A Deal with the Devil

Bronya can't live without Heavy-duty Bunny, just like Kiana can't live without a baseball bat.

Without the Heavy-duty Bunny, can a Bronya still be Bronya?

All I can say is that Seele's Stigmata are just too overpowered.

His system, which doesn't even deserve a name, hasn't given him a single piece of equipment yet, but Seele's Stigmata contain an entire armory...

It was supposed to be a weapon blueprint in the setting, but Black Seele in the Stigmata directly threw out the complete weapon.

Shi Hen admitted that he was jealous.

That's the difference!

I just don't know when Seele will unlock new equipment next.

Unfortunately, even though the Stigmata is incredibly powerful, the girl herself is still too weak.

Seele even struggles to use that scythe.

If Shi Hen hadn't subtly toned down his acting, Seele would be the one lying in bed right now.

This little angel didn't consider her own abilities at all when she was saving people.

Or perhaps, the girl was simply too kind.

Shi Hen felt a long-lost sense of guilt.

Hmm, it's only the size of a fingernail.

"Team leader?"

Seeing Shi Hen's thoughtful expression, Seele asked softly.

"It's nothing, I was just thinking about something." Shi Hen shook his head slightly, then took the initiative to distribute the grilled beef to the group. "Here, it tastes best now, otherwise it will become tough."

Perhaps influenced by the Shi Hen, the place that Seele and the others chose to celebrate was the same barbecue restaurant where he had treated them last time.

In the future, this may indeed become a tradition of Anti-Entropy.

No, it could also be a tradition of Schicksal.

After all, those Anti-Entropy may not survive that long.

"Um."

The girl nodded obediently, immediately casting aside her earlier concerns and smiling as she enjoyed the food in front of her.

Back in the orphanage, food was a very precious thing, let alone something this delicious.

Normally, this much meat is only seen at Christmas each year.

But here, it was just the cost of a meal for their Team Seven.

Once upon a time, the girl's world consisted only of that small orphanage.

But it wasn't until Seele followed Cocolia to Anti-Entropy that Seele discovered how vast the outside world was, and how the people here didn't have to worry about food and could enjoy all sorts of pleasures and entertainment.

I wonder what everyone in Siberia is doing right now?

As she chewed on the perfectly grilled beef, savoring the aroma bursting in her mouth, the girl couldn't help but think of that small orphanage.

Although the orphans send part of their monthly salary back to Siberia from the Anti-Entropy, the orphanage's standard of living has certainly improved, but... it probably still can't compare to here.

Thinking of this, Seele couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt.

Even though every banknote distributed by Anti-Entropy was earned by risking their lives.

After all, they are warriors, and they possess strength far exceeding that of ordinary people.

Just then, another piece of sliced beef appeared on the girl's plate.

"You're still growing, so eat more. It's on me today."

Meeting the girl's slightly puzzled gaze, Shi Hen spoke calmly, while also making sure to give Bronya and Xing a piece as well.

Stay away from duck knives, starting with every detail of your daily life.

"But we agreed to celebrate for you, Captain."

Seele shook her head.

"That's right, I'm not short of money!"

Xing also started shouting.

Even Bronya raised her head and looked at Shi Hen expressionlessly.

"If you really want to treat us, you'll have to wait a while. You've just arrived at Anti-Entropy Headquarters, and you'll have a lot of expenses to cover." Shi Hen said with a smile, patting Seele's little head. "If I'm not mistaken, my salary should be ten times yours."

"Yes, that's ten times the total of the three of you combined."

With a colonel-level allowance, a mecha pilot's salary, Team Seven's subsidy, and the fact that Shi Hen also holds the titles of weapons tester at several research institutes... all these things combined make his salary far beyond what newcomers like Seele can imagine.

Moreover, Shi Hen can also swindle funds from the World Serpent.

Today's youth are no longer lowly employees of the organization, but elite cadres capable of independently leading projects.

As expected, the three girls fell silent upon hearing this almost terrifying number.

They focused entirely on their meal and never mentioned treating each other to a meal again.

From today onwards, they must train even harder and accomplish even more challenging tasks!

There are many reasons to choose to fight, but at least in the minds of these girls at this moment, money is definitely the number one priority.

Chapter 86 The Devil's Deal

In a coffee shop further away.

Looking in the direction where the group was through several layers of glass, Cocolia could only see half of Seele's body.

Even though she couldn't hear any conversation, she could still tell from the girl's swaying body that her daughter was very happy.

Bronya and Anzu probably feel the same way.

As she sipped her coffee, Cocolia n't help but think this to herself.

Only at times like these can she realize with profound clarity that these people who followed her from Siberia to Anti-Entropy and have been striving to stand on their own are still just children in the prime of their lives.

