Blackstone Code-Chapter 380: Signaling, Testing

“Make yourself comfortable.”

As soon as Lynch entered Mr. Wadrick’s study, the charismatic gentleman greeted him warmly.

Wadrick walked over to the bar, took out a bottle of well-aged liquor, and asked, “Would you like some? Or juice, maybe coffee?”

“Sure,” Lynch replied casually, sinking comfortably into the sofa. He could clearly feel that he had gained some standing in Wadrick’s eyes—though still not a great deal.

In the past, Wadrick might not have even asked about a drink and would have jumped straight into business, dismissing Lynch once done. Now, he not only asked but poured the drink himself and handed it over—an unmistakable sign of changed status, the kind everyone strives for.

Wadrick took two glasses and sat down to Lynch’s right, handing him one. “The newspapers have been buzzing nonstop about you and what’s been said lately.”

The Baylor Federation was essentially a massive arena for political and capitalist battles. Behind every puzzling event were forces of politics and capital at work.

Normally, during this so-called honeymoon period between the Federation and Gephra, headlines like Gephra’s Certain Defeat wouldn’t flood the media, as that would damage diplomatic ties.

Oddly, the Federation’s news office hadn’t intervened or censored these reports. In fact, the frequent coverage gave off a strange, deliberate vibe—as if someone was pushing the narrative from behind the scenes.

Some sharp observers outside the inner circle had noticed this. Politicians and capitalists in the upper echelons likely understood why the media aggressively promoted Gephra’s defeat.

The looming possibility of naval warfare, and a Federation victory, would allow the Federation to expose Gephra’s weaknesses to the world—particularly the defeat of Gephra’s once-invincible royal navy. This would shake the global order, but in a positive way.

People inherently resist domination, so any shift in military power that benefits the Federation is welcome. Even better, it’s the neutral, non-aggressive Baylor Federation that’s poised to win.

Wadrick called Lynch here specifically to discuss these matters.

“Do you think we’ll win?” Wadrick clinked his glass lightly with Lynch’s and took a sip.

Lynch responded lightly, despite the weight of the topic, “Of course. We have no reason to lose.”

“But the Gephra Royal Navy hasn’t yet suffered a major defeat,” Wadrick said carefully. “They have the world’s strongest navy.”

Lynch shrugged indifferently, placing his glass on the coffee table. “Mr. Wadrick, maybe Gephra’s navy is indeed powerful, and perhaps we aren’t their match. But we still have no reason to lose.”

“I’m not saying this blindly; there’s a reason.”

Wadrick listened attentively, sitting up straighter, his expression serious.

“To Gephra, this is just a test of our naval strength, a lesson for the disobedient followers. They don’t want a full-scale war. It’s about showing force, marking their territory.” 𝖗ÄℕôBĘ𝒮

“Strategically, they’ve probably never prioritized this battle, though that doesn’t mean they don’t take it seriously.”

“But for us, this battle, which Gephra sees as a guaranteed win and of little importance, is our top priority.”

“Facing the world’s strongest navy will reveal our tactical and execution flaws, show if our ships have design issues, and give our soldiers a real taste of war.”

“And frankly, this minor battle for Gephra determines the Federation’s fate. We’ve made extensive preparations…” Lynch paused briefly.

He recalled chatting with Mr. Truman about the navy’s readiness, especially mentally.

Fighting the world’s best navy is as much a psychological battle as a physical one. Unlike moving a mountain, the opponent responds with equal force, bringing more experience and stronger mental resilience. Soldiers’ morale can sway the outcome—especially in naval combat.

On land, you can retreat, but on the vast ocean, there’s nowhere to run. A disadvantage means crushing pressure on the troops.

They might rally for a desperate fight or collapse emotionally, hiding in dark corners, clutching dog tags or holy books, praying to survive.

Truman assured Lynch the navy was preparing psychologically, with strict orders: if it comes to a collision, they must sink every Gephra ship at all costs. No retreat, only victory.

Those not mentally fit were reassigned to non-combat ships.

Therefore, the Federation will win this naval battle.

Lynch spoke with confidence, prompting Wadrick’s approving nods. By the end, Wadrick seemed confident as well.

“Speaking of which…” Wadrick chuckled. “Amellia’s chaos really came at the worst time.”

He glanced meaningfully at Lynch. “Gephra has invested heavily there. Now that region’s in turmoil, their focus on this naval battle will weaken.”

Lynch stayed calm. “You seem quite familiar with Amellia. I read about their brutal rule in the papers.”

Wadrick sighed deeply. “That’s the danger of monarchy—power above the people. A tyrant’s rule is a nightmare for ordinary citizens.”

Lynch studied Wadrick’s expression and asked, “Do you have business there?”

Wadrick shook his head. “Gephrans are xenophobic. Their military pride makes them see others, even Federals, as lower class.”

“Good business opportunities aren’t open to foreigners. What foreign merchants get are low-return or risky deals.”

Lynch nodded in agreement. “I thought you might have some ventures in Amellia, Mr. Wadrick.”

“No!” Mr. Wadrick answered decisively.

This was a small test between them. The chaos in Amellia happened at a critical moment—just as the naval battle was about to break out—suddenly drawing Gephra’s full attention away.

Wadrick instinctively believed the Federation had a hand in stirring this unrest, that the rebellion was supported by them.

In fact, Wadrick himself backed some resistance groups. He enjoyed watching others scramble, especially making the arrogant Gephrans suffer.

Though their probing yielded no clear conclusion, both had a relative understanding: “The other side definitely meddled in the Amellia unrest.”

Wadrick’s test seemed abrupt and somewhat unwise, but it was really a signal.

Lynch’s deep involvement in the upcoming events gave Wadrick the impression that Lynch was an important strategist.

Whether it was the massive development of Nagaryll or the potential interests in Amellia, these were enough to attract a heavyweight capitalist like Wadrick.

Developing a country promised huge returns but also enormous risks. Even Wadrick and his consortium couldn’t avoid danger. He had to unite others to share the risk and reduce his own exposure.

The Amellia situation required more than capital and semi-official influence—it needed official backing to protect any business ventures there.

Lynch’s deep involvement sent a signal and prepared the ground for future moves—he would be one of them, no longer needing to work to become one of them.