"We have received the latest intelligence, and the source is the Masked Fools. In other words, this could very well be a deception, but it could also be the genuine truth. However, even within that truth, there is undoubtedly a certain malicious intent and a spectacle they wish to see."
Within a highly secretive eting room, a group of corporate executives were gathered around a table. So were present in person, while others were rely virtual projections.
"Whether it's a deception or the truth, we must investigate. The ability to cure the Mara-Struck—if we can get our hands on it, we will be able to gain significant leverage with both the Xianzhou Alliance and the Abundance Denizens."
"Furthermore, this individual has a connection to that newly ascended Aeon and that new faction known as the Candle Bearers. According to our investigation, the first 24 people to appear were all from the Xianzhou Alliance, originally afflicted with the Mara-Struck, but they were all cured by that naless guest."
"The value of that naless guest has reached a level we must take seriously. Therefore, I believe that even if this is fake, we must treat it with the utmost seriousness," a projected executive stated in a calm tone.
"I concur. As for the spectacle the Masked Fools wish to see, I suspect they intend to leak this information completely, letting all the factions in the galaxy scramble for it. Then, they will sit back and watch from the sidelines as we fight to the death over this naless guest. That is what they want to see."
"If that's the case, perhaps we can first communicate with the other factions and see if we should try to eliminate the Masked Fools first. Otherwise, they might muddy the waters and snatch our prize away in the end."
"I concur. We cannot use rational thinking to fathom their actions. These people, who act entirely on their own sensibilities with chaotic and unknown logic, will do things we cannot predict. This will have a massive impact on any plans we devise."
"Aventurine of the Strategic Investnt Departnt has already arrived at Penacony. Topaz and Jade will arrive later to complete and assist Aventurine with the plan to reclaim Penacony."
"We can have the three of them investigate the authenticity of this intelligence first."
"Ti waits for no one. If, during this period, the Xianzhou Alliance receives the sa intelligence, or if another faction decides to go all-in, we will suffer an unimaginable loss."
"So, is there anyone present who is free to personally make a trip to Penacony?"
At these words, everyone at the conference table fell silent. Although they had all spoken with such conviction monts before, no one was truly willing to waste their own ti on a trip to Penacony just because of a piece of news from the galaxy-renowned tricksters, the Masked Fools.
The business there had already been assigned. Interfering would not be seen as helping, but as a blatant attempt to snatch soone else's project. Causing a feud with Diamond over this matter would be rather unwise.
Besides that, there wouldn't be much benefit for anyone else to gain.
This was a gamble. A correct bet ant bringing the naless guest, who represented imnse benefits, back to the Corporation, thus securing the largest slice of the pie. But if the bet was wrong, it wasn't just about the wasted ti and effort; it would also involve dealing with the sches of agents sent by other factions. If, in the end, nothing was gained, it would just be a case of making a fool of oneself for others to laugh at.
"In that case, let's leave it to Diamond's subordinates to check on the situation first."
"The Xianzhou Alliance, even if they receive the news from the Masked Fools, will likely react as we have. They won't go all-in on their bets at once, especially since their manpower is also very tight."
"After all that commotion on the Xianzhou Luofu recently, it's likely that the Luofu's general will be subject to an internal review soon. And the ones capable of reviewing a general are, of course, other generals. Their manpower won't be abundant."
"Alright, in that case, this matter will be handed over to Diamond's side."
"Agreed."
"We have no objections."
"Understood."
"Very well."
The eting, which began swiftly, ended just as quickly. There were no lengthy debates, no sharp confrontations. Everyone's ti was precious; there was no need to waste it on such matters.
anwhile, far away in Penacony, Aventurine received a new mission from his superior, Diamond. He decisively canceled the rest of his planned activities.
Afterward, using the most straightforward and unadorned thod—that is, by throwing money around—Aventurine easily found the little raccoon who was running all over the map.
"Hello, my friend. What a coincidence, we et again."
Stelle watched as this man, whose smile seed to harbor ill intentions, appeared before her once more. Her expression beca wary as she said, "What do you want now?"
"Nothing, I'm just a little surprised. I can't believe I'd run into you just by strolling around randomly. By the way, this is a greeting gift."
Seeing the ten thousand credits that the other party had so unpretentiously sent over, Stelle's guarded expression relaxed. She accepted the money without the slightest bit of courtesy and coughed lightly.
"Ahem! Isn't this my newly made friend? What can I do for you?"
"I heard that back on the Xianzhou, you and the Candle Bearers once fought a Lord Ravager of Destruction together. Perhaps you might know that not long ago, I also saw a Candle Bearer here in Penacony. It's a pity he seed to dislike quite a bit. He left before I even had a chance to strike up a conversation."
"A Candle Bearer..."
Stelle raised an eyebrow. If that was the case, was sothing big really about to happen in Penacony? Even the Candle Bearers were here. Then again, maybe not. The Candle Bearers are people, too. It's possible they're just here as tourists, maybe to listen to the famous singer Robin, or to participate in the Charmony Festival.
"...I understand. If you want to befriend a Candle Bearer, at the very least, don't lie in front of them. Because the lies you tell will, sooner or later, be proven false on the scales of ti."
Stelle offered a piece of advice before turning to leave. For ten thousand credits, giving him these few sentences was already being generous.
Xin Yu narrowed his eyes, staring at a man in a tuxedo and a red mask sitting on a park bench not far away.
"Xin Yu? What is it?"
Raiden i frowned. From the mont they arrived, Xin Yu had been staring at the bench ahead. The problem was, from her perspective, there was nothing on that bench.
"Hi! Long ti no see, my dear friend. It has been a very, very long ti since we last parted so hastily! We've been apart for a whole 55 chapters!" the man in the red mask said with a laugh.
"Long ti no see, Aha," Xin Yu replied.
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