CHAPTER 888: CHAPTER 888: BY SOME MISTAKE, THE SCHEMES UNFOLD

At a hotel not far from Carter Nord Prison, Desert Falcon lying on the bed suddenly awoke with a start.

"Damn."

The sudden noise startled the Comedian, who was operating the drone, causing him to hurriedly switch the viewpoint he was filming.

"Why are you yelling so loud—"

"I told you to keep an eye on them, what the hell are you watching?" Desert Falcon, jumping off the bed, slapped him on the back of the head and grabbed the tablet.

The footage was still a bird’s-eye view of the prison with nothing unusual, but the look of ’oh no’ on the Comedian’s face seemed to confess everything.

Looking at the livid Desert Falcon, the Comedian coughed nervously and whispered.

"...What exactly happened?"

Desert Falcon said grimly.

"You lost the target! Just now Talan posted on the Forum saying he even visited the Enlightenment Society’s base."

The Comedian’s eyes widened.

"Damn?! That quick?"

Desert Falcon, frustrated, slapped him on the back of the head again.

"Stop saying damn and hurry up and change locations."

Still dazed, the Comedian covered his head and asked.

"Go, where?"

Desert Falcon cursed.

"Marshal’s Armory! The Enlightenment Society’s sub-base in Evernight Port! Luckily, that airhead left the address on the Forum, or we’d be waiting here for nothing."

Hearing this, the Comedian breathed a sigh of relief, then perked up again.

"So what’s next? We just charge in and take them down in one go!"

Attacking the Enlightenment Society’s base with just the two of them would be challenging, but not entirely impossible.

With some prior preparation, it might be worth a shot!

Desert Falcon squinted his eyes.

"Are you an idiot? We need to follow the clues to bigger leads, not cut off the hard-earned trail! That Martin and the thing called ’Mortal Serum’ still haven’t surfaced."

The Comedian asked, still confused.

"So... what’s the next step?"

After packing the stuff into a travel bag, Desert Falcon succinctly said.

"Change places and keep waiting."

Now that the base location was found, the next steps would be straightforward.

They just needed to keep an eye on the place, and eventually, Martin would show up.

But honestly, that Tarlan Raider’s performance was somewhat beyond his expectations.

He had initially seen the guy as the one to pave the way, not expecting him to hammer a nuclear submarine.

It’s hard not to wonder if this guy was using some trick...

...

"Wasteland OL" Official Website Forum, Tarlan Raider/Spring Water Commander private message box.

Tarlan Raider: "Big Boss, help! QAQ"

Spring Water Commander: "...Who are you?"

Tarlan Raider: "Bro, remember the head-giving operation in Luo Xia Province? I delivered heads to your buddy, Old Soldier!"

Spring Water Commander: "Uh, that was quite a while ago... What trouble are you in? Just to be clear, no talk of borrowing money; do missions to earn yourself. (Sweating)"

Tarlan Raider: "Not borrowing money, I just want your advice. Here’s the deal: a few days ago I got a hidden mission to investigate information on Enlightenment Society and Mortal Serum. As it stands, I’ve infiltrated the Enlightenment Society and become a Disciple..."

Spring Water Commander: "Isn’t that great? You’re better than Old Soldier; we pushed his ass so hard and still couldn’t move him up."

In just a few days, he got inside the Enlightenment Society, this guy’s really something.

Spring Water Commander was secretly impressed, looks like the newcomers from back then have really grown up.

Tarlan Raider: "Oh, you don’t know. Maybe I joined too fast, the veteran who brought me in clearly doesn’t trust me, gave me an anti-drug task as a test... But I just arrived at Evernight Port, don’t know anyone or any places, where do I even start to investigate that?"

Spring Water Commander: "Hmm... I can’t help you there, I’ve never been that far, plus I don’t do undercover work. But the game won’t intentionally give you an unsolvable task, think back carefully about every clue you encountered throughout the task chain, and see if there’s anything you can use, like a role you could utilize."

