Chapter 235 182: Mercenary Summit
(Three-in-one major chapter)
...
Regarding the Edge, Su Mo recently led a team on a long-distance mission, executing an out-of-town commission.
He had just returned to New Moon City when he heard the latest news about the Crow Hunt operation.
He called Sikinkov: "Congratulations, buddy! You just took office and already became a top-tier hero."
Sikinkov's tone was indifferent, showing no pride: "It's nothing, just vanity."
Su Mo watched the news replay on TV, squinting slightly, and said with deep meaning, "I thought it would make a big splash, but I didn't expect it to end so quickly."
Sikinkov: "Yes."
Su Mo was silent for a moment, then lowered his voice: "Have those people met their end?"
Sikinkov didn't speak, but his silence was a form of answer.
This was not unexpected for Su Mo.
The Border District is New Moon City's strategic area used by the big shots to balance the grassroots level.
The various groups in the Border District must remain divided and cannot unite; otherwise, it would be uncontrollable.
But it can't be too chaotic either; if there's no order at all, that's also uncontrollable.
To maintain balance and keep the Border District firmly in control, "King's Selection" is the best method.
Using the prestige and power of the "King of the Borderlands" to tempt various groups to oppose each other, to form blood feuds, fighting to become king, they can never unite.
At the same time, secretly supporting a group to rise, to manage the Border District as an agent.
Thus, a perfect lawless zone was born.
The King's Selection has always been a spark lit by the three major corporations, attracting countless moths to the flame.
This time, Crow's Nest lost in the King's Selection, suppressed by the rogue origin Wolf Assault, it's inevitable that their backer would take action.
Although Su Mo didn't know what Sikinkov experienced, combining his understanding of New Moon City's forces, he had a vague guess.
Probably Alexander, Zhao Yiming, Tsukimori Ryuuichi, or some other big shot was in motion.
At this moment, Sikinkov suddenly spoke: "Brother..."
Su Mo: "What's up?"
Sikinkov hesitated, seemed very uncertain, finally sighed and said, "For my own consideration, I shouldn't tell you this, but since you helped me so much…"
"Recently, the Border District groups will ease up on the Edge; you can relax, there won't be any attacks."
"But you must be careful yourself, the matter you stirred up with Simon a few days ago, a big shot has taken notice of you... Don't ask who, I really can't say more."
Su Mo sighed silently.
That matter really spread.
After all, given his apparent strength, single-handedly taking down a "Critical Initial Tier" Blood Code Carrier was quite unbelievable.
It's said that people fear fame like pigs fear getting fat.
Fame brought him plenty of contacts and conveniences.
The price was being noticed by some people he simply couldn't provoke at present.
If this situation had a misstep, it would be irrevocable doom.
But conversely, if handled well, it might be another chance to leap forward.
Sikinkov could withstand pressure and inform him of the situation, even just a mention — Su Mo felt this person was worth associating with.
Su Mo sincerely said: "Thanks, buddy, I'll be careful."
Sikinkov: "Alright, take care."
Shortly after ending the call with Sikinkov, another call came in — it was Dress.
Dress's voice was enthusiastic: "Hey, Old Su, come to play on the 66th floor of Midsummer Night's Tower at 7 PM tomorrow."
Su Mo laughed: "Of course, I wouldn't miss the annual New Moon City Mercenary Summit, such a lively event."
Dress praised: "That's good, the summit can miss anyone but you! I've heard that this year's 'Best Rookie of the Year' is yours!"
Su Mo returned the praise: "Since you're so happy, 'Best Intermediary of the Year' must be yours."
Dress laughed heartily: "Ahahaha! Just vanity~ It's settled then, see you tomorrow!"
...
The Mercenary Summit is the annual grand event of New Moon City's mercenary community.
Though mercenaries are not officially recognized as a formal profession, in New Moon City, known as the "Mercenary City," this group has long been an indispensable part of the city, forming a complete industrial ecosystem from top to bottom.
Every year at the Mercenary Summit, intermediaries and mercenaries with accomplishments typically attend; it's not only a representation of honor but also an excellent place to expand one's network.
On the evening of the Mercenary Summit.
The parking lots around Midsummer Night's Tower in the Lakefront Business District were filled with luxury cars, social elites were gathered, each elegantly dressed and smiling.
"Vroom—Vroom—" as the roar of engines came from the sky, a black hovercar landed on the designated landing pad, its luxurious and noble body instantly overshadowing other luxury cars, becoming the focal point of the venue.
The car door opened, and Su Mo stepped out, dressed in a Sasser No. 1 suit, his ordinary appearance under the backdrop of the attire acquired a movie star-like charisma.
This time, Su Mo brought along the three companions who originally followed him.
Not for any other reason.
Back when everyone was struggling in a small rundown house.
Now that they've prospered, they should enjoy the blessings together.
KK, Dongdong, and Future stepped out of the car one after another.
The first two gathered together, pointing and chatting excitedly at the lively scene, looking very animated.
Future, uninterested in anything outside of experiments, yawned lazily, looking uninspired.
The four ascended to the 66th floor of Midsummer Night's Tower, where all the rooms were interconnected, set up as a splendid auditorium.
This year's summit host is New Moon City's "King of Mercenaries," Zhou Hanyan, who took care of all the expenses and related affairs, and you could still see the Death Scythe Mercenaries responsible for security.
