Soon, the discussion became even more divided.

Some say this vote from Holy Egypt could be crucial, while others say it carries more risks.

Of course, most people said they should wait and see to determine whether this holy pharaoh was worthy of their trust.

"While some believe they have great potential and are worth investing in, others worry they will become our new competitors."

"Therefore, for now, I prefer to wait and see and not rush to express my opinion."

Just then, another voice appeared.

"I'm more interested in this civilization from the desert."

"I'd like to mention one point: their shipbuilding technology is very advanced, especially the manufacturing methods used to reinforce the hull."

"You should know that Holy Egypt's development of its navy only occurred around the time of its war with the Hebrew Empire."

"In such a short period of time, they have already amassed such a large fleet. Their strength should not be underestimated."

"Moreover, if we could obtain this technology..."

Before the man could finish speaking, the other interrupted him.

"Technology? Why not leave that to us? My businessmen have some connections with them and can use trade agreements to induce them to reveal some technical details."

“This isn’t the first time we’ve done this. If you want, we can do it easily.”

"After all, that's how we got the Spartan ship prow design."

After he finished speaking, a sinister laugh echoed in the room.

When Lin Ke heard the term "Spartans," he simply narrowed his eyes slightly.

What he was now certain of was that the people in charge here were probably from forces that were at odds with the Spartans.

Therefore, Lin Ke's first thought was Athens.

And that enormous statue of the sun god seems to confirm this.

The Greeks are probably the dominant force here.

"Then, what about the civilization from the hills?"

“They have always advocated for environmental protection and may oppose our development plans.”

"If we want to strengthen our military, we must acquire their mining rights."

"Only in this way can everyone have enough funds to forge weapons and provide logistical support."

Upon hearing this, Lin Ke simply turned slightly to face them so that he could hear them more clearly.

"Don't worry, we've already sent people infiltrated into their ranks and bribed several key elders."

"They will make sure their king makes the right decision."

"Moreover, we already know that they came to the World Conference this time specifically to address the issue of food."

"If it's in exchange for mining rights, I think they would have no reason to refuse."

“We are confident that we can provide him with a quantity of food that satisfies him, enough—just enough to solve their famine problem.”

When he said the words "just right," the person clearly dragged out the sound.

Lin Ke also realized that the hill civilization and food problem the other party was talking about referred to the Inca leader.

That is, the leader who had already conducted a grain transaction with Lin Ke yesterday.

Nan Tong looked at Lin Ke in surprise. Clearly, they had infringed on the interests of many people here.

After all, with the famine problem solved, the Inca king was naturally not going to trade with them by selling mining rights.

At this moment, the person who had spoken first spoke again.

"We must ensure that the other party trades with us in exchange for mining rights. This time, we have transferred a lot of grain from various places, just for the purpose of trading with them."

"If the other party is not satisfied, we can continue to lower the price, but we must remember that what we want is their gold mine."

"Without gold mines, we will find it difficult to build a powerful fleet in a short period of time."

"This is not just for us, but also for those who voted for us."

Then, someone else spoke up.

"Speaking of which, is your budget sufficient? Several of my staff are asking for a price increase, saying that this vote is too risky."

“I’m afraid someone offered them a higher price. If we want to get more votes, I’ll have to pay more than the agreed price.”

As soon as these words were spoken, a harsh voice followed.

"Tch! These guys are just trying to use this to try and get more money from both sides!"

"However, our budget is sufficient to meet the current needs. Since they want more, let's give them that!"

"But remember the fees they charged this time. Once we've secured the gold mine, we'll demand ten times that amount back from them."

The person who had asked the question earlier nodded upon hearing this, and then continued speaking.

"But I'm worried that if we want to raise the price, we'll need to apply for additional funding."

"Many people will surely follow suit, and that will be a lot of money."

Then, the same voice rang out again, now sounding much fiercer.

"You don't need to worry about that, I'll take care of it."

"The most important thing is to ensure that the voting results meet our expectations, and we must do everything we can to achieve this."

"This time, it's the most important."

"If the higher-ups question us, we'll be in deep trouble."

Then, there was a moment of silence.

The masked people all lowered their heads, as if they had thought of something terrible.

Lin Ke watched them secretly without making a sound, and even her breathing became slightly softer.

"I... I mean, should we continue with that... that plan?"

"It's about that island civilization..."

The room fell silent instantly; now, apart from the crackling and flickering of the flames, there was not a sound at all.

It was as if a black hole had appeared out of nowhere, swallowing up all the sounds.

A few seconds later, the same menacing voice came again.

“Our plan must be strictly followed; they have been hindering us for far too long.”

"If the vote fails, we will proceed with our other plan."

"We must ensure that their representatives are unable to attend the next world conference, do you understand what I mean?"

There was another moment of silence, before someone responded in a low voice.

"Understood, I will definitely arrange it."

Upon hearing this, the previously fierce voice softened slightly.

"very good."

"I hope everyone remembers why we gathered here."

"The great road begins here, the journey starts here."

"With Apollo as our witness, we will achieve final victory!"

"O Apollo, the sun god, may your light guide us..."