Modern Cultivation : The Strongest Couple Bonded by Vampire System-Chapter 578 - 578: Quota settlement

Governor Varik stood in front of them with a polite smile.
But in Alex gaze there's no politeness in his smile.
'That old fox from hunter asociation is far better form this jerk.'
One of his four-armed attendants stood a half-step behind him, carrying a tray of drinks.
"Governor Varik," Aira greeted, bowing slightly.
Varik's gaze flickered briefly to Alex, then dismissed him as a servant.
"I did not see Governor Haid at the entrance," he said.
"I assumed he would have returned from his mission."
"My father is delayed," Aira replied calmly.
"He should be arriving shortly."
"Ah," Varik said, nodding slowly. "Anything with those that can be named, are very troublesome."
His eyes stayed on Aira, polite but pressing.
"I heard sector quotas are under review.
There is talk that the administrator will adjust next year's targets based on tonight's .
A pity if any city fail to reach the quota."
Alex watched him without changing expression.
Aira's smile did not fade.
"Our numbers are within acceptable range.
If there is any doubt, I am sure the logs will clear it up when the administrator arrives."
"That's good news," Varik replied.
"Still, I had hoped to speak with Governor Haid personally. ."
He placed a hand over his chest in a gesture that was almost courteous.
"When your father arrives, please let him know Varik wishes to discuss mutual cooperation.
I would hate for any… unexpected incident to affect our overall performance."
"I will tell him," Aira said.
Varik gave a small nod, his smile returning to full strength.
His gaze flicked to Alex one last time,, then he turned away and walked back into the crowd.
Alex watched his back for a moment, then leaned closer to Aira and spoke under his breath.
"He's fishing for information, any idea why?"
Aira exhaled slowly.
"He wanted a excuse. He has always wanted our facility facility."
Alex's eyes moved toward the empty main seat again.
"We still have time before the administrator arrives," Alex said. "Let's visit Darius first."
"But I have never talked to him," Aira replied.
"Then today is a good start," Alex said.
"Just ask him this. Someone wants to know how the old Solomon is doing."
Aira blinked.
"Solomon?"
"Just say it like that," Alex said. "He will be interested."
Aira did not know who Solomon was, but she still nodded.
"Alright."
Darius stood near the far corner, away from the main crowd.
He held a glass that was still full, and he did not look like he cared about the taste.
Aira took a small breath, then approached.
"Lord Darius."
His gaze moved to her.
He only nodded.
"Governor's daughter," he said. "You have grown."
Aira froze for a second.
She did not expect him to recognize her at all.
"Yes. It has been a while," she said.
She felt Alex's presence at her back like a steady wall and continued.
"There is someone who wants to know… how the old Solomon is today."
The air around them seemed to tighten.
Darius's pupils shrank a little.
His fingers, which had been holding the glass loosely, stilled.
"Who?" he asked.
Without thinking, Aira's eyes shifted toward Alex.
Alex felt a vein throb in his forehead.
'So much for subtlety.'
Darius followed her gaze.
His eyes landed on Alex.
They stared at each other for a few breaths.
In that short moment, memories flashed in Darius's eyes.
The way he looked at Alex changed.
"…You," Darius said quietly.
Alex did not confirm or deny.
He only gave a slight tilt of his head, like a greeting between old acquaintances who did not want to talk about the past in public.
Darius let out a slow breath.
He put his untouched drink on a nearby tray.
"I will come to your city after this meeting," he said to Aira.
His eyes did not leave Alex.
"There are… matters to discuss."
Aira nodded quickly.
"Yes. We will welcome you."
Satisfied with that result, Alex was ready to turn his attention toward Helena.
Before he could suggest moving, the music in the hall stopped.
The space above the main seat at the front of the hall began to ripple, as if someone had dropped a stone into invisible water.
Glasses were quietly put down.
Everyone straightened their posture.
Some took a deep breath.
Some lowered their eyes.
No one dared to keep talking.
Aira's hands clenched at her sides.
Alex watched without blinking.
The distortion in front of the main seat spread into a circular pattern.
Then, pieces of crystal appeared inside it, one after another, as if growing out of empty air.
The crystals linked together, forming a tall frame like a humanoid statue.
Thin lines of metal and light ran through the gaps, connecting each segment into a complete body.
The Mechalyte had arrived.
Its "skin" was layered crystal.
Its joints were made of thin metal rings.
Its face had no mouth, no nose, only a smooth mask with three diamond-shaped lights arranged like a triangle.
Around Alex, several people lowered their heads at once.
The Mechalyte raised one arm.
Its fingers holding a flat, disk-shaped device that floated above its palm.
Symbols flickered on the edge of the disk, moving in patterns most humans in the hall did not understand.
A voice came out.
It did not come from the Mechalyte's head.
It came from everywhere in the hall at once.
A cold voice without emotion.
"Quota settlement will begin."
The floating disk rose higher, then split into dozens of smaller light screens that spread and hovered before each city's delegation.
"All city lords, step forward in order," the voice said.
"Transmit your quota . Deviation above three percent will be recorded for review."
People began to line up.
The first city lord stepped into the highlighted zone under the main seat.
The small light screen in front of him expanded and connected to his personal device.
Numbers began to scroll across the surface, glowing red and blue.
Alex watched a few cycles from where he stood with Aira.
Most people smiled stiffly.
A few wiped sweat from their palms.
"Aira Thalindra," the voice finally called.