Sitting in front of the computer, Tarlan Raider was stumped, repeatedly pondering the words sent by Brother Quanshui.

"Utilizable role..."

In his mind, two names immediately came up.

One was Yarman, and the other was Nokk introduced by Yarman.

The former was an upstanding Merchant, probably knew nothing about drugs, so he couldn’t help.

That Mercenary named Nokk might be able to help, but whether he was still alive was a question...

Wait a minute.

Suddenly a name popped into Tarlan’s mind, the "Morse" who had chased him down a few streets!

Just with his own strength, trying to investigate such a big case in the unfamiliar Evernight Port was like a dream.

But with the help of a local gang...

Might just work!

With his mind completely opened, Taran excitedly clenched his fist next to the keyboard, thoughts racing through his mind.

Seeing that Taran hadn’t responded for a long time, Springs uncertainly typed a line on the keyboard.

"Seems like you already have some ideas?"

Taran, whose mind had opened up, excitedly replied.

"Thank you!"

Looking at the message on the screen, Springs chuckled helplessly and typed back a line.

"You’re welcome... even though I feel like I didn’t really help much."

...

With the helmet on, Taran came back online again.

Lying flat on a single bed, he suddenly opened his eyes, flipped over, sat up from the bed, got up, and walked to the entrance, pushing the room door open.

This was the northern district of Evernight Harbor, a hotel not far from "Marshal’s Armory."

The "Guide" Daniel had arranged for his assistant to sit right by the door of his guest room.

The person was named Candy, reportedly a veteran who participated in the 30th ten thousand troops and fought against gray mutants in the desert. After retiring, he joined the Guards, and it was then that he also joined the Enlightenment Society, becoming a proud "Disciple."

Of course, this was just the public resume; his real record was as an agent in the Garrison Intelligence Department.

Daniel’s task for him, apart from cooperating with Taran on routine tasks, also included gathering clues of the latter’s secret communications with the Alliance.

The "Snake Oil" smuggling case had ambiguous links with the forces supported by the Alliance.

Daniel judged that the Alliance’s spies might betray some of those supported forces’ interests in order to gain their trust.

During this process, the "Hornet" kept in the "Cocoon Room" would definitely try to contact the Alliance’s intelligence department.

Seeing the target coming out of the room full of energy, Candy extinguished the cigarette butt in his hand and cast an inquiring glance.

"Rested well?"

Taran nodded, speaking with pleasure.

"All set, accompany me for a walk."

Candy’s eyebrows raised slightly as he looked up and down at this guy, a trace of surprise appearing in his eyes.

"...Looks like you already have a plan."

"Absolutely!"

"Can you share it?"

Taran didn’t answer but gave him a confident look, saying with great enthusiasm.

"Just follow me."

Watching Taran stride towards the stairs, Candy showed some bewilderment on his face.

He was certain that this guy hadn’t left his sight.

Even when he was resting with the door closed, there was a radio team nearby monitoring the situation throughout, ready to report any abnormalities immediately.

So when did this guy contact the Alliance?

Or could it be...

He’s aware of his own predicament?

Candy was also unsure for a while.

But, to avoid any flaws, he stayed calm and followed, planning to watch and see.

Meanwhile, on the 4.5th floor of the "Marshal’s Armory" hotel, Daniel, who was following the whole plan, frowned.

Watching the surveillance footage of the two leaving, he then looked at the intelligence staff beside him and ordered in a deep voice.

"...Search the target room, and make sure not to leave any traces."

The staff quickly nodded and took the order.

"Yes!"

...

Soon after Taran and his partner left the hotel, a group of hurried intelligence personnel quickly rushed into his room and began a thorough search.

Yet the search results astonished them greatly; they found no suspicious clues whatsoever.

Daniel, having smoked three cigarettes in a row, still couldn’t figure out what the problem was.

He was certain that the big fish on the hook must have contacted the Alliance, but he just couldn’t find the evidence to prove his hypothesis.

