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n“It’s very useful. Drinking it once can recover 70% of your mana…”

n“Yes… It’s a little too addictive, to be honest. After drinking it once or twice, you can no longer part with it…”

nThe two captives replied honestly.

n“Hmph! That’s is cheating! It goes against the good name of Beastmasters!” Although Dickens was no Beastmaster, he was certain that Beastmasters would over rely on the Boosters once they have used them.

nLocke asked, “Where did this thing come from?”

n“All we know is that it comes from Gold City. The boss doesn’t give us much details. This thing sells very well. Each bottle can be sold for 1.5 million…”

nThe other captive seemed to be more knowledgeable than his colleague. Worried that Locke would kill them, he quickly added, “The Boosters were developed by the was developed by the Trent family! Their family recruited our boss and ordered him to sell the products in the Holy City. They claimed that it would be a hit, and the users would become addicted after consuming it once or twice! The only downside is that it’s illegal, but they claim that once we’ve occupied the underground markets, we’ll be able to sell it to the surface and become the rulers of the city!”

n“Hmph! I’ve never sold harmless substances before! How dare you poison the people of the Holy City with your drugs!” Dickens was really angry and he constantly kicked the two captives.

nLocke was pleased with Dickens’ actions. At the very least, it had proven that not all underground businessmen were shady evildoers…

nOnce they had reclaimed their lands, the other underground bosses returned to Dickens’ office with smiles on their faces.

nThey carried two big crates in and exclaimed, “As per our agreement, Mr. Locke, here are the items that you’ve requested…”

nFollowing this, they then pulled open the crates.

nLocke inspected the items, and not only were the materials correct, but the quantity was correct too. He gave them a nod to express his satisfaction.

nLike a follower, Dickens walked forward and assisted Locke to put away the items.

n“Mr. Locke, the banquet is ready!” A female boss respectfully announced.

nLocke happened to be a little hungry. As such, he stood up to leave. “Let’s go. I’ll let you decide how you want to handle these captives…”

nLocke directed the statement to Dickens.

nHe smiled and nodded. Then he barked at the two captives, “Go back to Gold City, and tell your superiors to stay away from the Holy City if they value their lives!”

n…

nThe chef’s cooking was very good. Locke was very satisfied with his meal.

nOne of the bosses raised his cup and stood up. “Mr. Locke, since you’re already here in the Underground City. I have a proposition for you, are you interested?”

nLocke motioned for him to continue.

n“So the situation’s like this. Earlier, when we reclaimed our land, we noticed that they have a huge stockpile of Boosters, and there are at least hundreds of thousands of bottles! As such, I’m planning to sell these Boosters back to Gold City. They’re a popular product, after all, and we’re planning to hire you as our protector while we sell these Boosters back to them. You can take 30% of our sales, what do you think?”

n“The Boosters are indeed a popular product. It’s a good deal…”

n“Yes! Yes…”

n“Mr. Locke, you will become rich beyond your wildest dreams soon! Congratulations…”

nThe few bosses seemed to agree with the plan and they raised their glasses to celebrate.

nIn contrast, Dickens had a serious look on his face. He did not agree with the others’ thoughts, but seeing as Locke was remaining silent, he chose to keep quiet as well.

nLocke did respond immediately. Instead, he waited until he was done with his meal. After wiping his mouth, he said, “Sell enough of them to make back your losses. Once your losses have been covered, you are prohibited from selling them anymore..”

nUpon hearing those words, everyone except Dickens frowned.

nThe boss that made the suggestion put down his wine glass and exclaimed, “Mr. Locke… We are underground businessmen. This is the type of business we deal in. This is our lifeline. If you feel that you’re being underpaid, then how about we pay you 45% of the profits?”

nHe was a businessman through and through. In his eyes, Locke was a kid who was unable to resist the allure of money.

nHe was certain that he would be able to persuade Locke.

nHe would use money to control Locke!

nEventually, Locke would become his underling!

nUnfortunately, he did not know that Locke was already worth billions of coins!

nLocke looked at the boss and smirked, “Don’t make me repeat my statement. Dickens, do as I say. If I spot even a single drop of Booster left… There will be consequences…”

n“Don’t worry, Mr. Locke!” This was exactly what Dickens wanted.

nSlammed.

nThe boss slammed the table and stood up, “Dickens, are you crazy? How could you refuse such a profitable proposition? Locke is just a student, how could he understand the scale of our operation! I’m warning you, don’t forget your identity! We are black-hearted merchants, and we always will be! If so much as a drop of Booster is spilled, you will be permanently exiled from the underground! We can, and we will start a war with you!”

nThe moment he finished speaking, a white two-headed snake appeared behind him.

n“Hiss…”

nThe two-headed snake swung its tail and hurled him towards the wall on the opposite end.

nHis subordinates stepped forward and saw that their boss was covered in blood. He was already dead!

nThe other bosses’ faces turned pale. They were glad that they kept their mouth shut!

nLocke did not want to kill anyone, but this was the underground. He had to scare them, otherwise, no one would listen to his orders.

nThe subordinates stayed silent. They knew that they were no match for Locke. Instead, they picked up their boss’ body and fled from the private room.

n“Sit down, and listen to me…”Locke’s tone was very cold.

nThe remaining bosses immediately sat back down. The wine glasses in their hands trembled in shock.

nSeeing that no one would dare to speak against him anymore, Locke said, “I don’t understand all of your underground business principles, but from this moment onwards, the underground world has new rules. Exile anyone who still intends to sell contraband in the future1. Otherwise, execute them…”

n‘What? Does Locke intend to become the new boss of the underground? He’s even setting rules now!’

nAll of the bosses shared the same thoughts.

nLocke shook his wine glass and continued, “I know what you’re thinking, but no… The person in charge of the underground world in the future will be Dickens…”

nEveryone’s jaws dropped upon hearing Locke’s declaration!

n‘What is the meaning of this?’

nAlthough this Dickens was rich, he did not have much influence in the underground world. At most, he was just a second-rate businessman.

n‘Locke wants to put such a man in charge?!’

nDickens was not confident himself and interjected, “Mr. Locke, I… I’m not qualified for this. Why don’t you put someone else in charge… I think you’d be the best fit! No one would be against it! I’m willing to be your assistant!”

n1 I’m pretty sure that Locke’s dragon materials are also contraband, but I’m just translating as is.

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