novelraw Chapter 29
Chapter 29
Chapter 29. The Real Point of Conflict
Bartos now looked like a lone wolf separated from the pack.
The current situation was extremely unfavorable for him. The reason he opposed so strongly was naturally not only because he did not want his subordinates to take the blame.
It was also because the internal power structure of the Deep Sea Union was completely different from that of noble families.
As a pirate group, his authority was built entirely upon bloody suppression and the distribution of profits.
If he truly followed Kyle’s proposal and handed over capable subordinates as scapegoats, it would not only chill the hearts of his men but also shake the very foundation of his rule—where the strong stood above the weak.
What right would a weak leader who compromised with outsiders have to command them?
The Deep Sea Union would probably fall apart very quickly!
“I can accept no longer plundering merchant caravans, but I cannot accept the demand to hand over my subordinates as scapegoats,” Bartos said bluntly, turning his gaze toward Kyle.
He was not foolish enough to completely tear his face with everyone present.
“That’s not something you should say to me, but to the merchant caravans that were plundered by your Deep Sea Union.”
Kyle could not care less how Bartos negotiated with those caravans—he only wanted results.
“As long as you can offer compensation that satisfies all races, how you handle it is your own business.”
“If you’re unwilling to pay even that price, then why should you enjoy the benefits brought by Coral Thorn City’s development?”
“Of course, if you can defeat me, then you naturally won’t have to pay those costs.” Kyle looked at Bartos with amusement. “So… want to have a fight?”
Bartos knew he had already retreated as far as he could. He could only agree reluctantly. Today’s account would have to be settled another day.
“Fine. How do you want to fight?”
“Wait!”
Robert could no longer sit still.
After all that, was the most unfortunate one actually him—the bystander?
These people still had the option of changing professions, but what about him?
Pack up and leave?
Impossible!
“Kyle, your proposal is naturally good for Coral Thorn City, but the foundation of the Shadow Guild… if we lose these ‘traditional businesses,’ how are we supposed to survive?” Although Robert did not state it explicitly, everyone understood his meaning.
Bartos, Sarkhad, and Claudi looked at Robert with strange expressions.
The three of them had argued for so long, yet only now did they realize that after all the fuss, the most anxious person was not any of their three factions.
It was this “entertainment seeker” who had come to watch the show!
Kyle was also stunned—he had actually overlooked this man.
The dealings of the Shadow Guild had taken “dirty work” to the extreme.
If the others could be considered tumors, then the Shadow Guild was a chronic disease—one that was extremely difficult to eradicate.
According to his original plan, the dark side of society could gradually be squeezed out until such soil of crime slowly disappeared.
But now it seemed that might not be possible.
You damned fatso! Once I finish dealing with these people, I’ll squeeze some oil out of that fat of yours and use it for sky lanterns!
But since everything had already been laid bare, the Shadow Guild would also have to change.
Yet this was far from simple.
Although the Shadow Guild was not as powerful as the Adventurers’ Guild, it was still an organization spanning several continents.
The Shadow Guild branch in Coral Thorn City controlled even more black and gray industrial chains than Bartos and the others combined—and the profits were terrifying.
Kyle had no doubt that the Shadow Guild was actually the richest force in Coral Thorn City.
As for who exploited the poor the most—aside from imperial taxes—it was the gangs collecting “protection fees.”
They were the true culprits who squeezed the last drop of oil from the lowest classes.
Kyle frowned slightly. For a moment, he truly could not think of a suitable solution.
After all, who would bother planning a future for a group of social scum destined to be eliminated? Just thinking about it made him feel nauseated.
Giving those decaying nobles a chance to change professions was already troublesome enough—did he also have to care about the survival of these parasites?
As for giving them a chance to reform?
What a joke.
Would a group of parasites even more vampiric than vampires honestly go out and work?
Impossible.
Given his temperament, he would rather these scum went to hell sooner.
And not just metaphorically—literally hell.
To wander forever in purgatory for all eternity—that was the destination they deserved.
But the situation now placed him in a dilemma.
These people were willing to cooperate largely because he could bring enormous profits.
If he let go and ignored them, there was no need to think—these hyenas would immediately launch a counterattack.
He was not afraid of them.
But the commercial network and stable situation he had painstakingly built over many years would likely be destroyed. That was what pained him the most.
As a dark creature, establishing one’s own legitimate public forces was extremely difficult.
He did not want to become a monster forever living in the shadows.
As for becoming an absolute powerhouse first and then building forces afterward—that was pure fantasy.
No powerhouse emerged by blindly stumbling forward.
Without great opportunities, immense perseverance, and sufficient resources, everything was just wishful thinking.
Moreover, his path itself was one of challenging the impossible and surpassing his own limits.
In his previous life, he had loved a four-character poem written by a great figure:
“To struggle with heaven—endless joy!
To struggle with earth—endless joy!
To struggle with people—endless joy!”
Those words constantly influenced him, serving as the source of his belief and the guiding light when facing all difficulties.
“Robert, the transformation of the Shadow Guild is indeed tricky. I don’t have a good solution either.” Kyle’s golden pupils gleamed even more brilliantly under the sunlight.
“What you are best at is intelligence and ‘special services,’ but those all belong to black industries. If you switch to legitimate fields like security or information consulting, the profits would be far lower than now. I’m afraid you would never willingly give them up.”
“So I won’t beat around the bush. In the future blueprint I envision, black industry chains are absolutely targets for eradication, and gray industries must also be strictly controlled.”
“Only then can Coral Thorn City truly transform into a prosperous, orderly, and vibrant trade capital.”
“So that means you intend to become an enemy of the Shadow Guild?” Robert no longer maintained his usual smile. His expression grew extremely gloomy, and his aura surged outward—faintly overwhelming the other three.
Bartos and the others had not expected Robert to have hidden himself so deeply.
His true strength was probably already approaching Transcendent—perhaps he was already Transcendent!
Kyle was slightly surprised. He had not expected Robert to expose himself so directly.
Naturally, he was well aware of the strength of everyone present. After all, he was not arrogant enough to cooperate with outsiders without first understanding their capabilities.
But when he felt the killing intent coming from the other side—
Kyle’s golden pupils slowly transformed before everyone into two blood moons radiating ominous aura for the first time!
The dark energy surrounding his body also grew increasingly intense.
“Robert, I, Kyle, do not cause trouble—but I am not afraid of it either.”
Kyle’s expression was as calm as still water, his gaze cold and deep.
“If you don’t give me an explanation today, then even if I must sacrifice the decades of foundations of Coral Thorn City…”
“I will still make sure that you are the one who ‘stays behind’ here!”