Even though it was an era capable of manipulating gravitons, transmitting information still required a medium.

Could it be that they communicate using superpowers?!

Meanwhile, as the Guards in Evernight Harbor were utterly confused about finding no clues, the Taran Raider had already entered Blackwater Alley with his follower.

The two turned a corner beside the Horseshoe Iron Tavern and headed straight toward Nock’s house.

At the same time, in Nock’s house, Morse, the leader of the Hyena Gang, was sitting with his legs crossed on a chair, examining clues extracted from a certain addict by his underlings.

His top enforcer, York "Doctor," was sitting opposite him, wearing an expression of wanting to say something but not daring to.

Unlike the optimistic boss, he felt that being entangled with the conflicts between the Alliance and the Army wasn’t a good thing.

Seemingly aware of his underling’s desire to speak, Morse casually said.

"York, do you know what’s the biggest gap between us and the Iron Hand Gang?"

York was taken aback and subconsciously replied.

"...because they run the largest nightclub and casino in Blackwater Alley?"

Morse grinned, turned a page in the notebook in his hand, and gently shook his head.

"You’re wrong, it’s because they have backing."

York furrowed his brows.

"...backing? Are you referring to... the boss behind Tony?"

There were indeed such rumors in Blackwater Alley, that a prominent Weilante figure was backing the Iron Hand Gang.

However, York always thought that was just a rumor, likely spread by Tony himself to bluff.

After all, no one had ever seen that person, and he doubted any big shot would care about the interests of Blackwater Alley.

Nonetheless, his boss obviously had an entirely different opinion.

Seeing York’s skepticism, Morse said in a deliberate tone.

"Tony’s boss has connections in the army, so he can run the largest nightclub and casino, pulling money from both Blackwater Alley’s trash pockets and the Weilanter’s. Especially the latter, which is the real gold mine. Without the Weilanter’s permission, we wouldn’t even have a chance to touch it."

"While we have many capable young men, mere fighting ability is meaningless. We can only scavenge for the leftovers that the big shots in Blackwater Alley don’t care for... Have you noticed their submachine guns? If our brothers could each have one, we wouldn’t lose to them. But there are things money can’t buy, and even if you get them, you can’t flaunt them like they do."

"If we had backing too, we wouldn’t be lesser than them."

Ninety-nine percent of Evernight Harbor’s wealth is held by the Weilanter people.

Yet, Blackwater Alley, which occupies a third of the inhabited area, holds less than one percent of that wealth.

However, the emergence of the Enlightenment Society gave him a glimpse of the opportunity to rise.

He had lived locally for many years, never hearing of this organization, yet it had silently infiltrated the Southern Legion!

This backing was strong enough!

Of course, knowing things you shouldn’t know isn’t without risk.

He might be silenced, die in some desolate alley.

But if he succeeded, let that mysterious organization hidden in the shadows see his ability and value, he and his brothers would become legends in Blackwater Alley!

A legend even more glorious than the Iron Hand Gang!

Just as he was thinking this, a soft knock sounded at the door.

Across from him, York reached for the short-barreled shotgun on the table, but was stopped by Morse, who put a finger to his lips.

"The person I’m waiting for is here."

Leaving those words, he smiled, rose from his chair, and walked to the entryway to open the door.

Sure enough, standing at the door was the guy he’d chased down several streets a few days ago.

"Mr. Talan, nice to meet you again."

Being able to get out of the notorious Carter Nord prison was enough to show the power of the Enlightenment Society.

Saying this, Morse glanced at the man standing behind Talan.

There was an unpleasant aura about him, reminiscent of a certain type of person he often dealt with.

Considering there were even Enlightenment Society members in Carter Nord prison, he reasonably speculated this guy was a cop in the Guards.

Looking at this NPC who had set him up, Talan forced a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

This guy really was still here.

Though he had come to see Morse, he didn’t give him any good face.

A negotiation tactic he’d learned online.

