"You want to become the Finance Minister of the An Alliance?" The Sunset Lord got straight to the point. Many magical beast races have this kind of personality—bold and direct. When communicating with them, it's best not to beat around the bush.
Logo grew up in the Sunset Jungle, so of course he knew how to communicate with these guys.
So he nodded readily, without any feigned hesitation.
The Sunset Lord was quite satisfied with his reaction. He turned around, his captivating eyes staring directly at Logo. "Then tell me what you're relying on. I know you're not a delusional person."
"I possess the serum that can cure the Crimson Alliance virus!" Logo replied.
The Sunset Lord's amber eyes narrowed for a moment, clearly indicating that the news had greatly shocked her.
"You... you've really given me a wonderful surprise!!" the Sunset Lord said wistfully.
Logo continued, "Your Excellency, although the Crimson Alliance has suffered an unprecedented upheaval, as far as I know, their high-level combat power and army have been relatively well preserved. Their strength remains, and they are still an imperial-level power."
"With the Blood Clan dominate the economy, splitting off from the Crimson Alliance, their economy is in complete disarray. If, at this time, we can leverage the viral serum to forge an unprecedentedly close economic partnership with the Crimson Alliance, the resulting benefits once the Crimson Alliance stabilizes will be astronomical."
"I believe anyone with eyes to see can see this, so once I facilitate economic cooperation with the Crimson Alliance, I will undoubtedly become the Finance Minister of the An Alliance. At that time, the influence of Sunset Jungle within the An Alliance will surpass that of the other fourteen forces, ranking first. You might even be able to contend for the position of Chairman of the An Alliance!"
Logo's words were sincere and heartfelt, and his analysis of everything was very clear. The Sunset Lord was undoubtedly moved.
The current situation is turbulent and filled with the smoke of war. Every moment, countless lives are lost. Even Demigod are but a small boat in this wave of change that affects the entire plane, and their probability of perishing has increased dramatically.
This was especially true for the Sunset Lord. Don't forget, her archenemy, Leyn City, with whom she had fought for a thousand years, had lost his life not long ago.
In this situation, to protect oneself, one must, on the one hand, spare no effort to improve individual combat capabilities; on the other hand, one must band together for mutual support.
If she could become the chairman of the An Alliance, the Sunset Lord's status would undoubtedly rise dramatically. She would have thirty or forty Demigod under her command, as well as a terrifying amount of resources and troops. In this situation, her life safety would be guaranteed to the greatest extent, and the survival conditions of the magical beast races under her protection would also be much better.
With that thought, the Sunset Lord no longer hesitated. He floated up into the air and landed beside Logo. "Let's go!"
The headquarters of the Ruibete Group welcomed several important figures from the Crimson Alliance today.
The two sides sat facing each other at the conference table.
Logo sat in the middle, with the Sunset Lord on his left and Alex, the Left Chancellor of the Royal Court, on his right.
Opposite him stood an intellectual beauty with long, wavy hair. She exuded a mysterious and alluring aura, like a poppy. She was none other than Jacqueline Moon Poem, one of the four Pillar of the Nation the Crimson Alliance. Beside Jacqueline was a scientist from the Crimson Alliance.
After they introduced themselves, Jacqueline asked directly, "Where's the stuff?"
There was no verbal maneuvering before negotiations under normal circumstances.
The Crimson Alliance's current situation does not allow for any further delay; every minute and every second, a large number of the Alliance citizens are dying from the K11 Virus infection.
To put it bluntly, Jacqueline and the others came here to be slaughtered, but they were willing to take the blow.
Logo greatly appreciated that the Crimson Alliance hadn't put on a show of bravado, so he was straightforward and direct in his response.
With a wave of his hand, Caesar, who was standing behind him, placed the metal box he was carrying on the table, opened it, and faced Jacqueline and the others.
This scene resembled something out of a gangster movie. In a typical movie, the plot would then unfold with the familiar double-crossing. Unfortunately, this isn't a movie.
The scientists from the Crimson Alliance quickly examined the vaccine's effectiveness and nodded excitedly to Jacqueline.
Jacqueline clenched her fists in excitement, only calming down after a few seconds.
"One last question, how did you obtain the vaccine?"
After asking that question, Jacqueline became extremely focused, and she would become suspicious if Logo and the others showed even the slightest abnormality.
After all, it was too much of a coincidence. The K11 Virus appeared not long ago, leaving many scientists in the Crimson Alliance helpless. Although the expert team had been wiped out once at the Steel Refining Academy during this process, before that, given the Crimson Alliance's scientific research capabilities, if a vaccine were so easy to develop, results would have been available long ago.
Meanwhile, in order to earn this money from the Crimson Alliance, major biotechnology companies and pharmaceutical manufacturers throughout the entire plane are organizing manpower to conduct research.
