Ultimate Firepower
Chapter 533 - 512: The Cost of Safety

Chapter 533: Chapter 512: The Cost of Safety

Sith came out, though he hadn’t regained consciousness yet, and he would have to spend a long time in the hospital.

In Red Square, near the Kremlin, a dramatic gunfight broke out, resulting in the death of a major general from a powerful unit like Glou. Sith, who was unfortunately struck by a high-speed unidentified object, could now recover peacefully in Moscow’s finest hospital.

This matter sounded rather fantastical, leaving Xinfeng and Dani baffled.

Gao Yi had promised not to reveal how strong Yuri’s personal connections were, so they could only let Xinfeng and Dani speculate blindly.

Back at the hotel, they waited quietly for Alexander to make his decision.

It didn’t take long—by the afternoon, Alexander couldn’t hold back any longer.

"I received news. They’re going to relieve me of all my duties and wait for further action against me."

Alexander’s tone sounded heavy; he was already growing impatient. This outcome was worse than anticipated. He wasn’t merely being reassigned but stripped of all his positions and left to await judgment.

Gao Yi suspected whether Yuri had a hand in this.

Gao Yi wouldn’t have thought so in the past, but after realizing Yuri was the sort of old silver coin who enjoyed meddling behind the scenes, he couldn’t help but suspect.

Yuri wanted Alexander to be forced to seek refuge with the Garden.

Not out of a choice based on interests, but at a moment of life and death, compelled to collaborate with the Garden as the best option.

Yuri had said that out of the options A, B, C, and D, there was only one correct answer, and the problem lay in the fact that the scope was already constrained to those four options.

Gao Yi was absolutely baffled and said, "How could this happen? What did you do to make them act this way toward you? All you did was fail to watch over Ludelins, which led to his successful suicide—this warrants such drastic measures?"

Alexander replied in a low voice, "I suspect Yelinsay made a move. Yelinsay is concerned I lean toward Ludelins, and I still hold onto some authority left by Nikolai. Therefore, to deal with Ludelins, he needs to completely take me down first. It’s just a guess, but I think it’s highly likely."

"Hmm, what’s your plan now?"

"I don’t know. Time is too tight now. No matter what I do, it may be too late."

Alexander’s tone carried some helplessness. Even if he immediately chose to side with Ludelins, it would be too late, let alone the fact that he still wanted to support someone else instead of seeking refuge.

Gao Yi thought for a bit and said, "Isn’t there anyone who will speak for you? At the very least, Nikolai should preserve your position—if only to transfer you to another post. A position and rank must remain; otherwise, it’s game over."

Alexander responded in a low voice, "I didn’t expect this. The situation shouldn’t have turned this dire. I thought Nikolai would at least keep my current status, but surprisingly, he’s leaving me with nothing. I’m really worried. If Nikolai isn’t worried about me revealing everything I know, then he must be planning to eliminate me."

Alexander had done so much for Nikolai that if Nikolai wasn’t determined to kill him, he wouldn’t completely turn a blind eye to his plight.

Gao Yi truly didn’t know whether this was all being orchestrated by Yuri behind the scenes or whether the situation had simply developed to this point.

Evidently, how could Yuri exert influence over the KGB? It was unimaginable.

"The only way now is for someone to step forward and protect you—even just to speak up for you. As long as someone clearly opposes your complete dismissal, it can buy you time."

Alexander responded in a low voice, "Plevenov. He’s the only suitable person. Yuri certainly knows him. I think Plevenov is someone worth working with. Find him and ask him for help. I believe this is also a good opportunity. Plevenov will perceive my full support for him as a survival move."

"Plevenov, got it. Hmm, you may be under investigation right now, but the fact that you can still communicate with the outside world means the situation isn’t entirely hopeless. Hang tight—I’ll find a way to reach Plevenov on your behalf, under the guise of being your ally."

"Alright! Please hurry, I’m counting on you."

Gao Yi hung up the phone, looked at Yuri, and asked, "Plevenov—I don’t know this person. Who is he?"

Gao Yi was unfamiliar with the KGB, and Russian names often sounded awkward and overly complicated—sometimes absurdly long. He had no recollection of this name whatsoever.

Yuri smiled and said, "He’s not the only choice, nor is he the best choice, but he’s an acceptable option. Plevenov is the head of the KGB’s Security Bureau, responsible for ensuring the safety of Russia’s senior leaders, protection during major state occasions at the highest specifications, and the security of foreign delegations, embassies, and Russian delegations abroad. He’s also tasked with safeguarding the Kremlin, the Russian Duma, and the KGB Headquarters. All security arrangements for these institutions fall under his purview. He’s essentially a specialized guardian—a security and defense-oriented candidate. Hmm, let me think... Over the years, he hasn’t made any major mistakes and is a rather competent figure in security and protection roles."

