God-Level Special Forces Soldier

Chapter 906 - 902: At All Costs!

Second, take this opportunity to secretly send someone to Adison Claire’s residence, and eliminate her along with Xiao Tian.Just as he finished his little maneuver, he heard Xiao Tian leisurely say, "Oh right, I forgot to tell you something. I’ve uploaded the experimental records Adison Claire gave me to the auction section of the Dark List. It’ll be automatically sent out in about an hour."

"So, it’s best to finalize our agreed cooperation before I have the chance to withdraw the data. Otherwise, it’s just a waste of time."

Xiao Tian’s words made the middle-aged man instantly clench his fist. Although he wasn’t sure if the other party’s words were true, even if it was a bluff, he didn’t dare to gamble on that possibility.

However, Adison Claire showed a surprised expression. When did she give him the experimental records?!

Though puzzled, Adison Claire didn’t speak up, waiting to see what trick he was trying to pull.

Xiao Tian sneered coldly in his heart. Having dealt with the Water Drop Organization many times, he knew very well their style of operation, which required assuming the worst intentions of the other party. If he didn’t act this way, he might not even know how he died.

And Xiao Tian’s recent words were undoubtedly a warning to the middle-aged man, telling him to sit down and negotiate honestly, and not to indulge in any devious plans.

Without showing any emotion, Xiao Tian completely obscured Adison Claire’s figure and spoke again, "So, what terms are you offering to convince me?"

The middle-aged man watched silently, unable to see Adison Claire’s expression at all. His facial muscles twitched uncontrollably as he said, "Ten million US Dollars, how about it?!"

"Ten million?!"

Xiao Tian sneered disdainfully, "Do you know what starting bid I set?"

The middle-aged man certainly understood the true value of those experimental records, which likely couldn’t be covered by even a hundred million US Dollars, and that’s just a conservative estimate.

If the forces opposing the Water Drop Organization teamed up to bid, the price would undoubtedly become astronomical. A single force coming up with a hundred million might be ruinous, even resulting in bankruptcy.

But if ten or even dozens of forces teamed up?

Spread out like that, a hundred million seems like a drop in the bucket, demonstrating the power of numbers.

Especially over the years, as the Water Drop Organization’s large influence has indeed made numerous enemies. What he could think of, opposing forces surely could as well, making this scenario nearly a certainty!

With events unfolding to this point, the middle-aged man could no longer sit still and began secretly consulting a higher authority, as his current authorization was clearly insufficient.

If he were to privately make a decision, success wouldn’t necessarily bring rewards, but failure would mean concealing the matter, adding blame!

Therefore, whether publicly or privately, emotionally or rationally, he had to report this to his superiors.

Shortly after, a message reached his ear. The content was simple, just a single sentence, yet it conveyed the upper echelon’s absolute seriousness toward the matter.

"At all costs, retrieve the experimental records from the other party!"

This sentence didn’t mention Adison Claire at all, evidently viewing her as insignificant compared to the potential leak of the experimental records.

Of course, if the Water Drop Organization were to easily forgive Adison Claire, it would seem unrealistic.

At least in Xiao Tian’s view, Adison Claire’s fate held two possibilities: first, being silenced permanently, thus eliminating the need for the Water Drop Organization to worry about the experimental records leaking; second, being controlled again and returning to her former life.

At present, after these events, Xiao Tian inclined toward the first outcome, as when risks far outweighed benefits, most would choose the safest option.

Adison Claire had clearly indicated she wanted a clean break from the Water Drop Organization, making it unlikely there wouldn’t be a next time. Even if she resumed her previous work, she would inevitably engender suspicion.

Thus, it would be better to end her life!

It’s undeniable that Xiao Tian’s intuition regarding the Water Drop Organization’s actions was incredibly precise, almost as if he were a worm in their belly.

In fact, Xiao Tian’s conjecture was exactly the Water Drop Organization’s next move.

...

With higher authorization, the middle-aged man immediately raised the price, loudly saying, "Thirty million US Dollars, how do you feel about that?"

Xiao Tian smiled silently, replying with a look that said, "Don’t take me for a beggar."

"Fifty million US Dollars!"

When he shouted out this price, the middle-aged man felt the blood in his body begin to boil.

Now, he somewhat understood why the wealthy loved attending auctions, as this bidding process, especially at exorbitant prices, was incredibly thrilling!

Yet, even with a fifty million offer, Xiao Tian’s facial expression barely changed.

A moment later, Xiao Tian chuckled lightly, "You just offered fifty million US Dollars, right? Coincidentally, that’s exactly the starting price I set!"

The middle-aged man was stunned, unable to resist asking, "Aren’t you afraid of the auction failing to attract buyers?"

The failed auction was a rule unique to the Dark List, designed to prevent sellers from raising prices arbitrarily or deciding not to sell after announcing an auction by setting an opening price far exceeding the item’s actual value.

As such, a corresponding penalty exists: if an inflated starting price leads to a failed auction, then thirty percent of the starting bid must be paid as punishment.

With a fifty million starting bid, a failed auction would mean Xiao Tian has to pay a fifteen million US Dollar fine, which is a hefty punishment on its own.

Typically, not many could afford this.

And those who could were often world-renowned, yet visibly absent among those like Xiao Tian, who was currently disguised as Xiao Erren.

Based on this, the middle-aged man had to ask.

Xiao Tian heard the doubt and mockingly replied, "How is this any of your business? Even if it fails, I’d be the one paying the fine. Are you going to pay it for me?!"

"You!"

Enraged, the middle-aged man’s blood froze, wanting nothing more than to punch through time and explode Xiao Tian’s head, but he knew full well he didn’t have the capability.

As he pondered how to continue, Xiao Tian spoke again, saying, "Moreover, don’t you have a clue if the experimental records are worth fifty million or not?! A friendly reminder, there are only forty-five minutes left until the auction begins. If you don’t care, I can keep chatting aimlessly with you."