Light picked up the RC cell injection from the briefcase, turning it between his fingers as he studied it.
After a moment, he asked, “How is this used?”
“Just stick it into your kidney and inject it,” Frank replied.
He hesitated, then added, “But I have never actually seen it used.
You should not take that risk lightly.”
“Worried I might eat you?” Light let out a low chuckle.
Even without Frank’s warning, Light had no intention of using it.
Before obtaining the Dark-Dark Fruit, he might have considered such a gamble.
Now, however, he had far better options and no reason to rely on something so uncertain.
That did not mean the injection was useless.
He could bring it to the pirate world and test it on someone else.
If the results were promising and the side effects manageable, he could reconsider later.
He placed the injection back into its case and asked casually, “How many more do you have?”
Frank frowned.
“How many?
Do you think this is some common item?
It is a stable superpower from another world.
Even with side effects, people in the black market are desperate for it.”
He was not exaggerating.
No matter the drawbacks, power always attracted the desperate.
Even cannibalism would not stop certain people from reaching for strength.
Light ignored the remark and tapped ash from his cigar.
“So, how many?”
Frank sighed.
“Three.
Do you want them?”
“What is the price?”
“I paid a lot to get them myself.
I am not trying to cheat you.
Eight hundred thousand pesos per injection,” Frank said, rubbing his hands with a hopeful smile.
“Fine.
Including the one you said you would give me, that makes three injections for two million four hundred thousand pesos.
Deal,” Light said without hesitation.
Frank blinked, momentarily stunned, then quickly nodded.
“Deal.”
The negotiation ended faster than he expected.
After some minor adjustments and back and forth, the final price settled at two million six hundred thousand pesos.
That single purchase nearly drained Light’s savings.
Even Frank had not expected him to spend such a large sum so decisively.
After securing the injections, Light leaned back slightly and asked, “The Westward Movement has made more progress.
This place will not stay relaxed for long.
You hear more than most, any interesting news?”
Frank instinctively tried to push for more money, but when he noticed Light casually holding one of the injections and glancing toward his kidney, he forced a laugh.
“With our relationship, talking about money is unnecessary.”
He looked around carefully, making sure no one was listening, then lowered his voice.
“I heard something while working for a real noble.
Not sure if it is true.”
“What is it?” Light’s tone dropped as well.
“They say the Dragon Emperor in the Imperial Capital has lost patience with the constant rebellions in the western region.
He plans to send the Dragon Guard Imperial Army to wipe them out completely.
This will not be like the usual suppression by local forces.”
Frank swallowed before continuing.
“You know his reputation.
He is ruthless.
They say he once destroyed an entire other world.”
Light fell silent.
Frank went on, his voice tense.
“If that army moves, this region will not be spared.
Newdale might get swept up in it.”
He paused, then added, “I am leaving.
That is why I am selling everything.
Once things settle, maybe I will come back.”
“You are running?” Light raised an eyebrow.
Frank nodded.
“Of course.
Staying here is suicide.”
Light clicked his tongue softly.
“I was thinking the same.
The Empire is too unstable right now.
Better to find somewhere safer to grow stronger.”
“You are leaving too?” Frank’s eyes lit up.
“Where to?
Want to travel together?”
Light shook his head.
“No.
The place I am going is not somewhere you can follow.
We will go our separate ways.
If fate allows, we will meet again.”
Their relationship was not built on trust, only mutual benefit.
Certainly not enough to share secrets worth millions of pesos.
In truth, Light had already made his decision.
He would head to the world of pirates.
There, he could avoid the coming storm and build his strength without interference.