Chapter 2516: Stealing the Sector
Xu Huo smiled, "Mr. Valen, do you want to make a relic deal with me, or do you want my help?"
Mr. Valen’s side had enough people and power, but clearly, this matter couldn’t be resolved just by numbers. His ambiguous statements were simply a way to acquire the Time Force at a lower cost. After all, few can resist the allure of Super Player relics. Even those lacking in strength might want to try, just in case.
"I know my limits. Without sufficient rewarding conditions, it’s not worth the risk for me."
"A Super Player’s relic isn’t enough to entice you?" Mr. Valen watched him. His years in the political arena had made him patient enough, "Since the gentleman passed away, his Super Props remain unclaimed to this day."
Xu Huo was also patient, "The inability to clear the level means I can’t leave District 001."
Forget about obtaining it, what would happen if I did get it? Would I stay in this district or leave the game?
The two sides were in a stalemate. Mr. Valen’s expression slightly darkened, although he hid it well, his breathing patterns still revealed his unrest.
In fact, the strengths and weaknesses of both sides were evident—it all depended on how he chose.
Xu Huo’s advantage was that District 001 needed his help. His disadvantage was his insufficient strength, making it easy for District 001 to trap him.
While Mr. Valen had the advantage of power, his concern was not to completely offend Xu Huo, as he still needed his help. Forcibly sending him over would first damage District 001.
After much deliberation, Mr. Valen finally relented, carefully saying, "We have a group of players trapped in the relic area."
Xu Huo quietly waited for more information.
"They have been inside for too long; their fate is unknown. We need someone to bring them out."
"According to detection results, the relic area involves the Time Force, but both people and machines sent in afterward lost all contact."
"Originally, the relic area shouldn’t have been this dangerous. Some Outer Zone players tampered at the entrance."
"Is this why you are suppressing the Outer Zone players?" Bubble Bean questioned, "Isn’t it overreacting to blame everyone at once? Did you not negotiate the conditions properly?"
The ones who tampered must have been looking to gain something from this. Otherwise, why would they bother? If you want to rescue people, the District Government can just set higher conditions.
"They never intended to resolve this peacefully from the start." Mr. Valen said, "We’ve already made many concessions."
"Then concede a little more." Bubble Bean suggested, "It’s merely a power struggle, allowing Outer Zone forces to replace some local staff in key positions. District 001 will still hold the numeric advantage; once ceded, reclaiming it later wouldn’t be difficult."
"If only it were as simple as that." Mr. Valen did not underestimate the naïve idea, "This is a battlefield without smoke. Once the bottom line is crossed, we will surely pay an incalculable price."
The power struggle is inherently brutal. The players who entered the relic area are likely the elite of the elite, and the District Government cannot afford their loss. The Outer Zone forces surrounding the entrance have taken hostages, their purpose far exceeding a mere swap of government officials. Thus, Mr. Valen and the forces he represents orchestrated the Wan Family kidnapping case, a move aimed at curbing the rapid growth of Outer Zone forces.
The situation has escalated to a point where even mutual destruction with those Outer Zone forces would not solve the problem. Hence, they marked the entire District 001 to completely sever any resurgence of Outer Zone influence.
Xu Huo furrowed his brows, "Besides those trapped in the relic area, are there other hostages?"
Mr. Valen was surprised by his sharpness, pausing before admitting, "There are also some officials’ family members."
Some?
It’s probably not as simple as stated.
They already have elite players and control the families of high-ranking officials, essentially gripping the District Government’s upper echelon. With such organizational power and strength, how could the people of District 001 not react in time?
Xu Huo paused, suddenly asking, "Is there another major district looking to replace District 001?"
Zone extermination wars aren’t always blatant on the surface; such a silent conflict aligns more with the plunderers’ interests. A district completely destroyed is useless, but directly taking over a developed district can bring continuous benefits.
Mr. Valen slightly lowered his head, his back even bending as if unable to withstand the pressure.
To usurp a district with this bloodless method, no wonder the locals of District 001 found it too late to reverse the situation. One can imagine that if the Outer Zone forces succeed, Mr. Valen and others have only a dead-end, and the complete replacement of the upper echelon will turn District 001 into a puppet of the Outer Zone. Such a "gentle" transition might even erode the will to resist among those in District 001 who are not directly involved.
*
I’m someone who sticks to my decisions; once I choose this level-clearance plan, I won’t change easily, especially since we’re almost at the final step."
"A major event is about to unfold in District 001; it’s hard to find a better opportunity on the Cat Fruit Town side."
"Perhaps we can negotiate from a different angle, is there any way I can assist?"
Even before Mr. Valen and the others could react, Bubble Bean’s expression of astonishment couldn’t be hidden: Wow, what a boast—why would you think a district full of Advanced Players like District 001 would need help from an outsider? If not mistaken, he should be a Rank-B player!
Normally that’s the case, but Xu Huo’s words stem from the very reason they are here. Why would Valen want to see them? It’s a good reason.
Since he already knows about the Mi Family incident, presumably someone investigated his previous actions. Although he had disguised himself, he believed that the talents in District 001 could easily deduce his identity from clues.
The only reason they agreed to meet him is that he has something they need.
District 001 players lack what he has; the answer is clear.
Moreover, if they’re taking the time to meet him at this critical moment, it emphasizes his urgency.
Thus, Xu Huo’s proposal for a trade is logical.
Mr. Valen’s expression remained unchanged, as if not in a hurry. After a moment, he then asked, "Are you three interested in Super Player relics?"
Bubble Bean’s eyes stopped twitching, the Girl in the painting halted her eating, while Xu Huo calmly stated, "Even if you can’t produce District 001’s Super Player relics, you wouldn’t just hand them over. It seems it’s about relic disputes."
"It can’t really be called ’handing them over’," Mr. Valen said, "A Super Player’s relic isn’t something anyone can inherit; only those capable can take it."
"Though we’d love for District 001 players to inherit the relics, there’s no suitable candidate. If someone can bring out the relics, we are willing to exchange them for something more valuable."