"Understood," Eden replied, his voice calm and composed.
He removed the phone from his ear and closed his eyes, embracing the soothing silence that surrounded him.
As the call came to an end, his phone erupted into a cacophony of noises. Hastily, he flipped it over and rose from his seat.
A somber figure, who had been closely observing Eden, cautiously inquired, "Boss, we keep receiving calls from other arms dealers. What should we do about it…?"
"Ignore them," Eden's sharp voice reverberated through the dimly lit room. "They aren't calling to discuss our future plans. Instead, they're seeking justification for their betrayal by claiming they were treated fairly."
While Eden slowly stood up and retrieved his coat from the wall, he declared, "Compile a comprehensive list of all the callers and meticulously document each interaction."
"A list, you say?" the figure questioned.
"Yes," confirmed Eden.
Leaving the room, Eden's face was bathed in a faint illumination, revealing piercing eyes, a cold expression, a strong jawline, and broad shoulders.
His appearance and demeanor suited that of a gang leader.
A faint smile played on Eden's lips as he pressed against the pulsating vein on his forehead.
"Isn't it fitting that I should reciprocate later? Traitors deserve to be treated as they deserve," he murmured.
Understanding the weight of his words, the gang member's expression brightened, despite the underlying chill.
Eden's composed demeanor in this precarious situation, both internally and externally, reassured the lower-ranking members.
Eden was no inexperienced or inept boss.
Lost in thought, he wandered down the desolate hallway.
‘How did it come to this?'
Just a month ago, he had been expanding his influence in the arms business across 40s districts, simultaneously establishing new trade networks to ensure a steady supply.
Now, he had lost a significant number of trusted allies, and the gang's financial resources were rapidly dwindling.
The chance to rectify his mistakes had slipped away too quickly, and betrayal from those aligned with the organization had followed suit.
The catalyst for all of this was likely the news of Beck Clinton's demise, a development that others in the circle had undoubtedly noticed as well.
If it had only entailed severing trade routes with retired military personnel, the situation would have been more manageable.
However, with the passing of the key individual in charge of the new trading partner, both networks collapsed simultaneously.
It was a fatal blow—one fraught with danger.
‘It took so long to build up… but it crumbles in an instant.'
Since leaving the Tower, he had invested considerable time in finding ways to achieve his goals.
He had barely started to establish himself and consolidate his power when everything teetered on the edge of oblivion overnight.
He felt himself standing precariously on the precipice, unable to reverse the course of events.
Nevertheless, he had to salvage whatever remnants he could grasp.
Beck's demise, as a close associate and partner, further fueled Eden's determination.
After a brief moment of hesitation, he pressed the button on the phone.
Dialing the number he had been unable to reach since their last conversation, the other party answered after just two rings, as if anticipating his call.
With a voice trembling ever so slightly, Eden uttered, "Juice Master, I wish to strike a deal with Pandemonium."
⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩
The battleground was consumed by a fierce and intense clash, triggered by the sudden intrusion of a formidable adversary.
However, against all odds, the team managed to execute the operation with precision, keeping the collateral damage to a minimum.
Lennok emerged as the hero of the hour, engaging in a solitary and brutal combat with Beck, ultimately ending his life.
Nevertheless, it was when the team operated in synergy that the true extent of wizard Van's capabilities shone through, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.
Consequently, the reaction that ensued was one of heightened intensity and tumultuous emotions.
Beck Clinton, a notorious gangster whose name was known even to Jenny due to his long-standing presence in the field. Though his glory days had waned, he had once been the trailblazer who held dominion over the 48th district.
Despite rumors that Beck had reinvented himself with a new gang known as Cigar Bang, casting aside his former notoriety, it was not so easily forgotten. How could the fame of someone like him simply vanish into thin air?
The news of such an experienced fighter meeting his demise at the hands of just five freelancers proved highly provocative.
Conversations regarding the incident flourished among the patrons frequenting Jenny's bar.
"Do they have a death wish, going up against Cigar Bang? They've lost their minds…"
"It's more than just a skirmish. I heard they utterly obliterated them."