Before escaping from the carrot, you have to hit the opponent with a stick a couple times.

"I can see you’re really glad. I thought you’d send me a 7mm round as a meeting gift."

Morse coughed slightly.

"It was purely a misunderstanding. I’m also working for the Guards, they issued a warrant and we had to settle it for them. I hope you understand... Besides, weren’t you unharmed?"

Comte furrowed his brows.

The cooperation between the Guards and gang forces was an unspoken rule in Evernight Harbor, and he didn’t want this guy to indiscreetly reveal it to outsiders.

Talan wasn’t surprised by his explanation, just glanced inside the room.

And as expected, the Hyena Gang members were all here, including the bald guy with ’valley’ on his chest.

"Where’s Nork?"

The unfamiliar name immediately piqued Comte’s interest, but Morse merely grinned.

"That junkie borrowed money he shouldn’t have, and now he’s done for... Are you sure you still want to see him?"

Talan clicked his tongue, mentally saying ’as expected.’

Watching the big fish slip away, Comte’s eyebrows wrinkled briefly, then he lowered his voice.

"You guys... aren’t taking the Guards seriously enough, are you?"

Having already guessed this cop’s identity, Morse wasn’t the least bit flustered and smiled as he replied.

"Is it that I don’t take you seriously, or you don’t take us seriously? Do I really need to explain further?"

Before Comte could respond, he put away his smile and got straight to the point.

"Let’s be frank. I know you’re from the Enlightenment Society. You need people for work, and my brothers need work. Why don’t we cooperate? My ability is much stronger than that junkie’s."

The air suddenly turned silent.

Candy’s pupils slightly expanded, then his eyes narrowed into slits as he stared intently at Morse like an eagle aiming at its prey.

Yet it didn’t take long before the sharpness hidden in his gaze turned into confusion.

This guy is also a member of the Wasp Project?

No... if that were true, Daniel would definitely have told me in advance.

But wait!

If this guy isn’t someone in the know about the Wasp Project, how does he know my identity?!

If he’s from the Enlightened Order, then he must know my identity is fake.

And if he’s not from the Enlightened Order, nor a member of the Wasp Project, then it’s even more impossible for him to know about the Enlightened Order... unless he is from the Enlightened Order.

The two cycles of reasoning contradicted each other, causing Candy’s brain to momentarily freeze.

Talan, on the other hand, wasn’t surprised at all, after all, in his understanding, the penetration of the Enlightened Order into the Southern Legion had reached an astonishing level, almost becoming an open secret.

From the moment he stepped into the prison, he was in the information cocoon constructed by the Southern Legion, Morse’s reaction seemed perfectly normal to him, at most the bluntness of speaking plainly was slightly abrupt.

"You want to cooperate with us?" Talan raised his eyebrows with interest as he observed the sly hyena.

Morse smirked, chuckling as he spoke.

"Who wouldn’t want to? As long as you join, no matter how outrageous your wishes are, they can be fulfilled."

"Hmm... that’s true, then I’d like to hear what your wish is." While saying this, Talan was inwardly amazed, not expecting the Enlightened Order to have such capabilities.

Comte felt the same way.

Even he, an operative of the Garrison Intelligence Department, didn’t know that Evernight Harbor was hiding such an all-powerful organization.

If this rumor is not baseless, it’s a lead worth noting.

Seeing Talan extend an olive branch, Morse was unreserved, straightforwardly saying.

"My wish? My wish is for my name to become a legend in Blackwater Alley... It’s easy for you, right? Just let me take over the trades of other gangs."

Comte sneered.

"Do you think such a thing is possible?"

Morse shrugged it off with a laugh.

"Why wouldn’t it be? We don’t need you to do anything, just consent to certain things happening... hasn’t it always been like this? Even if no one does the dirty work, the dirt doesn’t just disappear. Giving those inconvenient dirty jobs to me actually contributes to the stability of Evernight Harbor."

