Chapter 185

Chapter 185: Dark Boundless Realm Part 40

Kui Xin had always been an action-oriented person. After extracting memories from Dmitri, she swiftly compiled them into an email, encrypted it, and sent it to several public company emails and those of enemy companies aligned with the Popov family. Adam even provided her with some private contact information for influential figures.

The email contained not only the sordid secrets of the Popov family but also a response signed “Black Snake.”

In today’s tech-driven world where efficiency was high, Kui Xin’s email was instantly scanned upon reaching the media’s inbox.

Usually, the media company’s auxiliary AI would scan and analyze mail; these days, news media worked like paparazzi, constantly seeking big stories to boost their performance. Hence, they accepted unsolicited submissions.

Kui Xin’s email contained key terms like Popov, Dmitri, The Shadowless, and Black Snake. Upon scanning the content, the auxiliary AI flagged the mail with an urgent red tag, forwarding it to human review.

As soon as staff read the email, its explosive content captivated them instantly. Given the Popov family’s significance, the decision to publish or withhold this news required higher approval levels.

An hour later, after discussions, the media company informed all subscribers via email clients, delivering electronic journals straight to their devices.

Opening the client, projected screens displayed impactful headlines on the journal cover:

“Has The Shadowless leader suddenly surfaced? Who exactly is this enigmatic figure?”

“Challenging from the mysterious Underground Organization! The Shadowless publicly respond to the Popov family!”

“Dmitri Popov has been killed? No! He received such treatment from a secretive organization!”

Kui Xin read the electronic journal, puzzled: “No matter what world it is, the style of journalism seems very exaggerated…”

“When people live in an environment of constant stimuli, there eventually aren’t many things that can shock them further—because their threshold is raised. Thus, titles add additional shocking elements to catch attention. Other media outlets follow suit, leading to increasingly outlandish titles,” Adam said. “What are your news titles like over there?”

“Something like… Shocking! Village ox can climb trees!”

“That kind of thing… Titles that defy common sense attract more readers,” Adam responded.

“Never mind then. I don’t understand why they make such titles,” Kui Xin replied.

She scanned a few pages quickly and closed it, then searched online for another news outlet’s publication.

This other media’s headline was even more eye-catching:

“Fierce struggle within the Popov family reveals deeper secrets about heirs?”

“Shocking! Polina Popov ruthlessly takes action to secure power among family members!”

“Imprisonment! Poison! Family betrayal! Revealing the dark, corrupt past behind their polished facade…”

Kui Xin blinked, stunned: “They’ve taken my small mention and expanded into so much speculation…”

Thinking it through, she smiled bitterly: “They’re using my ‘Shadowless’ as a shield. They likely wanted to publish this for a long time, but lacked an opportunity or justification until now. With me around, they seized the chance to amplify their story.”

The Popov family had always been powerful, whether in public relations or company growth. However, Dmitri’s kidnapping dealt a severe blow to their reputation.

Now, they faced the risk of becoming easy targets, even without the “Shadowless” organization or Black Snake’s messages. Due to Kui Xin’s interference, what could have been a one-sided beat down turned into a mutual fight.

Kui Xin saw an opportunity to collaborate with enemies of the Popov family.

Multiple media outlets highlighted her response letter, with some using more traditional headlines. For example, “New developments in the Popov kidnapping! Key members of the Shadowless emerge! Black Snake responds to the Popov family.”

Kui Xin skimmed the detailed responses in the press release. Her short response was faithfully reproduced:

“Dmitri Popov is alive but is a coward who revealed everything under pressure. These statements are our response, proof of his living state. We will keep him alive, valuing his utility. To retrieve Dmitri, the Popov family must pay a billion; otherwise, no deal.”

Signed simply “Black Snake.”

Without threats, her message conveyed strong warnings.

Underneath, a few media commentators noted:

“Clearly, if the goal was to draw attention to strike against the Popovs, they succeeded. Regardless of tactics used, their influence and monetary goals were met. Whether they succeed in demanding a billion remains contingent on the family’s stance. Personally, the family likely cannot refuse.”

Another commentary: “From appearances, the Shadowless will become a destabilizing force within the Federation, needing more to accomplish beyond just funds and influence.”

Kui Xin scanned through the largest news website. Atop a rankings list, the top story was:

“Dmitri Popov kidnapped, kidnappers demand a billion ransom.”

Below were stories on corruption, accidents involving workers, and more. Further down, “The Shadowless issues statement via proxy ‘Black Snake.’”

The online discussion grew, increasing the Shadowless’s influence. The “Black Snake” alias would spread widely.

First-World players, connected digitally, could certainly see Kui Xin’s big news.

On player forums, a “Black Snake” topic stood prominently. Players would correlate this with similar codenames, and organizations like the TQC and Mechanized Dawn would too. Everyone would suspect the identity of the “Black Snake.”

Kui Xin could use this to recruit talented individuals.

Inside an old-styled office, Polina examined the transferred electronic documents, visibly livid. Since she took charge, she had remained composed except for rare moments… now her assistant hesitated, watching nervously.

A notification beeped, breaking the silence. Polina glanced, frowning, and dismissed it.

Seconds later, another notification arrived.

“Yes?” she answered.

“Seems you’re very upset,” the man on the line suggested, “about losing your son, or the family’s tarnished name?”

“My son. Only I can judge him,” Polina replied coldly, “and no one else has the right. If you’re here to discuss stock transfers—no, Dmitri’s not dead yet.”

“Dear sister, your tone towards Dmitri hints he’s an item you once favored. Face it, he lost his bearings. Even if rescued, he’d be a mere cog. That legacy…”

Polina interrupted, ending the call. She pondered briefly before initiating another communication. Their network could assist, potentially resolving issues.

“Excuse me, any update from your department?” Polina slowed her tone, suppressing annoyance.

“Yes. Your request is possible; however, the current workload means waiting a few days…”

“Alright, understood. Just need confirmation,” she concluded, staring at White Whale City’s gray sky, lighting a cigarette for relief.

…

“Why send me to White Whale City?” Amber asked, bewildered.

“To meet allies and uncover truths,” Ghost replied slowly. “I’ll join you.”

“Can’t specify the details?” Amber pressed.

“There are reasons regarding your old team,” Ghost thought aloud. “Lan Yen… but her codename became ‘fortune’—she used to be part of the Resistance.”

“‘Fortune’?!” Amber stared, shocked.

“She defected,” Ghost continued, “believed dead to everyone. Now we target her, kill if necessary. Clear?”

Amber’s face remained complicated.

…

“White Whale City…” Silverface murmured disdainfully, “Visited before in winter. I froze mid-battle and was stuck—hate that place.”

“No cold if ‘Thorn Rose’ is around,” Cicada pointed out. “She helps break ice. Also, it’s summer now.”

“Alright, I’ll prepare.” Silverface reluctantly turned.

“Why this rush?” Silverface questioned.

“We found out fortune might still be alive,” Cicada shrugged, “need to find her.”

Silverface froze like ice.

Cicada saw surprise replacing the usual stoic expression.