In the following period, official news reports continued to be released:
Police today arrested four officers suspected of accepting bribes from drug lords. An investigation into police corruption is sweeping across New York's narcotics enforcement agencies.
Nineteen more police officers were arrested today.
This is reportedly the biggest police bribery scandal in New York City. Today, more than 32 officers will be charged in federal court for bribery and face jail time.
More than half of the municipal officials in charge of drug enforcement have been implicated in corruption cases.
Allegations of widespread bribery within the elite anti-narcotics squads have led to the arrest of more key New York agents.
They have been convicted of extortion, and members of the New York Special Drug Enforcement Unit will face sentencing in federal court today.
Federal prosecutors believe these police officers are guilty!
Behind Richie Roberts stands Washington—and a host of federal prosecutors.
With irrefutable evidence and Frank Lucas testifying, not a single corrupt cop can escape!
This incident turned the entire New York Police Department into a laughingstock across the United States.
But other police departments aren't exactly celebrating.
They're all in the same boat.
This time New York is doomed—and next time it might be their turn.
---
"Well done, Frank!"
In a room plastered with photos of evidence, Richie Roberts clapped his hands at Frank Lucas, his eyes no longer filled with disgust for the drug lord, but with satisfaction and admiration.
During the period of collaboration, there was even a sense of mutual appreciation between them.
Frank was incredibly cooperative.
So cooperative!
Those jerk cops who used to insult Richie for returning lost money were all going to jail.
"What would you like to drink to celebrate?" Richie asked with a smile.
"Do you have holy water?"
The two looked at each other and smiled.
Richie knew that Frank was a religious man.
Frank then asked,
"I've never really understood how you and the Dove got together."
"I'm also quite close to Carmine Galante," Richie said, shaking his head. "I'll join forces with whoever can help me deal with you."
"Without the Mafia, you might not have been able to make me admit defeat. I have entertainment stars and sports stars. I control Harlem. I protect Harlem—so Harlem supports me!"
"But the Mafia controls all of New York."
"…"
Frank sighed.
Damn those insatiable wolves.
"But I only trust the Dove."
Richie smiled.
"He's the only Mafia member I trust."
"Oh? You trust him that much? What did he do to earn your trust?"
"He's my friend. You won't learn anything from me."
Richie shook his head.
"He helped your family too, didn't he?"
Frank didn't know what to say.
He had only met Luca Greco a few times.
And the last time they met, the Dove had brought bad news—even though Frank knew it wasn't Luca's decision alone.
But compared to the will of the entire Mafia…
That guy—the Dove…
Coo~Coo~
Frank turned his head.
A white dove flew past the window.
[Bond: Familiar]
---
This massive upheaval finally came to a slow end at the end of August.
Frank Lucas was sentenced to 70 years in prison, and 30 members of his family were imprisoned for drug trafficking.
Federal agencies seized hundreds of millions of dollars in assets belonging to Frank in U.S. and overseas banks.
More than three-quarters of New York's narcotics officers were convicted.
The Mafia, hidden behind the scenes, "retired successfully" without causing any ripples.
Both Frank and Richie remained silent.
The Peace Ambassador had gained the family's approval.
As expected of a top-notch mediator—not only did he persuade Frank, but the police also cooperated remarkably well.
The committee had initially thought the incident would have some impact on the Mafia.
But nothing happened at all.
Which surprised everyone.
Bartolo the Consigliere from the Lucchese family even met with Luca in person, praised him, and encouraged him to continue maintaining "peace" with all sectors of society.
Peace is the most precious thing.
The Mafia needs people like peace ambassadors.
__________________________________________________________________________
[Ding! You helped the police win the New York Drug War and purged officials from all walks of life involved in drug enforcement. You defended the peace of New York!]
[Gain Skill Points ×300]
[Gain 150 Skill Fragments]
[Theoretical Lifespan +1 Year]
[Gain Title: Anti-Drug Ambassador]
[Gain Skill: Anti-Drug Authority]
Skill: Anti-Drug Authority
– +20% combat power when facing drug addicts, dealers, or drug lords
– Enemies receive Fear Suppression: −20% combat power and −20% resistance
– +20% trust from officials involved in drug enforcement
– +20% immunity to toxins
– Poisonous insects within a 1 km radius lose 0%–100% of their aggression depending on distance
__________________________________________________________________________
Luca stared at the new skill that appeared in the title list.
