Ultimate Firepower
Chapter 512 - 491: The Person Inside the Game

Chapter 512: Chapter 491: The Person Inside the Game

Anyone who manages to rise to the upper echelons is an exceptionally shrewd individual—each with their own strengths, but absolutely no fools among them.

However, it’s important to note that this only applies to those who climbed up on their own merits. Opportunists who were arbitrarily promoted due to bootlicking are not included.

In other departments, such individuals might exist, but you won’t find fools like that in the KGB.

Thus, everyone present understands clearly what’s happening with Ludelins.

It’s not that they believe Ludelins was framed; rather, they know very well that this video being leaked at such a sensitive time is merely someone trying to take Ludelins down.

Not everyone is eager to kick someone when they’re down, because they recognize that even if Ludelins loses his opportunity, they won’t gain it themselves. But then, why is it that none of Ludelins’ original supporters are speaking up for him now?

The answer is simple: self-preservation.

Why the need for self-preservation? Because of the President’s stance.

This isn’t some intricate scheme that requires exceptional foresight to discern—it’s plainly evident. Ludelins’ incriminating evidence was exposed at a critical moment, and since the President didn’t immediately suppress it, no one dares to defend Ludelins.

Yet, when none of the deputy directors advocate for Ludelins, certain individuals jump in, intending to completely resolve the Ludelins issue. This, in turn, influences the President’s judgment.

If Ludelins can’t win the President’s trust above, can’t unite colleagues at his level, and can’t control subordinates below—all while having evidence against him revealed—what use is he?

As a result, while this may not be a blatant, openly executed plan, it is indeed a deathtrap.

But there is a way to break out of the deathtrap—a way, albeit requiring death.

While Ludelins can be investigated, he cannot die.

Often, the ability to overturn fate hinges upon one’s willingness to make ruthless decisions about oneself.

Of course, if Alexander refuses to cooperate, even if Ludelins bleeds out and dies, it would be for nothing—a meaningless death. But if Ludelins can convince Alexander to help him, ensuring his survival, and successfully meet the envoy to explain his grievances to the President, the situation would shift completely.

High-stakes games truly are high-stakes games. No one can craft a flawless plan and execute it without encountering obstacles, as every player in the game is desperately striving to break free.

What’s happening now has gone beyond expectations and plans. In Gao Yi’s strategy, there was neither Ludelins’ desperate self-vindication nor his frantic attempt to win Alexander’s support.

It was Alexander who adapted on the fly and acted independently.

As they say: anyone involved in this game isn’t a fool, and Alexander is far from a moronic novice incapable of adaptation.

Changing the original plan to assist Ludelins in ascending to power?

That thought surfaced in Alexander’s mind the moment Ludelins slashed his throat with a shard of porcelain.

And when the envoy rushed over to personally save Ludelins, getting himself covered in blood in the process, this idea evolved into the new plan Alexander had already begun to execute.

When Ludelins says Alexander is destined to be purged no matter who becomes Director, he isn’t wrong.

But when Ludelins claims that no matter who benefits, it has nothing to do with Alexander—that’s where he’s mistaken.

Starting now, whoever benefits will depend on whether Alexander nods in agreement.

So it’s not that whoever benefits has nothing to do with Alexander—it’s that Alexander can decide who ultimately benefits.

Alexander has completed his mission, delivering Ludelins’ message successfully, though doing so has slightly angered Nikolai.

Alexander could’ve quietly notified Nikolai. He could’ve waited until Ludelins was dead to act. He could’ve even assisted in accelerating Ludelins’ demise.

But instead, Alexander deliberately let the envoy find out.

Nikolai, for his part, didn’t entirely insist on Ludelins’ death—after all, whoever takes over doesn’t impact him personally. However, Alexander’s actions have made the situation all the more chaotic.

"Meeting adjourned. Everyone, go back to your posts."

Nikolai shot Alexander a dissatisfied glare, then said with a stern look, "What were you thinking? How could you let Deputy Director Ludelins resort to self-harm?"

Alexander, face full of shame, said nothing.

Defend himself?

This isn’t the moment to argue with a superior.

Besides, when a superior blames you, you simply bear it in silence. Someone has to take responsibility for failing to prevent Ludelins’ self-harm. If Alexander doesn’t shoulder this burden, should Director Nikolai take it instead?

Still displeased, Nikolai repeated stiffly, "Set aside your work, await investigation orders, and refrain from leaving your post until further notice. Go back, now."

With a helpless expression, Alexander left the conference room. From this point onward, his role as one of the Black Gloves appeared to be over.

Was that a bad thing?

Not necessarily.

To use a small mistake as an excuse for suspension, awaiting investigation—it might look like discarding the grindstone after using the mule, but who’s to say Nikolai isn’t temporarily pushing Alexander out of the storm’s eye?

It’s hard to say.

This outcome can only be judged by its results.

Alexander couldn’t grasp Nikolai’s thoughts, nor could Nikolai fully comprehend his own intent.

