CHAPTER 360: CHAPTER 360: RETALIATION

Right after the meeting, the alliance of the Oder family, the Arkhen Corporation, Versailles Group, Rajhan Khan and the Demolition Knights swooped into action. This was because they were running out of time as once the city lord’s position debate was over, more characters might enter the field.

"Publish the articles."

Some media publications rolled out details of the investigation from four months ago, the memory of the event, and other terrorist activities, trying to utilise public sentiments to press down on Lucas. Although this wouldn’t be as effective since the focus of the public was elsewhere, it would still cause some harm.

Although the final Cabinet meeting would begin today, there was no saying that it would end on the same day. In fact, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the debate lasted for a week before a decision was reached. However, due to the nature and importance of the discussion, many predicted it to last between two to three days.

During this time, it was normal for some of the citizens to have their attention elsewhere, even if it was only for a while. That was what the alliance targeted.

But this wasn’t all they had planned.

The alliance of five forces also went to the Baylands City Patrol Corps to request an investigation into the operation of the Seven Sparks Forge store. This was because the store was previously suspected to be connected to a terrorist activity. However, shortly after Lucas’ disappearances, all charges had been dropped and the investigation was closed. Now though, they intended to reopen those cases. If successful, the Seven Sparks Forge store would be temporarily shut down before it could even properly open again.

Apart from that, the alliance went over to the Eretrean Vestige-smith League’s branch to request that they confirm the validity of Lucas’ temporary licence. They were suspicious that the licence might be fake, after all, Lucas was a human; it just didn’t make sense for him to attract the interest of a Tier 1 Grandmaster and gain enough approval to have a temporary licence. The purpose of doing this, apart from their suspicion, was to make Lucas look bad to the public.

"We have a problem."

Altimo contacted Lucas via a call and spoke up.

It has only been just a few hours ago since he was here with Vergil and they discussed about their follow-up plans. But Altimo had reached out all of a sudden.

"What’s the issue?" Lucas frowned as he could tell that it wasn’t a simple problem if Altimo was contacting him.

"They’ve already began their attack."

Altimo went on to report the findings of an investigation.

To ensure that Lucas received adequate aid, Russell had granted Altimo control over a portion of the family’s resources and access to some special forces. Using them, Altimo was able to keep an eye out for anyone that could possibly threaten both Lucas and the Mertens, even before he met up with Lucas. As result, the moment the alliance made their move, Altimo had already found out.

"I’ve noticed movements into the Oder family earlier on. Characters from the Arkhen Corporation, Versailles Group, and the Demolition Knights were accounted for. There was also news that Rajhan Khan was in attendance."

"Who?" Lucas asked.

Altimo then went on to describe each side involved; their background and their estimated power.

"They won’t reach out to you just yet. They would only do so after applying a degree of pressure. We can try to intercept them now or wait until then."

"Don’t make a move just yet. I want to see what they can do." Lucas replied.

"I was of the same opinion as well. It would be much better to retaliate after letting them make a fool of themselves." Altimo grinned as a scheming expression planted itself on his face.

After the call ended, Lucas went back to his work.

To bring the Seven Sparks Forge store back to the top, Lucas planned on promoting some of their old products like the popular SS vestiges that could transform —the Blue Spear and Dark Dagger. He also wanted to bring back the ’new’ products that were unveiled just before his arrest four months ago. However, this was only the first step.

Before Lucas left Baylands City, he swore that upon his return he would avenge himself and take down all those involved in his forced exile.

If it were in the past or if he was powerful, Lucas would have forced his way into their homes and broke their legs. However, he was just an ordinary human. Nonetheless, there was still another option; to ruin their businesses.

Excluding the Mertens family, the other three top families engaged in the trade of serums, resources, raw elements and ores, tech and some other miscellaneous goods.

Lucas intended on competing with these companies owned by the other top four families including the Ross family. Even though Russell had previously mentioned how the Ross family was on his side and intended to help, it wasn’t without a demand like with Russell. Also, the Ross family still had a hand in pressuring him to his previous state then.

Thanks to the system, Lucas didn’t need to worry about ores and materials. Although there was a limit, he could even sell some of them after all, those resources were made available by subtracting a portion of his earnings from sales in the store. They were basically free-to-use.

When it came to vestiges, Lucas was confident that no one in Baylands city-state was better than he was. While he couldn’t mass produce, Lucas’ quality builds would ensure that he held control of the premium market.

’That just leaves serums.’ Lucas thought as he browsed through the intranet.

Serums were unique medical products that could generate a positive effect on a hyuman, such as improving their stellar energy refining speed, heal physical injuries whether internal or external, and even boost one’s physical capabilities. The more advanced and precious serums could even increase one’s potential.

Serums were basically the equivalent of magical pills and potions. They were also difficult to make with their pharmaceutical formulas hidden from the public’s purview. Unlike vestiges, there was no specific occupation for serum makers. This was because, serums were technically advanced medicine. Hence, serum makers were known as Pharmaceutical Scientists.

As a vestige-smith, it was practically impossible for Lucas to be able to manufacture serums, but he had a plan.

"System, if I recall correctly, being a Crafts-god covers all forms of crafts. Am I right?"

"Coreect." The system responded.

"So, that should include manufacturing serums, correct?"

"...correct."

Lucas then let out a villainous chuckle.