Shota's Isekai NTR Adventure Chapter 1985: Construction deal

Although the proposed resolution didn't seem to satisfy everyone completely, they conceded that no better alternative existed for the time being.

Consequently, a single, urgent question occupied the minds of every person present.

"How much time is required for the installation?"

The inquiry was posed with a deceptive casualness, yet the weight of its implications was immense. Each individual in the room was desperate to secure this protection for their own borders.

Had they followed their more selfish instincts, these delegates would have likely demanded the barrier be placed around their personal estates first.

Only within the safety of this shield could they truly find peace of mind.

This drove their competitive desire to be the first in line for the installation process.

Even when faced with the power of the great empires, they were determined to push ahead of their rivals.

I could read the desperation in their expressions; it was clear they were already formulating excuses and justifications for why their respective nations deserved priority.

Nevertheless, I maintained a composed demeanor as I explained, "This process is not a simple one. Deploying this system across every one of your territories will require a significant amount of time."

The representatives were visibly displeased by this reality, yet they found themselves without any grounds for a formal complaint.

Instead, they shifted their focus, asking, "What is the timeline for the construction preparations? Furthermore, what will be the total expenditure for such a project?"

Despite their membership in the racial alliance, none of them harbored the illusion that such a massive undertaking would be provided without cost.

Resource sharing within the alliance still operated on a system of mutual purchase; after all, necessity dictated it. Just because a global threat loomed didn't mean the people could ignore the basic requirements of their livelihoods.

In truth, the very purpose of the racial alliance was to safeguard those livelihoods.

The alliance could not simply seize property and goods under the banner of continental defense. Should they resort to such tactics, popular support for the alliance would vanish instantly.

Such a coalition would be viewed as nothing more than a band of common thieves.

Therefore, a system of fair compensation for services rendered to the alliance was mandatory. This was the fundamental principle established by all parties during the alliance's formation.

The prices weren't extortionate, as everyone recognized that these efforts were for the collective survival of the world.

However, the cost wasn't their only concern.

A few were secretly hoping they could use superior financial resources to bribe me into prioritizing their countries' defenses.

"There is no set price; this is a service that will be extended to every nation," I clarified. "The delay stems from the fact that the primary materials are living organisms, which require careful preparation."

I pointed toward the swarms of insects currently maintaining the barrier as I spoke.

Skeptical and bewildered looks flickered across the faces of the delegates, yet no one dared to argue. It was impossible to deny the truth when the evidence was manifesting right before their eyes.

I decided to offer them a glimmer of encouragement.

"However, I am developing a strategy that should allow for simultaneous deployment across all regions. You will only need to manage the transportation and ensure their upkeep during the periods when the barrier is inactive."

The representatives looked puzzled again, but the confusion soon faded as they grasped the logistical reality.

Because the barrier was comprised of living beings, they required maintenance and care while dormant. They weren't static objects that could simply be left in a single location indefinitely.

This biological nature offered a unique advantage: flexibility. Unlike traditional magic barriers that were anchored to a specific spot, these were mobile.

As this realization dawned on them, the representatives fell into deep contemplation.

One didn't need to be a tactical mastermind to see the immense potential of a portable, adaptable defense system.

It was vastly superior to a fixed barrier that could only shield a single point.

"We will construct the finest facilities possible to house them," they promised without a hint of hesitation once they understood the value.

I nodded in acknowledgment, though I had one more crucial detail to disclose.

"In addition to the housing facilities, we will need to provide periodic shipments of divine energy to replenish what is consumed. Because they will be scattered across the continent, we cannot maintain a remote connection, making physical refills necessary."

The news that the system wasn't self-sustaining or infinite dampened their spirits slightly, but they accepted it as a reasonable limitation.

A defense that lasted forever without any maintenance would have been unnaturally overpowered.

Nothing in this world is truly eternal...

Having come to terms with the conditions, the leaders of the smaller nations gave their full consent and urged me to deliver the insects as quickly as possible.

Only the envoys from the empires seemed to sense that something was amiss with the arrangement.

They watched me closely, looking as though they had a difficult question they were waiting to ask.