Chapter 437
Since the Duke Kester was not going to pursue the matter, he could no longer flatter and fawn over her.
"Yes, Your His Highness, please."
Vigna turned and entered the Temporary Camp, intending to discuss the matter with Doctor Zhongli.
Although they haven't known each other for long, she feels this man is very reliable. Perhaps he can offer some good advice for her consideration.
Inside the camp, Clovicia was still trying to persuade the Doctor to ally with the Self-Rescue Army to fight against the Sarkaz. Seeing the Crownslayer return, she asked him with concern:
"Your His Highness, how is the matter being handled?"
"Fine."
Vigna found Shi Lei and explained the situation outside:
"The Duke Kester doesn't believe I've lost the Breath of the Kings and insists I hand it over. If I refuse today, I'll definitely face all sorts of threats and coercion. This isn't good for the Glass Gang or Rhodes Island. I've already made two demands, but I really don't know what to make of a third, so I came to you for advice."
These Duke may not have any Morality standards, and they may resort to any means to achieve their goals.
"If you really don't know what you need, you can ask them for supplies. For example, unexpired food, clean water, and medicine for common illnesses. That way, whether you want to raise your own army or provide relief to the residents of Londinium later, it won't be a problem."
Vigna had never done such a transaction before and had no concept of quantities.
"Doctor Zhongli, how many supplies do you think I should ask for? What if I ask for too little, I'll be unhappy. What if I ask for too much, and they won't agree?"
Shi Lei grinned and offered her some advice:
"That's easy, I'll teach you a way. When you go out later, just tell him you need a high-speed warship."
Vigna shook her head, feeling that Doctor Zhongli was asking for an exorbitant price.
"They couldn't possibly provide that."
"Don't rush me, I haven't finished yet. If you ask for high-speed warships first, they definitely won't provide them. But if you lower your demands then and ask for supplies instead, they'll be more likely to compromise to avoid trouble."
Now that war has broken out, the supplies I just mentioned are all necessities. If you feel unsure about the quantity, you can pass the question back to them. Let them decide the quantity themselves, and then you can decide whether to hand over the Breath of the Kings based on their satisfaction."
After Shi Lei's analysis, Vigna suddenly understood. All her previous concerns were now easily resolved, and she happily gave a thumbs-up, praising him:
"Doctor Zhongli, you know so much!"
"Thank you for the compliment, but I'm not as amazing as you say. I just dedicate the time that others usually use for rest and play to my studies."
This statement, though seemingly modest, is actually the truth.
Since advancing to the Archon Realm two years ago, Shi Lei no longer needs to sleep. While others stay up late playing games or sleeping, he stays in his room quietly reading.
As knowledge accumulates over time, one can readily handle various types of questions.
"Doctor Zhongli, you've been a great help. I'll definitely share some of the supplies with you once we receive them."
The spacetime created by Shi Lei contained a large amount of food brought from Liyue City. It was originally intended for refugee relief and did not require repeated provision.
"No need, we don't lack supplies. You should give these things to those who need them more. If there are no other problems, please get out of here."
Vigna nodded and thanked him. She then left the scene and returned to the entrance of the Temporary Camp.
Seeing that he had left but had returned, the man in the Grey Hat called out:
"Your His Highness, what's your decision?"
"Hmm, I've thought it through. We're currently outnumbered and lack the strength to form an effective fighting force. I've heard you have quite a few high-speed warships; how about we trade one for them?"
High-speed warships are highly efficient weapons, each costing hundreds of millions to build. There's no reason to just hand them over.
"This..."
Unable to make the decision himself, the man in the Grey Hat went to the side and called the Duke Kester for advice.
The Sarkaz Signal Tower only blocked coverage within the Central City District. Norbert District, being Mid-level District, was not affected by the interference.
A short while later, the Grey Hat hung up the phone. He walked up to Vigna and shook his head regretfully.
"I'm very sorry, Your His Highness, but we cannot fulfill your request."
"Why."
Vigna put on a very helpless look and began to lower her demands:
"Since the Duke Kester is unwilling to part with what he has, let's change our request. We are currently short of supplies and need large quantities of fresh food, clean water, and medicine."
