Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 441: 441

“What did you say?”

Gerard was almost stunned for a moment before he realized what Fu Qian had said.

Gary, standing nearby, was just as shocked, and his gaze even grew more direct and somewhat imprudent.

“I’ve made it very clear, I’m done, find someone else!”

Fu Qian’s tone was flat as he repeated himself.

“This is no time for jokes.”

Gerard’s voice became thoroughly cold.

“That’s why I’m not joking.”

Fu Qian remained unmoved.

“Faced with such a situation, I think I still have the right to withdraw, don’t I?”

“According to our previous arrangement, the compensation will be doubled.”

Gerard stared at Fu Qian for a few seconds, then said deliberately.

Unfortunately, Fu Qian didn’t even reply this time; he just snorted.

“Triple the payment! And you can select an additional Middle Tier weapon as per your needs.”

Gerard’s tone didn’t change.

The terms seemed very generous, and Fu Qian could hear Gary’s heartbeat quicken nearby.

Indeed!

Fu Qian nodded in satisfaction.

He certainly didn’t think that Gerard believed he was a standout talent worth a hefty sum to keep around.

The reason he was willing to pay this price was simply to use him as cannon fodder.

After all, he had been a participant before, and quitting now would make it difficult to handle the secrecy.

And regarding compensation, it was nothing but a promissory note; no payment needed if he died.

All of this was obvious, and Fu Qian felt satisfied because his judgment aligned.

Considering that they needed to find more cannon fodder from the solitary Transcendents, Siren Group would likely avoid exposing certain things too blatantly.

All are out for their own ends, after all, and the fallen Transcendents couldn’t be unaware of the risks behind exploration; they were driven by the rewards promised upon success.

Bold rewards attract brave fighters, and Transcendents coming to this wasteland are undoubtedly ambitious and seeking advancement; as long as the price is right, there will never be a shortage of those willing to take risks.

But the prerequisite is a definite expectation.

By offering irresistible terms based on their vast resources, Siren Group was executing a blatant strategy.

But if he were to die unknowingly within Siren’s base, that would have terrible repercussions.

“If there’s nothing else, I’ll be going now.”

Unfortunately for Gerard and his tempting offer, Fu Qian didn’t bother with it and was ready to leave.

Gerard clearly had one thing wrong; it wasn’t about haggling over the price or even feigning aloofness to entice a better offer—the fact was, he needed to withdraw from the operation.

While on the surface, it seemed like a great opportunity to delve deeper and confirm whether this was the goal of his trip.

But that was only on the surface. Having had such a bizarre incident occur and being the only survivor, he would undoubtedly draw significant attention during any further action.

Not to mention the inconvenience of moving stealthily, with the current low-level suspect unable to discern any anomalies.

But if he continued, and a Demigod Level individual were present, hiding his abilities would be impossible.

Better to withdraw tactically than to be forced into a desperate fight.

While it would undoubtedly draw suspicion, there would still be room to maneuver.

The so-called strategic withdrawal: as long as I lay low enough, others can’t use me.

“If that’s the case, we will only be able to reimburse you for the resources spent during the previous operation.”

With his seemingly certain offer rejected, Gerard spoke with a hint of irritation.

“No problem.”

“According to the agreement, you may not disclose any information related to the explorations.”

He stared at the mask on Fu Qian’s face, his voice icy cold.

“I trust you are quite aware of the consequences of not honoring a deal.”

“Rest assured, I’m a man of my word.”

“Very well.”

Gerard didn’t say much, simply pressed a button on the table.

“Someone will take you to settle the damage compensation, after which you have one minute to leave the building.”

…

“Should we take care of him?”

After Fu Qian left briskly, Gary couldn’t help but speak up fiercely.

“No, no, no, we don’t do that sort of thing, especially not in the wasteland.”

“He’s obviously a bit scared; just have someone keep an eye on him.”

Gerard’s look was equally unfriendly, but he still rejected the suggestion.

“The more a place like this, the more important reputation becomes.”

“We’re in business; as long as the price is right, we can have as many of his type as we want.”

“And besides—”

A cruel smile appeared on Gerard’s face.

“I believe he’ll be back, it’s not a price he can refuse.”

…

“Please follow me.”

Exiting the office, a staff member promptly came to meet him.

Fu Qian cooperated without wandering around, followed them onto the elevator to descend, swiftly settled the paperwork, and left.

Although this start was fraught with troubles, it did bring some valuable information.

For instance, if the Angel Dungeon was indeed what he explored yesterday, it indicated it was currently under the control of Siren Group.

He only needed to monitor Siren Group’s actions in the future to likely grasp the situation.

Moreover, it seemed they were still recruiting cannon fodder, likely still in an exploratory phase.

After all, if truly valuable clues were discovered, the proper move would be to lock down the information and send in their own forces.

Following the route he remembered, Fu Qian quickly returned to his residence.

Everything was unchanged from when he left, yet Fu Qian was certain that someone had thoroughly searched both the inside and outside.

This wasn’t surprising, and he was so certain because he even knew that the person hadn’t left yet, but was watching him from some distant building.

Such behavior was all too normal for Siren Group, and Fu Qian paid it no mind.

What he needed to do next was to “normally” live and watch for changes.

Of course, he could also take the opportunity to assess Siren Group’s strength.

Fu Qian rummaged through his belongings and found several documents, clarifying some information as best as he could.

One of them was conspicuously a rental agreement, which showed that he had been here for just over half a month.

Individual investor, newcomer, indeed a perfect candidate for cannon fodder!

After musing for a while, Fu Qian took a short rest before heading out again, stepping into the City of Hope atop this wasteland.

The covert observer remained; he had no doubt that if he leaked information, Siren’s people would truly “take care” of him.

In fact, if the timing was right, it wouldn’t be surprising for these folks to fabricate a scenario where he “leaked” information and use it as a pretext to make a move.

It was a delicate, transient balance, but Fu Qian was in no rush to break it too soon.

But not leaking the information was one thing; having once been part of the exploration was valuable information in itself.

Now, he simply needed to take a walk outside, spread the news that he was still alive.

Then watch quietly for changes.