Logo wasn't the only smart one; everyone knew that if they could develop the virus vaccine that the Crimson Alliance desperately needed at this time, they would reap enormous benefits.
However, nothing progressed.
Without the original strain of the virus, it's not impossible to develop an antidote, but the research and development cycle often takes years. The problem is that the Crimson Alliance simply cannot wait that long. By then, it will be too late, and perhaps the surviving Alliance citizens will have developed antibodies on their own.
Logo has managed to create something that countless companies and large enterprises specializing in biotechnology have failed to achieve, which inevitably raises suspicions.
After all, neither the Gendaya Royal Court nor the Sunset Jungle are known for their biotechnology. The Ruibete Group is famous for its mechs and various war equipment. Although it has several biotechnology companies under its umbrella, none of them have made a name for themselves yet.
Therefore, it's perfectly normal for Jacqueline to have her own thoughts.
Faced with the questioning of this Peak Demigod, Logo showed no nervousness whatsoever, even smiling slightly as he countered, "Lord Moon Poem, I've heard you are extremely skilled in mind magic."
"Oh? What, you're planning to give it a try?"
"Yes, please use your mind magic to verify the truth of my words so that everyone can be at ease."
"Can!"
Jacqueline appreciated Logo's honesty, adding, "If you truly developed the vaccine yourself and have no connection to the mastermind behind it, you will become one of our Crimson Alliance's best friends."
"It's my pleasure!"
"Well then, to save time, let's get started!"
After Jacqueline finished speaking, she paused to give the Left Chancellor and the Sunset Lord time to react, lest they act rashly.
Once the latter two were ready, Jacqueline's eyes shone brightly, like a hazy, brilliant spectrum. "Look me in the eye!!"
The highly seductive voice entered his mind, Logo's expression instantly became empty and lifeless.
The Left Prime Minister awoke from his daze with a look of horror in his eyes. It was just a simple hypnosis spell, and the target wasn't even him, yet it had such a terrifying effect. One could only imagine how terrifying it would be when Jacqueline Moon Poem used her full power.
'As expected of the Witch of the Moon!'
As his gaze swept over the unaffected Sunset Lord, the Left Prime Minister couldn't help but sigh. He was indeed High-Rank Demigod. Looking at him and then at himself, he was completely incomparable.
On the other side, Jacqueline began her final questioning.
"Logo Campbell!!"
"It's me!"
Did you develop the vaccine for the K11 Virus?
"Yes!!"
"Do you have any connection with the Ashes Organization or the Blood Clan, the masterminds behind the Alliance's split?"
"No!!"
Jacqueline's expression softened slightly.
How did you develop the vaccine? Did anyone else help you?
"Developed independently, without any assistance from anyone."
Hearing this, Jacqueline was somewhat stunned. This person's research talent was too good. Even if there was an element of luck involved, it couldn't overshadow his brilliance.
"Moon Poem, are you done asking your questions?"
The Sunset Lord's impatient voice rang out, and Amber Eyes narrowed, staring dangerously at Jacqueline.
This is why Logo brought the Sunset Lord along. None of them are strong enough to keep the situation under control. Dealing with the Crimson Alliance over the vaccine issue would be a death sentence for them.
"Certainly!"
Jacqueline smiled and then released her mind control.
"Don't move, let me check!" After saying that, the Sunset Lord enveloped Logo with his powerful willpower, scanning him back and forth, afraid that Jacqueline might have set some kind of mental trap for Logo.
Jacqueline remained silent upon seeing this, only watching with a kind smile.
In fact, she simply used hypnosis to ask questions honestly and did not do anything to Logo's mental world.
However, hypnosis does have some minor abilities that can make the hypnotized person feel slightly more favorably toward the hypnotist, but it will not affect their normal judgment.
In reality, even if Jacqueline set up a psychological trap, it would have no effect on Logo.
He would never put himself in danger, even with the Sunset Lord watching over him.
Before entering the venue, Logo transformed his soul into an information state, a state unaffected by any mental or spiritual attacks or influences.
The Mind-Based system, strictly speaking, is a major branch of the Spiritual system, only mixed with some Mystic abilities, but that doesn't matter, Logo is immune to them all.
From the very beginning, his expressions, words, and everything else were carefully planned, including the questions Jacqueline asked him.
Are you kidding me? Is he really unrelated to the upheaval in the Crimson Alliance?
Of course not.
Putting aside the matter of secretly awakening the will of the gods during the martial arts tournament, he simply cannot overcome the hurdle of Gustavo.
The mind is not cause and effect.
In terms of cause and effect, Logo and Gustavo were indeed completely separate and innocent.
But deep down, is that what he really thinks?
Of course not!
There is no closer relationship in the world than theirs!
If someone honestly accepts hypnosis, nothing can be hidden.
The Sunset Lord finished his inspection quickly.
No problems were found.
