Meanwhile, as Lacey was deep in discussion with Majero about the bulk purchase of materials, she noticed a sudden surge on the **Divine Weapons Leaderboard**, where ten new names had appeared out of nowhere. Her expression darkened instantly.
"Grandfather, there are only 57 slots left now. If we don't secure more materials soon, we might lose our opportunities entirely," she said with urgency.
Majero didn't respond immediately, instead turning his calculating gaze toward Maier.
Since Maier's return to the family, luck seemed to follow him like a shadow. It was unclear whether his fortune was merely coincidental or a result of the butterfly effect set in motion. After discreetly eliminating competing hunter companies in the vicinity, he had seamlessly captured Majero's attention.
"If we raise the purchase price for these materials, it will undoubtedly impact market inflation," Maier said thoughtfully, his fingers lightly tapping the table. After a brief pause, he added, "Looking at the current market for C- and B-grade materials, everyone knows the demand driven by forging and alchemy. The real question now is control over pricing. If we can establish a solid range, we could harvest a wave of profits. However, it's equally true that our initial investments will incur some losses."
Majero nodded in agreement and turned his focus back to Lacey.
They all understood the principle at play: too much aggression on their part would prompt competitors to hoard supplies, derailing their plans. The challenge was finding allies willing to collaborate in monopolizing the market.
"Regarding the U.S., we'll need to negotiate with Mand," Lacey suggested. "As for the neighboring countries, they'll be easier to manage. My primary concern is China. They control too many resources."
"Then let the U.S. pressure them," Majero said after a moment's thought. "China has become increasingly unruly of late. If these weapons won't be sent to the Rift, perhaps we can scatter them somewhere on Earth. A little demonstration of power might still be necessary."
"Understood. I'll make the arrangements," Lacey replied. She turned to Maier, her expression sharp. "The task of suppressing material prices falls to you."
"Don't worry. I'll handle it perfectly," Maier said with a self-satisfied smile.
---
A week passed in the blink of an eye.
During this time, Xu Que lived a life of leisure, occasionally stopping by Van's estate and engaging in rather "intimate exchanges" with the ladies there.
Lacey, on the other hand, had informed him that the acquisition of more materials would require time. In the interim, Xu Que had crafted over a hundred C-grade armors for the Chaisfield family.
Yet, much to his dismay, the rewards were minimal. Aside from a handful of members within the estate, he had uncovered precious little about the Chaisfield family's secrets.
Even the intelligence from Bell and Luang was limited, and Van seemed equally ignorant of the family's true scale.
Sitting by the furnace, Xu Que stroked his chin in contemplation. His progress thus far could only be described as partial success—one-third, at best. The true holders of the family's territory remained elusive.
Majero and Lacey were clearly excluded as key strategists and planners. Maier, Luang, Bell, and Karlo? Unlikely.
As he pondered his next steps, a figure emerged leisurely from the distance.
"Xu, how are you enjoying yourself lately?" Maier asked with a smile.
"Not bad. Much better than in Country Y," Xu Que replied, matching his smile.
"Good to hear. I was worried you might not adjust." Maier initiated a trade, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "These items are for you."
Xu Que glanced at the interface, puzzled. He couldn't quite grasp Maier's intentions.
Sensing Xu Que's confusion, Maier explained with a knowing grin, "I'm counting on your support. You understand, don't you?"
Xu Que accepted the trade with feigned nonchalance. "Of course. You have my full support."
He had heard enough about family feuds to understand the underlying power dynamics. What he hadn't expected was to be so directly involved.
"Welcome to my faction," Maier said with a satisfied nod.
As Maier turned to leave, Xu Que called out, "Mr. Maier, now that I've joined your side, shouldn't I know who our people are?"
Maier paused, his expression thoughtful, before nodding in agreement. In his view, it was essential to let Xu Que grasp the breadth of his influence—an unspoken promise of power.
Maier began listing his affiliates, and Xu Que diligently committed every name to memory. To his surprise, Maier's influence had even extended to Lacey's subordinates.
"Impressive," Xu Que thought, inwardly applauding. This revelation handed him one-third of the Chaisfield family's hierarchy.
"Boss," Xu Que said, his tone humble, "Who else is on Lacey's side? Should I keep an eye out for them?"
"Lacey?" Maier mused. "Apart from the executives across from Longming Street, I don't know much else. But if you help me rise to power, all of it will be mine eventually."
"Got it, Boss. I'm fully committed to your success," Xu Que replied with earnest determination.
"Good." Maier clapped Xu Que on the shoulder, his grin widening. "In three days, we'll harvest the first wave of materials. Those hoarding them will have no choice but to sell."
Xu Que's mind raced. He hadn't expected a scheme to manipulate material prices—eerily reminiscent of events from his previous life—to unfold so soon.
In his past life, the legendary company only began manipulating prices six months after the Abyss War started. By the ninth month, their monopoly had skyrocketed profits while other companies, deprived of advanced materials, were forced to buy at exorbitant rates.
"Incredible! The Chaisfield family truly operates on another level," Xu Que thought, momentarily impressed.
But amidst their plans, Xu Que glimpsed a unique business opportunity for himself.
If they were going to hoard materials, why not sell his stock at a premium and cash in? After all, it would eventually circle back into his hands.
After Maier's departure, Xu Que divided his materials into two groups—one to be sold on the market and the other reserved for forging over the next two days.
Glancing at the time, he headed toward Lacey's villa. If Maier's invitation was a golden opportunity, Xu Que planned to exploit it fully, using their rivalry to extract even more names.
---
In the west wing, Lacey reclined elegantly on a rocking chair, two phones at her side. One was for constant communication within the family; the other displayed a live broadcast from a C-class hunter.
Xu Que stood outside the villa, a pleasant smile on his face. "Miss Lacey, do you have a moment?"
Lacey turned off the broadcast, rising to face him. "Is it something urgent?"
Her expression was cold and immaculate, her beauty intimidating.
Xu Que chuckled lightly. "It is—extremely urgent, in fact."
"Oh? Let me guess," Lacey said, a trace of disdain curling her lips. "Has Maier started recruiting you?"
Xu Que froze momentarily, quickly piecing together the implications of her words.