Agent

Everyone at the banquet drank and toasted, as if Holt's death had never happened. The Red Hats and Jiang Chuan drank together in good spirits.

Xibel, head of the Red Hats' Intelligence Department, came over to Jiang Chuan. "President Roland, could you tell me what you have planned for the Red Hats going forward?"

Jiang Chuan nodded. "Of course. The Red Hats don't need to declare their support for the Dark Sea Throne just yet. I'll provide you with plenty of steel to trade. I'm sure I don't need to explain the steel market to you. The Dark Sea Throne won't take a single share of the profits from the first month. Use that money to buy weapons and explosives so you can prepare for the unrest later on."

Xibel asked, puzzled, "Unrest? President Roland, what do you mean by that?"

Jiang Chuan smiled. "I'm sure you know that more and more people in Bilgewater are turning against Gangplank. They're all waiting for an opportunity, and I can give them a perfect one. Once Gangplank is out of power, do you think Bilgewater won't descend into chaos?"

Xibel smiled. "And then the Dark Sea Throne will become prey for everyone."

Jiang Chuan took a sip of wine. "With the Dark Sea Throne's strength and firepower, do you think any gang in all of Bilgewater could take us on?"

Xibel gave a small smile. "According to your plan, wouldn't the Red Hats become a business organization?"

Jiang Chuan shook his head. "No, no. You're overthinking it. The Red Hats' strength lies in your Intelligence Department. You'll become our most effective weapon. Every gang is preparing to bring down Gangplank right now. That's an opportunity we can't pass up."

Xibel asked, puzzled, "I don't agree. Every gang is operating on its own turf, and their defenses will surely be tighter than usual. How can that be a good opportunity?"

Jiang Chuan set down his wineglass. "You don't understand intelligence work deeply enough. Intelligence operatives aren't just spies. They can also be trained as agents! A skilled agent can bring down an entire organization."

Xibel asked in surprise, "The Dark Sea Throne has its own intelligence organization?"

Jiang Chuan picked up a piece of roast meat and put it in his mouth. "That's the bare minimum. Intelligence organizations only differ in how effective they are. Agents have many uses. They don't just scout and gather intelligence. In a well-trained agent unit, every member is a powerful assassin and spy. They can gather intelligence, take out enemies, and leave calmly even when surrounded by an army."

Curiosity shone in Xibel's eyes. "How many agents does the Dark Sea Throne have?"

Jiang Chuan smiled. "Exactly four."

Jiang Chuan was referring to Heaven's Punishment Squad. His original plan had been to train its five members into excellent agents. They were the Dark Sea Throne's covert unit, and so far only Jiang Chuan and Kendi knew of their existence. Jiang Chuan assigned all their missions directly. Heaven's Punishment Squad had to remain hidden so they could catch their enemies off guard. The most important thing for an agent unit was to strike unexpectedly.

Xibel asked, puzzled, "What can a four-person intelligence unit do?"

Jiang Chuan smiled. "As I said before, the Red Hats can spare six hundred people for me to train, including as agents."

Xibel smiled. "You killed so many of our intelligence operatives last time that we still haven't found new recruits to replace them."

Jiang Chuan looked at the delicious food on the table. "An army should be refined, not large. It's like the food on this table. It doesn't need to be piled high; it needs to be exquisite and delicious."

Xibel raised her glass with a smile. "Then here's to a successful partnership."

Jiang Chuan smiled. "It's a plan that benefits us both."

Things were indeed going as Jiang Chuan had said. The Red Hats' intelligence organization already had a solid foundation; all it lacked was more specialized, comprehensive training. That would save them a great deal of time.

Pero came over to Jiang Chuan. "President Roland, apart from a few stubborn old-timers who remain loyal to Gangplank, everyone else has agreed."

Jiang Chuan gave a cold laugh. "So there are still holdouts? They really won't give up until they hit a dead end! We'll have to show them what we're capable of. How's your magic coming along?"

Pero shook his head. "Not very well. My magic power is growing quickly, but it'll take a long time to get used to casting spells and make them work smoothly."

Jiang Chuan nodded. "Kill the ones who refuse to obey tonight. Have Mingdian draw up a list for me. In a few days, I'll ask Sarah to manage the Red Hats. You and Cadaman should focus on studying magic. You'll be a powerful trump card for us later. Also, from now on, just call me President."

Pero smiled. "No problem, President. I'll have Ralph put the list together for you."

Jiang Chuan nodded and continued eating. When the banquet ended, Ralph gave him a long list and a stack of booklets filled with information about the stubborn old-timers.

Jiang Chuan ate the last piece of roast meat. "Thanks for all your hard work."

Ralph smiled. "President, you're too kind. These have the information on those people, including their habits and routines. I'll select the six hundred people as soon as I can."

Jiang Chuan smiled. "There's no rush. Those six hundred people must obey orders without question. Anyone who resists during training will be executed on the spot, so choose carefully."

Ralph nodded. "That won't be a problem. What should we do once they're selected?"

Jiang Chuan furrowed his brow and thought for a moment. "Once they're selected, you'll join up with the First Army. I'll give you the details later."

Ralph said, "President, I'll be on my way, then."

Jiang Chuan nodded. "Go take care of things."

Moonlight blanketed Bilgewater, making the whole city seem even more eerie and terrifying. Jiang Chuan summoned Pyke, and Kayn emerged from the shadows. Jiang Chuan handed them the list. "The people on it are your targets tonight. A few of them know some mages. Kayn, here's your chance. They'll provide you with plenty of energy."

Kayn took the list and looked it over. "Killing them won't be hard. The mages will be a hassle. They're a pain to track down."

Jiang Chuan smiled. "I know you can handle it. We don't need to deal with the mages tonight. Pyke will help you. Pyke, has your old problem gotten any better?"

Pyke put away the list and smiled. "My mind's been a lot quieter lately. That damned fish only shows up in my head once in a while now."

Kayn gave a puzzled laugh. "A fish in your head? That's ridiculous."

Pyke said coldly, "I don't know what's ridiculous about the things in the deep sea. A killer carrying farm tools, on the other hand, is pretty funny."

Kayn gripped his scythe and said icily, "Let's see if you're still laughing after this farm tool opens up your neck."

Pyke raised his harpoon and grinned. "Go ahead and try!"

Jiang Chuan barked, "Enough! Get moving. Time waits for no one!"

Pyke turned into a cloud of mist and drifted away, while Kayn vanished into the shadows. After waiting there for a while, Jiang Chuan returned to the First Army's camp.

Kendi and Donahue came over. Kendi asked, "President, did you reach an agreement?"

Jiang Chuan smiled. "There are a few stubborn old-timers left, but they'll find out tonight what happens when you defy the Dark Sea Throne!"