"Does Moon Poem still need to be tested?" Logo smiled gently, seemingly not taking what had just happened to heart at all. This made Jacqueline secretly admire the young man's magnanimity, thinking he was worth befriending.
"No need, consider it my petty judgment," Jacqueline said, without putting on airs as Peak Demigod. In a sense, this was treating Logo as someone of the same level.
"So, may we begin negotiations?" Logo asked with a smile, but Jacqueline seemed to see something cunning in him.
We're going to get ripped off.
Jacqueline sighed inwardly.
"Please wait a moment, the negotiations will be conducted via video conference."
As she spoke, Jacqueline turned on her communicator, and several serious-looking figures were projected onto the screen, including Alliance Commander Tarlov.
Negotiations are best left to politicians; they're the professionals.
Although time is still tight, every little bit helps. The Alliance is having a tough time right now.
When they learned from Jacqueline that the vaccine was effective, Tarlov and other high-ranking officials were overjoyed and in an uproar.
After a long pause, Tarlov calmed down, his expression serious, and said in a solemn tone, "It's a pleasure to meet Earl Campbell. So let's get straight to the point, what are your conditions?"
No one objects to paying a price for vaccines; it's a matter of course. Asking someone to give up their resources for free is simply dishonest, even for something as life-saving as vaccines.
Logo's eyes flashed, and he chuckled, "I'm not in charge of this negotiation."
"Then who's in charge?" Tarlov frowned.
"Him!" Logo gave a thumbs-up to the Left Prime Minister Alex beside him.
The latter parted his lips slightly and gave Tarlov a polite smile.
Tarlov's expression turned grave. How could he not recognize the renowned negotiator, Alex? This was a tricky situation.
Alex, that's the kind of ruthless guy who's known for squeezing oil out of rocks.
Swallowing hard, Tarlov sat up straight and looked at the eager Left Prime Minister Alex. "In that case, let's begin."
For the next hour and a half, the two sides engaged in intense negotiations. In order to finalize the details as quickly as possible, they even resorted to telepathic communication instead of verbal communication.
The Left Prime Minister lived up to his reputation; his words were like knives, each one striking straight to the soul. Several high-ranking members of the Crimson Alliance were repeatedly brought to their knees, and one elderly gentleman almost died on the spot from a heart attack.
However, based on the established general policy, the negotiations proceeded vigorously, and various conditions were agreed upon through continuous consultation, gradually reaching a result acceptable to both sides.
During this process, the two top powerhouses, Sunset Lord and Moon Poem Jacqueline, had no chance to interject.
The Sunset Lord's eyes widened as if he had discovered a new world, and for the first time he understood why Transcendent powerhouses possess unparalleled personal strength, yet the majority of those who dominate the development and progress of civilizations are ordinary people.
They have no power, but they have wisdom.
After a long while, the argument stopped.
"... We accept your conditions. Now, Lady Moon Poem will represent the Alliance to sign the contract. Please believe that we will fulfill our promise." Tarlov breathed a sigh of relief and solemnly assured them.
Although Logo's side was suspected of taking advantage of the situation, they did not make an exorbitant demand. Although the Left Prime Minister's words were sharp, he held back some of his strength and did not deliberately delay in order to jeopardize the Crimson Alliance's lifeline and then raise the price on the spot.
As a result, although the Crimson Alliance was tricked, they were actually very grateful to Logo.
He swindled our money, but he gave us time.
This is what Tarlov and other high-ranking officials thought.
Logo nodded slightly, in a good mood. The negotiation results were much better than he had expected. Just as he had guessed, the higher-ups of the Crimson Alliance were not greedy fools.
Tarlov and others are excellent politicians who know when to compromise. With such a premise, the negotiation result was naturally a win-win situation.
The Crimson Alliance, showing great sincerity, agreed to Logo's conditions to a considerable extent, and acted with great efficiency.
A batch of vaccines with raw materials worth no more than ten million Ta Pound was exchanged for cash flow exceeding one hundred billion Ta Pound, which was directly transferred into the Ruibete Group's corporate account, causing the company's current assets to surge dozens of times.
Don't think that just because the Crimson Alliance is in turmoil and its economy has collapsed, it's short of money. That would be underestimating the strength of an empire-level power.
Not to mention that humanity has long been on guard against the Blood Clan, and the resources they have secretly stored up are enormous. These resources or money are either stored in major interstellar banks or distributed in various stock markets throughout the universe in the form of investments.
Behind the scenes, the extent of resources controlled by the human side of the Crimson Alliance is probably unknown to anyone except a few Pillar of the Nation.
Blood Clan won't work either.
Ultimately, their numbers were too small; given the vast and boundless territory of the Alliance, they were simply stretched thin.
In addition to financial support, there are various Crimson Alliance specialties and resources, such as True Dragon Mecha, high-performance engines, spaceships, energy cannons, and other high-quality products that are rarely seen or even impossible to find outside the world.
