The former Transian border town of Batacin has now expanded twice. What's even more outrageous is that a third expansion in eleven months has been put on the agenda. The original city walls have been demolished and expanded outwards.
A wider area has been expanded for continuous trading activities.
This city is the headquarters of the Bataxin Chamber of Commerce and is also the current core commercial area on land in Transia, except for Stromgarde.
The commercial routes to the Ice Bay, the Kafhoka region and even the more distant Yankee country all set off here, and the carriage team of the "Pride of the Lion" trading company, which has monopolized the Transian logistics industry, is traveling on average every day.
Loading and unloading are done here hundreds of times.
It is no exaggeration to say that the current city of Bataxin is like the economic heart of Transia.
Once this place is destroyed or occupied, Transia, whose financial situation has been on the verge of collapse all year round, will definitely be completely destroyed.
Such an important area naturally needs to be heavily defended. Therefore, in the city of Batasin, there is not only an elite people's army that has been withdrawn from the Maginot Defense Line to guard it, but there are also 1,500 winged cavalry stationed here all year round. The Midnight Faction of the Blood Vulture Clan
Two mage towers were built here, and the elite midnight psionic masters trained by the eldest lady were also stationed here.
This defense is strong enough to ensure that even in the worst case scenario, the city can complete its transfer and retreat before being destroyed.
I heard that Perfect Shipping Company is about to set up a commercial site in Bataxin City. Once the airship tower under construction is completed, there will definitely be armed airships with strong firepower as a defensive force.
But it is precisely because of the importance of this place that external forces with evil intentions against Transia frequently make provocations here.
For example, Marshal Heraclius, who was transferred to the post of governor of the Kavhoka region more than half a month ago, the latter and the military nobles surrounding him were determined to create a successful border friction in Transia and develop it into a
The plan for a full-scale invasion was of great interest.
There is currently no big-ticket advance. The first reason is that after the fall of the Crimean Fortress, Cadman City's stuck position at the southernmost point of Kafhoka is obviously a military hazard that urgently needs to be solved. The old marshal who has been fighting for a lifetime
It will never be foolish to start a war on two fronts before this matter is resolved.
Another reason is obstruction at the diplomatic level.
The Transian People's Army is currently helping the Halflings drive out the Jackal invaders on the Genoa Peninsula. Under such circumstances, if Nordtov, a member of the civilized camp, takes the initiative to attack Transia, there will be diplomatic difficulties.
A terrible scandal.
The old marshal is just a hawk, he is not a fool.
To start a war, he had to find the most suitable time, and the current situation was obviously not suitable. He was also very dissatisfied with the quality of the soldiers in the Kakhovka area, and was working on strengthening training and preparation, which would take time to complete.
But both Marshal Heraclius and the officials of Batacin City knew very well that if border provocations were allowed to continue, sooner or later the two sides would definitely clash with each other.
And during this sensitive time window, something very "wonderful" was happening in a basement in the old city of Batasin, no matter from any angle.
"Shua"
The torn sack was torn off his head, causing Major Ivankov, who smelled of alcohol, to squint his eyes. There was a bright light in front of him that was so dazzling that he couldn't see the real situation in the house.
His sword and gun were all taken away, and even the boot sword hidden in his smelly boots was searched. All of this happened within a few minutes after he was knocked unconscious in a dark alley, which fully demonstrated that the other party was
Come prepared.
As a veteran who had been on the battlefield and fought against barbarians and jackals, Ivankov knew that he should not act recklessly. However, the pressure caused by facing the danger made him sober up quickly, and he began to interact with his rough appearance.
In a completely different and delicate mind, I think about who I have offended recently?
Soon, he got an answer.
"Fuck! I told you, just give me a few more days and I will pay back the debt I owe you! I am a well-known figure in the military camp in Kakhovka."
The major cursed:
"I'm still your VIP customer of Booty Bay! That exquisite card is on my left chest in my clothes. Damn it, I had a drink with your boss Huo. Is this how you treat your important customers?
"
"But what you owe is not a small sum that can be settled with friendship, Major."
In the dazzling light in front of him, a cold voice scolded:
"In order to make money and pretend to be wealthy in front of that plump and attractive lady, you borrowed six sums of money from our Blood Rat Gang. With the stipend income from your position, you would have to live without food for fifteen years.
Pay off that money without even counting the interest.
Boss Huo treats every customer generously, but our Blood Rat Gang has another way of doing things.
Especially for those bastards who borrowed money and went back to their military camps with no intention of paying them back.”
The cold blade pressed against Major Ivankov's neck and was pulled away the next moment. A trace of blood spattered out, but it was just a threatening gesture. The man grabbed the knife and sat on the table in front of the light, letting his voice
Being shrouded in light also made it impossible for the major to see his face clearly.
Amidst the crisp sound of the mechanical lighter, the person in front of me lit a cigarette and said:
"Sister Dorothy is not in Transia at the moment, but if she comes back and finds that such a large amount of money has not been recovered, many people will not be able to sit still. Your Excellency, in the worst case scenario, someone will lose their head.
