The Martial Unity

It wasn't long before he found himself in an office that was sealed off with anti-espionage measures.

"Senior Falken, please have a seat." An executive gestured.

The man was a mid-level executive within the company, officially at least.

"A book market, a library, and now a distribution service," Rui remarked. "The Beggar's Sect sure is diverse in its covers."

The man smiled. "Thank you. It's a safety measure, you see."

"Even if a single base is compromised, it won't turn into a point of failure for the entire sect because all the various bases of operations of your foreign affairs department," Rui guessed.

"That, and more. However, I believe you're not here to discuss this topic," The man continued. "Considering that you have already purchased the intelligence you sought on the Hypnomaster back in the Derimont Bazaar, I suppose you're not here to purchase information."

"Well, it has been more than two years since I visited the Derimont Bazaar, but yes, I'm here for opportunities for my commission payment, and to confirm the status of my commission," Rui replied.

"Your commission has already been completed, Senior Falken." The man remarked. "We have gathered an extensive amount of information on the security measures undertaken by Chairman Deacon at all times, as well across his entire regular schedule and for all considered circumstances. We will supply you with it the very moment you complete your commission payment."

That was good news. Rui had been concerned about the results of their efforts, but it would appear that the Beggar's Sect

"I'm glad to hear that my commission has gone well," Rui replied. "However, I do have to say that I am a little concerned with how inflated the commission payment is."

"Hm? Please elaborate."

"In particular, I'm concerned about the value of the commission payment versus the value of the contributions that I've made to the Beggar's Sect," Rui remarked. "The contributions I made to the Derschek branch were rather enormous, don't you think? I cleaned out an entire assassination industry, killed many Martial Seniors, and completely got rid of a problem that had become a headache for even the Beggar's Sect. In comparison, the general value of the intelligence surrounding Chairman Deacon seems much lower."

"You're not wrong, Senior Falken," The man smiled, earning Rui's surprise. He didn't think that they would concede that point so easily. "However, the reason that the intelligence of Chairman Deacon is high is because of the seal placed on the intelligence."

Rui tilted his head in confusion.

"You yourself have placed a seal on your information, have you not?" The man asked.

"...You mean paying the Beggar's Sect not to sell my information?"

"Correct," The man nodded. "That places a seal on your information, making it much more expensive to purchase your information. Chairman Deacon has placed an even greater seal on his information, thus the commission payment to purchase it is naturally very high."

Rui understood the system, it was quite a simple but ingenious way for the Beggar's Sect to earn an enormous sum of money from various wealthy tycoons across the continent.

He was willing to bet that every nation and powerful or influential individual put a seal on their information. He couldn't even begin to fathom how much the Beggar's Sect was profiting from the arms race of intelligence that they themselves had put into play.

'No wonder they can afford such extravagant bases like the Derimont Bazaar.' Rui mused.

The Derimont Bazaar was obscured by a huge amount of anti-espionage esoteric materials that he recognized to be coming from the Shionel Dungeon. Considering that he had made many billions off of Esosale Suppliers, he knew just how expensive the creation of the Derimont Bazaar must have been.

'Tsk. It's a game everybody is forced to play, a game where they are the gamemaster.' Rui tutted inwardly. "Increase the seal on my information ten-fold."

The man smiled. "Are you sure about that? That will cost you. You will most likely have to make an equally large contribution as you did in the Derschek Region."

"Yes, I'm sure," Rui replied.

Although he highly doubted that someone as pious and stuck-up as Master Uma would lower herself to complete commissions for the Beggar's Sect, he did not want to take any chances. As long as he could increase the difficulty of her getting to him, that was good enough.

It would not do for her to appear out of the blue one day while he was minding his business and then abduct him.

"Alright then, I'll be sure to initiate that immediately. Normally, we do so after the payment has been made, however, our working relationship with you has been quite pleasant thus far, so we will make an exception." The man replied. "However, I believe that still isn't the primary reason why you're here."

"I'd like to fully pay off all of my commission payments in one go," Rui replied. "I have no interest in running around completing small missions and operations to accumulate my commission payment over a long time."

"That is how most Martial Artists pay it back, it's more convenient for them that way, but we understand," The man replied. "You have demonstrated truly impressive abilities. Particularly, your ability to assassinate is truly astonishing for a Martial Senior as young as you are, as demonstrated by your feats in the Shadow Isles."

'Oh, you have no idea.' Rui mused. "I am a highly competent assassin, yes. I am confident I can pierce through to anybody not protected by Martial Masters."

Although he wasn't too fond of the idea that his combat skills were not as valued monetarily as his assassination skills, it couldn't be helped. Eliminating targets was just too lucrative. Adaptive evolution was nice and all, but it didn't earn him the huge amounts of wealth he needed.

"I believe I have just the perfect operation for you," The man remarked. "If you can complete these, then I believe your commission payment will be complete."