These are just the beginning.
Further cooperation will focus on subsequent economic collaborations.
Furthermore, both parties agreed that the Crimson Alliance would only recognize Logo as a partner, which is tantamount to openly supporting him.
With this as a reliance, Logo's competition for the position of Finance Minister of the "An Alliance" was a natural progression.
As for whether the An Alliance will prevent him from taking up a high-level position because he is too close to the Crimson Alliance.
There's absolutely no need to worry.
First of all, Logo developed the virus vaccine through his own genuine talent and hard work, fighting his way through countless biotechnology companies in the plane. He didn't rely on any powerful backers, his Cornerstone was stable, and no one could gossip about it.
Furthermore, the An Alliance was established to survive in a chaotic situation, and befriending the Crimson Alliance is a good start.
Finally, Logo also had close ties with the Gendaya Royal Court, essentially serving as its crown prince. With the support of multiple factions, who could possibly oppose him? Who would dare to oppose him?!
The position of finance minister hasn't even been contested yet, but it's already a done deal, no doubt about it!
The negotiations ended, and the projection vanished into thin air as a white line.
Having achieved his desired result, Logo tossed a spatial ring to Jacqueline.
"Consider the ring a free gift," Logo joked.
"Thank you then." Jacqueline smiled sweetly, then turned and left with her entourage.
Watching their retreating figures, Logo felt completely relaxed. He leaned back in his chair, stretched, and looked utterly content.
After much planning, the sweet fruits of their labor have finally been reaped. The Crimson Alliance has been able to overcome its predicament and emerge from the turmoil, while also gaining the friendship of an empire and a terrifying amount of resources, laying a solid foundation for future plans.
As for the Ashes, they are still etched into the bones.
However, with the Crimson Alliance undergoing large-scale vaccination, they should be able to react quickly.
By then, I will inevitably become a thorn in their side.
But this is an unavoidable risk. Besides, Ashes are the enemy, and Ashes also played a significant role in bringing the Royal Court to its current predicament.
Jacqueline returned with the virus vaccine provided by Logo and immediately arranged for large-scale vaccination. Under military control, the Alliance mobilized quickly, and in a short time, 99.9% of those infected were successfully vaccinated and out of danger.
In a virus quarantine ward, Kairi sat up in bed. The dim light reflected in his pupils made his heart tremble—a sign of excitement.
After being invaded by the K11 Virus, a person will lose their sight and can only rely on a special sense that has been altered, similar to infrared sensing, to perceive the world.
Due to the damage the virus caused to his brain, Kairi's hazy memory suggests that he hasn't seen the light for decades.
Things that were once taken for granted are now so precious and dazzling.
Only by losing something do you learn to cherish it; Kairi is experiencing this feeling now.
"Kairi Leonard, right?" At that moment, a doctor walked in, carrying a whiteboard.
"It's me," Kairi said hoarsely, his voice also damaged by the virus.
"Congratulations, your vital signs have returned to normal, you can leave the isolation area now." The doctor's tone carried a hint of a smile.
Kairi's body trembled slightly. He opened his mouth, but said nothing. However, the two lines of tears streaming down his cheeks said it all.
After completing the formalities and leaving the quarantine area, the air outside was exceptionally fresh after a heavy rain. A long queue stood on the concrete platform.
Kairi went over to inquire and discovered that it was a recruitment point that specifically recruited Transcendent individuals.
Clenching his fist, feeling the strength within him, which was far less than before but still far beyond that of an ordinary person, Kairi strode forward. He wanted to join the army.
The city where Kairi lived was severely damaged. His former career was swallowed up by the disaster, and he was the only one left with the death of his family and friends. Rather than live a lonely and miserable life, he decided to use his Iron Fist to fight back against those who spread the disaster.
Many people made the same choice as Kairi.
The well-established education and training system over the years has resulted in an extremely large number of low-level Transcendent individuals within the Crimson Alliance.
Previously, these low- to mid-level Transcendent were troubled by the K11 Virus, and in order to isolate them, the Alliance had to send out a large number of additional combat forces to guard them.
With the virus eradicated, both those under surveillance and those providing surveillance have freed up their hands.
In a short period of time, the Alliance's grassroots strength surged, or rather, it recovered to a more accurate description.
To Legendary and above powerhouses, ordinary Transcendent individuals may be like ants, easily wiped out, but they are the very foundation upon which civilization relies for its stability.
The turbulent order of the Crimson Alliance was immediately stabilized due to the restoration of the Transcendent power at the grassroots level. The Military Control Committee breathed a sigh of relief and raised their glasses in celebration.
Some are happy, some are sad.
The viral vaccine provided by Logo caught the Ashes and the Blood Clan completely off guard.
It's fair to say that the top management on both sides are in a state of shock.