Chapter 1500: It Will Be Very Lively There

After Kusilei disconnected from his five allies, he had the Communications Officer initiate a direct communication with the Iron Claw Mercenary Group.

A moment later, the face of a Luoke appeared, wearing a dark gray light combat suit with the collar open, revealing an old scar on the collarbone.

Fafeili, the current commander of the Iron Claw Mercenary Group.

Seeing Kusilei, Fafeili bared his sharp teeth and said with a smile.

Yo, isn't this Lord Kusilei? What wind blew a high-and-mighty noble lord like you all the way to me?

You are a rare guest indeed; usually, your staff in formal attire are enough for me to deal with, so having you personally initiate communication today has me a bit flattered.

Kusilei ignored Fafeili's teasing and began to speak.

Fafeili, regarding the business I had people discuss with you earlier, I agree to your quoted price: five billion in fixed remuneration plus a share of the spoils.

A noble lord scraped together five billion? That's a big move; it seems the matter you've encountered over there is no small thing.

It is not small, but not as big as you imagine. A fleet is moving toward the Southern Border, with a scale of about a hundred ships.

We need someone to intercept them before they enter the hinterland of the Southern Border. The Tiezhua Fleet is large enough and has sufficient combat power; you can take this Task.

Fafeili's four eyes narrowed slightly, and he spoke slowly.

A fleet of about a hundred ships? Whose fleet is so blind as to run toward the Southern Border? Did they have a conflict with you noble lords?

Kusilei said.

Some external forces want to test the defenses of the Southern Border while His Majesty Kesi's throne is unstable. You don't need to know exactly whose fleet it is. You only need to know that they will reach the intersection of the shipping lanes at the edge of the Southern Border in three days. The Tiezhua Fleet's Task is to reach that intersection, intercept them, and break their spirit.

Fafeili looked at Kusilei and said playfully.

Lord Kusilei, this habit of yours of saying half and leaving half is not very likable at the negotiating table. External forces? Which external force? If you don't tell me their identity, how am I supposed to evaluate the opponent's combat power?

The brothers of Iron Claw are used to doing business with you Southern Border nobles, but I don't want to lead my brothers to crash into some inexplicable iron plate.

Kusilei continued to speak.

The opponent's equipment level and training degree are not top-tier; they belong to a medium-to-high standard. The Tiezhua Fleet has the advantage in scale; as long as you fight according to standard Intercept tactics, there won't be too much loss.

As for the specific combat plan, you can flexibly adjust it according to the opponent's formation after you arrive at the intersection.

Medium-to-high standard? Fine. If you won't say, I won't ask. But we in Iron Claw always collect money before taking action. That's the rule, and it has nothing to do with who the opponent is. When the money arrives on your end, my fleet will set sail.

Kusilei nodded.

I know your rules. You can start the transfer of the first advance payment now.

He turned his head and said toward the direction of the Communication Room door.

Financial Officer, transfer 1.6 billion first.

"Yes, my lord."

Fafeili leaned back into his chair, crossed his legs, and looked at Kusilei on the screen.

Good, then I'll wait for your 1.6 billion to arrive.

About ten minutes later, the Communication Device at Kusilei's waist vibrated.

He looked down and saw a transfer confirmation message on the screen; the amount was 1.6 billion, the recipient was the wartime escrow account designated by the Iron Claw Mercenary Group, and the status was marked as received.

He looked up and said to Fafeili on the screen.

The 1.6 billion has arrived.

Fafeili looked down at his own terminal screen, and after confirming the number, he grinned.

Money received. Lord Kusilei is indeed straightforward, much better than those dawdling staff members of yours. I will immediately order the fleet to set sail and, as you said, intercept the target at the shipping lane intersection at the edge of the Southern Border.

Fafeili paused, then changed his tone.

However, I must say the ugly things first: if the final payment is not in place, I can only have the fleet withdraw from the battlefield on the spot. By then, it won't be me being chased and beaten by the opponent's fleet.

Kusilei said.

Rest assured, I will not delay your money. Your final payment will not be a cent short.

Fafeili gave a light hum.

That's good. I trust the promise of Lord Kusilei, but my decades of mercenary life have taught me one truth: when it comes to money, physical goods are more reliable than promises. You give me money, I do the work for you; we are square, and neither owes the other.

Kusilei nodded slightly.

Then let it be that way. Your fleet can set out now.

Fafeili stood up from his seat and shouted to the messenger.

Notify all sub-fleets to complete departure preparations within one standard hour; the target coordinates have been sent to your navigation terminals. Everyone enters combat readiness.

After he finished speaking, he sat back down in his seat, looked at Kusilei on the screen, and grinned.

Lord Kusilei, just wait to watch the show. The Tiezhua Fleet never disappoints paying customers; that shipping lane intersection will be very lively in three days.

Hmm, I'll wait to see the results.