Nason Consortium, Chairman's Office.
The communication in front of Chelsea Cloudi was abruptly severed, plunging her into darkness.
The esteemed leader of this top-tier consortium seemed momentarily bewildered by the recent turn of events, eventually closing the communication interface with a faint trace of amusement.
As one of the foremost military-industrial conglomerates in the Twenty-Fifth District, few dared to challenge the authority of the Nason Consortium. Not only were the odds of success slim, but even if successful, it would invite retaliation from one of the premier consortia in the district.
Yet, despite the odds, the situation had unfolded, descending into the direst of circumstances: the chip was stolen, and the worst part was, she was still unsure of who leaked the information.
Recalling how the communication was unceremoniously terminated by the other party, Chelsea couldn't help but feel a surge of irritation.
Forcing herself to regain composure, Chelsea began meticulously recollecting the details she had just witnessed.
Her gaze shifted to the weaponry of the adversary. If memory served her right, it was the latest generation of kinetic assault weapon from the Twenty-Fifth District, and the only tactical ensemble equipped with such arms seemed to be... that of the Bond Consortium.
Ding.
The elevator in front of the office stopped.
Chelsea collected her thoughts and glanced up. Emerging from the elevator was a black-green streaked-haired girl with two alloy daggers strapped to her waist.
"Shadowblade" Shigure Suzukaze, one of Chelsea's direct subordinates within the Nason Consortium, proficient in hacking and infiltration techniques, and well-versed in the art of assassination. She was one of the few individuals in the Twenty-Fifth District to hold such a prestigious title.
Many of the Nason Consortium's clandestine activities were orchestrated by Miss Suzukaze.
Without further ado, Chelsea transferred the documents in front of her and succinctly stated, "Our assets have been compromised. We have several suspects. Your task is to apprehend them."
Upon hearing this, Shigure Suzukaze's gaze turned somewhat peculiar, internally mocking the situation.
"Someone dares to rob your assets?"
Shigure Suzukaze received the files sent by Chelsea and casually glanced at the names listed. Starka Bond? Never heard of them.
"Ensure discretion in handling this matter. If the Bond Consortium discovers our involvement, it will complicate matters."
Pausing momentarily, Chelsea added, "Furthermore, once apprehended, leave the interrogation to me personally."
"Understood."
Shigure Suzukaze raised her hand to her forehead and assured, "I will ensure they are delivered to you intact."
Upon hearing this, Chelsea added, "Intactness is not necessary... the medical facilities of the Nason Consortium are quite advanced."
Chelsea Cloudi was notorious for holding grudges.
...
Weiting Consortium, Altar Branch Building.
Jonas sat behind his desk, facing the stolen chip obtained from the Nason Consortium.
The Nason II Tactical Chip, capable of significantly enhancing the computational performance of tactical ensembles. It could turn a toy car into a formidable machine.
Though not mass-produced, it remained one of the top-tier research products in the Twenty-Fifth District.
"What are your plans next, Mr. Jonas?" Eiffel stood nearby, glancing at the chip on Jonas's desk before turning her gaze to him.
Clearly, the young girl understood the value of this chip and the potential trouble it could bring.
Honestly, she never expected Jonas to pull off such a feat without a word. By the time she realized the gravity of the situation, it was already over.
Even if reluctantly, Eiffel had become an accomplice.
To snatch something from the Nason Consortium at such a small cost, the audacity and courage amazed Eiffel.
But objectively speaking, Jonas, who had not yet fully grasped control of the Weiting Consortium, was being somewhat greedy in his actions.
"If all goes according to plan, Miss Chelsea from the Nason Consortium should locate Starka Bond."
Jonas paused, then continued his analysis, "We cannot rely on Mr. Starka to delay them for long... but that time should be sufficient for us to transfer the chip to a secure location."
"Once we ensure that Chelsea cannot track the chip's location, we will have the opportunity to negotiate with the Nason Consortium."
He said, looking at Eiffel with a smile, "It's just a robbery. If Levy Consortium can snatch it, why can't Jonas?"
Upon hearing Jonas's words, Eiffel's eyes showed a strange expression.
So, have you thought about what to do next?
"Have you figured out how to deal with the Nason Consortium's retaliation?" Eiffel asked, her head tilted in confusion.
"That's just a temporary inconvenience... There are no insurmountable grudges in this world, only eternal interests."
"??"
Eiffel's eyes were full of doubt.
"Can you produce benefits that will make the Nason Consortium change their minds?"
"Not now, but that doesn't mean it won't happen in the future."
Jonas snapped his fingers, placing the box containing the chip in the corner of the desk.
"Trust my finesse. Capitalists are best at playing a game of empty hands."
...
Eiffel's eyes were filled with suspicion.
Ignoring the gaze of Miss Butler beside her, Jonas did not explain further. He just sneered inwardly.
Ah, ignorant girl.
Let me show you how outrageous I can be, having seized the protagonist's resources.
The pain endured by the original host is far more excruciating than this bizarre toothache!