https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-548-The-Staff-of-Life-Genetic-Optimization/12851734/
Chapter 547: Spreading Thoughts · Abandoned Planet
Chapter 547: Spreading Thoughts · Abandoned Planet
“More swine?” In the dim basement, Bol was counting the ragged and unconscious slaves one by one.
This was S2971, an abandoned planet, a no-man's land where no power was willing to take over because it had no value. As a result, it became a hideout for interstellar slave traders.
“Yeah, they were stolen from a certain laboratory, one that emerged from the Endless Abyss which recently annihilated the Blue Song Civilization.” The newcomer casually threw an unconscious person into the cell, speaking calmly.
This caught Bol’s attention: “These are rare goods, they could fetch a large sum of money.”
Rarity commands a high price, and everyone knew this.
The Endless Abyss was a unique civilization that all interstellar civilizations were very curious about. The black market had multiple high-paying bounties for Abyssal Sprites, but so far, no one had succeeded.
These Abyssal Sprites were all A-class extraordinaries, each equipped with an A-class battle armor and even a strategic-grade mech. Was this something a normal power could afford?
Anyway, the person who attempted the theft was cut into eighteen pieces on the spot, so no slaves had been successfully smuggled out until now.
And this experimental subject was the first slave to escape from the Endless Abyss.
“How did you capture them? I remember the conditions in the Endless Abyss; even the most powerful Yuanfei Clan can't withstand it for long.” Bol asked cautiously, as the subject's status as an experimental specimen raised concerns. Who knew if it had undergone dangerous experiments?
These types of experimental subjects were not to be trusted and needed to be sold quickly, or else they might endanger even the seller.
“I don’t know, I’m the second hand.” The other person’s tone was indifferent.
“Second hand? What about the first hand?” Bol was somewhat surprised; this would mean a significant loss of profit.
“Dead. Hurry up and pay, I need to send the money to his wife and children.”
This statement reassured Bol. After all, no one had ever managed to bring anything out of the Endless Abyss until now. This was the first instance.
“Alright, but I need to inspect the goods first. Who knows if you’re just trying to pass off an ordinary experimental subject as something else.” Bol wasn’t stupid; he couldn’t just take the other person’s word for it. What if it was a scam?
The inspection was quickly carried out, and as the machine beeped, Bol let out a sigh of relief.
“The concentration of Abyssal Power is 75%. The fact that this one is still alive confirms it’s from the Endless Abyss, but it’s only half-alive now.”
The testing device Bol used was developed by a major power but was not for sale, only circulating among special organizations.
He was indeed an interstellar slave trader, but not just any trader. He had the backing of a significant power, which was why he could run such a lucrative business without being shut down as a political achievement.
This was why he had such a device.
“It has some resistance to Abyssal Power. It seems the major powers are willing to pay a high price. How do you plan to sell it?” Bol asked.
In most cases, a 5% infection of Abyssal Power would cause mutation, but this subject had 75% and still retained a human form, indicating it had sufficient resistance to Abyssal Power. This was good news for the major powers.
“Fixed price, no negotiation.” The other person said.
This was clear: they wanted Bol to name a price, and if it was acceptable, the deal was done. If not, they would find another trader. After all, S2971 had more than one slave trader.
“Ten million Stellar Coins.” Bol said directly.
“Fine, an untraceable account, and arrange a spaceship. You should be able to do that.” The other person said calmly, seemingly confident in Bol’s background.
A slave trader who could come up with ten million Stellar Coins indicated that Bol was backed by the Stellar Empire.
This price was quite sufficient. The Stellar Empire did not have severe inflation, and ten million Stellar Coins would make him rich for generations.
If he didn’t cultivate and just lived as a citizen of the Stellar Empire, he could live lavishly for three thousand years. After all, ordinary people didn’t need to buy military equipment or pay high medical bills, so it was more than enough.
Tasks like the White Sea Mercenary Group’s protection of a scientific team only paid around one million Stellar Coins. It seemed like a lot, but without Wang Wei, he wouldn’t have gotten such a job. Most regular mercenary tasks paid only around ten thousand Stellar Coins.
This was all about risking one's life, and the expenses for A-class extraordinaries were quite high, so it was natural that it wasn't enough.
“Payment has been received. Turn left when you go out, and someone will guide you away.” Bol said with a smile.
The person checked his account balance and, confirming there were no issues, got up to leave. However, before he even stepped out of the door, his head exploded, splattering the floor.
If it were a slave not involving any secrets, even some special aliens, Bol wouldn’t have done this. But since it involved the Stellar Empire, he had to be cautious.
Besides, the person was just a space slave trader; his death didn’t matter.
“Clean up, I’ll contact the higher-ups and keep an eye on this experimental subject.” Bol instructed his trusted subordinates. Those standing here were mostly from the Stellar Empire, and he was one of them, so there was no need to worry about betrayal.
As the Stellar Empire’s external white glove, Bol naturally knew the situation in the Endless Abyss. This unique civilization was situated on the periphery of the Stellar Empire’s territory, cutting off the traffic routes to other civilizations.
If the Empire could master Abyssal Power resistance, the Endless Abyss would lose a significant advantage, and special weapons could be developed based on its genetic material to combat the Abyssal Sprites.
Bol was well aware of these matters. He had the necessary capabilities; otherwise, he wouldn’t have been assigned to this no-man's land. Without sufficient ability, he would have been devoured by these greedy villains long ago.
The report was completed quickly, and the Stellar Empire would send someone to take over in three days, at which point he would hand over the subject.
‘Am I really content?’
Suddenly, this thought crossed his mind.
He would send the experimental subject away, but the credit wouldn’t be his; it would go to the person who took over, because they couldn’t be seen.
Therefore, Bol felt somewhat resentful.
“Hmph, what can I do about it if I’m not content?” Bol mocked himself. His current life was quite comfortable. On S2971, he was a local overlord, enjoying more freedom and comfort than he would in the Stellar Empire.
‘Has the Stellar Empire ever truly helped me?’
This question popped into his mind. Had it? Maybe.
He couldn’t help but recall when he first arrived on S2971. Back then, he was just starting out, fresh from the Imperial Academy, with all his records erased and a death certificate issued. At that time, he was full of passion, but now, he was cold.
“I can’t go back. Even if I wanted to, the Stellar Empire probably wouldn’t accept a slave trader.” Bol was very resentful.
In an instant, feelings of discontent surged within him. He had done countless dirty jobs for the Stellar Empire over the years, and his wanted poster was still hanging in the Stellar Empire.
The day he returned would likely be the day he was executed.
‘What if one day I grow old?’
This question made Bol shiver. He was in his prime now, but what about the future?
Would his fate be the same as the slave trader he replaced, dying in a gutter?
Would the Stellar Empire stand up for him? Impossible. The person who replaced him might be a new recruit sent by the Stellar Empire, just as he had been when he first came to S2971.
“I must save myself while I’m still young!”
In the past, he had worked for the Empire without expecting anything in return. But now, he realized that his value had never been significant. The promise of returning as a first-class citizen after earning enough credit was probably a lie.
He didn’t even have a record in the Stellar Empire; he was just a dead man. Who would remember him, let alone rescue him from this no-man's land?
‘I am just a pawn, still valuable enough to not be discarded yet.’
This thought became Bol’s only one. Everything seemed normal, yet it was also abnormal.
“So, I need to test the Empire’s attitude towards me and see if my past efforts were worth it.” Bol knew it was time for a change.
(End of Chapter)
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