“Their motive is clear in sending Felix. He holds the overall command of the mercenary group’s operations and is adept at preserving our relationship while ensuring a straightforward transaction.”
“……Well, that’s the gist of it.”
“Indeed, that summarizes the situation,” Lennok nodded in agreement at Felix’s explanation, accompanied by a cough.
In other words, the discussion with Dyke has already concluded, and now, with Antares, they need a more specific alignment of perspectives.
It’s surprising that Jenny has managed to recruit such cooperative partners in such a short time, and it’s equally unexpected that the progress of their work has been this substantial already.
Lennok can make an educated guess as to why Dyke decided to become involved in this. Given the skills Lennok showcased in dealing with the Cigar Bang Gang and the profits reaped from monopolizing the arms business, it’s a calculated move to align with Lennok’s side.
Even if this action strains relations with the cartel, it won’t pose a threat to the arms business. If executed skillfully, it might even allow them to grab a share of the competitor’s market.
Considering the strategic mindset of Dyke’s planning manager, Panua, who is known to Lennok, it appears to be a decision that might appear devious at first glance but is primarily rational.
The fact that they only sent Killian seems to be a ploy orchestrated by Killian himself to create a diversion.
It’s a tactic that’s evident but not without its merits.
Killian’s skills are not to be underestimated, and he could be invaluable in situations requiring hands-on work.
The real issue lies with Antares.
It’s surprising that a mercenary group consisting of top-tier professionals in the industry didn’t outright reject their proposal. Even more astonishing is that a mercenary like Felix expressed a personal interest in making a deal.
Perhaps they see potential for success in Lennok and Jenny.
“You’d like to hear the details. That’s why you came, right?”
“Before that, it seems someone needs to leave the room.”
Felix stated this, casting a sharp look at Killian.
Even though it’s Killian, there’s no room for delay in this matter. He promptly stood up from his seat, clicking his tongue.
“Well, if you’re busy, there’s nothing I can do. I’ll go downstairs. I can join the mercenaries who are running around busy outside, right?”
Killian, quick to grasp the situation, exited the office, leaving just the three of them.
Only then did Felix commence his explanation.
“Firstly, let me state my position. I think the business you’ve started has a lot of potential.”
“……”
In response, Lennok turned his gaze toward Jenny.
Most of the developments in the business occurred while Lennok was in the autonomous region. He hadn’t heard much apart from the fact that she had started overseeing logistics and distribution.
“The idea of taking over the shadow logistics business by bringing in traders involved in inter-city commerce as investors is quite innovative. Especially if Jenny, who was a member of the Kaiser family, is leading it. Scavengers are currently handling it, but that’s just the crumbs they got for being loyal dogs of ‘Three Heads’… If you properly set your business, taking a slice will be quick.”
Felix spoke, his muscular arms crossed.
“The problem is that many people, including the cartel, are thinking the same way. That’s why they started interfering as soon as you began your business.”
“So, they’re actively obstructing because they’re confident in the success of the logistics business?”
“Exactly. That’s why Jenny’s proposal is causing me a lot of thought. If I take a side here, I have to stick with it until the situation settles. I didn’t want to get involved if possible…”
Felix remarked before finishing his coffee with a single gulp, seemingly unaffected by the caffeine given his substantial stature.
“Our boss seems to have different thoughts.”
“……”
No need to inquire about the identity of the boss Felix is referring to here.
The leader of the Antares office, a figure who stands at the pinnacle of the expansive mercenary industry in this vast city.
A person whose face is universally recognized, despite not involving himself in external activities, and whose skills are unquestioned.
The Commander of Antares Mercenaries, Antares.
Dylan, along with remarkable mercenaries like Felix, has now turned his attention towards Lennok.
“Felix. Let’s get straight to the point,” Jenny began.
“Thank you for the highly positive assessment of our business, but we won’t be able to negotiate unless you tell us what you want. Do you want equity transfer when our business officially goes public?”
“…”
“From the moment you came to our office, it seems you’ve already made up your mind. So, cut to the chase.”
Her eyes gleamed with sharpness.
“Is Antares making things complicated because it has specific demands?”
“Hmm.”
Silently, Felix stroked his chin.
“Your intuition is as good as ever, Miss. You’re right.”
‘miss…’
Jenny, who has extensive connections in various fields, rarely had people who called her using honorifics.
Given her character, Felix might be…
As Lennok pondered, the conversation continued.
“Two main conditions. First, as Miss Jenny mentioned, we would like to see if you are willing to make some concessions in business interests. The details will be adjusted after we fend off Cartel.”
It seems Antares doesn’t expect Jenny and the Cartel to engage in an all-out conflict.
Jenny’s expression remained unchanged, as if she had an inkling.
“Second, our leader wants to meet Van separately. We’d appreciate your time.”
Was Felix prolonging the discussion solely for these conditions?
With a slightly perplexed expression, Lennok turned his head, and Felix added,
“We want a serious duel, assuming mutual injuries.”
“…”
“Felix, are you crazy?” Jenny retorted sharply.
At this point, Lennok thought it might be unreasonable to accept such a demand. Sustaining injuries in a duel could be a significant setback, especially considering the escalating conflict with the Cartel.
Lennok, not particularly skilled in combat, nodded nonetheless.
“Fine.”
“Van?”
“If dueling their leader allows us to use the name of Antares, it’s a good deal. I accept the second condition. For the first, as long as Jenny agrees within reasonable terms, I’m fine.”
