Chapter 640: Awakened Agency

It turned out that the Agriculture Project progressed much faster than Michael had anticipated. The issues in the Sacred Desert, alongside the food scarcity in the Frozen Tundra, also known as Frozen Cataclysm, created a huge demand for highly nutritious, energy-rich food.

Before the Barren Lands turned into somewhat fertile lands thanks to the Agriculture Project, the human race had been forced to pay a heavy overpay for most food from the Origin Expanse. It was possible to bring food from the outside world into the Origin Expanse, but it was not as energy-rich and nutritious, and therefore not good enough to train Soldiers and maintain the citizens' morale.

Furthermore, the production of food outside the Origin Expanse was a much slower process, resulting in a low supply. The supply couldn't meet one-tenth of the demand.

But now that the Barren Lands transformed into fertile lands it was possible to fight the food scarcity. The Bartholomew Corporation wouldn't sell their products cheap, but they didn't ask for the same heavy overpay. They lured more Lords to their side, expanded their business, and earned a fortune.

Michael, as the main contributor with his supply of the Agriculture-type Blueprints, made the most gains as an individual. Purchasing a Pseudo-Legendary Tier-3 Artifact was no problem for Michael. He still had more than enough money left for other purchases.

[Finances: 2,399,629,624,246]

"The money I make by selling the blueprints and Artifacts for the items on the list should be more than enough to purchase everything. I've got the Tier-3 Artifact as well," Michael mumbled, tilting his head lightly.

"What am I going to purchase now? Rare Blueprints? More tools for the Blacksmiths and Alchemists...or...No. I know!"

Michael smiled brightly at Kraft Viton, who tried hard not to chuckle. The old man rarely saw people like Michael. His student was one of the prime examples that there could never be enough money.

Even if he didn't know what Michael was planning, Kraft Viton could tell that Michael was going to burn the fortune in his bank account as if it was only a few bucks.

"What do you think about creating an Awakened Agency in the Bartholomew Corporation's name?" Michael asked, his eyes glowing vibrantly. Pure excitement oozed out of his eyes.

"You need to give me some more details, otherwise, I'll have no idea what you're talking about." The old man responded. Even though Kraft Viton could make some guesses about the ideas that flashed through Michael's mind, he had no idea what he was going to do now.

"We've been talking about searching Awakened for my territory, right? Suitable Awakened might not be impossible to find, but if they have to fit my criteria it will be a little bit harder. After all, I want hard-working, loyal, and decently competent Awakened in my territory."

Kraft Viton nodded, "Their background and Soultraits don't matter because you can provide them with enough resources to turn them into little monsters. I know, we talked about that."

Michael continued smiling, "That's where the Awakened Agency comes into play."

"I want to create several branches of an Awakened Agency across the Tritan Alliance with the necessary devices and resources to test Awakened all over the Alliance's territory. It will be quite difficult for ordinary Awakened to reach me at the Saphirelake Military Academy. Their background might not allow them to travel through space, and, likely, many won't be confident enough to meet my other requirements. That's why we need the Awakened Agency and their branches spread out everywhere to test everyone."

"So, to summarize what you've just said... You want to create an Awakened Agency to examine Awakened throughout the entire Tritan Alliance."

"That's it. I want the tests to be extremely hard to pass. It would be the best solution if less than 1% can pass the test on their first attempt as well. The fewer the better," Michael added, "The tests will be free of charge and each Awakened Agency will give access to study material and a large training center with Basic Nutrient Serums and other resources to help them grow a little bit stronger. The study material will contain certain techniques that help them pass the tests as long as they work hard enough."

Kraft Viton was with Michael until the last sentences reached him.

"You want to give everyone the same opportunity, and you want to see how desperate they are to grow stronger. How ambitious, hard-working and competent they are. That way, the tests won't be the 'real' examination. Instead, their actions after failing the test for the first time will be the start of the real examination. The more they fight and the harder they work grow stronger the better it will be for you...someone who can give these desperate souls everything they had been dreaming about..."

Kraft Viton shuddered slightly.

"Are you really Michael Fang?" He asked half-jokingly, but the corner of his lips twitched.

'Was Michael always like this?'

Michael's strategy was good. It was amazing, if one thought

about it a little longer. But it was also sly and unlike Michael's usual behavior.

"Not many will pass the tests, and it will take some time before someone eventually passes. It will also be quite expensive to establish Agency divisions throughout the Tritan Alliance.

"Money is no problem, and I never expected that it would be easy or fast to find the Awakened, who are the most suitable to be trained and nourished from scratch. I want the cream of the crop," Michael shrugged, "But rather than naturals who were born with a golden spoon, powerful Soultraits, and everything they need to grow powerful, I want tenacious cockroaches, Awakened who don't shy away from difficult labor to grow stronger. That's the cream of the crop I'm talking about!"

Kraft Viton could only shrug. The Awakened Agency was worth a try. He wasn't sure if it was going to be a success, but it was Michael's capital and capabilities that were going to be used to support this project.

All he and the Bartholomew Corporation had to do was to build the Awakened Agency divisions and spread the news.

"Your examinations will probably crush the spirit of many hopeful Awakened," Kraft Viton warned, but Michael replied mercilessly.

"But it will also be the nourishing grounds for those who desire strength more than everyone!"

"Reward the initial three Awakened who successfully passed the test with a Soultrait Symbol," A devilish smile crept up on his face.

"'Secretly', of course."