91. Everyone Wants Broto
The next morning, Rangga prepared to set sail again.
Just like the past few days, he had once again made arrangements with several Garuda Pioneers who had recently reached Level Three, offering to accompany them in exploring islands while gathering the materials he still needed.
At the same time, far away on Earth, the voice of the World Administrator once again echoed across the skies of the entire world.
"Day three following the announcement regarding Pioneer nationality transfers."
All activities in various countries came to an immediate halt as everyone looked up at the sky.
A few seconds later, a massive list of names appeared.
Pioneers Eligible for Naturalization
Total: 16 Pioneers
One name after another began to appear, representing Pioneers from various countries.
Most came from smaller nations that were struggling to send resources back to Earth. However, the attention of many people immediately focused on one section.
Garuda Nation
Broto
Juna
Darius
Anton
The atmosphere immediately erupted into commotion as four Pioneers from Garuda appeared on the list.
That number was the highest among all the nations.
Before the uproar could even settle down, the Administrator's voice rang out again.
"Each nation is given one opportunity to send a message to the Pioneers listed."
"The message may contain an offer of nationality transfer."
"Each Pioneer will be given until the seventh day following this announcement to make their choice."
"If a Pioneer has not selected a new nationality by the deadline, the Pioneer will be considered to have withdrawn."
"Penalty: Pioneer Disqualification."
The sky fell silent once again, but the world itself became far more chaotic.
In government offices and presidential palaces around the world, emergency meetings immediately began.
Countries suffering from a shortage of Pioneers saw the list as a rare opportunity.
They could not only gain additional explorers, but also increase the amount of resources that could be sent back to Earth.
Garuda Presidential Office
The meeting room, which was usually quiet, was now filled with a serious atmosphere.
President Prabu stared at the list of names still displayed on the large screen.
Beside him, General Suryo was also silent.
Four names, Four Garuda Pioneers at once.
President Prabu slowly exhaled.
"That's quite a lot."
General Suryo nodded.
"And it's the highest number compared to any other country."
Both men understood what this situation meant. It wasn't simply about losing four people.
It also created an opportunity for other nations to acquire Pioneers who had already progressed to Level Three.
Meanwhile, in the Bald Eagle Nation, President Ethan immediately gathered all his staff and advisers.
His eyes were fixed on the four names from Garuda.
"An opportunity like this doesn't come twice."
He pointed at the list.
"Especially the Garuda Pioneers... They've progressed faster than most Pioneers from other countries."
One adviser nodded.
"Is Rangga still our primary target, Mr. President?"
President Ethan shook his head.
"Rangga remains a priority... but he isn't on the naturalization list."
He pointed at the four names displayed once again.
"These four can be recruited right now... and they already have experience on Level Three islands."
President Ethan looked around the room.
"Prepare the best offers you can. I don't care how much it costs. If they're willing to join us... the resources we can obtain will increase significantly."
All the staff nodded in unison.
"Yes, Mr. President."
Across the world, other nations also began preparing their own offers.
For many governments, the sixteen names displayed in the sky were no longer simply a list of Pioneers.
They were strategic assets now being fought over by nations around the world.
Meanwhile, on the way to his destination, Rangga's ship continued cutting calmly through the sea.
The morning wind blew fairly strongly.
Suddenly, the World Administrator's voice once again filled the sky.
Rangga stopped moving his hands on the ship's wheel and looked upward.
The list of Pioneers eligible for naturalization appeared before him.
His eyes quickly scanned the list.
It didn't take long before he found the four names from Garuda.
Broto.
Juna.
Darius.
Anton.
Rangga stared at them for a few seconds.
"...Oh."
That was his only reaction.
He had already expected this ever since Broto announced his intention to leave Garuda several days earlier.
Without saying anything else, Rangga returned his hands to the wheel and continued sailing.
On the other side, Mayor Deri, who was also sailing toward Batu Island, saw the same list.
His eyes lingered on the four names for quite some time.
Especially Broto.
Mayor Deri slowly exhaled but he said nothing. He simply continued steering his ship toward his destination.
The decision was no longer in his hands.
Meanwhile, across the various islands belonging to the Pioneers whose names appeared on the list, message panels continued popping up.
New message.
New message.
New message.
Not just one, but dozens of messages arrived almost simultaneously.
Various countries began sending their offers. Some promised full support. Others offered benefits for their families back on Earth. Some even promised priority assistance and special cooperation.
Several Pioneers couldn't help but grin.
"Damn... There are so many... I just realized I'm actually this important."
They began opening the incoming messages one by one and comparing the offers from each country.
For the first time since arriving in the Pioneer world, they truly felt needed.
On a small island, Broto stood casually in front of his wooden house.
Message panels continued appearing before him, and he opened them one by one without rushing.
The corners of his lips slowly curled upward.
"Hah... There are quite a lot."
He casually read through the offers from various countries.
Some offered protection. Others promised to secure the well-being of his family back on Earth. Some even immediately offered long-term cooperation.
Broto chuckled softly.
"I told you... It's not about the country... It's about your own worth."
He closed one message and opened another and his smile grew wider.
"All this time... they thought Rangga was the only one who mattered."
"But..."
He folded his arms.
"I'm wanted by plenty of countries too."
His gaze turned toward the open sea.
"This time... I'm going to a country that actually appreciates me."
With a satisfied expression, Broto continued opening the growing list of offers.
For the first time since entering the Pioneer world, he felt like he was the one holding all the cards.
And deep down, he was convinced that this time, he was the one who had won.