.
Alas, Scarlet Castle is getting more and more complicated now, and even us sewer rats are saddled with KPIs.
You see, we were friends once, and we should treat our friends with all our heart. You are gambling with our future. Is this the correct way for Nords to treat their friends?
Therefore, if you don’t give me an explanation today, I will have to show you what it means to really ‘take out your heart’.”
"Zhuo, I also want to pay back the money, but the problem is that I have to have money!"
Ivankov was a little panicked. He knew the style of the Blood Rat Gang.
As the largest gray force in Transia at present, seven of the ten bad things in the shadow of this land are related to these guys. However, it can only develop to this point under Transia's harsh management policies.
The background of the Blood Rat Gang is definitely an officially domesticated black glove.
Thinking of the rumored connection between the Blood Rat Gang and the Shadow Intelligence Agency, Major Ivankov felt the urge to urinate.
During the years when he fought with the Transians in Shadow Valley against the Jackals, he had seen with his own eyes how the agents of the Shadow Intelligence Agency treated their enemies.
Those vicious minions trained by vampires have many weird ways to get the information they want from the most stubborn Gnolls. If even the Gnolls can't withstand those torture techniques, there is a high probability that they themselves will not be able to survive.
.
So he shouted:
"Give me some more time! I'll think of a solution."
"You have a damn idea!"
The person in front of him grabbed his collar and roared:
"You have no wife, no children, only a few familiar courtesans and bitches as lovers, the relationship between you and your cheap father is terrible, and the only poor mother you care about died a few years ago.
You are now a bachelor who is not afraid of anything!
There is nothing worth protecting in this world, so you feel like you have nothing to fear.
I'm sure as long as I let you go here, you might be able to run into the wilderness tomorrow.
but
We're not just asking you to come here to collect debts, Sir Ivankov, we have a business that needs your help."
"Snapped"
The dazzling light was turned off, and Ivankov finally no longer had to endure the strong light that made his eyes hurt. Then the softer light in the room came on, allowing him to see the person in front of him clearly. Then the major's eyes widened.
.
He cursed even more excitedly:
"Zhuo! 003! You bastard, why are you here?"
He cursed.
The guy in front of him pretending to be a member of the Blood Rat Gang was actually the domestic 003 who had fought Jackals with him in the tunnels of Shadow Valley before. The two of them were not close friends, but at least they had carried guns and killed together.
enemy.
For men, this is already an incredible friendship.
"I just stopped by to take a look. I didn't expect you to be in such a miserable state."
Domestic 003 smiled, popped out a cigarette and handed it to Major Ivankov, then helped him light the cigarette, leaned back on the table, crossed his arms and said:
"You can be considered a war hero after all. Why did you only get a promotion but take away the military power when you came back?"
"Don't mention it. Heraclius is an arrogant fool. He thinks we are disloyal."
Ivankov, who was tied to a chair, blew out a smoke ring and sighed:
"It's not just me, many of the brothers who participated in the Shadow Valley War were deprived of their power and were given a marginal position to live a leisurely life.
grass!
I have been working hard for more than ten years, but in the end I got nothing except a medal. If it hadn't been for this bastard thing, I wouldn't have gone to Booty Bay to gamble and make money. However, you just said that you have a business deal with me.
Do?"
Ivankov raised his head and stared at 003 in front of him. He said uneasily:
"Look at your fight, I'm a little scared, man, is it too late to quit now?"
"Of course, the choice is yours, friend."
Domestic 003 shrugged and said:
"There are debt collectors outside the door who really belong to the Blood Rat Gang. They are all 'proud disciples' trained by the blood torturers of the Shadow Intelligence Agency. They are proficient in various tortures and punishments. It is said that they have recently been practicing something called 'Ling Chi'
stuff.
If you don’t want to talk to me, then I’ll invite them in?”
"No! I was just joking."
Major Ivankov smiled awkwardly. He observed the expression on 003's face and said:
"So, what kind of business is it?"
"It's a big business from the Earl of Baishan. You know, the Earl has a noble status. There are some things that he is not suitable for, so he needs to find a reliable agent. His servants have already applied for a trading company in Beifeng Castle.
name, now we need a professional manager to help manage the business.
Since the main trading location is in the Kavhoka area, it is best to find someone with local connections and connections.
In every aspect, you are a perfect fit."
003 shrugged, took out a piece of paper and a pen, placed them on the table next to him, and said:
“As long as you agree to join, someone will teach you how to operate and how to act.
We also helped you invest some money into the company, and you can also get dividends. Oh, by the way, you have to resign from your position in the army. You just said that there are many commanders like you who were marginalized by Marshal Heraclius.
melted?
It’s better to make them the first batch of target customers.”
"Wait a minute, I'm a little dizzy."
