Chapter 184

Chapter 184 – The Dark Boundless Realm 39

Su Rong was practicing gun shooting in the third-floor area of the villa. Gui Xin sat on a chair, occasionally giving pointers on Su Rong’s grip and stance with the firearm.

The villa walls were lined with soundproofing materials, so the gunfire did not carry to the neighborhood outside. This allowed them to practice freely.

Besides firearms, Gui Xin also taught Su Rong how to use other weapons and devices. She now knew not only how to fire a gun but also how to disable bomb triggers, set up timed explosives, and operate night vision equipment and firearm assist sights.

Gui Xin had no trouble guiding Su Rong, thus she was able to engage in two tasks simultaneously. With Adam’s help, she logged into the tightly-knit data network of the city to watch a live stream – the Popov Clan’s press conference in real-time.

The Popov family held the press conference to address more than just the fact that their young son was kidnapped by an unknown underground organization. The kidnapping also had a significant impact on their reputation. Their stocks were falling, and their assets were diminishing.

In this situation, they could not afford to remain passive. They must respond strongly and show their resilience, demonstrating that they were still one of the top influential families in society.

Polina Popov, the CEO of Polina Popov’s Entertainment Group, took the stage at the press conference. According to Adam, Polina was both the eldest daughter of the current patriarch of the Popov family and Dmitri’s mother. She was one of the most powerful individuals within the clan.

“How tragic their family situation truly is,” Gui Xin said to Adam. “With such a crucial member being kidnapped, they are also thinking about stock prices…”

Adam replied, “From what I have observed, the richer a person is, and the more powerful they are, the less human qualities they often possess.”

“I concur,” Gui Xin responded.

“Some members of the Popov family might actually rejoice in Dmitri’s predicament. He has shares in multiple companies; if he dies, those shares would be distributed among the remaining family members, and they would benefit financially from his death,” Adam explained.

Gui Xin asked sensitively, “How much is his net worth?”

“He just came of age, estimated between five and six billion.” Adam stated. “The Popov family’s total assets are in the trillions, I’m not sure of the exact amount, perhaps Eve will know, since she manages the tax network too.”

“If I wanted a hundred billion, wouldn’t that be a loss?” Gui Xin mused. “That sum isn’t even close to what a single family member is worth, which is fifty to sixty billion each.”

“A hundred billion is substantial,” Adam countered. “For instance, you can acquire the life of a city mayor for less than a hundred million on the black market. A hundred billion, however, could buy you a naval warship equipped with large-range weaponry or even ten nuclear submarines.”

Gui Xin sighed, “But for tycoons like the Popovs, a hundred billion is only a mere fraction. They are indeed rich beyond imagination.”

The press conference commenced. A formally dressed woman stood in front of the crowd. She bore a resemblance to Dmitri, with curly brown hair and a composed look that gave off an air of being unperturbed despite the circumstances. Even though her biological son was kidnapped, her face remained calm, and she barely showed any emotion when speaking.

Floating cameras hovered around the press conference hall, resembling black dragonflies as they constantly flashed with light. An assistant helped attach a portable microphone to Polina. Signaling to the reporters below with a gesture, all the flashes stopped immediately.

A reporter pressed the button on their device, indicating an intent to ask a question.

Polina redirected her attention, and the reporter promptly rose asking, “Ms. Polina, given your son Dmitri Popov has been kidnapped, do you have anything to say about it?”

“This incident is not something we would prefer to encounter,” Ms. Polina said. “As his mother, I am deeply concerned for my son’s safety. The ‘Shadowless’ terrorist organization has demanded a ransom of one hundred billion. Aside from that, no other requirements were specified…”

The reporter then inquired further, “Will the Popov family meet the ransom demands?”

Polina circumvented the direct answer. “Regarding the ransom demand for one hundred billion, the Shadowless organization requested no additional demands aside from the money, which is unusual. In similar cases where kidnapping attempts were successful, there were always additional conditions involved, such as threats or other stipulations meant to dissuade police actions or media disclosure. Yet, the Shadowless did not mention any extra terms, either they aren’t concerned about our investigative capabilities, or they never intended to pay out the ransom from the start. Various indications suggest they only wanted to escalate the situation.”

