Chapter 8: Angels and Demons, Section 2

Blood-Pupil’s efficiency was truly remarkable. Just one day later, Koko rushed to Black-Hair’s side, her wrinkled little face filled with terror.
“Mr. Black-Hair, something, something serious has happened…”
“Hm?” Black-Hair didn’t even lift his head, still focused on the book in his hands, merely snorting through his nose.
Seeing his indifferent attitude, Koko grew even more anxious.
“Sir, sir! Stop reading! It’s news we got today. A small faction nearby called the Red Tide Tribe was wiped out last night. Everyone in their stronghold was killed—none survived. Their treasury was looted completely. And no one knows who did it. It’s terrifying!”
Closing his book, Black-Hair raised his head, his expression calm.
“So what? What does it have to do with you or a crystal coin?”
“Huh?” Koko’s face turned green. Ignoring the proper demeanor of a merchant, she rushed right in front of Black-Hair. “How can it not matter? Mr. Black-Hair, though that small faction has nothing to do with us, they’re still our neighbors. To be wiped out so silently and effortlessly means someone is targeting this place. My merchant guild just arrived here and hasn’t even started setting up a stronghold yet, and now this happens. How can I stay calm? Maybe they’ll attack here tonight too!!”
Saying this, the little merchant jumped up. “No, I must take action right away. No one is allowed to go outside these days—we need to be extremely cautious. Mr. Black-Hair, I was wondering if you could help provide protection?”
“No need!” Watching the merchant’s panic, Black-Hair suddenly smiled.
“That little gang called the Red Tide Tribe was dealt with by Blood-Pupil. I found this area too crowded and uncomfortable, so I had him clean it up. Maybe his methods were a bit extreme and scared you.”
“What!?” Koko’s eyes widened in shock. She stood frozen, unable to speak, staring at Black-Hair as if he were a monster.
Weren’t they? Since arriving on Silver Star, Koko had been busy setting up the guild and hadn’t had time to catch her breath, yet such terrifying news had already reached her ears. It had only been two days since she first arrived. Though she had expected Black-Hair and the others to act unscrupulously, such efficiency still defied her belief.

What a joke? They wiped out a small faction in just two days. If this continues, it won’t take a month before all the factions within thirty kilometers around here are wiped out by Hei Fa and the others. For a moment, Keko’s mind was filled with chaos, and he couldn’t sort out any thoughts. After a long while, the head of the only major merchant guild on Qian Luo Star finally let out a long sigh, his face gradually turning redder. He opened his mouth slightly, about to speak, but Hei Fa’s voice came first. “You wanted to see me? Do you have a task?” “…” Keko was stunned, never expecting Hei Fa to have already guessed his purpose. He could only stammer in response. “The guild has prepared the ores and is waiting for the black market ranking update on the day after tomorrow to launch them and seize the top spot in trading. What’s missing now is a legitimate basis.” “A legitimate basis for a guild branch?” Hei Fa’s mind worked quickly. “Yes,” Keko nodded firmly. “Silver Star is extremely expensive. I’ve already approached many factions, asking them to provide land for a branch, but they refuse to budge. They might rent it out, but selling it is out of the question. Even if they do rent it out, the price is exorbitant.” “I see,” Hei Fa nodded. “What about that certain tribe that disappeared last night?” “Too small,” the native of Qian Luo Star shook his head. “They’re just a small faction, with only two bars as their assets. Their control area is just one street. Neither their location nor scale is suitable for the development of a guild.” “So what’s your plan?” Hei Fa narrowed his eyes slightly, already having a decision in mind. Seeing Hei Fa’s narrowed eyes, Keko shuddered, but quickly regained his composure. Everywhere, those who achieve great things are often ruthless. Hei Fa’s seemingly calm yet deeply cold personality was undoubtedly the type Keko admired the most. At that moment, he was even more satisfied with his original decision. “My plan is to ask Mr. Hei Fa to provide some manpower, while I’ll provide the funds. We just need to secure a large enough space in this area. As for promotion, my people will handle it—there won’t be any problems.” Here? No problems? Hei Fa raised his head, meeting Keko’s gaze with a half-smile on his face. “Good. You can go straight to Baroka. He’ll provide everything you need.” “Great!” Keko laughed happily and staggered out of the room.