Holy crap.
This was definitely a major-battle reward.
A skill—just handed out for free!
My Peace Ambassador title just absorb an Anti-Drug Ambassador.
Luca felt slightly confused.
If this skill stayed attached to him…
Wouldn't every poisonous insect around him have to quit drugs too?
You could probably open a drug rehabilitation center at the SSR Club now.
The detox effects would be incredible.
It even boosts combat power against addicts and dealers while suppressing fear.
Those drug dealers in my family—would they still dare stand tall in front of me?
The White Tiger would probably turn into a kitten.
And Mariggio too.
"I, the Peace Ambassador, finally have a magical skill."
A little excited, Luca immediately got into his car and headed straight for Wall Street, planning to test the effect of his new ability.
Jordan Belfort was such a piece of shit.
But he was still Luca's cash cow.
Better kick his drug habit and make him live a few extra years.
---
Stratton Oakmont
Business here had slowed down somewhat compared to before—mainly because of certain agreements Jordan Belfort had reached with the authorities.
However, the company culture had become even more vibrant and absurd.
Working while partying.
Afternoon tea from the cat café ordered by the boss.
The boss randomly screaming motivational speeches.
Taking drugs.
Playing cards.
Living in a constant state of manic excitement.
Everyone was even more enthusiastic when making phone calls.
Clients must fully experience the broker's enthusiasm!
This might be the most surreal company on Wall Street.
At this moment, Jordan was in his office planning to have some fun.
Then the next second—
He suddenly went limp.
"…Wait."
Jordan left the battlefield looking puzzled.
He sat on the sofa in a daze, his eyes unfocused, as if he had lost his soul.
"Get out."
Jordan waved dismissively, signaling the female employee to leave.
"Donnie, I suddenly feel like there's an Empty Hole in my heart."
Jordan pointed at the cocaine on the coffee table, which seemed to roll around with difficulty.
"Now when I see it, it reminds me of the damn white dust from when the office was renovated. Can you believe that? There's no way I'm licking that stuff."
Jordan clutched his head.
"Holy crap! What's wrong with me?! I've never been this clear-headed before! Donnie, am I going crazy?!"
Donnie Azoff sat on the floor looking utterly defeated.
"I haven't even finished yet… and somehow I already feel that post-nut clarity."
The two of them sat there like a pair of old monks, dumbfounded.
As if life had suddenly lost its meaning.
Donnie pulled out a bottle of sleeping pills.
"Want to try these?"
"Why don't you?"
"I don't want them."
"Me neither."
Jordan sprawled across the sofa.
Then—
Knock knock.
The two looked up.
The Dove had arrived.
"Dove."
"Could you put your pants on first?"
"…."
After taking his seat, Jordan looked at the familiar Dove, who hadn't changed at all.
Suddenly he felt a strange sense of fear.
Like a mouse staring at a cat.
As if the other man might suddenly jump across the table and beat him up.
Wait a minute.
Why would the Dove beat me up?
I already pulled up my pants!
"Dove, are you in a bad mood today?" Jordan asked with a forced smile.
"I'm in a great mood today," Luca said with a grin.
"I still feel like you're about to explode at any moment."
"Are you hallucinating from taking too much?"
"That's definitely not an illusion… though honestly, maybe I did take too much."
Jordan held his head like he was constipated.
"Forget it. Don't even mention that stuff. I'm completely clear-headed right now and don't want to see it at all. All I want is a drink. I'm still not used to this mental state."
Luca feigned surprise.
"Oh no, Jordan. Did you quit drugs? That's harder than quitting sex."
Jordan: "…"
Though honestly…
The clarity did feel kind of refreshing.
Jordan rubbed his hair in frustration.
"Forget that. What's up, Dove? You just showed up without calling."
Luca casually asked about the registration status of those offshore shell companies.
Now that the drug war was over…
His cash cow plan could begin.
With the Anti-Drug Ambassador status backing him, he could help Mariggio rise in the family.
Then eventually take over leadership.
Even if Mariggio failed…
This would still help Luca gain more recognition within the family.