“Do you believe this kidnapping is a form of ‘provocation,’ a challenge against the Popov Family? Or maybe their objective isn’t ransom, but something else entirely?”

Polina nodded slightly, “Yes.”

She looked at the floating cameras, her expression cold and unyielding. “The Shadowless has not made any other demands. Based on these signs, I reason that my son Dmitri may have already been murdered. If the ransom of one hundred billion is the Shadowless’ desire, the Popov Family can certainly meet it—but we need proof of life before engaging in talks that don’t cross our底线.”

Another reporter asked a question, rising from the seat in anticipation of a response. “Considering your answers, Ms. Polina, does the Popov Family intend to pursue a resolution in a non-aggressive manner toward retrieving Dmitri?”

“When it comes to rescuing family members, we are not violent. But do not misunderstand our defense as weakness,” Polina replied.

…

“Have you figured out how to respond to Polina?” asked Adam.

“Her tone is mild for now, she seems cautious—afraid of causing harm to a son. When she asked for proof of his survival, how would I provide proof if he’s dead?” Gui Xin pondered aloud.

“I will prepare proof, but it won’t go to Polina,” Gui Xin continued, “First, list the Popov Clan’s adversaries. List their companies too, highlighting those controlling media resources.”

“What are you planning?” Adam asked.

“I’ll give her proof that Dmitri is alive,” Gui Xin elaborated. “I have his blood and can retrieve memories through it. Selecting some internal family secrets known only to us, I’ll release information to the media. They’d spread the word, like vultures circling prey smelling blood. Should they inquire, we’ll claim he confessed under torture.”

“And through doing this,” Gui Xin proposed, “we can pressure the Popov Clan. The longer they delay, the more secrets I reveal, disgracing them. My approach shows that they are very particular about their image. Provide the money, and I’ll cease the revelations.”

“Surely, spreading these secrets would greatly increase notoriety,” Adam mused. “Excellent strategy, unbeknownst to me you possess a talent for intrigue.”

Media networks were traditionally dominated by wealthy families. Whomever controls the media wields influence.

“It doesn’t have to stop there,” Gui Xin grinned. “We can turn profit twice, extracting wealth from two powerful families.”

“You want to…?” Adam thought aloud.

“We don’t necessarily need to disclose the Popov family’s dirty laundry directly to their competitors. First, we’ll distribute info for free. If they want continued coverage later, they’ll have to buy it from us… say, a million dollars per secret?” Gui Xin suggested.

“No overreach here,” Adam concurred. “And you could push for higher prices.”

“That’s fair,” Gui Xin agreed.

“Even with fewer kidnappings, you quickly become a multibillionaire,” Adam predicted.

“But perhaps it’s best to stop there,” stated Gui Xin logically. “Though second-generation kidnappings can be lucrative, they may label us a threat. Moderation yields best results.”

“Money can be intoxicating, leading to decline. Your refusal to immerse is commendable,” Adam remarked.

Gui Xin sneered lightly.

“Don’t underestimate greed, I value money greatly,” Gui Xin retorted. “But I’m adept at prioritizing values beyond material possessions.”

“Second World profits, however vast, are meaningless without proper application,” Gui Xin added, looking back to Su Rong diligently practicing on the shooting range. She descended to the ground floor to activate her bracelet and log into a covert network.

Having seen the Shadowless in action for two days, Gui Xin believed this was the opportune moment for intervention. Hidden forums existed on darknets for discussions and transactions, with frequent users posting anonymously with trade requests and bounty notices.

Guixin had once inquired about the origin of these networks to Adam, only for him to admit a lack of concrete knowledge. These platforms predated the modern age of advanced network technology and the birth of artificial intelligence. Their early iterations were rudimentary, evolving to today’s expansive structure. They are an existence beyond the reach of government control.

Gui Xin switched to the forum section, posting a recruitment notice:

Title: “Shadowless Recruiting Members, Awakening Candidates Preferred. Interested parties please submit your application via the web. Qualified applicants will undergo an interview.”

After posting the notice, Gui Xin stretched, glancing at Adam’s inquiry. “Mixing it up?”

“Yes,” Gui Xin confirmed. “Recruitments include both the Second World natives and gamers.”