Chapter 83: The Merchant's Gambit
The industrial facility was his now. Mouren's last stronghold had fallen, and with it, another pillar of old power crumbled into dust. Raizen stood amidst the wreckage, surveying the silent remnants of his latest conquest. The weight of victory was satisfying, but he had no time to savor it.
Liana's voice came through his earpiece. "Raizen, the Tier-5 merchant, Lord Valter, has responded. He's not interested in just buying Mouren's leftover assets—he wants a meeting. In person."
Kain scoffed. "That's either an opportunity or a trap."
Raizen smirked. "Probably both."
The merchant was a powerful figure in the galactic black market, known for controlling high-value trades between factions. If he was taking an interest, that meant Raizen's rise had officially reached beyond this planet. A Tier-5 merchant didn't bother dealing with nobodies.
Liana continued, "He's sending a transport to a neutral station in high orbit. If you agree, we leave in two hours."
Raizen gave a sharp nod. "Then let's prepare."
Hours later, Raizen and his team boarded the transport, leaving the surface behind for the first time in weeks. The space station, Helios Prime, was a bustling hub for trade and illicit negotiations. As they docked, Raizen adjusted the high-collared coat he wore over his armor, blending practicality with a show of presence.
The merchant's private suite was grand, dimly lit with holographic displays of trading routes and fluctuating stock values. Lord Valter, a thickset man with cybernetic implants replacing half his face, studied Raizen as he entered.
"You've been making quite the mess, Mr. Izumoto," Valter said, sipping a dark amber drink. "Taking down Mouren, seizing trade routes, causing nobles to panic. Very disruptive."
Raizen smirked, taking a seat across from him. "Opportunity favors the bold."
Valter chuckled. "And the ruthless." He leaned forward. "Let's not waste time. I'll offer you two choices—sell me Mouren's trade routes, or partner with me to expand them. The latter is riskier but far more profitable."
Raizen's golden eyes gleamed. "I don't sell what I can control. Tell me about the partnership."
Valter grinned. "Smart answer."
For the next hour, negotiations unfolded, detailing smuggling routes, weapon shipments, and financial influence that could extend Raizen's reach far beyond what he originally planned.
By the time the meeting concluded, Raizen had secured something far more valuable than credits—a direct line into Tier-5 trade networks, further strengthening his position for the battles ahead.