Therefore, no matter the cost, she must protect her daughter.

Even if the bargaining chip is her soul.

Having made up her mind, Cocolia's gaze fell on a white metal card in front of her.

That was last winter, left behind by a devil who called himself Welt White, a key that could unlock the hell of human desires.

It was late at night.

Following the information on the card, Cocolia dialed a secret channel and waited anxiously in front of the screen, anticipating the slow opening of the gates of hell before her.

"Hehehe~" The first thing that came out when the channel was connected was a series of extremely hoarse laughter, "Lord Cocolia, why did you think of me at this time?"

I thought you could maintain your integrity as an enforcer of Anti-Entropy for a little longer.

"Stop talking nonsense and state your conditions!"

Cocolia said solemnly.

Having met Welt White once, she remembered his flippant and arrogant tone vividly.

"Conditions? Heh~" Another low laugh came from the other end of the channel. "I've already told you my conditions from the beginning."

Make me the Anti-Entropy Leader, and I'll help you control Anti-Entropy.

"It's a fair trade, isn't it?"

"What's the reason? I want to know why you want to become the Anti-Entropy Leader?"

"Cocolia asked."

"Actually, there's no real reason. If I had to say..." Welt White's voice was still hoarse on the channel, with a clear hint of pretense, but there was a distinctly flippant tone in his voice, "Lord Cocolia, don't you think... Welt and I are very destined for each other?"

"Look, the Anti-Entropy Leader is Welt, and I am also Welt, so why can't I be the Anti-Entropy Leader?"

"Are you kidding me!?"

Cocolia was furious.

How could there be such a bizarre reason?

Anti-Entropy is the only organization in the world capable of defying Schicksal, and you want to become the leader of this massive organization just because of its name?!

"Lord Cocolia, do you find the name Welt laughable?" Welt White said calmly, but his voice seemed to carry a hint of anger. "Are you questioning my dream?!"

"..." After a few seconds of silence, Cocolia tactfully glossed over the question. "And then? After helping you become the Anti-Entropy Leader?"

She knew very well that becoming the Anti-Entropy Leader was just a means for the other party; their true purpose was undoubtedly the power and endless benefits of Anti-Entropy.

This is a golden apple that no one can ignore.

"And then?" Welt White said softly, his voice full of doubt. "What does what happens after that have to do with me?"

"All you need to do is get everyone in Anti-Entropy to acknowledge my leadership, and I won't interfere even if you sell the entire organization later."

"That's...?"

Cocolia was stunned.

How can there be such a weirdo in this world?

This is the only organization that can rival Schicksal, its influence covers almost a third of the world, and countless powers and wealth are controlled by Anti-Entropy. And you're telling me you just want a title?!

Are you kidding me?

"Do you have any objections, Cocolia?" Welt White said calmly, his voice filled with an inexplicable pressure. "Of course, if you want to give me something more, I might consider accepting it."

"No, no need, let's leave it at that." Cocolia quickly objected. "I'll help you become the leader, and you'll help me take control of Anti-Entropy, is that right?"

"Yes, that's it. A very fair deal, isn't it?"

Welt White asked in an unquestionable tone.

"That's right, very fair." Cocolia couldn't help but smile. "If you want to become the Anti-Entropy Leader, my current strength is not enough."

She wanted to test the other party's methods.

"Tell me, what do you want?"

Welt White asked calmly, seemingly unconcerned about the other party's probing.

"I want ME Company."

Cocolia said without hesitation.

ME Company boasts the most comprehensive mecha production line in Anti-Entropy, and its technological patents are outrageously numerous.

Once she takes control of ME Company, it will be equivalent to controlling an economic artery of Anti-Entropy, and her power and status will be completely different from what they are now.

"Sure. I'll cripple ME Company as soon as possible, and you just need to prepare the manpower to take over."

Welt White said calmly, his voice as even as if he were discussing what vegetables to buy at the market.

Cocolia: "..."

What she wanted was ME Company, not a wasteland.

"I need your help to deal with the Raiden Ryoma; I can handle the rest myself."

Cocolia explained.

She had actually been planning against ME Company for a while, but recently Raiden Ryoma's security awareness had suddenly increased a lot, making it a bit difficult for her to know where to start.

This ruthless Anti-Entropy enforcer could never have imagined that a cheater would anticipate her actions and risk his life to warn Raiden Ryoma in the name of his subordinate.

The World Serpent's undercover agents within Anti-Entropy have never been just a handful of people.

The reason why a conspiracy is a conspiracy is precisely because once it is exposed to the light of day, the difficulty of carrying it out changes dramatically.

"Sure. Do you want to live or die?"

Welt White's voice remained calm, as if he were a pork vendor asking a customer whether the pork was fat or lean.