Chapter 489: 18 years old, but has a 250-year-old son
The half gold coin remained in Vladimir's possession, to be returned to Thor once the "Broke" debuff wore off.
Mike, out of habit, subconsciously walked towards the Money Tree.
"Huh?" He suddenly remembered: Can't shake it!
If it just rained Copper Coins, that would be acceptable. But if "Broke" affected the Money Tree itself, turning the golden tree into copper... *That would be a huge loss!*
After wandering around his private space for a while, Bilbo found Mike to report on his recent work.
Before Bilbo's arrival, Mike's private space looked busy, with many workers bustling about. In reality, it was just small-scale, inefficient production.
After Bilbo took over, the entire private space transformed. Through meticulous market research and thorough industry analysis, he successfully streamlined existing resources, integrated vertical sectors, and empowered advantageous products...
Simply put: *More profits!*
Bilbo reported a staggering figure. "After deducting all costs, the daily net profit is approximately 12,800 Lord merits."
Over 12,000 Lord merits flowing into Mike's wallet every day without lifting a finger! And this didn't even include the money from selling ore!
Previously, ore sales had been the major source of income! Bilbo had learned a hard lesson about "selling ore." Since then, he knew Thor's bottom line and learned to play by the new boss's rules.
"Good job!" Mike clapped Bilbo on the shoulder, generously declaring, "Your quarterly bonus is increased by 50%!"
Looking at Thor's back, Bilbo felt a flicker of emotion. The sudden raise felt like a pleasant surprise.
Just as he was thinking this, Vladimir, trailing behind Mike, said dryly, "Did you forget something?"
He pointedly added, "You're the one paying *him* to employ you."
Bilbo: ???
*Oh no, he forgot about that!* Following that logic, Thor's "raise" meant Bilbo had to pay *more*. He would be spending more money to work for Thor...
Bilbo looked at Thor's back again, his expression a mix of emotions.
"Indeed," Vladimir sighed. "From the day I met Master, I knew nothing could change his nature."
"Perhaps that's what makes him unique."
...
With the private space matters settled, Mike, feeling down due to the "Broke" debuff, decided to visit the Wolf's Den for a change of scenery.
Before even entering, he heard Maxen's hearty laughter, sounding unusually cheerful.
Hearing this, Mike stopped, changed his mask, and even switched to Priest attire. Only after this disguise did he enter the Wolf's Den.
In the corner, a burly man was enjoying drinks and conversation with someone. A bloody flail rested by his feet, making him look quite intimidating.
Everyone in the Wolf's Den knew the mighty Supreme Son, Maxen! In terms of both strength and background, Maxen was at the very top, bar none!
Mike looked closer and realized something was amiss. The person chatting with Maxen was none other than Thor's disciple, Light Nine!
Following Master Dream's instructions, Light Nine would come to the Wolf's Den for a break after work. However, he was always mindful, never taking advantage of the free food and drinks.
He would order a glass of water and sit quietly in the corner. Only Maxen could find common ground with Light Nine.
"Light Nine, haven't seen you for a day, and you're already level 700!" Maxen nodded approvingly. "Impressive! Almost as good as me back in the day!"
"Wait!" Light Nine quickly stopped Maxen's impulsive action. "What if it's a
misunderstanding?"
He said sincerely, "If my Master Dream isn't your Godfather, it wouldn't be right for me to take advantage of you by calling you brother."
Maxen waved his hand dismissively, resolving the issue. "No problem, I can ask my Godfather
to take you as his student!"
Even if Master Dream wasn't his Godfather, Light Nine could still gain a Supreme Being as an instructor! Maxen believed no one could refuse becoming a Supreme Being's disciple.
"I'm sorry, I only have one instructor in this life, and that's Master Dream." Light Nine shook
his head, rejecting Maxen's offer.
"Wait, bro, do you know how strong my Godfather is?"
Light Nine shook his head. He truly didn't know.
Maxen also fell silent, struggling to describe the power of his two Godfathers.
"I once heard Master Dream say," Light Nine began, a hint of doubt in his voice, "that
Shadow Nine could easily defeat you. Is that true?"
In Light Nine's mind, if Master Dream said it, it must be true. Maxen's expression turned slightly awkward, but he nodded, admitting it. Even without his talent, the level 999 Shadow Nine was humanity's strongest Ultimate Lord. As strong as Maxen was, at level 989, he couldn't withstand a full-powered attack from Shadow Nine. "No offense," Light Nine said earnestly, his eyes clear, "but could your Godfather easily kill
Shadow Nine with a blade?"
Maxen: ??? Bro, that's a tough question! Maxen found himself in a dilemma for the first time!
If anyone else asked this, he would think they were trying to sow discord. But Light Nine was sincere. It was because of this that Maxen had offered to become brothers.
Faced with this loaded question, Maxen chuckled awkwardly. "My Godfather isn't proficient
with blade."
"I understand." Light Nine nodded.
So he could easily kill Shadow Nine with a *sword*. If that's the case, the swordsman he encountered before was likely one of Maxen's Godfathers.
"I'm sorry, I must still decline." Even knowing the strength of a Supreme Being, Light Nine
was unwilling to follow another instructor.
The matter reached a standstill. Light Nine wouldn't become anyone's disciple other than
Master Dream's.
"Let's put this aside for now," Maxen changed the subject. "There's a great money-making opportunity right now. Teaching at the New York superpower universities. Interested?"
Light Nine shook his head again. "I have duties. I'm afraid I can't."
Maxen grew anxious. "Light Nine, what do you want?"
Light Nine stated his ambition clearly, "First, surpass your strength, then surpass Shadow
Nine, and finally, catch up to Master Dream!"
At this point, Maxen was 99.99% certain that this "Master Dream" was Morpheus!