With Sol's warning still ringing in his ears, Chekkat threw himself into his work with feverish energy, terrified that Sol might find another buyer on his own.

He was desperate to cling to the power behind Sol—and if that failed, at least he wanted to uncover where those superweapons would end up.

Once, Chekkat had dreamed of keeping all the superweapons for himself. But that fantasy had shattered. Now his ambitions had shifted.

He would bring in only his most trusted partners—let them all acquire the superweapons together.

With eight of them in total, they could form a super-alliance, gaining immense influence in New Eridu's underworld. Perhaps, in time, they could even become one of those oligarchic enterprises sitting among the TOPS Alliance.

The very thought made him giddy. His phone never stopped ringing as he began arranging a secret internal arms auction.

While Chekkat scrambled to recruit allies, Sol and Anby were brazenly touring the Black Panther Organization's underground market. Jane accompanied them, using their presence as an excuse to gather as much intel on the organization as she could.

Chekkat was more than happy to allow it. He assumed Sol was "inspecting" his operations before absorbing the Black Panthers into that terrifying organization he served. Thus, aside from the deepest secrets, everything about the Black Panther Organization was laid bare to Sol and Anby.

For a while, everyone seemed to have their own bright future in sight.

In the meantime, at Janus Quarter.

Beneath the ruins outside a Hollow, dozens of battered trucks stood in rows, each with its bed flipped open to reveal piles of weapons of all kinds.

Every truck was overseen by a shrewd Black Panther member—men and women skilled at guiding customers into overspending.

Around the perimeter, dozens of watchmen stood alert, ready to evacuate into the Hollow at the first sign of trouble.

It was already evening. One by one, shadowy figures appeared, arriving to browse and buy their favorite weapons or criminal tools.

Sol and Anby walked through the marketplace openly, Jane and several Panther operatives trailing beside them, offering commentary.

"This is our organization's trading market," Jane said with a bright smile, sounding proud. "Both our transaction volume and turnover are growing rapidly."

But behind that smile, her eyes moved like camera shutters, memorizing every truck owner's face.

These were members from other branches of the Black Panther Organization—people she'd never seen before.

If the base in Janus Quarter hadn't been abandoned, and if she weren't currently playing tour guide to Sol and Anby, Chekkat would never have allowed her to see these people.

Sol gave a small approving nod and casually picked up a sleek-looking pistol from one of the truck beds, turning it over in his hand. "Hmm. The quality's not bad."

"You've got a sharp eye, sir. In the arms business, if the quality's bad, no one buys," said the attendant with a flattering grin.

"Mm."

Sol nodded again and tossed the pistol to Anby.

Anby tucked it into her belt, clearly pleased with the "gift" Sol had just given her. Then, without hesitation, the two of them strode forward to the next stall.

"Hey! You haven't paid yet!"

The seller panicked.

That pistol was top-grade gear smuggled from the military—every single piece was a premium item!

"What payment? He's our boss's honored guest. Consider it a gift," Jane said with a frown.

"Ah…" The seller could only sigh and mutter under his breath, "Great taste though—he picked the most expensive one."

That gun was an ether-powered pistol—no ammo required, with devastating output.

If sold, it would fetch at least a million Dennies!

Ten minutes later, Sol had visited four or five more stalls, helping Anby pick out an entire combat kit. She even got several brand-new military-grade ether batteries for the electric blade she'd left with Zhu Yuan.

"Boss, isn't this… kind of wrong?"

Anby asked, carrying a tactical case that was practically overflowing.

It was her first time officially participating in what amounted to a zero-cost shopping spree, and she couldn't help but feel a little guilty.

"It's fine. If we don't take anything, Chekkat will get suspicious."

Sol waved his hand dismissively.

Right now, he was posing as a field operative from a mysterious organization. If he didn't take advantage—food, money, or goods—it would look suspicious.

This was a deliberate signal to Chekkat: don't mistake me for a saint, and don't bother trying to bribe me.

"Oh."

Anby happily packed up the case and grabbed two more batteries from the stall on the way out.

She couldn't help admiring the Black Panthers' supply chain—these batteries were identical to the ones she used back in the Obsidian Camp. Top-notch quality.

Her beloved charged electric blade would soon have brand-new batteries.

"…"

Jane and the accompanying Black Panther members exchanged silent, twitching looks.

These two were unbelievable. They didn't treat themselves as guests—more like raiders on a conquest.

Jane could already imagine a terrifying future—Sol, after rising to power through sheer skill, stepping into politics… and embezzling all of New Eridu.

Meanwhile, at that exact moment, Billy Kid arrived at the market with the Sons of Calydon.

"Boss Caesar, this is the latest arms trading site," Billy said, his voice muffled through a black mask. "Great quality—pick whatever you like."

"Looks impressive," Caesar said, nodding approvingly. The rows of massive trucks were an impressive sight.

The weapons scavenged from the Outer Ring's junk piles couldn't compare to this.

"Ohh, look at those beauties! This guy can't take it anymore!"

Piper's eyes shone as she ogled the gleaming engines and armor.

Her beloved "Steeltusk" was already over a decade old—these models put it to shame.

If only she could rip out one of those engines and take it home!

"Ahaha, I can smell the premium fuel from here! I'm thrilled already!" Burnice squeezed her legs together, face flushed with excitement, looking ready to faint from bliss.

"You two idiots! Stop embarrassing me!"

Lucy fumed, feeling her face burn from secondhand shame.

She grabbed her bat and smacked both Burnice and Piper on the head.

"Ow!"

Burnice held her head, whimpering pitifully.

"Angry Lucy is so scary," Piper mumbled serenely, rubbing the bump on her head.

Just then, Billy noticed Sol and Anby walking through the market, surrounded by Panther members as they inspected another stall.

"Sol—"

Billy almost shouted aloud.

Boss Nicole had spent all last night searching for Sol and Anby—and here they were!

But… Sol was wearing a black leather coat now, and Anby a sharp black suit.

What the hell? Did they secretly join a new faction behind my back?

BONK!

A handgun smacked Billy on the head, making him stumble.

"Sorry, my hand slipped."

Sol stood before them, expressionless, bending down to pick the gun back up from beside Billy's feet.