The situation had undergone a significant transformation with the inclusion of mercenaries from Krimgal and Dyke Corporation on their side. This alliance not only gave them the power to unilaterally harm the Cartel but also allowed them to build their own forces and engage in power struggles.
This meant that both Lennok and Jenny could keep the Cartel on their toes without too much difficulty.
‘I’ve come to a point where I can’t back down. Given these conditions, they must have something they want to say to me.’
While he hadn’t yet attained the conditions to reach level 7, Lennok had made substantial gains in his autonomous region. He had acquired various herbal medicines, a wide range of goods, personal magical accomplishments, and artifacts obtained through Akasha and Byzen.
Most importantly, the beads from Lapis and the presence of the “Charm of Earth’s Embrace” had made Lennok more cautious. The top-grade magical orb once used by The Great Seer Madria Falcia, just before ascending, had the ability to restrain an opponent by suppressing and sealing a specific space. With this artifact, Lennok had more than enough capability to extricate himself from any situation safely.
If he could gather information about Antares and base their skirmishes on that, Lennok was unlikely to suffer significant losses in this endeavor.
Jenny cast a glance at Lennok’s face, wet her lips, and eventually sighed, nodding her head. She knew that Lennok wouldn’t make such a judgment without a solid foundation.
“Sigh… Alright. Then please send Dylan O’Casey over to our side immediately. If he’s still frequenting our bar, the cartel will likely catch on to what this means.”
“Dylan is currently away on other business… but there are plenty of members on our end who would like to participate in this matter. We won’t be short on manpower.”
“…Alright. Let’s negotiate the terms, including that aspect.”
Afterward, Lennok left Felix and Jenny, who were in the midst of negotiations, and exited the bar.
Felix’s positive view of their business wasn’t just empty talk; he had made quite specific demands for a share of the business. Consequently, the negotiations had reached a standstill, especially with Jenny proposing that the Antares Mercenaries should join their company en masse.
Furthermore, as Lennok had suspected, Felix had once been an underling of Kaiser, and when he began bringing up old stories, it was best to leave the place.
As he descended to the lower level of the bar, the stationed mercenaries greeted him. He acknowledged their nods and noticed some individuals discreetly surveilling the area as he stepped outside.
In the meantime, Dray had already organized what the mercenaries needed to do and was engrossed in his work.
The specifics of the patrol system could be discussed later. Lennok simply had that in mind as he moved on.
Before diving into this work, he had some personal matters to attend to.
***
Lennok departed from District 49 and made his way toward the botanical garden in District 31. As dusk settled, he strolled through the sparsely populated botanical garden, heading for the orchard within.
As always, an old man smoking a pipe greeted Lennok amidst the dark blue mist.
“What brings you here this time?” the old man asked, his smile tinged with skepticism. Despite appearing to pass his time idly, the old man had ears all over the district. Thanks to this network, he remembered Lennok’s face and name quite clearly—a strangely memorable individual.
At first glance, Lennok might have seemed like just another freelancer, but now there was hardly anyone in the 40s Districts who didn’t know his name. His feats, such as dismantling the Cigar Bang gang that ruled District 48 or exterminating the dark wizards conspiring in undeveloped areas, were widely known.
Not only is he a master of manipulating various forms of magic from an unknown source, but he also possesses formidable combat skills, rarely falling short against even the most formidable warriors. His prowess in combat is rapidly gaining as much renown as his name—Van.
Occasionally, if you delve into the depths of the Deep Web, you’ll come across numerous anonymous clients wondering why Van hasn’t taken on any bounty assignments lately.
This enigmatic man, who expertly conceals his residence, real name, affiliations, and all personal details, has only one officially documented activity besides his assignments: frequenting the orchard. This fact carries a deeper significance.
Is his peculiar preference for cigarettes a mere personal quirk, or does it hold a more profound meaning?
The old man is also well aware of the rumors that circulate about Van; every time Van visits the orchard, the old man discreetly observes what he purchases.
Perhaps the secret to his extraordinary strength and rapid growth lies in the cigarettes he indulges in.
With emotionless eyes, Lennok gazed down at the old man and spoke slowly.
“I’d like to purchase some cigarettes.”
“We’ve got plenty in stock. As long as you have the money, you can take anything you want.”
The old man chuckled and rubbed his hands together like a crafty merchant.
It’s remarkable that even in such base transactions, he doesn’t appear the least bit demeaning.
“So, what’ll it be? It’s about time for the effects of the Double Scarlet and Feather Fall you bought recently to wear off. But that’s just the nature of these things. When you look for something without side effects, you end up sacrificing some efficacy.”
“……”
“I know all too well. The feelings of people who smoke these drugs are all the same, aren’t they? You think you can control yourself and try to draw a line, but once you step into this world of drugs, it’s like a swamp you can’t escape.”
The glint of drug-induced enthusiasm in the old man’s eyes as he spoke only reinforced his words.
Nevertheless, Lennok’s expression remained unmoved even after hearing all of this.
Disheartened by the indifferent response, the old man tilted his head back and let out a sigh.
“So, what will you have this time? I’m starting to get curious about what kind of drug suits the taste of Van from District 49. Once I have enough samples, it won’t be hard to customize something to your taste. It’s a service for regulars, but I don’t see why I can’t offer it to you.”
The old man made this offer and awaited Lennok’s response.
Lennok cast a glance at the extensive shelf behind the old man and said,
“Give me everything.”
“…What?”
“Every type of drug here, one sample of each.”