We'll trade once you're fully prepared; at that time, you'll exchange supplies for the Breath of the Kings.
"Your His Highness, how much do you want?"
Following Shi Lei's instructions, Vigna threw the thorny question back at him:
"That depends on your sincerity. If you are sincere enough, you will naturally hand over the Breath of the Kings readily. If your sincerity is lacking, our cooperation may have to be canceled."
There is only one sword now, but the Duke Kester is not the only potential buyer. If you are unwilling to part with your resources, I can sell it to Duke who is wealthier."
The Grey Hat was completely under her thumb, unable to find a reason to refuse, and had no choice but to bite the bullet and agree. Ever since Vigna reappeared, she seemed like a completely different person.
He guessed that it was Alda who taught him, and in his heart he cursed the traitor's ancestors eighteen times!
Seeing that there was no room for negotiation, the Grey Hat called the Duke Kester again for instructions. After a brief exchange, both sides agreed to the request.
"Your His Highness, I have sent the time and location of the supplies handover to your mobile phone."
Seeing that the other party hadn't even asked for her number before suggesting sending a message, Vigna frowned.
"My phone? You guys...?"
At the same time, her phone vibrated. Opening the text message, she found detailed time and address. The meeting place was set at a hotel in the Norbert District.
The man in the Grey Hat gave a smug smile, making no attempt to hide it.
"We have Communications Expert who can monitor your cell phones and calls at any time. But don't be afraid; this should be a bridge to our cooperation, not an obstacle."
Misery was very dissatisfied after hearing this:
"So, coercing the other party in a transaction is a fine tradition of Victoria?"
The man in the Grey Hat remained composed and did not lose his composure despite some verbal provocation.
"Mr. Misery, it is regrettable, but that is the truth. If you are willing to cooperate, it will be a win-win situation for everyone. If you resist, don't blame me for being impolite. Your His Highness, I apologize for disturbing you. I look forward to our next meeting."
After speaking, he bowed.
The Grey Hat's confident attitude made Misery think she could ask Closure for help.
She can reassess Rhodes Island's communications security and prevent critical intelligence from being leaked.
After re-entering the camp, they recounted what had happened at the entrance to everyone and warned Clovicia and Alda that communications were easily intercepted.
Shi Lei had long been concerned about information security in communications. In particular, he had witnessed the capabilities of Isu, the head of Penguin Logistics, on several occasions. He could hack into things with just a few keystrokes, as easily as eating or drinking.
Since his trip to Jade Gate, he has used the Rock Constructs Writing Tablet to communicate whenever he is within a six-kilometer radius. This effectively prevents eavesdropping and information leakage.
As the group continued their discussion, Shi Lei looked up at the airship that was lingering over the Norbert District.
Many forces are currently eyeing it, so it's not convenient to go up during the day. Let's see if there's an opportunity at night.
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Chapter 514 I am the Insect K)
Ten minutes before the Norbert District Plot was released.
Logos, Elite Operator patrolling nearby, suddenly turned around, seemingly sensing something amiss.
He didn't inform the Doctor and Amiya, but left the camp alone. After carefully checking the trail, he finally found his target in the Self-Rescue Army's ranks.
The other party presents herself as a weak, feminine woman, but Logos knows that she is not the true embodiment of that image.
What brings you here?
Seeing that her identity had been exposed, the woman remained completely calm. She looked at Logos and grinned lightly:
Don't be nervous, it's just work.
"Is the job just about infiltrating the Self-Rescue Army and finding opportunities to do shady things?"
"Hehe, I already said it's work. Even if I'm unwilling, I have to finish it."
Logos' right hand reached for the Bone Quill, immediately assuming a fighting stance, issuing a solemn warning to his opponent:
"Get out of here, Shapeshifter. If I ever see you again, I'll find you and kill you all, even if it means breaking every single brick and tile of Londinium!"
He didn't make a move because killing the woman in front of him would have no effect whatsoever.
As the Mistress of Banshees, Logos was well aware of the information about the [Shapeshifter], who were also Royal Court Member.
