Chapter 232
Upon the confirmation of President Parden McQueens demise, the previously tumultuous situation began to swiftly calm down.
The Cartel, an alliance of legitimate corporations, easily dissolved its subsidiaries, which collectively held substantial capital.
Attributing all disruptions to Lennoks projects, particularly in District 49, to President Parden McQueen and his affiliates, the Cartel decisively severed ties with them.
The resolution came to light during the first quarters earnings report, revealing the appointment of the wizard Van from District 49 as an external director of the Cartel. This announcement marked the end of the month-long conflict, prompting a collective sigh of relief.
Looks like this is how it turns out.
Who would have thought McQueen would die suddenly during the handover process Am I the only one who smells something fishy?
Keep it down. Do you think were keeping quiet because we dont know that?
Hmm
It was peculiar not to be disoriented by the generational shift coinciding with the passing of the chairmans most devoted loyalist.
McQueen, a trusted ally who headed the execution unit, one of the Cartels most formidable business divisions, added to the intrigue.
Rumors circulated that Lennok, his successor, would now represent the Cartels force.
Taking in a wizard who wiped out the execution unit must mean something.
But then, shouldnt Van at least have been promoted to the president position?
I think there must have been checks from the other presidents.
For a freelancer to wield such significant influence and ascend rapidly was an unprecedented occurrence, capturing intense public interest.
Later, when Virgil O Reiden transitioned to the presidency and initiated the formation of a new force unit, rumors solidified into certainty.
Public sympathy grew for Lennok, expected to be the new president after McQueen.
However, unknown to many, Lennok had declined the presidency.
Are you really okay with this?
Eolara, staring at the coffee cup, questioned.
Now is the chance, with the command system in disarray due to McQueens absence. It wont come again, especially with the chairwomans direct approval this quarter If the chairwoman goes back into seclusion, it will be difficult for Van to take the fourth president position.
I already said its over.
Lennok replied, chin resting on the window, his face concealed by thick bandages and wraps.
His injuries revealed the challenging battle with McQueen, compounded by lingering side effects of attempted doping just before the fight to deploy his Domain.
Despite itching, weakness, bruises, and limited arm movement, Lennok refrained from using potions or elixirs, opting to assess his natural healing ability.
Eolara, witnessing Lennoks unprecedented fatigue and injuries, looked on awkwardly.
The position of an external director is enough. Accepting the presidency would only tie me to the organization
Lennok recognized the authority the Cartel presidency held, offering vast power to manage a significant alliance subsidiary.
However, he deemed formal Cartel membership unnecessary, anticipating challenges from other presidents.
Compromising with Cartel as support seemed more advantageous, avoiding the potential subordinate role of the fourth president.
How did the deal go?
Ive already obtained the approval of Virgil and Kansoa. The only issue is how Merilda will take it But there shouldnt be a problem.
Eolara responded.
Theres no way she wouldnt accept your request to have access to Cartels executive vault in exchange for giving up the presidency.
Good.
***
So, instead of getting something from that guy, you went and spilled all our internal affairs to him?
Grrrr!
A sharp, untamed growl resonated through the room, akin to the breath of a wild dog.
A colossal canine creature, boasting a dense white coat and nearly the size of a truck, resembled a wolf but possessed a distinct appearance with more than three tails.
Eolaras shoulders quivered slightly as the mythical creature, Merilda, growled.
Virgil sighed deeply, observing her.
Enough, Merilda. Then why didnt you go and negotiate yourself?
Shut it, Virgil. I already cant stand that smug wizard.
Merilda, in her massive beast form, snarled, her protruding fangs gleaming sharply.
Im not happy about him being offered a presidency, but him refusing it for access to the executive vault Thats even more annoying!!
Grrr!
Virgil and Kansoa regarded the beast, roaring into the air, with expressions full of disdain.
Merilda, be quiet. The chairwoman is still asleep. What a disrespectful thing to do.
Kansoa, a middle-aged woman with a nervy demeanor, waved her hand, and instantly, icy crystals formed a muzzle over Merildas mouth.
Realizing too late that a dog-like muzzle adorned her, Merilda raged, but upon sensing the chairwomans presence, she eventually reverted to her human form.
Fluorescent hair. A striking appearance that didnt align with her fur color at all, reflecting the aesthetic sense of a mythical creature far removed from human understanding.
Virgil and Kansoa recognized this well and refrained from commenting.
What a predicament. I made sure not to say anything about the chairwoman, but he figured it out all by himself
Virgil, arms crossed, smirked wryly, and Eolara bowed her head in silence.
Its not your fault.
Kansoa offered a gentle consolation.
Its just that the wizard is too sharp. To infer all that from the chairwomans actions and words alone It means hes not just a physically strong opponent.
Tch
Merilda reluctantly turned her head away.
Eolara, who had willingly participated in Oliveras research, proved to be an exceptional talent in her work. Pressuring her wouldnt yield significant benefits, and both Virgil and Kansoa held a fondness for her.
Winning him over is the best course of action. We all agree on that, right?
Single-handedly causing billions in losses to the Trident, astutely noticing the Cartels internal strife, proposing a deal to Virgil, all while defeating McQueen, a level 7 sorcerer, and unraveling the chairwomans secret
Among the emerging divinities in this world over the past two years, who else had demonstrated such comprehensive prowess in both power and intellect?
With the organizations internal order now exposed and under the chairwomans control, turning him into an adversary was unthinkable. Instead, consistently offering him organizational authority and privileges, thereby drawing him in, was the optimal strategy.
(To be Continued)
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