Jiang Mo didn't give her a moment to breathe. "By the way, if you're thinking I have no proof, it's simple. The person you traded with was a scavenger, right? Only they would do something like that… The Silvermane Guards just need to investigate the scavenger camps, and they'll find out who it was. From there, it wouldn't be hard to trace it back to you, would it, Sister Natasha?"
Her face went ashen. She had never imagined being cornered like this by a six-year-old child. "Jiang Mo, I did it for the children…" she pleaded weakly. "You can't do this…"
His expression remained cold. "I understand you did it for the children. But I have places I want to go too. I don't want to rot here for the rest of my life." His tone softened slightly. "I won't say anything, as long as you don't force me to stay."
Natasha knew she had no choice. Forcing him to stay was too risky. Letting him go was her only option. She let out a deep sigh, as if aging years in an instant. "Alright, Jiang Mo. I won't force you. But you have to promise me you will never tell anyone what you saw… ever."
He nodded. "I can promise you that. However… shouldn't Sister Natasha show a little… appreciation?"
"Appreciation?" she asked, confused.
"Hush money," he said, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Natasha frowned. She was desperately short on money. Running the orphanage was a huge expense, and the money from those dangerous trades was just a drop in the bucket. And now, this child wanted to take from her…
"I… I don't have much money," she said, her voice strained.
"No, you misunderstood. I don't want money," he shook his head. "What I mean is… if one day I need your help, or if I need something, you have to help me. No matter what it is."
This request was more unsettling than asking for money. Money was finite. But this promise was a bottomless pit. She didn't know what he would ask for in the future. But he held her secret, a fatal piece of leverage. She weighed her options. This child was far more dangerous, far more ruthless than she had imagined.
In the end, she had to agree. "Fine…" Her voice was heavy with resignation. "I promise… as long as it's within my power, I will help you."
[Villainous Act Judged: First Successful Threat! Villain Points +50!]
"Then it's a deal, Sister Natasha."
"...Yes."
"I'll be going now." Jiang Mo smiled lightly and turned to leave, leaving a trembling Natasha in his wake.
He felt a sense of freedom as he walked out of the office. Holding someone's secret was like holding a knife to their throat. He began to think about how to use this connection. Natasha had some influence and resources in the Underworld. It might come in handy.
Bronya was still waiting for him by the swings. "Jiang Mo-gege!" she cried, running up to him. "Did Sister Natasha give you a hard time?"
He bent down and ruffled her hair. "It's fine. We just had a little chat."
"That's great! I knew she wouldn't blame you!"
"Bronya, I'm leaving now. I'll definitely come back to see you and bring you something even more delicious."
A bright smile lit up her face. "Okay! Goodbye, Jiang Mo-gege!"
As he walked back to Boulder Town, he thought, The connection with Bronya is now set. Natasha will definitely take better care of her now, otherwise, I'll come looking for her. And I've already established a bond with Bronya. Now, I just have to wait for her to be chosen by Cocolia as the Supreme Guardian's successor. Then, even if I accomplish nothing in the Underworld, as long as I'm alive, I can ride her coattails to the Overworld.
He felt like there wasn't much else to do for now. He was only six. The most important thing was to survive and grow stronger. He clenched his fist. The burst of strength he'd felt when he fought the freckled boy made him realize his body might be stronger than it looked. He decided to train as much as possible to increase his stats. In the Underworld, strength was the ultimate trump card.
The next year passed. Jiang Mo's life improved drastically thanks to [Silver-Tongued]. He showered the food stall owner with compliments until the man practically adopted him, giving him free food and even money. He was able to share with Seele, and she too no longer went hungry. The Trait didn't work on everyone, but it was effective enough on simple-minded or kind-hearted people. He was no longer a scavenger. He even built himself a small, sturdy shelter from scrap materials, a place that was truly his own. He also started training his body every day, and his stats slowly increased.
One year passed like this.
One day, news spread like wildfire through both towns. The orphanage in Rivet Town was holding a mass selection… organized by a VIP from the Overworld.
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