"Cigar Bang was infamous for using the Panama Railway Station as their hideout, and now the station has mysteriously disappeared. That speaks volumes."
"Isn't this getting dangerously out of hand?"
Observing the customers engrossed in their discussions, their voices unfiltered and unrestrained, Jenny couldn't help but let out a discreet sigh.
Clashes between power organizations in the underworld were not uncommon.
Random shootouts and piles of bodies found in the depths of sewers were part of the grim reality, but as long as a certain level of lawlessness prevailed, interference from outsiders was rare.
Strictly speaking, the assault on the Cigar Bang gang should have been regarded as just another incident.
However, the ceaseless buzz of gossip and rumors stemmed from the anxiety surrounding the disruption of Cigar Bang's weapon supply operations, a domain they had come to dominate.
If a problem arose in the current market where military equipment and firearms were readily available at low prices, freelancers within the underworld would once again find themselves scouring the alleyways in search of reliable arms dealers.
Needless to say, the ensuing power vacuum would attract a multitude of opportunistic contenders, vying to seize control.
"The head of Cigar Bang must be tearing his hair out. Any hiccup in a business of that scale would result in colossal losses."
"Essentially, their power was built upon that foundation. It's as simple as that."
"I've heard rumors that the gang's leader is an extraordinary wizard. Perhaps this is an opportunity to confirm those rumors?"
"I'm kind of looking forward to that too. I've heard a lot about how he's using some sort of magic system that even Platon and Scavenger can't move against. And there were rumors that he has a huge backing…"
"Make sure the bar doesn't get damaged."
At the familiar voice that resonated beside her, Jenny swiftly turned her head.
Lennok had somehow made his way into the bar, attentively listening while gazing in the same direction as her.
His face remained impassive, yet Jenny detected a faint trace of concern beneath his words, prompting her to offer a lighthearted chuckle.
"Do you think this is the first or second time something like this has happened here? Take care of yourself. No one is foolish enough to challenge a broker over something so trivial."
Confronting him like this, it becomes apparent that he is unfamiliar with the ways of this city.
Although he may appear apathetic and unaffected by external stimuli, Jenny couldn't help but suspect that this wizard possesses a compassion that runs deeper than she initially believed.
When he deems it necessary, he can exhibit ruthless coldness and cruelty, but when faced with an elderly man like Jordan, he becomes visibly awkward, clearly unsure how to handle the situation.
And Jenny didn't view these traits as inherently negative.
"I received a message from Dyke. They say if Van wants, they will come and escort him personally. What are your thoughts?"
Since their previous two assignments together, Lennok's position has undergone a drastic change.
While it won't become public knowledge that he single-handedly eliminated Beck Clinton, rumors of his encounters with the gang and his survival are bound to spread rapidly.
As if to confirm this fact, some of the patrons at the bar, who had merely observed Lennok until now, were engaged in hushed whispers among themselves.
Gaining a reputation in this world doesn't always bode well.
As more people become aware of him, the number of individuals who harbor animosity towards him will inevitably rise.
Jealousy, hatred, envy, and resentment naturally follow the flow of money.
He has only just taken the first step on the staircase to glory.
He had no intentions of settling for mediocrity.
Perhaps Jenny also sensed something through his stoic demeanor.
A genuine smile graced her face as she continued speaking, making no effort to conceal it.
"Rumor has it that the Dyke board was pleasantly surprised by the success of this operation. They thought the project, which had been creaking all along, suddenly got back on track, which is surprising."
"……"
"If we arrange a meeting now, they'll treat you with great respect."
"Alright. Inform them that I'll meet tomorrow."
"Sounds perfect. Since Panua seems to have something to share, listen to her and then let it go. She won't be a long-term partner, after all."
Even without saying a word, Jenny seemed to have gleaned something while witnessing the entire sequence of events unfold.
Considering her relatively minor role in this collaboration with Dyke, Lennok couldn't help but acknowledge her keen insight.
Once again, Lennok nodded, appreciating her prowess as a skilled broker.
