Eddie Brock stood in Smith Doyle's office the next morning, the Dragon Ball wrapped in a handkerchief and tucked in his jacket pocket.
Smith looked up from the holographic display on his desk. "Eddie. What can I do for you?"
Eddie pulled out the Dragon Ball and set it on the polished surface. The 7-Star Ball rolled slightly before settling, orange light pulsing gently from within.
"Boss, do you know anything about Dragon Balls?"
Smith's eyebrows rose slightly—genuine surprise crossing his features. He hadn't told Eddie anything about the Dragon Balls, yet here Eddie was the day after obtaining one, coming directly to him for guidance.
"Dragon Ball," Smith said, picking it up and examining it. "I released this thing. I also organized the Dragon Ball battle."
Even though Eddie and Venom had suspected as much, hearing the confirmation still shocked them. The information embedded in the Dragon Ball had been clear—collecting all seven could grant any wish.
Eddie organized his words carefully. "Boss, since the Dragon Ball is yours and the Dragon Ball Contest is also held by our company, how should I deal with this?"
Smith set the Dragon Ball back on the desk between them. "What are your own plans?"
Eddie thought for a moment. "Boss, I'm living a happy life now. I don't have any special wishes that require external things to fulfill. Besides, Venom and I believe that with our strength, we're unlikely to win the final championship."
Smith found himself genuinely surprised. Eddie could be so content with what he had while simultaneously seeing his own abilities clearly.
Most people who obtained Dragon Balls immediately tried to collect the rest, never considering whether they had the strength or understanding the dangers. Eddie had thought it through and chosen to step back.
"Eddie, since you don't plan to participate in the Dragon Ball battle and don't have any wishes to fulfill, I suggest you sell the Dragon Ball."
"Someone on the dark web has been posting information about buying Dragon Balls. The latest price is starting at one hundred million dollars."
"After selling the Dragon Ball, the money will be enough for you and Anne to live on."
Eddie's mouth fell open. "One hundred million dollars is enough to live for a lifetime."
Smith smiled and nodded. As long as they didn't develop expensive vices, one hundred million dollars was more than enough for them to live comfortably in New York. Besides, their income wasn't low—the Universal Capsule Company offered the highest salaries in their fields anywhere in the United States.
Smith waved his hand. "Take it and deal with it yourself. I believe that with your strength, Venom Eddie, there will be no problem conducting a normal transaction."
Eddie nodded. He didn't ask Smith to help sell it. After all, Smith was the organizer and had released the Dragon Balls in the first place. Selling it himself made more sense.
Eddie thanked him profusely before leaving Smith's office with the Dragon Ball, eager to tell his wife about this incredible turn of fortune.
Smith watched Eddie leave and smiled to himself.
Eddie was a lucky guy. Even Smith didn't dare take the contestants of this Dragon Ball battle lightly. If Venom Eddie had actually participated, he would have been completely outmatched.
Now only one Dragon Ball remained unaccounted for. Once that final holder was identified, Smith could arrange for people to distribute invitations for the Dragon Ball Battle and prepare to start the second tournament.
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