Ivankov said with a pained face:
"I've never done business at all, why do you want me to be your manager? I don't have the brains to make money. I will be blessed by the goddess of luck. I long to get rich, but I know exactly how much I am capable of. I
If you don’t believe in yourself, how can you have so much confidence in me?
The most important thing is, you didn’t explain clearly what this trading company is going to do?”
"It doesn't matter what you do, what matters is that the profits are high enough and the returns to shareholders are generous enough, even crazy."
003 smiled, blew out a smoke ring to cover his face, and said:
"So you can understand that we are going to sell the Mermaid Pearls from the Misty Sea to Greene Island to make huge profits."
"Will this work?"
Ivankov said doubtfully:
"Let's not talk about how you are going to establish a relationship with the sharks. It's a long way from the Sea of Mist to Greene Island."
"Oh, why don't you understand? As I said, it doesn't matter what business you do, it's just an excuse to make others believe it. It seems that you are really not very good at doing business."
003 sighed and said:
"But that's okay. It's best to draw on a blank piece of paper. Let's not discuss this now. I just need you to give me an answer. Are you willing to join us?"
"let me consider it."
The major coughed and whispered:
"Then my gambling debt"
"Huh? What gambling debt? Why didn't I know?"
With a gentle smile on his face, 003 stepped forward to help Major Ivankov untie the rope, took out an exquisite coat of arms of Booty Bay's platinum VIP customers from his pocket and stuffed it into the major's hand, saying:
"I only know that you made a lot of money doing business outside, became the most popular person in Booty Bay's customer base, and lived a wonderful life of having sex every day and night. There are so many women who are greedy for vanity and want to enter.
In your life, there are many local rich people who are eager to get rich and want you to guide them.
You will eventually become a business tycoon and a figure who will leave your name in history.
Ivankov, a true great man
Now, follow me, go through the onboarding procedures, and then be patient and undergo training.
There will be the most powerful economists to teach you how to deal with customers, and the most professional accountants to help you manage this trading company that will surely thrive. You don't even need to personally participate in business activities.
You just need to make good use of your connections and connections to keep climbing up.
I still remember that when we were in the tunnel, you always complained to me about your father and your half-brother. You said that your sister-in-law was a famous lady and looked down upon you.
Oh, how miserable, brother.
But don't worry, soon, they will beg you with a different face.
I promise!"
"I'm a little scared"
The major became even more uneasy as he put the cigarette butt under his feet and stamped it out. He stared at 003 and said:
"I don't think what you describe can happen to me. This is definitely not just a business, maybe."
"Shh!"
003 made a silent gesture. He took out the pistol from his waist and placed it on the table. It happened to occupy both sides of the table with the pile of paper and pens. He said:
"When you walk through this door, you have only one choice left. Ivankov, we don't just have you as a candidate. There are so many frustrated people in the Kavhoka area. The reason why we chose you is
It's because I think you have contributed to the fight against the Jackals.
I want to give you a hand.
But if you're not planning on climbing out of your own mess and accepting this help, then really, I'll just keep it official.
But you don’t have to worry, proletarians like you have only lost your shackles in this action, put away your weakness now!
Come with me, someone is waiting for you."
Colonel Ivankov glanced at the loaded pistol on the table, then at the closed door in front of him, and finally looked back at the chair to which he had just been tied.
He gritted his teeth and stepped forward to write his name on a piece of paper filled with nouns he couldn't understand. He followed 003 out of the basement and went up the stairs to the lobby on the first floor, which was being used by workers.
It was busy decorated and seemed to be used as a warehouse for a chamber of commerce.
A man wearing a believer's robe is sitting on a chair next to him, holding a copy of "Avalon Book of Nature" in his hand and reading it seriously. He is incompatible with the busy scene around him. At first glance, he is a person of status.
It wasn't until 003 brought Ivankov in front of him that Brother Crow, who was wearing the sacred emblem of the Goddess of Fortune on his chest, raised his head.
He pushed up his glasses and showed a gentle smile, looked at the desolate major in front of him, then rubbed his chin and said:
"You need to change your image. Take off your military uniform and put on a dress uniform, tidy up your hair and style your beard.
Your demeanor also needs to change. Successful businessmen will not show such flattering smiles. When facing those who are praying for wealth, you need to straighten your back and be as angry as a bell. The louder your voice, the truer your lies.
Finally, you need a new identity to say goodbye to the past and embrace the future.
Please tell me, Your Excellency, what is your name?"
"Ivankov, sir, my name is Ivankov."
"That's not the case, raise your head!
Look more serious, make a sound from your belly, put your left hand on your chest to salute, and droop your right hand naturally. Imagine that you are standing in the ice palace introducing yourself to the wolf girl, tell me who you are!"
"Ivankov! I am"
"Stop! Make your voice louder and think about how the most outstanding big man you have ever met in your life introduced himself. Again, don't be anxious. Think carefully and then imitate him. Tell me, who are you?"