"Ah, and I successfully tracked the cell phone address of Beck Clinton you requested."
Lennok possessed the key he had taken from Beck's lifeless body, and he had handed Beck's cell phone to Jenny as a precaution. It seems there was a payoff.
"What did you find?"
"All the data was corrupted, so I couldn't retrieve any meaningful messages, but the call records remained on the base station, allowing me to identify recent contacts. Brace yourself for a surprise."
Jenny lowered her voice quickly and whispered.
"It appears he had been in contact with the liaison from Pandemonium."
"……"
"It could be an attempt by the gang to establish a connection with Pandemonium. You'll need to exercise wise judgment."
"Understood."
This unexpected information grants them a valuable advantage, knowing this fact beforehand.
"Then I'll come back tomorrow."
"Right. Take good care of yourself, okay?"
Lennok paused for a moment.
Jenny spoke softly, her eyes following his retreating figure.
"The most crucial thing in this world isn't money, is it?"
"Exactly."
"I trust you'll excel. I shouldn't have engaged in this pointless conversation."
As always, she concludes the discussion neatly.
However, as Lennok exits the bar, a bitter smile lingers on his lips, unbeknownst even to himself.
‘Did I reveal too much…?'
Naturally, the injuries from the fight with Beck Clinton still ache throughout his body.
When he returned after completing his task, he was in such a condition that blood continuously flowed into the toilet for three days.
Fortunately, the Ring of Fire and Ice he received from Panua managed to stabilize his body to some extent in the absence of shields. Otherwise, he would have struggled just to walk.
Sensing the presence of those tailing him from behind, Lennok descends the stairs, exhaling a long breath.
"Phew…?"
The sensation of the cigarette's filter tickling the corners of his mouth is all too familiar by now.
However, as Lennok gazes down at his cigarette, a faint hesitation washes over him.
‘Is Cash Burn's effects fading away bit by bit…?'
It has been several months since he started purchasing these cigarettes from the orchard.
Considering that he puts one in his mouth and inhales smoke every other day, it's not surprising that his tolerance is beginning to develop.
The diminishing impact of the drug, which was previously inconspicuous, is now approaching a level where he can truly feel it.
‘Just like the sleeping pills… I might have to visit the orchard again soon.'
Even if he endures the insomnia and lack of sleep, acquiring the necessary drugs for his work is not a matter of choice for Lennok.
They are consumables that allow his already worn-out body to function like that of an ordinary person, even if only for a brief moment.
If a problem arises in this aspect, it will immediately impede his combat capabilities.
Clearly, it's a problem Lennok cannot afford to face at the moment.
A short night passes.
⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩
As promised, Dyke sends a top-class sedan to Jenny's bar to pick up Lennok.
Lennok chuckles at the sight of Panua sitting inside the sleek, white car.
Opening the back door of the vehicle, Lennok asks, "Aren't you even considering hiding anymore?"
"It's too late to remain silent. Rumors regarding our involvement are already circulating in this circle," adds Panua, considering how deeply they have immersed themselves in various ventures.
"You've truly put in great effort this time."
"…"
"With the success of the operation and dealing with Beck Clinton, there's quite a buzz among the higher-ups. We not only managed to sever the gang's funding, but we also completely dismantled their connections with the military. They must believe that the plan's success is within reach."
Panua's tone carries a hint of excitement.
And rightfully so.
Considering the operation she devised, the best-case scenario would have been to disrupt the gang's dealings with the military.
She could never have anticipated that Lennok would go beyond that, eliminating everyone on the spot, including Beck Clinton.
The fact that the executive responsible for the gang's arms trade is now deceased holds significant meaning for them.
It implies that the gang's leader must step forward to handle this situation.
If they can cleanly remove the head here, Dyke can effectively sever the remaining limbs and take their place.
Listening to her account, Lennok responds, "I'm not really in the mood for mere conversation."
"…I've spoken too much. I should have demonstrated that we keep our promises first."
Panua retrieves a case made of blue crystal from the storage space beneath her seat.
(TO BE CONTINUED)