Speaking of which, his plans aren’t much different from those of Earth’s underworld. Both rely on brute force for intimidation and financial pressure as despicable tactics. Yet on this planet, they are extremely effective. At least the speed at which he accumulates wealth and land far exceeds Koko’s expectations.

Just think of Baroka’s background—he’s one of the most ruthless sand pirates on Xieke Planet. Though not well-known here, his brutal methods are astonishing. Upon receiving Koko’s message, this massive man left without hesitation, taking thirty of his men with him.

All of them were equipped with military-grade armor from Li Feng’s warehouse, small portable electromagnetic cannons, advanced Filin machine guns, along with modern individual combat aids. Regardless of their combat skills, just their armament was comparable to that of Earth’s most powerful marine corps. No matter what force the opponent was, Baroka showed his true nature as a sand pirate: first intimidation, then coercion, followed by violence and plunder. In just one go, he devastated a ten-kilometer radius centered around the Crick Merchant Guild’s stronghold. Aside from seven forces that surrendered, the rest were reduced to ruins by intense fire. Chaos erupted, resembling ancient battlefields, with thousands killed or injured in a single day.

Undoubtedly, such activity could no longer be concealed. As Hei Fa had predicted, almost at the same time, a notice from the Silver Star government arrived, along with the head of the security department responsible for public order and the leader of the city’s underworld.

The government representative, the security minister, was an old man in his fifties, a typical human. Perhaps due to constant stress, he was bald, but he was in high spirits with a rosy complexion. Dressed in a well-tailored uniform, he exuded a certain air of authority.

Normally, the Crick Merchant Guild was just a small organization newly developing on Silver Star and didn’t require such a high-ranking government official to make a personal visit. But because of Baroka and his men’s extreme actions—over the course of a few days, in addition to casualties, they even destroyed several large nightclubs—it was almost like a war, aside from the fact that no mechs were used. This must have enraged the official. His visit was likely intended to hold them accountable.

The meeting place was naturally one of the branches of the Creek Merchant Guild that hadn’t yet been officially established. It was a massive building covering thousands of square meters. Originally the headquarters of a small faction, it was taken over by Baroka after he overthrew them, and it was renovated before being claimed as his own. To show their respect for this high-ranking official, almost all of the guild’s top executives were present—along with Koko and three other major shareholders from Ganluo Star. Hei Fa, as a partner, also had a seat there.

Of course, his presence was more about protection than decision-making. There were over a hundred bodyguards accompanying the head of the security department. With him around, Koko could feel at ease.

The situation was urgent. Ever since Baroka started to show his strength, the leader of the Creek Merchant Guild had been tied to Hei Fa like two people on the same chariot.

“Your actions are too noisy, Lord President. This doesn’t match the agreement we made at first.” Without any courtesy, the head of security began to criticize him as soon as he sat down. His bald head was red with anger, clearly furious. His oily, fat face twitched with excitement.

“How could that be?” Koko spread his hands, putting on an innocent expression. “Sir Minister, didn’t we agree? I just want a small piece of land in this area. Besides, I’ve paid a price for it. I gave large severance payments to every client who cleared land for me.”

“Money! Money! Money!!! You damned Ganluo Star guy, what else do you know besides money??” The minister roared violently. He stood up, slamming his hands on the table. “Do you know that your actions have already been reported? My superiors are alarmed. If it weren’t for my intercession, there would probably be mechs all over here!! Oh, I really want to shove your head up your ass! Do you want us to go to hell with you?”

After a pause, as if still unsatisfied, the minister spat fiercely. “And that fat guy of yours who calls himself Desert Storm. He goes around showing off with a few of his men. Do you know how many people he’s killed?? Damn, his blood could be used to bathe you!!”

“Sir!” Koko straightened up, his small frame suddenly rigid. “You can’t make random accusations. I’ve heard of that terrifying fat guy too. But they’re just a bunch of thugs, having nothing to do with an honest merchant like me. By saying this, aren’t you causing cruel harm to my pure heart? Oh, God of Ganluo, I am Your sheep. Please don’t blame me for such horrible things.”

Pfft… Blood-Pup, who was drinking nearby, spat out his drink instantly. He coughed violently and glanced at Koko.
Sheep? Pure heart? Damn, those Luo Star people really have a great sense of humor.