A magical world deep within the Spiritual Tide? Feline demi-humans?
Pardofelis was profoundly shaken by these two pieces of information. However, thanks to the excellent expression management she had developed through her "acting," her shock didn't show on her face.
So that so-called Spiritual Tide actually connects to another world?
"Excellency Flame-Chaser, are you willing to drop your disguise? Although we have had some conflicts in the past, I believe those conflicts can be resolved peacefully through certain means."
Hearing the man's words, Pardofelis fell into deep thought. She hesitated over whether to follow his logic and turn the Flame-Chaser back into Cipher.
Even though the Flame-Chaser is actually White Calamity, if I go by his deductions, this is indeed the most logical outcome. Besides, the conflict between the Countercurrent Alliance and Cipher is the most severe; they've likely prepared specific compensation for Cipher that would be far greater than what they'd offer Cifera alone.
Let's see what they're actually planning to do.
With that thought, Pardofelis shifted her intent. After a puff of white smoke, the avatar that previously looked like the Flame-Chaser transformed into Cipher.
"Speak then. What exactly are you trying to achieve? And since you already know our names, what about yours?"
Seeing the Flame-Chaser turn into Cipher, the man smiled faintly and spoke softly:
"I am Li Yan. My current position is the Chief Financial Officer of the Countercurrent Alliance, and I am also one of the Vice Alliance Leaders. As for what I want to do, I said it from the beginning: I am here to seek a truce."
"A truce... and what kind of sincerity do you plan to show?"
Cipher stared intently at Li Yan, her voice laced with distrust.
"You all like Credits quite a bit, don't you?" Li Yan remained perfectly calm under her gaze, maintaining his placid smile. "I have a card here with thirty million Credits inside. These thirty million combined should be more than what you've taken from us so far. Ladies, what do you think?"
Li Yan produced a black card from beneath the table and slowly pushed it toward Cipher.
Thirty million?
Cipher inhaled sharply in her mind.
Thirty million in one go—what a massive play. With this thirty million, my assets could hit a small milestone.
Though she was highly tempted, she quickly suppressed her emotions. Her need for Credits had actually diminished lately; this thirty million was merely a "nice-to-have" and wouldn't yield thirty thousand Stellar Jade.
While the "Falsehood into Reality" function required Credits, she hadn't encountered any powerful enemies recently, so she didn't need it for now. Strengthening "Puss in Boots" was currently more important than Credits. After all, if she kept building her reputation, "Puss in Boots" might actually make her omnipotent.
Thinking of this, Cipher looked down at the one-eyed cat coin in her hand, momentarily lost in thought.
"Excellency Cipher, what is your decision?"
Seeing Cipher spacing out, Li Yan waited a moment before inquiring. Cipher was pulled back to reality by his voice. She looked back up at Li Yan with a look of feigned regret.
"If you had said this to me a few days ago, I would have agreed without hesitation. But things are different now."
Cipher lightly picked up the black card. Through the item details interface, she could clearly see the text under the card: [Credits: 30,000,000]. After confirming this, she placed the card back on the table and said nonchalantly:
"Furthermore, you're just leaving this here in the open? Aren't you afraid I'll just take the card and leave?"
"I am not," Li Yan shook his head. "Thirty million is a lot, but it is not a loss we cannot afford."
"If you are unwilling to reconcile and simply take the money and run, then we would be forced to take special measures."
Cipher's eyes narrowed. "Are you threatening us?"
"No," Li Yan shook his head again. "I cannot threaten you; I am well aware of that. However, I control the finances of every Countercurrent Alliance base. I can change the fund distribution from once a year to once a week and remind all members to transfer their private assets. If I do that, the next time you rob one of our bases, you won't get more than fifty thousand Credits at a time."
"While this would greatly increase my workload, it is a necessary evil."
Damn... what a ruthless guy.
Cipher almost broke character. To be honest, this method was incredibly effective against her. Who would want to rob a massive base only to walk away with a few tens of thousands of Credits?
Seeing Cipher fall silent, Li Yan took another sip of his coffee and continued:
"I believe the conditions we've offered are good enough. Why are you still so hesitant?" He turned his gaze toward Pardofelis. "Is it... because of that coin?"
"I don't know why you leave a coin behind at the scene that reveals the name 'Cifera,' but I suspect... does it have something to do with fame?" Li Yan stroked his chin as he spoke.
"If you have the confidence, I can send you to the Hive District and provide the location of the Apex Entertainment branch office."
"Apex Entertainment—the company that controls all upper-and-middle-class media and entertainment in the United States of Pacific. They are also the wealthiest company. If you want to increase your renown, the fame and Credit gains from robbing their branch would be far higher than robbing our bases. What do you think?"
It's over. I'm even more tempted now! What do I do?!
Listening to Li Yan, Cipher felt as if her every thought was being read. She could clearly feel that no one was reading her mind, which only made her realize how terrifyingly smart this man was. These conditions were impossible to refuse!
Despite this, Cipher maintained her original expression. As a demigod, losing her composure like that would be a total blow to her image!
"The conditions you've offered are indeed excellent. But why go to such lengths to help us?" Cipher said indifferently, as if Li Yan's words hadn't stirred a single ripple in her emotions.
Li Yan explained, "After all, there are no eternal enemies, only eternal interests. By robbing an Apex Entertainment branch, you weaken a small portion of their strength. In the end, you gain fame and Credits, and we weaken an upper-tier company without lifting a finger. It is a win-win situation, wouldn't you agree, Excellency Cipher?"
"...You are right."
"Then, regarding the truce?"
"Deal."
With that, Cipher took the black card from the table. At this, Li Yan's smile became significantly more natural.
"A pleasure doing business with you. In that case, I shall take my leave."
"Wait."
As Li Yan turned to go, Cipher called out to him. Li Yan turned back, looking confused, only to see Cipher handing him a cup of coffee that was still emitting a faint steam.
"I see you enjoy coffee quite a bit. Why don't you try my cup of black coffee?"