duration and final outcome of the war."

"Why does Gafura pay so much attention to the Amelia Region?", the room became quieter than before. Many held their breath lightly; some might understand some things, others perhaps not at all, but there's always something called experience telling them, Lynch's words aren't baseless.

Asserting the question again, no one interjected, pairs of eager eyes fixed on Lynch. Lynch glanced around, "Because they have actually realized the crisis they face earlier than others. Once there's a navy of comparable size that blockades Gafura's homeland, perhaps less than half a year, Gafura's entire territory could fall."

"They don't have strategic in-depth territories, no room for long-term resistance. Once a military force can directly engage their homeland, Gafura will find itself with no retreat, no survival."

"The current territory size Gafura possesses is insufficient to support their journey to become a superpower, nor is it enough for their ambitions."

…

"Thank you!", a waiter took the chance of Lynch pausing to speak to deliver a drink. Lynch smiled and thanked the waiter's kindness, the waiter seemingly infected by Lynch's smile, naturally showed a smile of his own.

Lynch sipped a few gulps, returned the cup to the tray, and once again thanked the waiter's kindness.

He extended three fingers, "Third point, Amelia!"

"Considering the previous two points, political dilemma, and geographical dilemma, if Gafura wants to realize their superpower dream, they must resolve these two major troubles, which is why they are pouring all resources into developing the Amelia Region."

"I heard that Emperor Gafura almost got into a fight with his ministers in the Ruler's Hall, the aim was to tilt all resources toward Amelia, and the purpose is obvious."

"They want to shore up the shortcomings, once the rule in the Amelia Region is thoroughly stabilized, and Gafura proves that this territory, far from their homeland, offers a foundation for development, they'll break free from the dilemma caused by geographical factors."

"All they need to do is conquer one land after another, even if they aren't connected, it's enough to expand Gafura's strategic depth."

"They can deploy troops anytime, anywhere to attack any country they deem as enemy, war will never happen on their territory."

"Even if someone does strike their territory, they can relocate ahead of time."

"So the Amelia Region is exceptionally important for Gafura, which determines the future world pattern."

"However!", one "however" brought those deep in thought back to reality, they continued to watch Lynch, Lynch wore a confident smile, "However, the Amelia Region will not be so stable."

"From the beginning to now, within the span of a year, numerous resistance organizations have emerged in the Amelia Region."

"This also proves Gafura's so-called 'rule' over Amelia Region is still far from reality, Amelia's people have not acknowledged the current Gafura Government."

"As long as a large-scale turmoil arises in this region, it will immediately destabilize Gafura's foundation, and Fla will inevitably plummet!"

"My prediction of Fla's future trend is based on these three points, of course, these are just my own perspectives. If anyone has differing viewpoints, we're open to discussion."

After boasting, Lynch became more humble. He stepped aside, clearing the most central position, "Does anyone else want to say something?"

Of course, no one did. People's eyes still remained fixed on Lynch, some even stood up voluntarily to follow him, quietly seeking guidance around him.

With Lynch's speech, the positions of the people in the room, including those economists, started to shift a bit, seemingly... Lynch's words made much sense!

As this salon concluded, Lynch's "Three Points" began to spread rapidly, people circulated what he said in this salon, so much so that his discussion on Fla's possible future trends in the foreign exchange market transformed into "Three Arguments for Gafura's Defeat," even mentioned and discussed on some television programs.

Perhaps it wasn't Lynch's original intention, but the result now achieved was consistent with Lynch's requirements, even better.

As he said, nobody wants a strong Gafura; if the world must have a superpower, then why shouldn't it be us?

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Attachment: One

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