Seeing his assistant about to say more, Talan quickly placed a hand on his shoulder, squeezing it to signal him to refrain.

They weren’t there to discuss the future of Blackwater Alley, but to resolve the "Snake Oil" issue.

"Alright, arguing about this is pointless... I think Mr. Morse is right. Even if we swat all the flies in Evernight Harbor, new ones will fly in from elsewhere. Mr. Morse, I have only one requirement for you, do not kidnap Weilante People, do not sell addictive substances to Weilante People, can you do that?"

Hearing this serious admonishment, a brilliant smile finally appeared on Morse’s face.

"No problem, I can restrain my subordinates, and I can even help you maintain order, find missing Weilante People. I can even promise you that the future Blackwater Alley will become a playground for Weilante People, not a stinking ditch that no one but rats wants to approach... much like how it is now, its stench is unbearable with no one to manage it."

Comte couldn’t suppress his sneer again, and Talan timely coughed, interrupting Morse’s sugarcoating.

"What you want is your business, I don’t need your sugar-coating. I have no interest in the future of Blackwater Alley... Now, I need you to prove your value. Do you understand what I mean? You messed with our informant, we might not care about that junkie named Nok, but you’d better finish his work, or we’ll be very unhappy, everyone will be."

After hearing Talan’s words, Morse showed no surprise.

He had long guessed that Nok was an informant of the Enlightened Order, and the latter admitted it under his interrogation.

However, unfortunately, he found Nok at the wrong time, right before Nok met with the Enlightened Order, and couldn’t discover what the Enlightened Order specifically wanted from that junkie.

Restraining his inner excitement, he lowered his demeanor like a true servant, subtly bowing respectfully.

"... understood, consider it my compensation to you. If I do my work beautifully, I hope we can wipe the slate clean regarding previous unpleasantness."

"No problem."

Readily agreeing, Talan gave his assistant an eye signal, leading him straight into the room.

As he passed a room, he saw someone lying lifeless in a pool of blood.

The emaciated body resembled a hollowed-out corpse, and this guy, even if he were alive, probably had only half a breath left.

Talan smacked his lips lightly and didn’t bother to look again at the unfortunate junkie, just glanced at Morse who had stopped, concisely said.

"Recently, a new addictive substance called Snake Oil has appeared in Evernight Harbor. According to our intelligence... it’s the work of the Alliance people behind the scenes."

"They use this wicked hallucinogen to drain the pensions from the hands of Weilante old soldiers, attempting to aggravate our internal conflicts."

Morse frowned slightly.

"... What does this have to do with your Enlightened Order?"

"The Southern Legion is our ally, we certainly can’t just watch as our enemies weaken them... especially with such evil and dirty means."

Talan slightly modified Daniel’s words to him before passing them on to the gang leader before him, paused for a moment, and continued.

"What I want you to do is simple, find the source of the Snake Oil, and the evidence of the Alliance’s involvement... For the future underground emperor of Blackwater Alley, this shouldn’t be difficult, right?"

Morse’s face originally showed hesitation, but upon hearing the latter half, his face suddenly lit up with a smile of delight.

"Difficult? You’re underestimating my abilities... Snake Oil, right? Just a moment, I have it... I happen to know there’s a guy doing this trade, and his business is rather large."

Talan was overjoyed inwardly, but showed no change in expression, merely looking at him with approval.

"Who?"

Unlike the restrained Talan, when it came to discussing his old foe, Morse’s smile became even brighter.

"The famous Tony, the leader of the Iron Hand Gang, he’s made quite a fortune off Snake Oil, draining much of the pensions from Weilante old soldiers... As for whether he has any ties with the Alliance, I don’t know, but I’ve heard his boss behind the scenes wields considerable power."

"Of course, I dare say his boss behind the scenes couldn’t possibly measure up to the likes of you true bigwigs, otherwise they wouldn’t stoop to traitorous business dealings with the Alliance."

"If you’re interested in his trade, I can not only lead you to him but even show you where his dealings take place..."