This is really not mechanical ascension
Chapter 686 - 358: Finally Hooked, Displaying Magical Powers

Chapter 686: Chapter 358: Finally Hooked, Displaying Magical Powers

Robin clicked his tongue for a while, unable to make sense of it. Finally, he stopped trying and, as usual, waited for Li Ming to set up the network before connecting to the Black Hole Network.

But this time, his eyebrows furrowed, "That Nicholas contacted me again."

In his Black Hole Network backend, Nicholas’s message stood out, consisting of just two words: "Let’s talk."

"The old bastard finally took the bait." Robin let out a breath. Every day, he would come to Li Ming’s room, log into the Black Hole Network, and check for messages from Nicholas.

Li Ming didn’t say much and quickly set everything up, instructing Robin to connect to Nicholas. The communication was established in no time.

Before Nicholas could say a word, Robin spoke rudely first: "Well, if it isn’t Duke Bloodthorn. What made you think of contacting me again? Weren’t you super suspicious of my intentions last time?"

Nicholas’s voice remained calm: "Caution is necessary. I have to verify the truth, don’t I?"

"So, verified now?"

"Not yet."

Robin laughed mockingly. "If you haven’t verified, then what’s the point of this nonsense?"

Nicholas remained composed. "Are you upset? Your objective is nothing more than profit. If you’re dissatisfied, I can offer additional benefits."

"Oh, come now! With someone as distinguished as you, a little extra caution is only natural. So, what about the Terrax Stone I mentioned?"

"The quantity you want is too high—seven or eight stones are impossible. At most, I can give you one."

"Just one?" Robin flew into a rage. "Do you even know who I’m offending for this? Offering me just one, are you trying to insult me?"

Nicholas’s voice grew louder: "Do you think this thing is some cheap trinket found on street corners? Two, at most. That’s already the maximum available in the facility."

"Can’t you requisition some from the Empire’s headquarters?"

"I could, but it will take time—three months at the minimum. Neither of us can afford to wait."

"Three months?" Robin exaggerated, "Seriously? You’re a Duke, and you still need three months to requisition this paltry stuff?"

Hearing this, Nicholas’s tone stirred with a hint of anger. He rebuked sharply: "Yes, I’m a Duke, but I’m just a Duke—not the Glory Saint Emperor!"

"If you’re unwilling, consider the deal over."

Robin seemed scared into silence, hesitating for a long while before cautiously saying, "Maybe... how about you make up for it with some Star Coins instead?"

Nicholas took a deep breath. "I’ll add another billion Star Coins."

"A billion?" Robin hesitated briefly before reluctantly agreeing. "Alright, fine, a billion it is. Transfer it over as a deposit first. Deal?"

Nicholas firmly replied: "Impossible. I need your precise coordinates and itinerary first."

Robin hesitated for a moment before saying, "We’re currently preparing to head to the Central World. However, I’ve heard the Central World’s scrutiny has been strict recently, so Li Ming is still deliberating."

Nicholas calculated quietly, unsurprised—it was one of several possible scenarios.

After thinking it over, he proposed, "Here’s the plan: give me the exact itinerary and coordinates, and I’ll send people over. When they arrive, do not resist. I’ll inform them that you’re under my protection."

Robin appeared somewhat hesitant. "You won’t go back on your word later, will you?"

"Two stones—that’s all. The target I aim to capture is far more valuable," Nicholas replied firmly.

"Alright," Robin reluctantly agreed, seemingly grappling with his greed internally. After a moment, he transmitted the itinerary and coordinates. "You can calculate the timing yourselves."

"Wait and see," Nicholas said before abruptly ending the communication.

Robin hesitated and glanced at Li Ming. "Think he’ll take the bait?"

"Not quite right," he immediately followed up, shaking his head. He seemed confused. "We’re still here, so why are we luring him somewhere else? Will this work?"

This entire sequence of actions had been under Li Ming’s guidance, but Robin still had no idea what the ultimate goal was.

Li Ming kept his gaze fixed on the screen, which displayed Prince Costat’s file. "Hard to say. Best-case scenario, it works perfectly; worst-case, it doesn’t cost us anything."

Robin couldn’t make sense of it and simply muttered to himself as he left.

Elsewhere, Nicholas stared at the coordinates while walking through a hallway, his eyes gleaming.

A short time later, he arrived at the meeting room, where all the top-tier officials, including Prince Costat, were already present.

Seeing him enter, Prince Costat greeted him with a blank expression. "Nicholas, you summoned us urgently—something significant to report?"

"Your Highness, I’ve obtained Li Ming’s specific coordinates."

"Oh?" Prince Costat’s eyes glimmered. "If that’s the case, why not send people to capture him immediately?"

Nicholas responded gravely: "I’m unsure whether it’s a trap. Therefore, I humbly request Your Highness dispatch additional manpower to assist me."

"You’re rather cautious," Prince Costat remarked, tapping the table. "How many people do you need?"

"Yourself, Sir Jaint, and Sir Diaz," Nicholas replied, a ruthless glint flashing in his eyes.

Costat paused in his movement while Diaz glanced at him in surprise, and the other top officials exchanged uneasy looks.

With Nicholas and Albert included, this essentially meant leaving the stronghold completely exposed. Nicholas urged on:

"Rumors abound regarding the Azure Dragon’s mysterious and unpredictable nature. The Empire Intelligence Bureau’s assessments of him have always been ambiguous."

"This matter has far-reaching implications. If he escapes, the Mechanic Association won’t let it slide. Everything must be flawless."

The crowd frowned slightly. The proposal, though shocking initially, carried logic upon closer consideration.

Ultimately, however, all eyes turned to Prince Costat, whose expression remained indifferent. "Your concerns are valid."

Nicholas’s tone paused briefly, only to hear Prince Costat continue: "However, deploying everyone is unnecessary. Here’s the plan: you and Albert remain behind to defend, while Jaint and Diaz join me in pursuing the target."