Thanks to the diplomatic maneuvering of Dominic Taylor, Samuel Walker, Kimberly Foster, and other influential figures, Elysia's customs proceedings progressed without incident.However, the Alerian customs officials were struck dumb with astonishment, their faces a picture of utter bewilderment.They were utterly perplexed. Had the Elysians taken leave of their senses? President Donald had signed a $60 billion tax increase just two days prior, yet here were the Elysians, feverishly dispatching goods to Aleria as if they had money to burn!Despite their confusion, they diligently carried out their duties, levying the mandatory taxes. Without exception, all exported goods were subject to a 35% tariff.As these products flooded Alerian shopping centers, they were priced to reflect the added tariffs.This development elicited head-shaking from Alerian retail staff. Previously, Elysian goods had been coveted for their affordability, inspiring frenzied purchasing among Alerian consumers. No
"What do we do now??" Donald roared at Louis, Jonathan, and other Alerian officials, watching citizens' jubilant expressions on the news."Mr. President, remain calm. We can still salvage this!" Jonathan, stroking his bald pate, smiled. "Sir, I have a plan that could turn Elysia's actions into a loss, effectively gifting money to our citizens at their expense!""Fine, tell me your plan," Donald growled, clearly still fuming.Jonathan, sweating nervously, respectfully replied, "It's simple - we raise tariffs again! Mr. President could sign another executive order to further increase import duties."Vice President Louis instantly grasped the idea:"You mean, we impose even higher tariffs on Elysia?""Elysia is already operating at a loss. Another tariff hike would exacerbate their losses. The longer this continues, the more severe their financial damage. Meanwhile, Aleria reaps substantial profits from these heightened duties!""Precisely! The Vice President is truly astute!" exclaimed
At this moment, Donald and Louis were utterly thunderstruck, their faces blanching to a ghostly pallor.They were certainly aware of Nikrosia's recent financial tsunami. Its devastation was akin to the aftermath of a hundred atomic bombs. To think that such catastrophic damage was orchestrated by a single, enigmatic Elysian youth!This young man had single-handedly challenged the might of Nikrosia and the entire Southeast Asian region. His power was truly terrifying, bordering on the divine or demonic!Despite their shock, they didn't share Jonathan's pessimism about Aleria's chances of victory.After all, Aleria's strength far surpassed that of Nikrosia and its smaller Southeast Asian neighbors. They merely concluded that if Elysia had this youth's assistance, the trade war might become more protracted and arduous.But ultimately, they believed, victory would still dawn upon them.Five minutes later, Jonathan's assistant rushed in, visibly panicked: "The force behind Elysia in this t
Stripped of his phone and penniless by Evan, the foreign youth had embarked on a three-day journey from Lumina City to reach the Alerian embassy in Elysia, seeking assistance.While taking a drink of water, he caught a glimpse of the news and realized that over the past three days, Elysia and Aleria had begun a fierce confrontation!Hastily setting down his glass, he caused a commotion in the embassy, demanding to see the Secretary of State, claiming he had crucial information to share in person.The embassy's diplomatic staff, naturally cautious, were hesitant to make any hasty decisions.They placed a call to Jonathan, who, in a rare good mood, agreed to speak with the youth directly.The conversation left Jonathan breathless. The rumors from Nikrosia about a single youth bringing a nation to its knees were true, and this foreign youth had actually met him and could describe his appearance!Of course, the foreign youth withheld information about Evan's superpowers and their extraord
"This brilliant idea of yours!"Donald had summoned Louis to his office and was now berating him loudly. He had become like a mouse caught in a bellows, pressured from both sides!On one hand, his citizens completely disregarded his trade war against Elysia, jubilantly queuing outside supermarkets and stores to purchase Elysian goods.This was nothing short of a massive mockery, a colossal insult to him!On the other hand, the domestic entrepreneurs were on the brink of collapse, and not just them—their entire economic chain was teetering on the edge!With domestic products unsold and production halted, upstream raw material suppliers naturally had to cease operations. This, in turn, forced raw material producers and farmers to shut down as well!"Mr. President, please stay calm." Louis was drenched in cold sweat!He now realized the gravity of the crisis. He had believed that high tariffs would wear Elysia down, but instead of breaking Elysia, his own country was being led by the nos
With a snap of his fingers, the office door swung open of its own accord. The ice-encased foreign youth at Adam's feet levitated, drifting into the office and hovering beside the trio.As he came to a stop, still suspended in mid-air, the layers of ice encasing him refracted the light, casting a kaleidoscope of colors.Donald, Louis, and Jonathan's eyes bulged in disbelief.Never had they witnessed such an otherworldly phenomenon. How could a human levitate objects without external force? This was no mere magnetic levitation!Jonathan, in particular, stood frozen in shock. Wasn't this youth bouncing around outside the door just moments ago? How had he been transformed into a human icicle so swiftly? Such rapid freezing technology was unheard of, even on a global scale!A terrifying thought simultaneously seized the minds of all three: Was this masked Elysian youth human, demon, or perhaps... a god?"My, why so silent? Weren't you eagerly discussing my demise earlier? Here I am, right
Louis joined in, jabbing his finger at Jonathan's face, spittle flying as he berated him.Jonathan remained calm, waiting for their tirade to subside before responding with a slight smile. "Mr. President, Mr. Vice President, have you vented your frustrations? If so, perhaps you'll allow me to explain.""You'd better have a damn good explanation," Donald and Louis growled, still breathing heavily. "Otherwise, come tomorrow, you'll no longer be an Alerian citizen!""Gentlemen, in your heated state, you've overlooked a crucial point," Jonathan began, a sinister smile playing on his lips. "Tell me, do you truly believe anyone in this world can withstand modern weaponry?"Realization dawned on Donald and Louis like a thunderbolt.Indeed, no one on Earth could be truly bulletproof or invincible against firearms.Even with body armor, one couldn't hope to survive a Trident intercontinental ballistic missile – one of the world's five most powerful ICBMs, capable of obliterating a small to med
"Excellent! Excellent!" Donald exclaimed, thoroughly impressed by the impenetrable defense. The Elysian youth would have no escape, likely to be annihilated without a trace.Vice President Louis nodded in satisfaction. With such a comprehensive strategy, how could the Elysian youth possibly survive?The night passed uneventfully.Early the next morning, Evan rose, completed his ablutions, and knocked on Adam's door. "Adam, are you coming out?"A weak voice responded from within, "Mr. Smith, can I stay behind? I think I ate something bad last night. My stomach hurts."Evan shook his head. "Shall I break down the door and drag you out like yesterday?""No, no! Yesterday was embarrassing enough."Adam hastily opened the door, revealing himself clad in an immaculate suit."Are you going to a blind date or a battle?" Evan asked, bemused.Adam muttered, "I want to die with dignity.""..." Evan was speechless.They left the hotel and rented an off-road vehicle for Death Valley. Before enteri