The property rights of the Fourteenth Street Cretan Companion Hollow were certainly invaluable.

Ether resources and all kinds of materials within the Hollow were extremely precious.

But those things wouldn't dig themselves out.

Someone had to excavate, transport, and process them afterward.

Even if the Hollow had shrunk to only 30% of its original size, it was still far too vast for him to mine alone.

He had no intention of becoming a gold miner. And for the mine owner himself to go down and dig—that would be downright tragic.

"Nicole, I want to find someone to collaborate on developing the Hollow's resources. Do you have any connections you'd recommend?"

Sol turned to Nicole.

He knew she had wide connections, able to grease wheels in every corner of New Eridu.

"Looking for a partner to develop Hollow resources? That's no simple matter." Nicole pondered aloud. "Only companies with a large enough scale are equipped for complete Hollow development. And those big companies usually demand quite a lot."

"Finding the right partner company? Difficult."

After all, New Eridu's prosperity was built entirely on Hollow development.

Any company with even moderate size would have Hollow-development tech.

But to fully develop an entire Hollow, only conglomerates within the TOPS Financial League—or those close to them—could guarantee the ability.

"So, even you can't pull it off, Nicole?"

Sol shook his head with mock disappointment.

From the way she spoke, it didn't sound like she lacked the ability—it sounded more like she wanted to put on a show.

"Who says so! I have the widest network in all of New Eridu." Nicole flared up instantly, pride flashing in her tone. "As it happens, I know people at Belobog Heavy Industries. They're one of the very top groups just below the TOPS Alliance."

"They've got extensive experience in Hollow development, plus all the heavy machinery needed for Hollow operations. Developing the Cretan Companion Hollow would be no problem for them!"

She was an old acquaintance of Belobog Heavy Industries, having collaborated with them many times. In fact, they were one of the Cunning Hares' few long-term clients.

Anby Demara chimed in: "Belobog Heavy Industries are good people. They've saved the Cunning Hares from food shortages many times."

Nicole instantly turned red. "Anby, you didn't have to say that!"

"Belobog Heavy Industries, huh?" Sol mused. "Then I'll trouble you to contact them, Nicole."

He recalled how, when he had first transmigrated, he'd even thought of clinging to a rich loli from Belobog Heavy Industries.

That group had turned out to be upright and reliable—a solid partner indeed.

"No problem! Leave it to me!" Nicole thumped her chest confidently. "With my connections, I'll definitely secure you the best deal possible."

"Thanks, Nicole." Sol added, "But eggs shouldn't all go in one basket. If I look for other companies too, that's fine, right?"

"That's fine…" Nicole nodded, though she sounded doubtful. "But, do you even know any other companies?"

After spending these days with Sol, she was convinced he really was an outsider, clueless about much of New Eridu's common sense.

For him to say he'd go find other companies sounded like a joke.

"I don't know companies in New Eridu, but as long as they know me, that's enough." Sol lifted his phone. "I'll just post a commission on the Inter-Knot—someone will definitely come."

And he wasn't boasting. For someone who had risen to ACE Investigator status in just twelve days, plenty of big players would already be paying attention to him.

After all, just posting one video had already made Hoshimi Miyabi rush over demanding a duel.

Other figures in New Eridu surely had their own information channels.

And collaborating on a completely safe Hollow? That was a massive profit opportunity—many would jump at it.

"You're not as dumb as I thought. You've even picked up a bit of my flair."

Nicole praised him with satisfaction.

"Yes, yes, I really have picked up some of your flair, Boss Nicole." Sol chuckled.

Just yesterday, this so-called clever leader had been dancing in the palm of his hand.

He immediately posted a commission on the Inter-Knot, setting the reward at one million Denny.

[Collaboration to develop Fourteenth Street Cretan Companion Hollow. Abundant profits. Absolutely safe. Serious inquiries only. Attachment: photo of document with municipal seal.]

No address, no phone number. Sol had no intention of responding to replies.

The strong companies would understand at a glance and seek him out.

The weak ones wouldn't get it—and they didn't matter.

While the group was still discussing the Belobog Heavy Industries issue, the doorbell rang again.

"Huh? Why are so many people showing up today?" Nicole frowned, then told Billy Kid, "Billy, go open the door."

"Oh…"

Still crestfallen from losing his raise, Billy trudged to open it.

Everyone's gaze followed, curious to see which fool was interrupting their grand money-making plans.

The door revealed a sophisticated beauty with flowing pink hair, her curvaceous figure offset by a warm smile.

Behind her, a little blue head peeked out.

"Good morning, everyone!"

Soukaku greeted energetically.

Her eyes immediately found Sol—the kindhearted guy who had treated her to a meal (though only 70% full).

"So, it's Soukaku. We've already finished breakfast here." Nicole forced a stiff smile. "And this person beside you is…?"

She still remembered it clearly: this little blue-skinned girl had single-handedly devoured a week's worth of the Cunning Hares' food supply.

Who would have thought such a small thing was actually an officer from Section 6?

And the woman with her must also be from Section 6.

"I'm Tsukishiro Yanagi, a member of Section 6." Tsukishiro Yanagi said with a gentle smile. "We're here today under orders from our captain, to escort Mr. Sol for the sparring match he agreed to a week ago."

She glanced at Sol. Based on Miyabi's behavior after returning, it was clear Sol had left her with a strong impression.

And now she also knew he'd already risen to ACE Investigator. To achieve that in just twelve days was astonishing.

Hearing this, Nicole relaxed—at least they weren't here to mooch food.

"Oh, right." Sol suddenly recalled. "That was a thing."

One week ago, unprepared, he had arranged with Hoshimi Miyabi to spar today.

But over the week, he hadn't really drawn any decisive skills.

Wait—there was the [Lightning-Shadow Hand]. That had boosted his sword speed immensely.

With that, a draw wasn't out of the question.

"As long as you remember." Tsukishiro Yanagi smiled. "Our car is right outside. If you're ready, we can leave anytime."

"No problem." Sol turned to Nicole, Anby, and Billy. "This was agreed on last week—shall I head off, then?"

"Go on, go on." Nicole waved generously. "We need to head out ourselves to meet Belobog Heavy Industries about the partnership."

Anby looked at him with faint concern. "Void Hunters are strong. Don't push yourself."

"Don't worry, I'll be fine."

Sol gave them that assurance, then turned and boarded Section 6's car.