The initial motivation may have been benevolent, yet as the situation evolves, the result could end up being adverse.

If the result is favorable, it means Nikolai took pity on Alexander’s years of loyal service and pulled him out of the fray.

If the result is unfavorable, it means he discarded Alexander like a spent tool—nothing more to explain.

Alexander left the conference room and returned to his office, where he picked up the phone and dialed.

"Ludelins attempted suicide but won’t die. He knows he can’t become Director, yet he aims to drag others who are suspected into the abyss with him. Even if Ludelins loses his bid for Director, he can retain his Deputy Director position. But those he targets for a full-force assault could lose even their Deputy positions. Ludelins has made promises to assist me."

With no trace of emotion, Alexander exhaled audibly and continued, "I was responsible for guarding Ludelins. His opportunity to attempt suicide was my mistake, and I also passed along Ludelins’ message. This cannot be concealed from anyone. Consequently, I’ve been suspended by the Director, awaiting investigation."

A few words succinctly explained his situation, and then Alexander said in a low voice, "Right now, my position is precarious."

Gao Yi couldn’t help but feel exasperated.

No one in this high-stakes game sticks strictly to the script.

After a moment of contemplation, Gao Yi said quietly, "Shift gears to support Ludelins for the top position?"

Alexander exhaled deeply and answered softly, "Ludelins has his own team. Even if I help him, I can’t infiltrate his inner circle."

"He can lose his inner circle."

Alexander wasn’t easily swayed, but he realized his perspective had been too narrow.

Gao Yi’s approach was to seize the opportunity to eliminate Ludelins’ trusted allies.

A confidant? One good one is enough. Two are excellent. Three reliable and capable confidants? Only a truly exceptional figure would have that many.

Gao Yi believed it wouldn’t be prudent to target someone like Ludelins directly, but dismantling his inner circle was still feasible.

That, of course, depends on the circumstances.

The unchanging principle: act according to the circumstances, respond to the situation. No plan is immutable; since situations evolve, the response must evolve accordingly.

Alexander exhaled deeply, thinking it over, then said quietly, "Ludelins is too strong."

It’s not a conversation rhythm most people can keep pace with.

But Gao Yi had no trouble following—whether it was raw talent or developed ability after years of exposure to such matters was hard to say.

Alexander meant Ludelins was indeed formidable, unquestionably strong. Even if his inner circle were removed, controlling the situation—or Ludelins himself, turning him into a puppet—would remain unlikely.

Gao Yi may be part of the game, but he now positioned himself as an outside observer. Alexander was the one truly entrenched within, so Gao Yi couldn’t make decisions for Alexander. Such matters must rely on Alexander’s own observations and judgments.

"I think it’s wise to continue observing for now, waiting for the situation to clarify before acting."

Alexander said softly, "I’m awaiting investigation now. Some things have become harder to maneuver—this is a bit troublesome."

Gao Yi immediately responded, "If it’s truly difficult to decide, consult Yuri. If certain things are inconvenient for you to handle, as long as you can get the message out, I’ll take care of them for you."

Gao Yi meant to continue letting the tigers fight while he observed. But if worse comes to worst and the need arises to bet everything, he’d step up to help.

Gao Yi offered Alexander maximum respect—and an even more valuable show of support.

That’s exactly what a true ally should be like.

Alexander sighed inwardly. Why couldn’t Nikolai exude this level of demeanor and class?

"I’ll contact Yuri. For now, let’s proceed like this. If all my communications with the outside world are cut off, Yuri will have to serve as my intermediary to the Gardener. If Yuri proves unreliable..."

Alexander hesitated for a moment before continuing softly, "Then you all should run as fast as you can. I can’t guarantee I’ll keep the secret intact. The only assurance I can give is that I won’t expose you within twelve hours."

"Understood. Good luck. Also, I doubt it’ll come to that."

There wasn’t much left to say, nor much to do. Alexander ended the call, pondering briefly before concluding he needed to talk with Yuri.

He was effectively under a house arrest order. Although Nikolai hadn’t explicitly stated it, awaiting investigation meant he couldn’t move around freely.

Regardless, Alexander wasn’t putting any hope in Nikolai.

Pinning hopes on Nikolai’s sentimentality was tantamount to seeking his own demise. Any time spent hoping for salvation should be spent planning for self-preservation—because if Nikolai truly cared about old connections, Alexander wouldn’t be in this position in the first place.

So Alexander left his office as if Nikolai was no longer in charge. He went straight to find Yuri.

Alexander knocked on the door, and Yuri’s voice came from inside: "Come in."

Alexander opened the door. Yuri was seated at the desk, smiling as he addressed him, "Have you made a decision, or are you still unable to decide?"

"I can’t make a decision right now; I’m still waiting. But my situation is starting to deteriorate—I might lose contact with the outside world. That’s why I’d like you to act as my intermediary to the Gardener if needed."

Alexander was straightforward. Then, with gravitas, he added, "Of course, if you could provide me with some guidance now, it’d be ideal."