After Beating the Game, I Became the Villain BOSS

Chapter 471: Chapter 314: Kindred Spirits (Part 2)

"The technical blockade of the Inner City against the Borderlands has been going on for ages, and after the Ashen Gang rose to power, they colluded with black markets across the Borderlands to prevent any military equipment from being sold to Wolf Strike."

"Various factors have left our technological capabilities very backward. Scythe of Death has already employed a variety of advanced technological equipment, directly engaging in information warfare, while we are still using weapons from decades ago, completely powerless."

"So, I don’t want your people, I just want your technology."

Su Mo pondered and said, "Oh... you want to secretly procure a batch of advanced military equipment from the Edge to break Scythe of Death’s technological domination."

Fenrir: "That’s the idea."

Su Mo’s tone became relaxed: "That’s doable, as long as the trade channels are kept confidential and not discovered by outsiders. Also, if we’re going to do business together, those photos shouldn’t be leaked."

Fenrir: "If we decide to cooperate, of course, I won’t release them to set you up."

Su Mo clapped his hands: "Alright, although there was some awkwardness earlier, making money is nothing to be ashamed of. What do you want to buy? How much do you need? Is the money ready?"

The atmosphere suddenly became silent, and the three said nothing.

After a while, Hibell awkwardly touched his nose and suddenly said: "It’s like this... actually, we have no money."

Upon hearing Hibell say they had no money, Su Mo froze for a moment: "Where’s your money? Such a large group, you can’t be penniless."

Hibell sighed: "It’s not that we’ve lost too many brothers recently, the burial costs, and the compensation to their families have drained the funds in the account..."

Su Mo was somewhat helpless: "I see... then the trading method can be a bit primitive, bartering is fine too, do you have any valuable treasures to trade with me?"

Hibell touched the back of his head, dryly saying: "Treasures... not really."

Su Mo: "Then are you selling people? Planning to sell some promising experts to me?"

Hibell said irritably: "Boss, we’re a violent group, not human traffickers."

Su Mo felt puzzled: "Then you have no money, items, or people, what are you planning to use to buy my weapons and equipment?"

The atmosphere was again awkward here.

Hibell touched her nose, her eyes drifting, her voice seemed very frail: "Just... our idea is... can you... can you..."

She stammered for a long time, cautiously saying the latter part: "Can you let us freeload?"

Su Mo laughed, he really laughed.

He never expected, in this era where profit is paramount and everything comes with a price, to hear the phrase "freeload," and from the mouth of the Wolf Strike’s people no less.

Su Mo left without turning back: "Farewell, I’m going home to have a good sleep."

Now needing others, Hibell’s demeanor weakened, hurriedly blocked his way, stomped her feet in urgency: "Boss, don’t go, broaden your horizon! Broaden it!"

Su Mo laughed, not in the mood: "Tell me, how to broaden it? If you just want a discount, then we can talk. But directly telling me to freeload..."

"Sis, I’ve worked hard to save up some fortune, you give me nothing, and want me to provide free assistance, isn’t that unreasonable?"

Hibell wanted to say something, but Fenrir signaled her to stop, then walked up himself: "Director Su, since the conversation has reached this point, there’s nothing left to hide."

"We’re indeed caught in a vicious cycle right now—without purchasing new armaments, we cannot breakthrough Scythe of Death’s blockade. But if we cannot first breakthrough Scythe of Death’s blockade, there’s no money to buy armaments."

"To break this vicious cycle, the only way is for a force to provide us with technical support first, and that too for free."

Su Mo said rather helplessly: "And then you found me, this big fool?"

Fenrir looked into Su Mo’s eyes, deeply said: "From our perspective, refusing any interest entanglement with Crow Nest or Ashen Gang makes you the most suitable candidate."

"We truly can’t offer you anything right now, but I can assure you, if Wolf Strike defeats Crow Nest and Ashen Gang in the future, reaching the pinnacle of the Borderlands... one day when you need help, we will become the most reliable ally at the Edge."