A stepping stone toward becoming a caporegime.
Or something even higher.
Money was essential.
---
September 2
The day Frank Lucas was officially imprisoned.
Luca and Richie Roberts came to the prison to fulfill their promises.
Luca arranged for Frank's mother and wife to leave New York and settle in Puerto Rico.
Richie granted leniency to Frank's brothers who pleaded guilty, according to legal commutation procedures.
Frank smiled and thanked the two men.
Then he walked away.
His silhouette weary and worn.
The era of Blue Magic had come to a complete end.
Having completed his "mission," Richie Roberts walked out of the prison.
"I've submitted my resignation to the prosecutor's office, Dove," Richie said.
"In a few days, I won't be a policeman anymore."
"So what are you going to do next?"
"Lawyer."
Richie glanced back at the cold iron cage behind him.
At the prisoners locked behind bars.
"Frank will be my first client."
He was grateful for Frank's cooperation.
Without him, convicting those corrupt cops would have been far more difficult.
Luca chuckled.
"You're quite the lawyer, Richie. You managed to reduce Frank's seventy-year sentence down to fifteen."
But you're still a police officer right now.
And a narcotics officer at that.
__________________________________________________________________________
[Ding! Would you like to spend 80 Skill Fragments to exchange for"Honesty in Returning Lost Property"?]
[Yes / No]
"Yes"
[Redeem Successful]
[Skill Added]
Skill: Honesty
– Your integrity has been recognized by the federal government
– +10% trust level with federal authorities
– When you turn over illegally obtained funds to the government, trust increases an additional +5%–30% depending on the amount and source of the funds
– The trust level of corrupt police officers decreases by 10%–50%, depending on the amount turned in and their involvement in organized crime
[Remaining Skill Fragments: 178]
__________________________________________________________________________
Richie's two skills now belonged to you.
As he looked away from the Dove, Richie realized the young man was becoming more and more likable.
Suddenly he felt melancholic.
"Dove… do you think putting Frank in prison will really change anything?"
"There are so many addicts in New York. They'll still use drugs. They'll steal, rob, sell themselves—even die—for drugs."
"Putting Frank away doesn't really change that."
Richie pointed toward the prison yard.
"There are plenty of addicts and dealers locked up here. When they get out… they'll just go right back to selling."
"That's how it is."
Luca nodded.
Even after this disaster, the Five Families would continue drug trafficking.
At most, Luca could persuade Mariggio to stand on his side.
As for the White Tiger, he didn't even bother trying.
People like Paulie Cicero, who refused to sell drugs, were the kind of friends Luca actually needed.
"But at least they paid a price," Luca said.
"You saved dozens—maybe hundreds—of families who would've lost loved ones to addiction."
"And you put every corrupt cop working with drug dealers behind bars."
"For a long time, New York's drug market won't recover."
"It may never surpass the Blue Magic era again."
"Richie… you made this city a better place. Even if only a little."
Richie felt a sense of comfort.
"Dove, you were part of this too. Your name won't appear in the federal case report—but I'll remember everything you did."
"Haha. I'd rather live in people's memories than appear on some federal official's desk."
Luca walked toward the iron fence and stared at the prisoners exercising in the yard.
An invisible pressure radiated from him.
All the drug addicts and dealers felt a chill run down their spines.
The once noisy yard suddenly fell quiet.
Many stared at Luca in confusion.
Those who didn't know him looked puzzled.
Those who did quietly stepped back.
Luca raised an eyebrow and gave Richie a confident look.
"See? Wherever the Peace Ambassador appears—even drug dealers keep their distance."
Richie was stunned.
He had seriously underestimated this ability.
This guy was practically the natural enemy of underground criminals.
"It looks like if New York ever wants to ban drugs… they'll have to rely on you from now on."
"If it helps bring peace, I wouldn't mind putting in the effort."
"Even doves need a clear blue sky—not a city full of smog."
"I hope everyone values harmony in the future."
"Peace is the most precious thing."
"And one day… that day will come."
Wait until I become the Godfather.
The two men walked out of the prison gate side by side.
The iron gate slammed shut.
Inside stood the man who had once wielded the knife.
Outside stood the man cleaning his gun.
================================================================================
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