Counterfeit Hero

”And the impact on us is...” Fatty picked up where Barbarossa left off: ”Once the Tai Sect with the Western Alliance background gains full control of Free Port, and combined with all the major forces aligning with the Western Alliance growing stronger, our situation will become increasingly dangerous! At that time, it will be much harder to establish ourselves in Mars!”

”Exactly!” Barbarossa nodded and said, ”The conflict between the Redbeard Pirates and the Demon’s Eye was established from the start; we’re not on the same side. Even if we want to connect with the Western Alliance, we must avoid them. Now, it’s about who moves faster and gains the upper hand in this earth-shaking competition in the Free World. They have just made a move; we must act quickly. Apart from attacking the Demon’s Eye, we also need to rally enough forces in Free Port to fight the Tai Sect.”

”You mean to use the Phantom Stream?” Carl interjected: ”But from what you said, the Phantom Stream doesn’t have the strength to counter the Tai Sect.”

”If we’re talking about their inherent strength alone, they’re indeed not a good partner,” Barbarossa nodded, ”But from another perspective, this is actually a great opportunity. With our current strength, it’s impossible to be on par with the top-ranking mechanical sects. The Phantom Stream is different, and moreover, their Sect Master has already issued a Demon King Level challenge to the Tai Sect! This is our golden opportunity.”

”Demon King Level challenge?” Fatty was trying his best to recall the time he participated in that accidental mecha simulation contest at the Capital First Military Academy, and the two Mech Knights who saluted him at his simulation cabin door. ”What is that?” he asked Barbarossa.

”It’s a way to resolve disputes in the mech sects underground,” Barbarossa explained. ”The challenge rules originate from the underground fighting arena. In various human countries, underground fighting has a broad influence and market, especially in the Free World. Here, what is banned in other countries is almost open.”

”The fight is decided in one match, ending with one side’s death. No stopping until death. While death is common in underground fighting, for the mech sects, this is the highest level of dispute resolution.” Barbarossa stood up, opened a document on Chekov’s computer, and pointed to the screen: ”Look, these are the records of Demon King Level matches at Mars Free Port over the years. Not a single loser walked out alive.”

The group gathered, watched the brutal fighting scenes on the computer, and listened as Barbarossa continued, ”Usually, no one rejects a challenge once it’s issued. It’s about honor and dignity. Whoever refuses the challenge loses the qualification to continue teaching at Free Port. Even if they lose, sacrificing a disciple and all their assets is far better than the disgrace of refusing a challenge. After all, with time, techniques, and reputation, there’s always a chance to make a comeback.”

”Therefore, the issuer of a Demon King Level challenge generally has great confidence. The challenge initiation is considered extremely carefully. The chosen one is the strongest disciple, and the stakes are massive. Any mishap results in significant losses. It’s no different this time...” Barbarossa sighed. ”Old Smith’s decision to issue a challenge under such circumstances is both admirable and sorrowful. Robbed by the Demon’s Eye and caught off-guard at the Sect Federation by the Tai Sect, the humiliation they suffered would be unbearable if they left the Federation disgracefully. Old Smith’s all-or-nothing move grants Phantom Stream one last chance. Despite having fewer resources than the Tai Sect, this final Demon King Level match pulls the Tai Sect into the mud, likely frustrating the Tai Sect Master Kubo greatly.”

”The old man is quite cunning.” Fatty laughed while watching the fight footage and asked, ”If we help the Phantom Stream defeat the Tai Sect, what heights can they reach in the Free World?”

”Currently, the Tai Sect is ranked third on Mars,” Barbarossa said, ”The Phantom Stream, though already in decline, follows a civilian path and still holds some influence in the Free World. If they really beat the Tai Sect, it would undoubtedly be massive news. The Free World never lacks those who kick someone when they’re down. If the Tai Sect loses, Absolute Kill and Mountain Breaker will definitely target them. By then, the Western Alliance would probably have to look for new representatives. However, beating the Tai Sect isn’t that easy...”

”Not easy, you say?” Fatty grinned wickedly while watching the footage and gestured, ”Come, let’s discuss this thoroughly.”

*******************************************

”That old bastard!” In the most luxurious private room of the Illusion Nightclub in Mars Central City, Kubo’s cigar tip drew a bright red arc in the dim light. ”At this point, he still thinks he can take a bite out of me.”

”The old guy has nothing left to lose and is desperate for one last gamble,” sneered Peterson, the Second Commander of the Demon’s Eye, as he groped a nearly naked waitress beside him. ”But picking us, the Tai Sect, means he’s reached the end of his road!”

Kubo glanced at Peterson, frowned, and said nothing.

Noticing Kubo’s displeasure, Steelman scolded Peterson, ”How dare you talk! If you weren’t so focused on the transport ship and missed the passenger ship, we wouldn’t be in this trouble. Get out, now.”

Peterson left, embarrassed. The room fell silent with just the two of them remaining. Outside the soundproof glass window, in the hall below, countless men and women cavorted under the flashing lights.

”The old man likely has more cards up his sleeve,” Kubo’s face alternated dark and light in the cigar’s glow. ”This won’t be simple!”

”I know what the old guy is planning!” Steelman walked over to Kubo with his wine glass. ”By now, he has probably reached out to Absolute Kill or Mountain Breaker. He’s gambling everything on Phantom Stream, seeking cooperation with those two sects.”

”Will those two wolves accept?” Kubo sneered, exhaling a thick cloud of smoke.

Outside, Peterson, holding the waitress, had reached the hall and was mingling with a group of Tai Sect enforcers.

Kubo looked at Peterson and said, ”Finishing Phantom Stream isn’t significant, but we can’t let him handle the Redbeard Pirates alone. Taking down Redbeard is essential for gaining an upper hand with the Western Alliance. We’re all in the same boat and can’t afford any slip-ups.”

”I’ve already dispatched all my men!” Steelman said, ”The Redbeard Pirates have been missing for a month. No one knows where they are now, but once we find them, they won’t escape.”

”The Western Alliance’s reach is long.” Kubo’s face was dark. ”Rumors say they’ve connected with many forces. Absolute Kill is also negotiating with them. We must act quickly! The odds between you and Hayreddin are almost at one to five. And along with Old Smith and me, we need to put on a grand show, letting the Western Alliance see who truly rules the Free World!”

”Remember...” Kubo removed the cigar from his mouth, took the wine from Steelman, and drank it down: ”Whether it’s the Redbeard Pirates or Phantom Stream, we must eliminate them completely!”

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. Group Five and Group Six are full. Announcing two new groups: Group Seven 74182115 and Group Eight 74182115

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