This race is very special, unlike any other Sarkaz. In addition to their ability to change their appearance, they also possess a collective sense of community and can share memories.
In layman's terms, it means that the swarm is me, and I am the swarm. All individual Shapeshifter collectively construct the Shapeshifter as a whole. And each Shapeshifter is a part of the whole Shapeshifter, a carrier of thought.
Killing the woman with Logos is pointless, because her memories will be shared with all Shapeshifter after she dies.
Soon other Shapeshifter will arrive here to take over and complete the task it failed to finish.
The Shapeshifter remained unfazed by verbal threats:
"Young Banshee, you've only held the title of Mistress of Banshees for a short time. Aren't you getting a little too arrogant?"
We walked this land long before the Sarkaz established the Ten Royal Courts. Ideas, beliefs, religions, and time have never made us perish.
The ideas you think are innovative have already been thought of, the paths you think are novel have already been followed. They are now dust, while we stand here."
Logos was muttering incantations, seemingly preparing to cast a spell unique to the Banshee race.
The Shapeshifter shook its head, appearing quite disdainful.
"Young Banshee, we've seen far too many of these spells and know how to break them. If you keep pestering us, you'll only waste our time. How about this, put down your Bone Quill for now. Let's find somewhere else to talk, even if it's just a walk."
Upon hearing this, Logos turned his head and glanced towards the location of the camp. After hesitating for a moment, he agreed.
"Good."
Killing a Shapeshifter is pointless; if we can figure out their purpose, what's the harm in going out?
Where to?
The Shapeshifter didn't answer, turned and walked away. Heading west, it brought Logos to the vicinity of the park.
"Young Banshee, slow down. These flowers and plants along the roadside are the pride of Londinium. One of our gentlemen, Incarnated Viscount, said that now is the best time to admire them."
Logos paid no attention to any of that; his eyes were fixed on the Shapeshifter.
According to the elder Banshee of the tribe, these Shapeshifter are Elders existed since the birth of the Tiracaz.
They possess a collective consciousness, with clones scattered across the Terra. They have witnessed the rise and fall of countless nations, the birth and destruction of countless civilizations, the rise and fall of countless races, and the iteration of countless lives.
The Shapeshifter always linger outside the royal court, searching for the answer to 'what is survival' over the long years.
They were originally uninterested in other things, but this infiltration of the Self-Rescue Army Logos was a great surprise:
"Speak! What exactly do you want? If you continue to evade the question, I will sound your death knell."
The Shapeshifter chuckled upon hearing this, showing no fear whatsoever.
"Ha, young Banshee, don't try to scare us. We know almost every one of your ancestors and are familiar with all the spells and techniques of the Banshee race."
They, like you now, were once full of enthusiasm and hope. But in the end, they all turned to dust. You, too, cannot escape the lament and Funeral Bell that follow.
Besides, killing me won't make a difference. For us, the death of an individual is not the end. Just as a city doesn't collapse because a street is demolished, a civilization doesn't disappear because a line of text is deleted.
Seeing that the other party was still making empty promises and hadn't answered why they had infiltrated the Self-Rescue Army, Logos stared at its delicate appearance, their patience slowly waning.
"That's none of my business. I'll kill one of you if you come, and I'll kill two if you come. Since you're unwilling to cooperate, I have no reason to cooperate with you."
Despite the firm stance, the Shapeshifter remained defiant and unperturbed.
"Young Banshee, you are a remarkable master of sorcery. However, you are a little too hasty."
I once disguised myself as the chieftain of Sakagong and met the King of All Kings there. He claimed to be the Lord of the past and the future, and knew the answers to all things.
I asked him what the meaning of our existence was, and where we would be headed. He raised his head and declared that his thoughts were the meaning of our existence.
He was so proud and arrogant, yet I saw him comically stepping on the corner of his own robe. This bored me terribly, so I left.
I came to Londinium out of interest, responding to the Regent's invitation. As for why I'm here, that's part of my job. I can't tell you until I've completed that task."
Logos's expression grew increasingly cold, because the other party's answer was completely irrelevant.