Secret Collusion

Is this some kind of rigged competition?

The thought popped into Xiao Yu's mind almost immediately. This was understandable, as things like match-fixing were all too common in novels, comics, movies, and TV series.

Moreover, even in reality, rumors of behind-the-scenes manipulation in competitions are frequently heard.

However, he had only ever observed from the sidelines in the past. This time, being able to experience it firsthand, and even participate in a shady incident as a contestant, was a rather strange experience for Xiao Yu.

Interestingly, he had never considered what he would do if he were in such a situation before.

But if they really wanted to pull a stunt, should he go along with them? Xiao Yu never considered himself a person with a strong sense of justice. If the benefits were enough, he would probably give in. Before he could figure out the answer to this question, Zhang Haian had already walked over to the conference table, pulled up a chair, and sat down.

"It's an honor to meet you all. After all, you are my bread and butter. I'm hosting this event to introduce myself to you all. Of course, I guess you're all surprised to see me here. But I'm not here to engage in any shady dealings. As a highly professional and ethical gambling businessman, I have always adhered to the principles of fairness and impartiality in the gambling industry. I would never engage in any shady dealings with you."

Xiao Yu was taken aback, wondering what was going on.

But then Zhang Haian abruptly changed the subject. "However, business is ultimately about making a profit, so the main reason I'm here is to have a direct exchange with everyone to determine the outcome of the competition, and in turn, to determine the odds for the final match."

Xiao Yu thought to himself, "Damn it, after all that talk, aren't you still trying to pull a stunt?"

"Um, isn't this a shady deal?" the blue dragon from the Dragon Covenant asked timidly.

Zhang Haian smiled slightly, "Hehe, of course this isn't a shady deal. I don't require either of you to win or lose. In fact, it doesn't matter who wins, because everyone in the audience will bet, just on different amounts. So as long as I design the odds well, I can guarantee to make money. So it doesn't matter to me who wins. It's just that rather than leaving it to fate and waiting for the result, I'd rather know who will win in advance."

"But the competition hasn't even started, how can we know the result?"

Zhang Haian smiled slightly, "This will require everyone to pool their wisdom and efforts to ultimately find the answer."

Before everyone could fully understand, Liu Wei walked over and said, "Everyone heard Mr. Zhang's words. In fact, Mr. Zhang's purpose is also our game company's purpose. Although we adopt the principles of fairness and openness in game competitions, we still hope to control the pace of the competition ourselves."

"So what exactly do you mean? Just say it," Naiser suddenly interrupted, looking impatient with a cold smile on his lips, seemingly annoyed by the farce unfolding before him.

"Hehe, Mr. Naiser is quite outspoken. Alright then, I'll just get straight to the point. The prize money for the champion of this competition is 30 million, the runner-up is 20 million, and the third place is 10 million. However, the winners will be chosen by the adventurer players."

So even if you manage to get first place, the exact amount of prize money you'll receive is still unknown. The selection is based on popularity, and in terms of popularity, Dynamic Angels is undoubtedly the most popular among your four groups. As the person in charge of the Evil Forces Competition, I naturally hope that the BOSS from my group who wins can take the championship. So I have a suggestion: if you let them win, then the chances of Light of Heavenly Punishment winning the championship are almost guaranteed.

Of course, we can't let everyone suffer a loss. My suggestion is this: after the Light of Heavenly Punishment wins, the 30 million prize money will be divided among the other three teams. This way, the Dynamic Angels team will win the championship and gain fame, while you will get the prize money, and Brother Zhang Haian will get the results of the competition in advance. Everyone will be happy, wouldn't that be great?"

"Otherwise, even if you win the competition, you might not get the 30 million. You might only get the 10 million prize for third place, while the losers will get nothing."

The members of the Dragon Covenant whispered among themselves after hearing this, then decisively raised their hands. "This is a good proposal; the Dragon Covenant agrees."

Since their chances of winning this final are not high anyway, it's more worthwhile to get a guaranteed ten million.

Xiao Yu thought for a moment and nodded to himself. Compared to the empty fame of the victor, ten million was more attractive to him. He was about to speak.

Naiser sneered and shook his head. "Don't dream. This time I will definitely be the champion, and with my strength, the championship and the prize money are mine! I don't need to share with you. Besides, I'm not short of money. My family has more money than we know what to do with. I don't need your ten million."

Xiao Yu sighed upon hearing this. He was actually somewhat tempted; if he could really guarantee a ten million, it wouldn't be bad. However, since Naiser had refused, his agreement was useless. It would be very difficult for Dynamic Angels to defeat Naiser.

Liu Wei, however, was not angry. Instead, he nodded approvingly, turned around and glanced at Zhang Haian, giving him an expression that said, "See, I told you it would turn out like this."

Zhang Haian seemed surprised by this outcome and hesitated before asking, "So, does that mean Mr. Naiser is 100% confident of winning the championship?"

"Of course, I will win. I have never lost, and I will never lose!" Naiser said with absolute certainty, his eyes radiating strong confidence and arrogance.

"Do you all agree with Naiser's words?" Fortunately, Zhang Haian wasn't a fool, and he looked at the others and asked.

