Blackstone Code

“So this is the Federation?”

As they stepped down the gangway, every Nagaryll citizen’s eyes were filled with awe—and a touch of fear.

This was the Federation, the center of the world. They knew very well what the Federation had done to Nagaryll. They also knew that the so-called noble ruling class of Nagaryll had crumbled without even putting up a fight.

And all of it, orchestrated by a bunch of capitalists. If their own government had done it, would it have been even more terrifying?

Just then, a few well-dressed individuals approached. After greeting the team leader, the latter informed Akumari and the others that these were Lynch’s people, sent to receive them.

What made Akumari and the others uncomfortable was the group of people nearby carrying large, clunky cameras following them.

Before joining Lynch’s company, they might not have known what those devices were. But now they understood: they could record video to be shown to others.

Sensing their unease, the team leader offered a brief explanation:

“You’re the first batch of employees to reach Level 3 and receive training opportunities. The company naturally wants to publicize this.”

“Your stories will be shared with the entire company. Others will look to you as examples. These cameras will simply record your experiences in the Federation for others to learn from.”

“If anyone doesn’t want to be filmed, please speak up now…”

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, and a spark of excitement ignited—even in Akumari.

The idea formed naturally in his mind: if this footage would be shown not only to employees but maybe even outsiders, could he use it as a platform to spread his ideas?

He had come to the Federation to find a path to prosperity. To succeed, he needed more than theory or belief—he needed visibility.

Without recognition, no one would stop to listen to him.

With no objections, the group boarded a large bus waiting outside the port. Their destination: Eminence, the heart of the Federation.

Lynch had planned this journey deliberately. Only by experiencing the peak of society—the finest comforts—would they feel motivated to realize their self-worth.

Only when the company profited would their value be acknowledged. Only then could they truly become members of the Federation.

Before arriving, their idea of prosperity was likely still based on the capital of Nagaryll: a few tall buildings, cleaner streets, no livestock wandering around, and lots of cars. That was their concept of modernity.

But once here, they realized—nations were different. People were different. Some nations, some people, lived as if born in a kingdom of gods.

That feeling became overwhelming once they reached Eminence—a city so vibrant, so bright, that night never truly fell. Even in the dark, neon lights illuminated the sky above the city center.

Everyone wore fine clothes and walked the streets with confident ease, while they, by comparison, stood out—awkward and insecure.

Fortunately, Lynch’s people had arranged everything well. First, they were taken to a tailor and dressed in exquisite clothes they never imagined wearing. Then, they were treated to a dinner of food they had never tasted before.

Afterward, they visited entertainment venues, watching dancers move sensually around glittering poles. Suddenly, life’s pleasures felt within reach.

This was the Federation—freedom and equality.

No one looked down on them for being Nagaryll natives. No one mocked their accents.

Wherever they went, they were treated with respect. Store clerks even approached them with genuine politeness, asking if they needed anything.

This freedom, this equality—this spirit—was something Nagaryll had never known.

Only here did they feel like people, not animals.

Everything was filmed—every moment documented. These would become powerful materials, capable of changing lives and perspectives.

For days, they lived in comfort. During that time, they also learned what it would take to immigrate to the Federation.

Labor immigration was now virtually closed. Domestic unemployment hovered around 10%, and native citizens were sensitive about immigrants taking jobs.

Even the large factories were shifting operations overseas. Shareholders of the Joint Development Company had already set up manufacturing in Nagaryll, cutting domestic production.

It would be madness to use expensive local labor over virtually free foreign workers.

This led to growing tensions between native and immigrant workers. As a result, labor immigration was no longer approved—only skilled or investment immigration was accepted.

To immigrate, one had to reach Level 5, serve the company tirelessly for at least six years, and master multiple advanced technical skills.

Only then would the company arrange for them to immigrate through the skilled labor pathway.

Six years might seem long, but it would pass in the blink of an eye. Every Nagaryll worker in the Federation now carried hope—including Akumari.

His ambition was to help Nagaryll become democratic and prosperous—a goal not achievable overnight.

He had to spread his ideas and philosophy, but also raise his social status. Without status, no one would listen to him, let alone treat his words as truth.

When powerful people speak nonsense, it’s called thunder. When the powerless cry out before death, no one notices.

But if he became a Federation citizen, maybe—just maybe—his words would carry more weight.

Everyone began their training with different goals. Some chose to explore advanced construction machinery, since their future lay in that field.

Others traveled around to better understand the Federation’s society, culture, and people.

Akumari chose the library. Lynch even assigned a dedicated cameraman to follow him 24/7.

Akumari understood exactly what he wanted and what he was working toward. He had no objection to Lynch’s arrangements.

Every day, he appeared at the library on time, reading books on sociology and philosophy. The camera recorded everything—these would be precious materials for the future.

A week passed in the Federation. One morning, after breakfast, while the others chatted about their recent good fortune, Akumari quietly took a newspaper and sat alone in a corner.

In the Federation, newspapers dared to say anything and publish everything. Akumari saw this as one of the symbols of true freedom.

The media and the people here were never afraid of government power. Authority came from the people—that was their confidence.

They could openly criticize the government and those in power without ever fearing they’d simply vanish for doing so.

Deep down, Akumari longed for everything this place represented.

He was reading the previous day’s news when the team leader approached him.

“Mr. Lynch wants to see you.”

There was no room to refuse. Akumari immediately stood up, straightened himself, and placed the newspaper back on the rack.

They quickly arrived at the hillside villa district. After passing two layers of strict security, Akumari—who thought he had already seen the height of the Federation’s prosperity—was once again stunned.

Each house looked like a work of art. Even without knowing the exact prices, he could tell that every home here was a symbol of immense wealth.

When he met Lynch, the man was watching television, nothing like the busy executive Akumari had imagined.

Lynch poured him a cup of coffee and invited him to sit down.

“How have the past few days been?”

“I heard you’ve spent all your time at the library, not going anywhere else.”

Akumari scratched his head, a bit embarrassed.

“Well, I thought gaining knowledge was more important than just sightseeing.”

“That’s a great mindset. You’re different from the others—I noticed that early on, Akumari.”

“What do you think of Nagaryll right now?”

Akumari was surprised. He sensed that Lynch hadn’t brought him here and asked these questions without a reason.

He suddenly became a little emotional. Clasping his hands under his chin, he tried to suppress the surge of feelings within him.