Gao Yi spread his hands and asked, "How do I contact him?"

"Simple. Call him directly and arrange a meeting."

Yuri thought for a moment and said, "It’s an important yet low-profile position. He doesn’t have any personal friendship with Qin Pu, but the fact that he’s held this post for so many years suggests he’s deeply trusted by Qin Pu. That alone gives him the most critical qualification for becoming the bureau chief."

Gao Yi didn’t ponder whether Plevenov was qualified—instead, he recalled his recent meeting with Glakov, only for Glakov to end up dead. If Plevenov wasn’t particularly inept, knowing even a little about the inner workings, would he dare meet in person?

Yuri continued, "I know his private phone number and where he lives. The KGB is very busy today; he’s likely working overtime. So call him and arrange a meeting at a location of his choice. Mention that you want to discuss business—it might not persuade him—but you can state clearly that you’re acting on Alexander’s behalf. I believe he’ll agree to meet."

Yuri had laid out everything in such detail that Gao Yi didn’t even need to think. He directly picked up the phone, but before dialing, he curiously asked Yuri, "How do you know everyone’s phone numbers?"

Yuri shrugged and smiled, "As a schemer, isn’t gathering information a basic requirement?"

Gao Yi dialed the private number Yuri had provided, but the phone didn’t connect.

"Not connecting—it’s turned off."

"Looks like he’s shut off all communication devices. What’s going on with the KGB? Is the situation that severe?"

Yuri wasn’t sure what was happening within the KGB, but Gao Yi merely mentioned the disconnected line, and Yuri immediately began to piece together a multitude of scenarios.

"Alexander received news that he’s being dismissed from all duties, yet a deputy director has shut off his personal phone. Something is off in this situation."

After some thought, Yuri said in a low voice, "A major incident has occurred within the KGB, and it involves very high-level individuals. If I were to speculate, Ludelins likely took action. While retaliating against Yelinsay, he’s implicated everyone else—and he’s prepared to upend the table."

Then, Yuri spoke urgently, "This is a great opportunity. Call his office line. If that doesn’t connect either, Plevenov’s fate might already be sealed. But if the line works, the situation becomes easier to handle."

Gao Yi dialed the office number and waited for a moment until a young-sounding voice answered, "Who’s this?"

"I’m looking for Mr. Plevenov."

The person on the other end fell silent for a moment before asking, "How did you know this number?"

Gao Yi thought for a moment and said, "Alexander told me. I need to discuss something with Plevenov."

The phone remained connected, but Gao Yi heard no sound for a while. Shortly after, the call was abruptly disconnected.

Gao Yi looked at Yuri with a puzzled expression and said, "The call was disconnected."

Yuri exhaled deeply and smiled. "Plevenov has been implicated. He worries this call might be an intentional trap. After hesitating, he opted to stay silent and had his secretary terminate the call."

Then, Yuri grinned at Gao Yi. "No problem—let me make the call."

Gao Yi handed over the phone to Yuri, who redialed the office number. This time, it rang for a long time without being answered.

Yuri put down the phone and muttered, "The line’s pulled. Never mind; I’ll call his secretary."

Yuri dialed another number, which quickly connected. The moment it did, Yuri said decisively, "This is Yuri. Put Plevenov on the line. This is his last chance—if he refuses, I’ll give up on him."

Yuri was confident and composed.

After a moment, Yuri continued, "Hello, this is Yuri. Yes, the Yuri you think. Listen—I’ve left the KGB and joined the Garden Federation. Now, the Gardener of the Garden Federation wants to speak with you."

As Yuri handed the phone to Gao Yi, he softly remarked, "Don’t you think ’Gardener’ as a title lacks gravitas? Sounds more like a service worker than a leader’s designation."

Gao Yi ignored Yuri’s veiled attempt to stir things up. He took the phone and said calmly, "Hello, I’m the Gardener. I’m acting on Alexander’s behalf and wish to discuss something with you. It’s best if we meet in person—would you be available?"

Plevenov’s voice sounded considerably older, his tone full of suspicion as he replied, "I know about the Garden and the Gardener, but what’s this Garden Federation nonsense? What’s your relationship with Yuri?"

"The Garden Federation is...the Garden. As for my relationship with Yuri, he’s already made it clear—he’s joined the Garden Federation."

"Is it official?"

"Of course not."

Plevenov paused for a moment before saying, "I can meet, but things are very sensitive right now. Going out may cause trouble. How about I send my secretary to meet you instead? I trust him completely—you can treat him as my representative."

Gao Yi looked at Yuri, who shook his head.

Gao Yi said in a low voice, "Sorry, that’s not acceptable."

"Hmm, alright then. We’ll meet—wait for my call. I’ll need to find an opportunity."

The call ended, and Yuri smiled. "He has to take risks. He must bear security costs. Wait—he’ll come out