“In his prime, Shendu was an immensely powerful demon.
But now, his divine power has been split into the talismans.
At present, he is nothing more than a statue that can spit a little fire.”
“So, why not just send his statue to a place that has absolutely no way of contacting the Netherworld?” Russell suggested.
Valmont’s eyes lit up instantly.
That’s right.
The most troublesome thing about that old scoundrel Shendu was his ability to return from the Netherworld after being blown up, after which he would use his cunning to acquire various magical artifacts and exact his revenge.
If that’s the case, then just sink him to the bottom of the sea in another world!
That way, he could finally be free of that old dragon, seek out other supernatural powers, and get back to robbing banks!!
Valmont was so excited he nearly shouted.
“Oh, my friend, I could just kiss you.”
“Once I take care of that old dragon, I’ll take you to look at houses in Manhattan.”
Valmont bid Russell farewell and promptly went offline.
[My friend, you’re a little genius.
Since Shendu will always make a comeback as long as he can reach the Netherworld, then simply ensure he can never reach the Netherworld for the rest of his existence.]
[Valmont’s favorability towards you has increased.
As long as you provide enough money, you can have this fellow collect the full set of Oni Masks for you.]
[That’s nine tribes of laborers who will work for you twenty-four hours a day without needing watermelons or fruit juice.]
The detector continued to chatter incessantly in his mind.
Russell was very tempted.
But when he felt his wallet, it was pathetically thin.
He had no money.
Valmont was the kind of character who would stab Shendu twice for the right price.
Trying to discuss anything with him that didn’t involve money would probably get him relieved of his kidneys.
Of course, he could always go find the masks himself.
However, he had other matters to attend to before that.
For instance—assembling his mining company!
He was still drowning in debt.
If he didn’t start excavating something to pay it all back soon, he was going to be sent to Deity Grypherburg to play “happy fun ball” with some rich dowagers!
Without any hesitation, Russell sent a hiring request to all the remaining members of the group.
“Everyone, I have established a mining company.
Would any of you be interested in investing?”
“???” Uzumaki Naruto scratched his head.
His train of thought was still stuck on Russell and Valmont scheming together against Shendu.
The sudden jump from plotting against a demon to establishing a mining company…
frankly, Naruto’s CPU was struggling to keep up.
“Our worldviews are completely different.
Who even understands what you’re talking about?” Megumin was also a little annoyed.
Aside from gods, demons, and magic, her world was still in a simple medieval state; there was no such concept as “investing.”
“I don’t know anything about running a company.” The orca lady sat in a mercenary hall, looking at the group member who seemed to be recruiting, a troubled expression on her face.
She was very interested in Russell.
Not in a romantic sense, but mainly because Russell’s profile picture was of a guy hanging himself, with Deity Grypherburg in the background.
Deity Grypherburg was the capital of the Ursus Empire.
Clearly, Russell had a significant connection to Ursus.
Although Ursus was a world away from the orca lady’s homeland of Aegir, in a special place like a chat group where members were from different worlds, meeting someone from the same world was a joyous occasion.
If possible, she quite wanted to help Russell.
He was practically a kinsman, after all.
But when it came to business, she was completely clueless and truly couldn’t offer any help.
“Mr.
Russell is…
starting a company?”
The only one who could keep up was Raiden Mei.
Having received a standard high-society education, she was well-versed in all sorts of business practices.
“Yes.
For various reasons, my business suffered a…
demolition.
I now need to restructure the industry, convert it into a quality asset, and begin development.”
“If possible, I’d like to exchange information for some support from everyone.
Technical or material support would both be acceptable.”
It was a remarkably frank statement, with clear objectives and a defined transactional relationship.
“Of course, no problem!
As long as you’re willing to tell me Sasuke’s whereabouts, Big Bro Russell!” In Konoha Village, Uzumaki Naruto patted his chest and agreed in one breath.
Even without the offer of intel, he would have been happy to help.
Let alone for news about Sasuke?
The boy, who had never experienced the hell of civil engineering, had a bright and open expression, like Kennedy in a convertible.
“As for me, I’d like to know something about my father.” Raiden Mei couldn’t escape the temptation of the “script” either and chose to join.
She had no interest in her own future, but she missed her father dearly and wanted to know how he was doing now.
“If you need me, just call.
As for an exchange…
there’s no need to be so formal…”
“But remember, don’t get too close to me,” Skadi replied.
She walked this land alone, but not because she was born to enjoy solitude.
It was just that her presence always seemed to bring disaster to those around her.
So far, the only people unaffected were those she met through the chat group, simply because they were too far away.
She cherished the people in this group.
Skadi, what a good woman!!
Russell was instantly moved to tears.
To help a friend simply for the sake of helping, not expecting anything in return.
In stark contrast to Skadi was Megumin.
“Hmm~, I don’t want information.
I want lots and lots of food!
No, wait, I want a stable position.”
Megumin’s answer was markedly different from the others.
She had no interest in information.
Her village had some excellent fortune-tellers; if she really wanted to know the future, she could just ask them.
For her, a steady meal was far more important than some useless intel.
But then, perhaps recalling some past experiences, she hastily added another condition.
“We have to sign a labor contract.
No kicking people out of the party whenever you feel like it.”
After typing this, she stared nervously at Valmont’s profile picture, terrified that the collector of “strategic geniuses” would suddenly come online and recount his tragic employment experience to Russell.
“…” A polite yet awkward expression flickered across Russell’s face.
Ah…
should I really recruit this person?
I feel like signing a contract with this useless girl is going to be a net loss…
Now that he had the Dragon Talisman, he didn’t really need this single-use cluster bomb anymore.
[Do not hesitate.
This individual can be utilized as a single-use nuclear warhead.
You must understand, she is an expert in demolition.
Her output efficiency with the Dragon Talisman will be far higher than yours!]
[Furthermore, if you go to the construction site to pour concrete yourself, who will take care of the beast-eared girls at the club?]
Russell was filled with solemn respect.
Hearing the system’s words was like the clouds parting to reveal the sun; enlightenment dawned upon him.
He absolutely had to hire Megumin!!
“Of course we can sign a contract.
You can sign for as long as you want.”
Russell’s words made a certain Crimson Demon’s eyes sparkle.
A long-term meal ticket, delivered right to her door!
Well then, she wouldn’t be polite!!
Looking at the contract transmitted to her via a red packet, she saw the terms: nine-to-five, two days off a week, room and board included, and she could even bring up to three family members to eat and drink for free.
Holy shit!!
Such generous work benefits exist?!!
Without a shred of hesitation, Megumin signed for one hundred years and quickly sent it back to Russell.
Having done all this, she placed her hands on her hips, feeling an urge to laugh maniacally at the heavens.
Numb.
I’m numb from winning!!
Looking at the contract returned by Megumin, Russell also wore a grin that said he’d won so much, he was numb to it.
On that contract, the salary field read: 3—8,000.
Yes.
Three to eight thousand.
—o—