This statement made Su Mo’s gaze deepen, with a subtle hint of amusement appearing in his eyes.

He calmly asked: "Do you really want to become the King of the Borderlands? But frankly, what happens after you become one?"

"The so-called King of the Borderlands is merely bait fabricated by the three giant enterprises; those who rise are never the strongest, but the most obedient to their commands."

Fenrir’s dark purple eyes slightly narrowed, his lips curled into a dangerous arc: "So, what we want to become is not the King of the Borderlands as everyone says, but rather a true king not yielding to the three giant enterprises."

Su Mo said meaningfully: "Such words, enough to be labeled suicidal now, you actually dared to say directly to me. Have you considered me one of your own without even reaching a deal?"

Fenrir shrugged: "Let’s just consider it Wolf Strike’s show of sincerity."

Su Mo: "But you should also know, I’ve already lined up with Zhao Yiming, pretty much half a Hegemony Company man."

Fenrir: "Yes, from the outside perspective, after the Fools’ Association incident, you’ve been reborn, ready to soar. But I don’t see it that way."

"The outside world only sees how much you’ve gained from Zhao Yiming, but no one discerns the price you’ve paid for it."

This statement touched Su Mo, and his gaze towards Fenrir also became complex. freёwebnovel.com

It’s true, that’s the reality.

In this world, the three giant enterprises sit high at the apex, countless strugglers wrestle amidst the sea of humanity, spending their lives hoping to be favored by those elite humans, even if only with a casual glance.

Anyone who establishes connections with the three giant enterprises is perceived as a lucky one, envied by many, thinking they’re about to reach the peak of their lives.

But most are unaware, this comes with a price.

Those favored by the high ranks, apart from receiving unimaginable treatment, will also be shackled with unbreakable bonds.

These "lucky ones" can only serve the giants as dogs all their lives, until the day they lose their worth.

To defy, is to vanish into dust instantly.

This time, the Edge has caught the favor of a heavyweight from Hegemony Company, Zhao Yiming, the momentum of development is indeed unstoppable.

But the majority, even many core members within the Edge, only see the dazzling benefits Su Mo received, oblivious to how much pressure he bears behind it.

Fenrir, an outsider previously only met in passing, with no friendship nor heart-to-heart talks, yet could touch the deepest core with one word, made Su Mo feel an unexpected sense of kinship.

Su Mo remained silent for a long time, then said quietly: "Should I understand it as you want me to betray Zhao Yiming?"

Fenrir said lightly: "It’s not about what I want or don’t want, but what you want. At least in my view, deep down in your heart, you must want it."

"Perhaps you could tell me, in what aspect does Zhao Yiming have a hold on you? Wolf Strike might not be able to help much now, but at least it could allow us to understand each other."

For this, Su Mo didn’t hide: "One of my companions, her life is held by him, fell victim to a poison needing regular alleviation. If I don’t comply with Zhao Yiming, she’ll die."

Hibell couldn’t help cursing: "These beasts in suits, only resort to such despicable means."

Fenrir: "What sort of companion, known long?"

Su Mo: "Not really, only known for a few months."

Fenrir: "But she’s important to you, isn’t she?"

Su Mo stood there, his mind conjuring up Qi Ling’s smiling face.

After a while, he gently mumbled a response.

Seeing the somber atmosphere, Fenrir shifted his tone: "At least as it stands now, you and I share common enemies, our future directions are also aligned."

Su Mo: "I want to break free from Zhao Yiming’s control, solving it for my companion and myself. And you? What do you want?"

Fenrir looked out the window, gazing afar into the night.

The terrain here was high, high enough to see the rusty walls on the horizon’s end, with warning lights sparkling year-round, forming a continuous red fortress.

And beyond that insurmountable forbidden zone, at the city line’s brilliant end, one could even glimpse the apex of New Moon City’s tallest building.

Fenrir’s dark purple eyes reflected the sprawling lights under the vast night, directly watching that tower feared by the world, as if endless flames raged in his eyes.

"I want to turn the Heaven-Reaching Tower to ashes!"