Angel suddenly slammed Naiser hand on the table. "Nesser is powerful, but we, the Light of Heavenly Punishment, are not to be underestimated. Although Naiser is strong, he is only one person. We, the Light of Heavenly Punishment, are all experts at the Eight Skull Level. Our overall strength is definitely the strongest. I think Uncle Zhang should bet on us to win."

Dragon Covenant, Xiao Yu, Naiser, and the others exchanged glances and suddenly burst into laughter.

"Hey, what are you laughing at! Did I say something wrong? -- Stop laughing!" Angel shouted indignantly, but her cute appearance had no intimidating power whatsoever.

"Little girl, I'm not good at singing and dancing, and you're not good at fighting or playing games. Games aren't just about having a high level. Which one of us hasn't killed heroes and bosses of a higher level? When will you be able to defeat enemies who are stronger than you in terms of stats—that'll only be with the help of your fans. Then you can talk like that," said Rod of the Dragon Covenant.

Angel sat down again, pouting.

Liu Yishui suddenly interjected, "While Naiser is strong, our boss is no slouch either. Did Mr. Zhang see that match the other day? He wiped out thousands of adventurers in one move! Who has ever seen such strength before?!"

"Hmph, we Dragon Covenant aren't pushovers either. Our Dragon Clan Studio is a veteran guild that has dominated the online world for over a decade. We have countless experts, and our powerful Dragon Clan players possess perfect gaming experience and teamwork. You can't defeat us with some underhanded tricks."

Since it's all just talk anyway, the members of the Dragon Covenant naturally won't let their morale be low.

Seeing that everyone claimed they could win, Zhang Haian couldn't help but sigh, "It seems you gentlemen can't reach an agreement, so that's the end of it. I'll take my leave now, and wish you all a pleasant time."

After saying that, Zhang Haian left.

Xiao Yu was surprised that the other party was so easy to talk to; he had thought that Zhang Haian would send out some gangsters to scare them.

"Alright, since you all don't intend to accept my suggestion, then we can only proceed with the match as normal. Our game team will announce the match-up list tomorrow. Please feel free to make yourselves at home."

After saying that, Liu Wei left, and then waiters brought out all kinds of food and drinks, arranging a table full of Xiao Yu's mouth was almost watering.

Seeing that Liu Wei had also left, Naiser snorted and followed suit. Then, the Dynamic Angels also left, leaving only the Dragon Covenant and Xiao Yu's group.

They exchanged a knowing smile and, as if on cue, each found a place to sit down.

Xiao Yu glanced at everyone, "Alright, the food's already served, let's not waste it, since someone else is paying anyway."

Neither group were the type to care about appearances or be cultured, so they sat down at opposite ends of the table and began to eat heartily.

After eating and drinking their fill, they even packed up a bunch of leftovers, including several bottles of drinks. Since it was someone else's money, everyone was about to leave when the meeting hall door suddenly opened again, and Liu Wei returned.

"Mr. Xiao, Mr. Luo, if you've finished eating, please come with me."

Xiao Yu and Rod were both a little confused. They exchanged a glance and then followed Liu Wei out.

Upon arriving at a small cubicle next to the conference hall, Liu Wei closed the door and turned around.

"My plan remains unchanged. I wonder what you two think of my previous proposal?"

Xiao Yu and Rod exchanged a glance. Xiao Yu said, "But Naiser— "

Liu Wei waved his hand dismissively, "Naiser is no problem. We'll arrange for the Dragon Covenant to face the Light of Heavenly Punishment, and the Immortals to face the Purgatory Legion. As long as you can defeat Naiser, his share is yours, and Mr. Luo will still get ten million."

Xiao Yu's heart skipped a beat. 20 million! Even if he won the finals and went on to compete, he might not be able to win it. But after thinking about it, he shook his head. "I can't guarantee that. Although I'm very confident in my abilities, Naiser is indeed very strong. He definitely has his own trump cards. What if I lose?"

Liu Wei smiled slightly, "It's alright, we've naturally considered that. We'll make some minor modifications to the map design to ensure you can perform better. I've calculated your and Naiser's strengths, and they should be roughly equal. However, if you can gain an advantage in the game mechanics, victory shouldn't be a problem."

Xiao Yu was shocked upon hearing this. "Holy crap, is there really such a good thing?!"

Liu Wei said smugly, "We never force those who don't know what's good for them, but we will never treat those who are willing to cooperate with us unfairly. How about it, as long as Mr. Xiao shows mercy after defeating Naiser and lets the Light of Heavenly Punishment duo win the final match, the 20 million is yours. I think Mr. Xiao should know which choice is wiser, right?"

Hearing the hidden threats and temptations in the other party's words, Xiao Yu's heart couldn't help but become very complicated.

He had been worried that there might be something fishy or collusion involved in this competition, but he never expected that he would become the very person the game company wanted to collude with.

On one hand, there's the 20 million and the bias in the game, but this will make the game unfair and subject to behind-the-scenes manipulation.

On the other side, they adhere to principles and firmly believe in fairness and justice, but the final result is completely unpredictable. They can cheat in their match against Naiser, and they can cheat in their match against the Light of Heavenly Punishment.

So, should I agree or not?