Several dozen minutes ago. ME Corp
In the president's office, Cocolia sat with her fingers interlaced, staring at the main door in front of the room.
But at the spot she was watching, no one appeared.
"Ha, that's enough."
Unable to wait for the 'guest', Cocolia, with a weary expression, collapsed back into her chair.
And then.....
"This bunch of morons! Not a single one of them can see the big picture!"
Anti-Entropy's executive, Ms. Cocolia, shed her weary demeanor and slammed her fist on the desk in anger.
Just moments ago, she had received intelligence diligently stolen by a spy she had planted in the conservative faction.
Einstein and Tesla, those two old stubborn fools, could finally sit still no longer.
They were heading towards Nagazora City with a large number of Titans.
*My comrades from Anti-Entropy are coming to support me with a Titan army*—the wise and martial Vixen Executive would, of course, never entertain such a foolish thought.
Cocolia knew very well that those two old fools had disliked her for quite some time.
After she had schemed against Raiden Ryoma, seizing the opportunity of his exposure to send him to prison, Cocolia knew that Tesla and Einstein's dissatisfaction with her had reached its peak.
To be honest, Cocolia believed that in other organizations, scheming against an annoying colleague wasn't a big deal.
As long as she could produce results, she believed the person in charge would know what to do.
Would they get rid of a capable and reliable subordinate to vent anger for a schemed-against waste of space?
Or would they ignore some of that subordinate's minor flaws and continue to cultivate them?
Cocolia believed that anyone with a normal IQ would know which to choose.
If she had Tesla and Einstein providing support, Cocolia was confident that in terms of electronic warfare, she could completely cripple Schicksal's arrangements in Nagazora City.
But those two damn short old hags, because of this matter, had actually started to cut off some technical support to the radical faction.
Under these circumstances, their arrival with Titans was most likely not to deal with Schicksal, but to deal with Cocolia herself.
Although Cocolia thought this was incredibly stupid, considering the level of idiots those two were, she felt they were truly capable of such foolishness.
A and as Cocolia fumed, a screen of light suddenly unfolded before her.
"Hehe, Cocolia, it's been a long time."
"Contacting me at such a critical moment, your situation seems to be even worse than I imagined."
Within the light screen, a figure clad in a black robe materialized before Cocolia.
"Mr. Gray Serpent, I believe you are well aware that I don't like to waste time on pleasantries."
Forcing down her inner rage, Cocolia managed to put on a smiling face for Gray Serpent.
"Oh, of course—after all, you are indeed at your wits' end by now."
"With internal troubles and external threats, your plan is on the verge of bankruptcy."
*Damn it, this guy...*
*He's not provoking me, but using this method to tell me he has been watching everything in secret.*
"Just as Mr. Gray Serpent says, so now—I need Mr. Gray Serpent's help."
Seeing the crimson light flash in Gray Serpent's eyes, Cocolia took a deep breath and said to him.
"Name your price. This plan..."
"Name my price?"
Facing Cocolia, Gray Serpent did not let her continue, choosing to interrupt her next words directly.
"What if I want the Gem of Conquest?"
"...That joke isn't funny."
Hearing her ally's exorbitant demand, Cocolia, though not showing anger, felt the smile on her face gradually fade.
"I think you should be aware that your assistance this time is not worth that price."
"Of course. But Cocolia, I can throw in another piece of information for you."
"I have a way to save your daughter, Seele Vollerei."
"...Please tell me the specific procedure first."
"Ha, you also know that's obviously impossible."
At this moment, Gray Serpent looked at the expression on Cocolia's face, his tone carrying a hint of impatience.
"I can help you once in advance, and even let the Gem of Conquest stay in your hands for a while for you to study its properties."
"But I've already compromised this much. Cocolia, if you're still going to be ungrateful, we should consider finding a new partner."
"You haven't forgotten who helped you climb to this position, have you?"
*Damn it.*
*This person is really like a venomous snake.*
*Just looking at him sends a chill down my spine.*
*But I have no choice.*
*Schicksal has already recovered. Their pressure on us will only grow stronger from now on.*
*I must make Raiden Mei awaken ahead of schedule, stir the waters, only then will I have a chance to seize the Gem of Conquest.*
"Very well. Since Mr. Gray Serpent has shown his sincerity, I can certainly agree to Mr. Gray Serpent's request."
*Even though I know I'm drinking poison to quench my thirst, I must borrow Gray Serpent's power.*
"Excellent."
After a very dramatic round of applause, Gray Serpent asked Cocolia.
"Then, what is your request?"
"Very simple."
At this moment, the corners of Cocolia's mouth lifted slightly.
"I know Mr. Gray Serpent is extremely resourceful, with more than enough intelligence channels."
"And now, I need Mr. Gray Serpent to help me spread a piece of news."
"Raiden Ryoma is dead."
"The man committed suicide in prison out of guilt."
"And this piece of intelligence, I hope you can disseminate it as quickly as possible—and ensure that Raiden Ryoma's daughter, Raiden Mei, receives this news."
...