Chapter 154: Redefining The Underground’s Power Structure
Naturally, Locke refused.
First of all, although Locke was smart, he did not like doing business.
It was not that he looked down on the underground business. In fact, he believed that they were a crucial backbone of society.
After all, even Hobrick was forced to obtain his gold bars via illegal means.
This was something that was publicly acknowledged.
Secondly, Locke still wished to cultivate and increase his strength. The underground’s matters were complicated and contradictory at times.
There was no city hall or police. If he was called in to settle disputes every day, how would he have the time to continue training?
His progression would be majorly stunted!
However, the underground forces were really capable. After all, they were even able to obtain dragon materials.
This fact alone had prevented Locke from abandoning the place.
As such, he intended to turn the Holy City’s underground into his tool instead,
Mainly, a tool to obtain advancement materials.
Moreover, although d.i.c.kens seemed to be a cunning and glib merchant, he was better than the rest of the underground heads.
After all, there were lines that he would not cross.
Locke had seen his att.i.tude towards the Booster matter.
Although he was rich, he did not possess much strength.
As such, this had made d.i.c.kens the best candidate as his underground “spokesperson”!
“Not qualified? How are qualifications determined in the underground world? Via money?” Locke asked the people present.
An old man wearing a top hat commented, “It’s determined via seniority and experience… Although d.i.c.kens has been in this line of work for nearly twenty years, when compared to the rest of us, he’s still a greenhorn.”
“Moreover, the Holy City’s underground factions have never interfered with one another, and there has never been a person in charge of our activities. However, if Mr. Locke is adamant about unifying the underground’s management, we have no qualms…”
“After all, you have outstanding strength. Whether it’s on the surface world or here in the underground, power still matters the most.”
This old man had seen thoroughly seen through the situation.
Of course, he was also more tactful.
He stepped on d.i.c.kens and gave Locke a hand.
His message was very obvious. He was willing to accept any one of the bosses as their leader, so long as it was not d.i.c.kens. His seniority was too low, and he was too weak.
The other bosses nodded in agreement, indicating that they were willing to let Locke become the boss of the Holy City’s underground world.
Locke frowned. He did not want to be interact with the shady bosses any further. He said, “You people who do underground business only care about money. Although I could technically lead you guys, I really don’t have the energy to care about these trivial matters. However, I’m willing to ensure your safety.”
“Meanwhile, d.i.c.kens is in his prime, and he’s smart… He’s a good candidate to lead you guys in my eyes. If any of you are unsatisfied with this arrangement, feel free to leave.”
Locke had given an ultimatum.
There was no longer any room for negotiation. After two minutes of silence, all the heads accepted d.i.c.kens’ appointment.
After all, no one had dared to go against Locke!
‘So be it, then.’ They thought to themselves.
Although their profits would take a drop in the future, at the very least, they would retain their lives.
“Since this is what Mr. Locke wants, I’ll accept the position. However, let’s make this clear, I am only helping Mr. Locke!”
d.i.c.kens picked up a bottle of wine, circled around the dining table, and poured some into everyone’s cups.
After that, everyone drank it together.
This was an underground custom, to toast to an agreement.
Just like that, d.i.c.kens, who only owned a few shops, had become the leader of over 250 subterranean areas of the Holy City’s underground.
He had become the second-in-command of the underground world, right below Locke.
…
Locke had nothing to do, and since d.i.c.kens was handling the underground for him, Locke decided to take a stroll.
Previously, he was in a hurry to get rid of the intruders, and thus, he did not pay attention to his surroundings.
While wandering around, Locke had come across several rare treasures and Battle Beasts.
There were all sorts of items lying around.
As they strolled, d.i.c.kens began to impart some “knowledge” onto Locke.
“Mr. Locke, you may not know this, but the policemen on the surface are all useless. Previously, the daughter of an official from the city hall had gone missing, and we were hired to locate her…”
“Also, the Minister of Construction, who is a n.o.ble, is actually a r.e.t.a.r.d. If it wasn’t for us, the Holy City’s bridge would be a flimsy mess!”
“The most outrageous minister is the Minister of Commerce. That guy loves to gamble very much. Two years ago… Yes, two years ago, he racked up a debt that was in the millions in Gold City. We only managed to get him back due to a personal favor the casino owner owes me. Oh right, Mr. Locke, if you have any requests for the underground, feel free to tell me. You can use my connections however you please!”
d.i.c.kens was a smart man, or rather, a practical man.
He was well aware that without Locke, he would not obtain his current status.
As such, he was extremely loyal to Locke.
Locke was very satisfied. It seemed that d.i.c.kens had a lot of dirt on the n.o.ble officials.
He would definitely come in handy in the future.
Upon reaching a coffee square built from the skeleton of a large Battle Beast, Locke stopped a waiter and made an order.
“Sir, please…” A waiter with a ring on his lips brought over a cup of cappuccino.
Locke was just about to pay, when suddenly, he was stopped by d.i.c.kens.
“Boss, you mustn’t do this. He wouldn’t dare to accept it. After all, I’ve already issued an order that whoever takes money from you would have their legs broken! Instead, they are to come to my company to claim your expenses!”
Locke looked at d.i.c.kens and suddenly asked, “What’s the situation in Gold City? Is there a feud between the underground and the people there?”
He was very curious about the rules of the underground forces. After all, he would eventually travel the world in the future. As such, it was best to stock up as much knowledge as possible.
“I’m not too sure either, but I can tell you what little I know…” d.i.c.kens added some sugar into his black coffee.
While stirring, he said, “Gold City is a chaotic place! It’s definitely a place where fish and dragons live together. There are a lot of exiled Beastmasters there, and they’re nicknamed ‘the city of Wanderers’!”
“The reason why these people are staying in Gold City is due to the strongest family living there! Many of the exiled Beastmasters don’t have a livelihood, and as such, the family hires them en-ma.s.se…”
“Does the family not own any experts? Why do they hire outsiders?” Locke asked, puzzled.
d.i.c.kens grinned and said, “Hehehe… That depends.”